María G.
What burned
When my father past away, and the way that my aunt told me 😒, she only said "your father is dead, see you later"
What glows
The love of family and friends give me the stregnth
434 stories from 52 countries, 1976 kudos given in total.
Stories
Page 8 of 18, newest stories first.
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Hermes P.
What burned
I went through a long period where I had to suppress my feelings & sexuality because I was still feeling guilty about it in a way. And that cost me to also suppress pleasure and the permission of fall in love with somebody.
What glows
My sensitivity. I work as an astrologer and Tarot reader and the way I am connected to my feelings, intuition and spirituality that people always books me. I glow a lot in there.
Track
The Reckoning
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Pranav P.
What burned
i was forcibly cut off from my closest friends by my parents to pull up my grades. In the quest for perfection I lost what made me myself the most
What glows
I became a host onto myself. I befriended the demons that set out to kill me. I'm imperfect, but I'm satisfied
Track
Don't Pray for Me
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Ariel N.
What burned
Being a trans woman has brought me many challenges. Living in a society full of transphobia, where we see more and more laws and politicians rising up against our existence, makes me afraid of the future. We are 2% of the world's population, we have a life expectancy of 35 years, and it is terrifying to think about that.
What glows
Still, even with all these difficulties, with the transphobia and with politicians and laws rising against my existence, I resist. In difficult times, together with my friends and family, I find comfort, courage and hope, just as I have done many, many times before in moments of difficulty.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Ariel N.
What burned (original)
Ser uma mulher trans me trouxe muitos desafios. Viver numa sociedade cheia de transfobia, onde vemos cada vez mais leis e políticos se erguendo contra a nossa existência, me faz ter medo do futuro. Somos 2% da população mundial, temos uma expectativa de vida de 35 anos, e é aterrorizante pensar nisso.
What glows (original)
Porém mesmo com todas essas dificuldades, com a transfobia e com políticos e leis surgindo contra a minha existência, eu resisto. Nas dificuldades, junto aos meus amigos e familiares, eu encontro conforto, coragem e esperança, assim como eu já fiz muitas e muitas vezes antes em momentos de dificuldade.
Track
Raise Your Banner
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Ylva A.
What burned
The thought that I would never make it to 18 because of suicidal thoughts after 10+ years of bullying and harassment.
What glows
When I started high school and got a completely new class and environment to be in. There I feel that I can dress how I want and look how I want without the others screaming or throwing things at me. I turned 18 about a month ago and have found strategies not to let the harassment that is still going on take over how I feel about myself 🫶
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Ylva A.
What burned (original)
Tanken om att jag aldrig skulle göra det till 18 års åldern på grund av suicidtankar efter 10+ år av mobbning och trakasserier.
What glows (original)
När jag började gymnasiet och fick en helt ny klass och miljö att vara i. Där känner jag att jag kan klä mig hur jag vill och se ut hur jag vill utan att de andra skriker eller kastar saker på mig. Fyllde 18 för ungefär en månad sen och har hittat strategier för att inte låta fortfarande pågående trakasserier ta över hur jag känner om mig själv 🫶
Track
Raise Your Banner
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Enrique David G.
What burned
My father died of cancer. A while later we returned from a community clinic. I wish I could have paid for something better; I barely had enough for bus fare and food. I was taking money out at the ATM, and he said to me with great amazement, "How is that possible, son?" That memory brings me tears. I was worried about financial hardship, and he was surprised by things I already took for granted. He made me understand how wonderful things are. I still cry when I remember that moment.
What glows
I haven't suffered great misfortunes, the deaths of loved ones, and maybe one romantic relationship that hurt me, but nothing tragic. Still, I know there are cruel people and adversities. Metal music gives me strength. It taught me things and strengthened the education my parents gave me. I can fall, yes, but down there on the floor, songs come to my mind and I hum them, no matter what. I always get up singing.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Enrique David G.
What burned (original)
Mi padre murió de Cancer, una ovación regresamos de una clínica comunitaria, ojalá hubiera podido pagar algo mejor, apenas tenía para pasajes y comida, sacaba dinero del cajero, y me dijo con un gran asombro “como es eso posible hijo” me trae lágrimas ese recuerdo, yo preocupado por penurias financieras, el sorprendido por cosas que yo ya daba por simples, me hizo entender lo maravilloso de las cosas, aún lloro al recordar ese momento.
What glows (original)
No he sufrido grandes desgracias, muertes de seres queridos y quizá alguna relación amorosa que me dolió, pero nada trágico, pero sé que hay personas crueles, adversidades. La música metal me da fuerza, me enseñó cosas y afianzo la educación de mis padres, puedo caer si, pero ahí en el piso hay canciones que vienen a mi mente y las tarareo, no importa que, me levanto siempre cantando.
Track
Don't Pray for Me
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Eran V.
What burned
Growing up to feel like you have to be quiet and sensible and unassuming just to make your way in this world where you never feel free to just be yourself no matter how much it makes you hurt and feel small.
What glows
Holding on to that weirdo child inside and slowly but surely letting the true inner self shine.
Track
Sing Like A Siren
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Charles T.
What burned
Grew up with a guy, that was pretty much a brother. We drifted apart as he got a job interstate, we still spoke but never got to see each other. One day i got surprised when he had moved back. We went out to have a night out and laughed told stories, was a great day. Later that evening after going our separate ways i got a phone call from his sister, about 2 hours after we parted he had taken his own life. Still haunts me to this day and its been 15 years. Why couldn't i see it coming.
What glows
My family. Loving wife, 3 boys. My love of Music and Tabletop gaming.
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Miguel L.
What burned
I had a lot of anxiety about taking the first step to make friends with a person I admired and really wanted to be in contact with. I always watched from afar and never tried to expose myself and leave my comfort zone, because of a lot of anxiety and chest pain, afraid of how I would be seen. Although I see beauty in simple things, I complicate the way of getting to them, making them complex.
What glows
Thinking that I will die and that after some time no one will remember me anymore. Living so that I do not have the harsh pain of regret for not having tried to take the first step, and realizing that reality is much simpler than the mind keeps projecting it into a thousand flawed scenarios. It is very good to learn these lessons in practice and to realize that it is possible to live being yourself and channeling your own energy and anxiety toward your own peace of mind.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Miguel L.
What burned (original)
Tive muita ansiedade de dar o primeiro passo para fazer uma amizade com uma pessoa a qual eu admirava e queria muito ter contato, sempre observava de longe e nunca tentava me expor e sair da minha zona de conforto por muita ansiedade e dor no peito com medo de como seria visto. Apesar de ver beleza nas coisas simples, eu complico a forma como chegar nelas, deixando-as complexas.
What glows (original)
Pensar que morrerei e daqui a algum tempo ninguém mais vai se lembrar de mim, viver para não ter a dura dor do arrependimento de não ter tentado dar o primeiro passo, e percebendo que a realidade é muito mais simples do que a mente fica projetando em mil cenários falhos. É muito bom aprender essas lições na prática e perceber que dá para viver sendo você mesmo e canalizando a própria energia e ansiedade para a própria paz de espírito.
Track
Raise Your Banner
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Deloris M.
What burned
I had twovstrokes this year just turned 38. Lost my job my independence. Was always a go go person.
What glows
Taking pride in slowing down in life. Learning how to navigate the life with my injuries watching my milestones I though I would never get t to-do after my stroke
Track
Raise Your Banner
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Katherine C.
What burned
My mom and I got evicted from our apartment due to her possibly having dementia. I didn’t know she was experiencing it, I noticed right after that something was really wrong with her. I was angry at her for letting it happen. When I found out she had cancer months later, I reached out to her. I’m so glad I did because I was able to forgive her for all that she put me through before she passed away.
What glows
I come from a generation of musicians, I’d watch concert films when I was a child and I was mesmerized. All those years later, I started playing the drums. It has helped me through my grief, it saved my life. I don’t know what my life would be like today if I didn’t have the inspiration to pick up an instrument.
Track
Raise Your Banner
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Kevin M.
What burned
My first love had a tough and difficult life, her father was abusive and I was her only light, the one week I couldn't be with her was the worst of her life and she committed suicide, this broke me and since then only music can help me stay alive, thank you within temptation you keep me alive
What glows
Music, my favortie songs, my favorite bands, going to shows and listen to new album is my reason to live. My top 5 songs include our solemn hour, paradise (what about us) and Ritual
Track
Ritual
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Rachel M.
What burned
I have ended a 14 year marriage that had turned toxic, I lost all respect for who I was during this time.
What glows
I am now planning my new beginnings, rediscovering who I am and learning to love myself again
Track
Don't Pray for Me
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Ashley H.
What burned
I've never been wanted by anyone. Even my own family forgets about me.
What glows
I became a psychologist to help keep kids from making my mistakes.
Track
Don't Pray for Me
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Nate R.
What burned
I never felt safe, not in my entire life. My family was abusive and I got picked on in school and in life because I was different - I have ASD (autism).
What glows
Even if Im alone, I've made sure no one else that I know has to feel alone or forgotten.
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Suzanne W.
What burned
The loss of my father during Covid and other family and friends in a short span of time
What glows
Reignited connections with loved ones and newfound friendships that help me realize the value and beauty of time. My first child born this year.
Track
Sing Like A Siren
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Ana A.
What burned
I was abused as a child, pretty much in every sense of the word. Physically, emotionally, psychologically and sexually. This is what I believe allowed me get stuck in an abusive relationship as an adult. Among other things.
What glows
It made me strong. It didn’t break me. I struggle sometimes, but I always get back up.
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Mariano S.
What burned
I have epilepsy and this year has been chaos. Ive been nonstop through hospitals by different things.
What glows
I met someone who likes me the way I am. We've been together for 3 months now. Also, my friends and family have been with me this whole time. Im from Mexico City and your music has been a very important in my steps to recovery. I thank you all a lot
Track
Ice Queen
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Anne J.
What burned
I was diagnosed with cancer in 2011. I beat it, but it was a very difficult time to go through.
What glows
Because of the cancer, I learned what strength I truly have within me. I fought and found a new type of freedom within myself after I beat cancer.
Track
The Reckoning
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Zey F.
What burned
My father's sudden passing still isn't real to me.
What glows
Life is its own answer. It has no inherent meaning, but that only means it's a blank slate for us to write on it as we see fit.
Track
Don't Pray for Me
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Raja S.
What burned
I have Post Covid and ME/CFS. For 3 years I have been mostly confined to my apartment and almost only in bed. It took 3 years until it was recognized, and it will be almost four before I am examined by a doctor. And although I have hardly any strength to manage my own daily life, I care for my mother on the side.
What glows
The hope that I will get well again. That I get my life back. The inexplicable inner "knowing" that everything will be all right again and that I will become completely healthy. It has been there from the very beginning and will remain until that happens.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Raja S.
What burned (original)
Ich habe Post Covid und ME/CFS. Bin seit 3 Jahren größtenteils an die Wohnung gefesselt und fast nur im Bett. Es hat 3 Jahre gedauert, bis es erkannt wurde, und es werden fast vier, bis ich ärztlich untersucht werde. Und obwohl ich kaum Kraft habe, meinen eigenen Alltag zu bewältigen, pflege ich nebenbei meine Mutter.
What glows (original)
Die Hoffnung, dass ich wieder gesund werde. Mein Leben zurückkriege. Das unerklärliche innere "Wissen", dass alles wieder gut wird und ich wieder ganz gesund werde. Das war von Anfang an da und wird bleiben, bis es soweit ist.
Track
The Purge
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Sam L.
What burned
In the middle of 2025 I found myself stuck in an almost unbreakable cycle of stress, absence and illness at my studies and work
What glows
Still, despite everything, I passed last year!
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Sam L.
What burned (original)
Kwam midden 2025 vast te zitten in een bijna ondoorbreekbare cirkel van stress, absentie en ziekte bij mijn studie en werk
What glows (original)
Toch, ondanks alles, vorig jaar geslaagd!
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Anonymous ..
What burned
Went through a hard time in school when I had to face mobbing and people take advantage of me but never gave something back. Had to exclude myself to protect me from that. Also had to hide my true self or was too afraid to show it which took me a long time to even know what I want to do and who I am.
What glows
Lately I discovered that this experience made me really sensitive to things like that so I am maybe more aware if a person goes trough something like that, can maybe help and I hope to also have the strength some time to speak up against it. What really helps is music, especially from Within Temptation, but also music in general.
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Steven P.
What burned
I was on the verge of ending my life due to my very bad depression and illness on top of other illness One of my friend pop around to see me and he asked ne if i would like to go to a show with hom as is wife did not want to go yes i say no at first but he talked me around the show in london to see a band who was playing they first show in UK It was painfull for me as i havet been out for such along time so after a long trainride we booked in the hotel where i such wanted to take my life
What glows
We goy to the place wgere the vabd was playing there first show in the Uk as the vabd was playing and sharon was singung i felt like something heavy and dark was being removed from ne and it was being replaced with a nice warm glow and thing just got better and the feeling of want to kill my self went so WT save my life which i thank them so much and i seen WT evertime they tour the Uk THANK YOU WT xxx so after that i got all the bands albums and still do to this day
Track
Don't Pray for Me
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Ariana F.
What burned
I faced many difficulties since childhood. As an adult, I had to fight against insecurity and a lack of confidence in myself. After several years of working, I went through an experience of workplace harassment that deeply shook my self-esteem and made me feel useless. When I left that job, I lost the meaning of many things and even questioned the purpose of my own life. It was a very difficult period, and I had to find the strength to get out of it.
What glows
What gives me strength is knowing that there are people who love me, care about me, and would miss me. My husband was and still is my greatest support, standing by my side in the hardest moments. My little dogs, who are like children to me, are also an immense source of love and joy. It is these bonds, the affection, and the certainty that I am not alone that remind me that my life has value and that there are still many good things worth living for.
Machine-translated into English. Show the original text of Ariana F.
What burned (original)
Enfrentei muitas dificuldades desde a infância. Na vida adulta, precisei lutar contra a insegurança e a falta de confiança em mim mesma. Depois de vários anos trabalhando, passei por uma experiência de assédio moral que abalou profundamente minha autoestima e me fez sentir inútil. Quando saí daquele trabalho, perdi o sentido de muitas coisas e cheguei a questionar o propósito da minha própria vida. Foi um período muito difícil, do qual precisei encontrar forças para sair.
What glows (original)
O que me dá forças é saber que existem pessoas que me amam, se importam comigo e sentiriam minha falta. Meu marido foi e continua sendo meu maior apoio, estando ao meu lado nos momentos mais difíceis. Meus cachorrinhos, que são como filhos para mim, também são uma fonte imensa de amor e alegria. São esses vínculos, o carinho e a certeza de que não estou sozinha que me lembram que minha vida tem valor e que ainda existem muitas coisas boas pelas quais vale a pena seguir.
Track
The Purge
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