Print“Secrets are things we give to others to keep for us.” ~Elbert Hubbard~
Do you know about the blog “Post Secret” or have you ever read any of the “Post Secret” books? There are “Post Secret” events, (which I’d love to attend someday), an online community. They have a Facebook Page and you can even follow them on Twitter. So, what IS “Post Secret”?
“PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard.” (from Post Secret Website.)
I look forward every Sunday to reading these cards because they’re so many secrets I can relate too and then don’t feel so alone or ashamed of what I’m feeling. I’ve never send in a card, but when I read them, I nod my head and say to myself, “yes, that’s me…., oh, I totally understand…., oh, how painful that must be to hold that secret…” Not all of them are so dark and tortured, often times they’re really sweet and funny. But they’re still secrets and whomever wrote them, still feels like they can’t share them.
“Nothing weighs on us so heavily as a secret.”~Jean De La Fontaine~
I hate that saying “Misery loves company.” I think whomever came up with that saying, either had no compassion for anyone else and couldn’t sit with another persons pain, or they themselves didn’t have anyone to share their secrets with and felt miserable and lonely. Of course there are those who seem to thrive on being miserable rather than seeing any blessings in their lives and want to bring others down with them. I feel sorry for those people though and try not to judge them because for whatever reason they feel unheard and alone in their unhappiness and really want someone to say, “Yeah, I know how you feel, that must be really difficult…”
“Everyone is like a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.” ~Mark Twain~
This Thanksgiving I’m not going to be with any of my family and I’ll write about that in another post. I’m already starting to feel the loneliness and sadness about not being with certain members of my family, especially my son, Alex. Yeah, that hurts the most. It’s not that they haven’t invited me, but it’s a long and complex story and as I said, I’ll post about that soon.
“You’re only as sick as your secrets.” ~Author Unknown~
When I read these postcards from “Post Secret” that people send in, I feel this great tightness inside of me, lessening and become lighter. I feel that I’m not as horrible, unlovable, twisted, pathetic or deeply flawed as I often feel I am. I’d like to start sharing with you some of the postcards that really move me every week.
When you see these Post Secret cards, maybe you’ll breathe a sigh of relief for not being the only one who has the same secret, or perhaps you’ll feel your heart opening with compassion and gratitude that you don’t have to hold the pain that this person does, or you might be wistful and wish that you had the same secret, as paradoxical as that sounds. I experience all these feelings, thoughts and more when I read these postcards. Different secrets will obviously impact you more than they might me because of your life’s circumstance.
I’m going to start sharing some of the cards each week, that move me the most. Sometimes, just a few sentences say far more than a whole paragraph can. The most important message I receive when I read these post secret’s are, you’re not alone…
And here’s a video I relate most to right now, using the “Post Secret” cards that have been send in;
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5ZbP0pkwTQ&feature=related[/youtube]
© 2010, Wendy S.. All rights reserved.
Related Posts :
Print 
May 16, 2012: Momma told us there’d be days like this…
May 10, 2012: My guilty pleasures
May 4, 2012: Turn and Face the Strange Changes
April 18, 2012: The Uncertainty of Life
Sending you hugs today, Wendy!
Debra She Who Seeks recently posted..Monday Morning Overdose of CUTE!
Ok, I’ll try this again – I forgot to put in the code.
I have been a fan of Post Secrets for years. I have had some of the books. I think that talking about your secrets/guilt/feelings is the first step to healing. It’s also good to see that others have similar problems or even bigger ones so that you don’t feel alone and you put your situation in perspective. It’s all good. Plus it’s anonymous.
I too have had holidays alone. They suck. I once decided to ignore Christmas entirely. I just acted like it was another day. To be honest it wasn’t so bad, or so hard. I think Thanksgiving would be even easier – just a thought. You could plan something just for yourself. Splurge on something you want to do?
Aine recently posted..The First Shake of Frau Holles Blanket
I think it’s time to do away with the dreaded code, it seems to cause more trouble than it’s worth. I think I”m going to buy a “P.S.” book as it would be nice to have them to re-read when times really suck. I completely agree with you Aine that great healing comes from unburdening ourselves of shameful and painful secrets, which is why I love the “AA” saying, “you’re only as sick as your secrets.” And today, is going to be another day and I did buy myself some special treats to eat. So, I did splurge ; ) Thank you for the idea.
I love Post Secret! I think you nailed it with how they make you feel. I’m sure the popularity of PS is exactly because it let’s us know we’re not in it alone and not to revel in anyone’s misfortune, but it does help sometimes to know that someone has it way worse than you do.
Sending you love and hugs, Wendy. We’ve been on the outside of our families looking in more than once, but this year we’ve chosen to celebrate with friends rather than family. Our son and his wife are hosting her family (you know how much fun it would be for us to be there….even if we had been invited) and my mom and her husband will be on the road, returning from Florida. Tim’s sisters invited us, but Tim would rather put his eye out with a screwdriver so we were going to go out to a restaurant, then our friends heard and invited us to their house. You know what? I guarantee it will be waaaaay more fun than spending the holiday with any of our family.
Stacy Lynn recently posted..Cant Wait to See What I Get for Our 50th
Stacy, your comments always make me laugh because they’re full of “well, if they can’t join US, then they can kiss my a$%”! Just what I needed today. This is a time when I wish we lived closer to celebrate some of the holidays together and just everyday laughs. Thank you my friend for all that you do.
Hubby and I have had many TG’s alone, and then the occasional Christmas.
I can relate to you, and to many of the secrets posted.
Hugs to you Wendy and everyone here.
GROUP HUG TIME!
Sue
Susan G recently posted..Tuesday-favor to ask- this past week- including today
Hi Sue, I know you and your hubby are going through some really rocky times right now with the death of a friend and health issues for both of you. Sending you lots of hugs and blessings and may you and your family have courage for the darker times, strong health and abundance and friends to stand beside you in the storms. I still am going to post the great questions you commented on for the “dream” post I had. I like Group hugs : )
Hi Wendy! I’m familiar with the Post Secret books but never really investigated them. It’s a wonderful idea. Thanks for sharing these here.Big hugs to you! We’re all here for you…Theresa
Theresa recently posted..The Beauty of Masks and Moons
Theresa, you’re always incredibly supportive and warm. If everyone knew someone like you in their lives, maybe so many painful secrets wouldn’t have to be carried alone. : )
Last year on youtube, many pagans did their own version of this posting on pieces of paper some of their secrets. When i did it it changed my life, i really began to let go, because i realized many people had the same phobias, fears, wants, needs and human thoughts as me and it was so amazing to see.
So I know what you mean about seeing these postcards. It’s very courageous and healing to just let the secrets out even if now on knows it’s you.
Hugs and Blessed BE
Aisha Oaktree recently posted..Mall Renovations and Preview of Birthday-TurkeyDay table
Oh, I would love to see the pagan vids. Are they really different from the one’s posted on the site, Aisha? Or are they more geared towards pagan/wiccan secrets, like being condemned for one’s spiritual path, etc…? I think it’s interesting and sad that there are so many secrets we feel like we have to keep to ourselves because of shame and condemnation from others. Sending you blessings back.
I’ve never seen the post secrets before. There are a few there which I can totally relate to (and some which I could add myself).
I’m really sorry Thanksgiving isn’t how you would like it this year. Sending you love and hugs from over the pond. x
It’s amazing to me, how brave people are even making the postcards, despite the anonymity because some of the secrets are so painful to even admit or feel. Thanks for your hugs I can feel them, Lyn : )
I have read the Post Secrets books. Some of the messages are most moving. Writing down a secret is a good way to release it. And it is the first step in the healing process.
Hugs to you! ♥ You would be most welcome at our house if we lived closer. I have spent several holidays by myself and would use the day to treat myself to a special something – maybe a special slice of cheesecake or a walk in the park. Do not dwell on the past but look towards the future and a brighter tomorrow.
Jeanne Gripp recently posted..Happy Thanksgiving!
I’ve never read one of the P.S. books, but I’d like to get one, esp. when I’m feeling down. And thank you for the virtual invite ; ) I’m going out to the market later today, crazy I know because it’s going to be packed and buy some special treat for myself. And even if I’m feeling down about this Thanksgiving, I do believe having future holidays that make me smile. Wishing you and Gomez, a beautiful Thanksgiving. Kitties everywhere are drooling over the thought of getting to nosh on some turkey ; )
Great minds think alike, huh? I have visited the Post Secrets website a couple of times over the years. Some cards make me smile, some cards make me frown, some cards make me sad. Usually, I end up wishing that I could reach out to one person or another, letting them know that it’s okay, that they are not alone.
Hugs,
Birgit
PS: I couldn’t watch the video, as the music content isn’t allowed in my country. ARGH!
I agree with you that some of the postcards just make my heart break for the sadness and pain. I can’t believe you couldn’t watch the vid. NO peppermint is bad enough, but not being allowed music? What’s up with that????
Happy Thanksgving Wendy! I’m sorry you will be away from your family and especially your son, but I hope you will still be able to have a relaxing and peaceful day, I will be thinking of you.
Again, what an amazing post! There is another website where people are posting their deepest darkest secrets, but I like this because the artistic appearance makes it seem more real. I really identified with the one about support groups- I stopped going to my support group for that very reason until they changed the structure of the meetings and things got better. I feel the same as you in that some of the cards are really hard to read because of the pain behind them.
I hope you are feeling better today- yes I know what meds can be like, I have definately gotten that t-shirt and more!
All the best!
Stephi
x
Stephi, I can just tell how warm and giving you are. Your comment is part of the reason, I love blogging so much, to connect with other kindred spirits. I know how much you’re struggling with current med. issues and know that I send you lots of blessings and hugs : )
Hey girl, happy thanksgiving! I’m sorry you won’t be around family.. I’ve been in those situations before, and i know what it’s like. keep your chin up and enjoy the day. i want to send in a secret to postsecret one day, it’s been on my list, i just never know what i want to “reveal” that site has helped many people!
One of a Witchy Kind recently posted..Honking With Big News!
Hi Jolean, always good to hear from you. I also have some secrets that I’d like to share with “P.S.” but I would struggle with the crafting of the dang card ; )
Hi Wendy ,I need you address for your ornament!! They are ready to go!! Blessed be. Andrea
Andrea recently posted..Being a witch!
I think one of the reasons we keep things secret is because our culture conditions people to judge, rather than understand. One of the few things I like about myself is the fact that people sometimes tell me their secrets because they know I’ll be interested, rather than thinking them disgusting, shameful, perverted or any other of the silly, moralistic labels that were supposed to apply to anything that’s outside conditioned parameters.
The quotation I most relate to here is the Mark Twain one. I’ve said the same myself in at least one story. Yes, we all have a dark side. Get over it.
I’m lucky; I don’t have many secrets. I’m too transparent. And I don’t think I have any at all from Helen, my ex.
Without really “knowing” you Jeff, I can definitely see why people feel safe with you. You’re intelligence, compassion and humour offer so much to others. Maybe that’s because you have a healthy dose of self-esteem and you accept yourself more than the average person. I was thinking that every culture has their different standards of what makes something taboo and if we’re not really taught to value ourselves, we buy into the b.s. I’ve told you before how I think your ability to remain so close to Helen really amazes me. What a gift to be able to still be so vulnerable and honored with an ex.