When I Opened My Eyes

when i opened my eyes, i couldn’t believe i had been blind for so long

people and ideologies i aimlessly followed because i thought they were right

their judging eyes and hateful words kept me in my all too familiar glass closet

many of my nights were consumed with choking sobs and tear stained cheeks while shouting angry prayers that cursed God for making me this way

i was told they offered community, but i never felt so outcasted and alone

i could never be good enough for them, so why would i admit that i was the thing they hated

why would i risk being pushed away just because they didn’t agree with how i loved

i hid, denied, and pushed away the feelings that i thought condemned my soul just so i could fit their mold

why did i think that hating myself would get me accepted?

#embracevulnerability #unfiltered #Lemon8Diary #religioustrauma #deconstruction #gaycreator #gaygirl #poetsoflemon8 #poetrycommunity

2024/10/29 Edited to

... Read moreIn today's society, many individuals face significant hurdles in their quest for self-acceptance, particularly in communities where traditional values often clash with personal truths. It's crucial to understand that embracing one's identity—especially in the LGBTQ+ community—means distancing oneself from repressive ideologies and harmful judgments. Moreover, acknowledging the emotional toll that comes from living inauthentically can't be overstated. Stories of rejection and struggle often resonate deeply with those who have experienced similar paths. As more people share their journeys, like mine, the conversation around religious trauma and its impact on personal identity grows louder. Finding support through communities that celebrate love and authenticity, rather than condemn it, fosters healing. It's essential to create a space where vulnerability is welcomed, and voices can be unfiltered. By fostering open dialogues about deconstruction—challenging traditional beliefs that no longer serve us—we can pave the way for collective growth and acceptance. For anyone still trapped in their glass closet, know that there is strength in embracing who you truly are. Join the #Lemon8Diary movement and connect with others who understand the weight of these experiences, pushing towards a future of love, acceptance, and community.

Related posts

“When I Opened My Eyes”
#poetry #embracevulnerability #poetryoflemon8 #poet #poetrycommunity
𖤓⏾Cheyenne𖤓⏾

𖤓⏾Cheyenne𖤓⏾

13 likes

Living With ADHD Roommates Opened My Eyes
I live with two roommates who have ADHD, and honestly—it’s been eye-opening. I used to think “everyone’s a little ADHD” or that the quirks came with perks like creativity or multitasking. But living with it daily? It’s… different. They can spend hours scrolling online even when they don’t want to,
Brigette Brown

Brigette Brown

449 likes

A MacBook Air displays an Etsy shop page for "ErinsDigitalShop" with a custom banner. The image has a text overlay that reads "Making money on Etsy."
A MacBook Air screen shows a Canva interface with a black and gold birthday invitation template featuring balloons. The image has a text overlay that reads "1. Create a digital download."
A MacBook Air screen displays a document with a highlighted link to a Canva template. The image has a text overlay that reads "2. Turn the template into a link + PDF google doc file."
I opened my Etsy shop!!
In the world we live in, selling digital products has become a highly profitable business that anyone can do! In just 3 simple steps and about 2 hours of time, I was able to successfully create an Etsy shop and list my first ever digital product! With a little help from YouTube, I was able to fi
Erin Leeper

Erin Leeper

624 likes

AI opened my eyes
How I see myself
Fireswan07

Fireswan07

1 like

The info from this guide opened my eyes 👀
I used to think “extra income” meant more hours, more stress, and less time for life… until I found this step-by-step roadmap that showed me a different way. This isn’t some overnight “get rich quick” scheme. It’s a course packed with real strategy, real results, and a community of people buildi
Lia Peres

Lia Peres

6 likes

BOTH SAM AND COLBY OPENED MY SNAP I SENT THEM🪦💀☠️😵
#samgolbach #colbybrock #samandcolby #snc #igotnoticed
Emma❤️❤️❤️

Emma❤️❤️❤️

52 likes

Health documentaries that opened my eyes 👀
I’ve been diving into a few health documentaries lately, and each one shifted my perspective in a different way. From food systems and personal care products to clothing and emerging wellness conversations, these really made me pause and think more intentionally about everyday choices. Have y
Magdalene (Maggie) Rose

Magdalene (Maggie) Rose

43 likes

as requested i finally opened my shop! :)
#crochet #crochetprojects #depop #blackwomencrochet
Kay🎀

Kay🎀

33 likes

OMG! That Pagani OPENED UP! #Pagani #paganihyuara
drivingwithmelissa

drivingwithmelissa

11 likes

Trying Minuto Bauli - Just Opened In NYC 🍰😋
Just found my new favorite sweet treat—Minuto Bauli just opened in Union Square! It’s an Italian bakery from Verona that’s been around for 100+ years, and this is their first U.S. spot. They only make one thing: the Minuto Bauli. It’s a warm, fluffy pastry baked fresh and filled with whatever yo
Savannah Vinson

Savannah Vinson

551 likes

The blind eyes opened
Jesus The Almighty God is Love

Jesus The Almighty God is Love

185 likes

Nicole opened an lemon8 so why not?😭😂🍋
New to Lemon8! HEYYY 📒Notes: Nicole opened a lemon8 so why not?😭 #lemon8 #lemons #gianina #powerhashtag #mikocreed
Gia

Gia

167 likes

i opened it
i did the cat one because it's HUGE and I wanted to know WHY. it's the guide book. it's gigantic 🙃 #tarot #witchy #healing #journey #fun
Elizabeth 💕

Elizabeth 💕

12 likes

I've OPENED MY EYES TO A WORLD OF WONDERS 🌈
#lemon8dairy #kid core #art #bubbles
🫧🦄LOLLIE🦄🫧

🫧🦄LOLLIE🦄🫧

9 likes

When he first opened his eyes
#squirrel #baby #justiceforpeanut #explore #floridalifestyle Random Thoughts 💭What's on my mind: Cosmo! Current Mood: ⭐Rate: 10/10
EmilyZoo

EmilyZoo

2 likes

💊 Ever opened your medicine cabinet and thought,
How did it get this bad?’ 😅 This cabinet was overflowing with random bottles, boxes, and expired meds just taking up space. But after some serious sorting, tossing, and a little organizing magic, we transformed it into a neat and functional space where everything has its place. Now, these client
Diane ⫸ LA + OC

Diane ⫸ LA + OC

599 likes

Eyes are opened!
11 days old!! Their colors are so vibrant I can’t wait to see them at 8 weeks!! Last one is a lionhead! #bunnies #babybunnies #rabbits #bunniesoflemon8
amberfox44

amberfox44

58 likes

doing updates when opened!
have you gotten yours? if so, comment what it is! #Xmas #adventcalendar #cristals
RokiMiro

RokiMiro

7 likes

A flat lay shows a French press, a mug, a black journal, and a pen on a wooden surface with a mandala design. Overlay text reads: 'FOR WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WRITE'.
A dark blue background displays text in blue and pink: 'I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO WRITE TODAY. SO I OPENED MY JOURNAL ANYWAY.'
A dark blue background displays text in blue and pink: 'HERE'S WHAT NO ONE TELLS YOU: YOU DON'T JOURNAL BECAUSE YOU HAVE CLARITY. YOU JOURNAL TO FIND IT.'
If you’ve ever opened your journal and felt…
nothing — this is your permission slip. You don’t need insight. You don’t need the right words. You don’t need a beautiful entry. Start with the truth of the moment. Confusion counts. Resistance counts. Silence counts. Your journal can hold all of it. Save this for the days you don
Hannah | journal coach

Hannah | journal coach

22 likes

The last week and a half has opened my my eyes 😞
melodiewanders2

melodiewanders2

6 likes

A bright, modern content creation studio with white walls, high ceilings, and large windows. It features a white armchair, coffee table, two black string chairs, a ring light, and a decorative backdrop. Text overlay reads 'I made my DREAM A REALITY'.
Two black string chairs are prominently featured in a sunlit, minimalist studio space with white floors and walls. A black backdrop stand is visible in the background, emphasizing the studio's functionality.
A spacious studio with high windows and exposed ductwork. A white backdrop stand is adorned with hanging plants and flowers, creating a natural aesthetic. White chairs and tables are also present.
Why I Opened a Content Creation Studio
I can’t believe I opened the doors to this beautiful space 3 weeks ago already 🥺🤩😭 I have always been a community person and have worked SO hard for this to finally happen. Reflecting on the past 3 weeks and the whole journey of getting there is unreal. My vision was to create a collabor
Daniela

Daniela

22 likes

“when I opened my purchase, it took my breath away
Go to my website to check my other work www.eccentricmanor.com #eyes #bracelet #beads #eyenecklace #handcrafted
Eccentric Manor

Eccentric Manor

0 likes

Black Panther when I opened the blinds in Cabo
#blackpanthercabo
_My StreetGlide $

_My StreetGlide $

10 likes

Opened an Etsy shop instead of getting a job 😂
When you tell yourself you are going to get a job to get out the house and socialize now that your husband works from home and watch the kids but you end up opening an Etsy shop and working from home too 😂 #crochet #crocheting #crocheter #crochetersoflemon8 #workfromhomemom Las Vegas
Nikki Farris Clark

Nikki Farris Clark

249 likes

She opened an early gift
#gifts #christmas #funnychristmas #couplegoals
Amber and Danny’s life

Amber and Danny’s life

32 likes

A digital marketing creator, Brittany Pugh, announces the launch of her new online platform. The image features her photo, a "Creation Goals Planner" product cover, and text promoting digital marketing success and starting a journey.
A pink-themed image promoting a "Digital Planner" titled "Creation Goals Planner" for 2025, encouraging users to "Plan Your Goals" with decorative elements like glasses and a heart.
An outline from the "Creation Goals Planner" detailing the "C.R.E.A.T.I.O.N" acronym framework. Each letter represents an action like Content, Reason, Evolve, Attack, Intention, Organize, and Needs, guiding users through goal planning.
I Opened my Stan Store
🌼 I’ve launched my own website, opened an Etsy store, but something feels different about opening my Stan Store. I have officially started my digital marketing journey and so far, it is going very well! I only wish I would’ve started sooner. If you are interested in opening a Stan Store the 🔗 is in
Brittany Pugh | SAHM | ✝️🤍

Brittany Pugh | SAHM | ✝️🤍

5 likes

My vision blurred every time I opened my laptop
As someone who works digitally, I didn’t expect tech to become one of my biggest stressors. But my screen time was wrecking me. My eyes would blur, my temples would throb, and I’d get dizzy after staring too long. It wasn’t sustainable. I realized I had to start setting stricter boundaries with
alexa vicktoria

alexa vicktoria

9 likes

A bookstore display features numerous brown paper-wrapped books with a logo, alongside a sign explaining a 'Roll for Book!' game. Text overlay indicates buying a random book.
A young woman holds a D20 die and a small book, standing next to a bookstore display with wrapped books and a sign detailing the 'Roll for Book!' rules.
A wide shot of a bookstore shows a young woman standing by a table filled with brown paper-wrapped books, part of a 'Roll for Book!' display, surrounded by bookshelves.
I opened a blind book bag!! 🫢📚
I had done this and thought “Why not post this?” Soooo here I am! lolol if anyone has read this let me know i just started!! 💖💖 I had gotten the option between Fiction or Romance and of COURSE I wanted the romance. I’m just a girl 🎀🤭 #Lemon8Diary #books #lemon8bookclub #reading #bar
Meadowbear

Meadowbear

2170 likes

Opened Eyes
Tell me I'm wrong 🤷👀🙏
TheJoker34👀🫣🤯

TheJoker34👀🫣🤯

1 like

opened doors 🚪 🙏💜
I used to pray for change while walking past the doors God was opening for me. Comfort kept me stuck. Fear kept me still. But when I finally said yes and started learning, everything began to shift. If a door feels open for you right now, don’t ignore it. Walk through it. Message me and I’ll send
TheNikoleKatherineShow

TheNikoleKatherineShow

2 likes

Puff Flower Blanket Opened!
Since TikTok asked I figured I’d post here too 😊✨ just another look at the puff flower join as you go blanket I made!🌸🌺🌼🌈 • #crochet #crochetinspiration #crochetideas #crochetcontentcreator #crochetersoflemon8
Mrs. Wheeler

Mrs. Wheeler

539 likes

Phil Collins opened my eyes to adult contemporary
#philcollins opened my eyes to adult contemporary music. His consistently awesome drum solos and general mastery of purcussion instraments turned me full onto wanting to play the drums.
genxgroove71

genxgroove71

0 likes

Opened 1939 Route 66 Motel
Blue Swallow Motel — Route 66 Icon The Blue Swallow Motel is one of the most famous and best-preserved roadside motels on Historic Route 66. It sits in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and has been welcoming travelers since 1939, when carpenter W.A. Huggins built it during the golden age of American road
Road-trip

Road-trip

79 likes

Wynwood’s Only Roller Rink Just Opened 🛼
Wynwood Skate, Wynwood ’s only roller rink, just opened inside the massive 75,000 sqft Wynwood Marketplace 🛼🌴 Your ticket gets you admission, skate rental, and an hour of fun on the rink 🤩 Who’s ready to roll? #miamibucketlist #miami #bucketlist
MiamiBucketList

MiamiBucketList

29 likes

New Asian Market Opened!!! 🌸
Today we’re going to Beyond Home in ☺️ Madison Heights 🎀💕 this place was so cute and I Has so much fun! #japan #japanculture #asianfood #travel #asiansnacks #japansnacks #Lemon8
Nina Gabriella

Nina Gabriella

66 likes

#WindowsOfHeavenOpenedUp
Jesus Loves You

Jesus Loves You

0 likes

POV you opened a dessert shop 💗
So who else is opening a business in 2025??? Let’s support each other’s businesses! Comment your location and what you do! My business is called Lyn’s Sugar Rush and I’m a treat maker ^-^ located in the KCK area #smallbakerybusiness #smallbakeryowner #treatmaker #newbusinessowner
🍄✩⊹⋆ Kai ⋆⊹✩🍄

🍄✩⊹⋆ Kai ⋆⊹✩🍄

14 likes

i was SHOCKED when i opened this app!!
not sure how, but i gained 2000 new friends by leaving this app for 8 weeks! after the tiktok ban was reversed, i took a break from lemon8 but i do find this app to be so much more relaxing and engaging than tiktok. happy to meet you all (: say hello if you see this!!!!!
nat ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊

nat ₊✩‧₊˚౨ৎ˚₊✩‧₊

5 likes

A New Secret $6 Waterpark Just Opened in Miami
The REAL Summer Plans of South Florida $6 Waterpark edition Did you know this secret waterslides were closed for years but are finally open again because let me tell you guys it’s only $6 for admission and you can down slides, hangout by the lake and have a summer splash I would definitely reco
peakacity

peakacity

218 likes

A young man wearing glasses intently reads an open book, illuminated by its own light in a dark setting. The image includes the text: "Psalms 31:23 NASB Love the Lord, all His godly ones! The Lord watches over the faithful but fully repays the one who acts arrogantly."
"Opened Eyes"
Psalms 31:23 NASB ¶Love the Lord, all His godly ones! The Lord watches over the faithful but fully repays the one who acts arrogantly. How can we not be undone by God? His capacity for love is written throughout scripture! A Truth for those who earnestly seek Him. His protection is absolute.
Sophiasdaddio

Sophiasdaddio

5 likes

"When I opened my newly bought nail set😱💅✨
"When I opened my newly bought nail set, I was really shocked 😱💅✨ The largest lizard turned out to be the eleventh nail, meant to replace other nails on different fingers 🦎💅. I love lizards, and I think it's rare for a girl to like lizards as much as I do. The interchangeable lizard nail p
ava

ava

7 likes

🍋When I opened it, I didn’t want to give it away🫶
When I opened it, I didn't want to give it away #life #aesthetics #home #good
cleanpowermat03

cleanpowermat03

3 likes

He Froze When He Opened This Card—Find Out Why! ❤️
Recently, I've been thinking about how to give him a special surprise and add a touch of ceremony to his ordinary days. By chance, I tried Cardory and unexpectedly, a simple electronic greeting card left him stunned for a long time. Then, with a smile in his eyes, he looked at me and said, "
LoveLetterCard

LoveLetterCard

4 likes

🍋When I opened it, I didn’t want to give it away🥰
When I opened it, I didn't want to give it away #life #aesthetics #home #good
cleanpowermat03

cleanpowermat03

1 like

YETI Outlet now opened in Orlando
There’s officially a YETI outlet in Orlando 😃 I had to check it out for myself. They’ve got the full lineup in person — coolers, drinkware, backpacks, bags, and even Florida-exclusive patches. When I went, select items were 20% to 30% off. 📍 Orlando International Premium Outlets (@orlandoint
Petiteweekender

Petiteweekender

1 like

See more