Posts by Alyssa Coelho
Blind Tyranny
The harsh reality of teen violence and abuse… 1. Roughly 1.5 million high school boys and girls in the U.S. admit to being intentionally hit or physically harmed in the last year by someone they are romantically involved with. 2. Teens who suffer dating abuse are subject to long-term consequences like alcoholism, eating disorders, promiscuity,…
Read MoreWait, did I just write a book?
Wait, did I just write a book? November of 2015 – one year ago… “Yeah this is my sister, Alyssa. She’s writing a book.” I coughed as my coffee practically sputtered through my nose. Just one swift kick under the table should shut her up. My sister, Amanda Johnson, just looked at me and smiled.…
Read MoreLaughter’s Cure
Cheers to the awesome and amazing year of 2014 that taught me the healing power of laughter… May I dwell on this lesson in my time of need.
Read MoreSweet Solitude
I can see your doors… the ones to your kingdom, your garden, your reservoir. I can see them closing, screeching, slamming to their final shut. I can feel your backbone collapsing in exhaustion from holding the weight of every fight upon your dainty little shoulders. I can hear your stomach churning, twisting in confusion and…
Read MoreI Want To Know
“It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing. It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love for your dream…
Read MoreLove On The Horizon
There we were… he on his knees and me holding my head. After fifteen years of marriage, I had just told him if he were in a line-up of potential spouses, I would look right over him. I’d choose someone else. I didn’t know him anymore. How could we have gotten here? Yes, I…
Read MoreOn deck… Alyssa Coelho
“On deck… Alyssa Coelho.” I made my way to the left side of the stage while adrenaline sent my every heartbeat throbbing through my chest, vibrating my rib cage and choking my oh so dry throat. I looked down at the book in my hand to remind myself why I was here. My book… My…
Read MoreThe World Needs Me
“Arise” – CHOSEN | Summer 2016 A very wise man once said “You must be the change you want to see in the world.” Mahatma Gandhi is known, to this day, for his nonviolent philosophy and movements for promoting justice, harmony, and peace between people of all origins and faiths. Imagine, just for a moment,…
Read MoreThe Art of Taking Up Space
There is something along my journey that I am constantly mastering. This is the art of taking up space. Eight months ago on my second coaching call with a new coach he asked me to dance on our Skype call. He didn’t give me any instructions—he just asked me to dance. I stood with my…
Read MoreDying Of Thirst
I am 20 years old. I will be 21 in December. I look around me – on Facebook, on Instagram, on Twitter – and I see girls that I knew. I see girls that I used to look up to, girls I used to admire for their strength and courage, for their vibrance and resilience.…
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