Articles written by Cypress Riel

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About me - Cypress Riel

My writing has always been a kind of therapy for me. I am very passionate about human rights, spirituality and helping others to deal with trauma.
I have written poetry, short stories and I keep journals which often turn into my muse.
I love to meet new and

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Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Overcoming a drinking problem: 2 of 78
I am a recovering alcoholic. The road has been long and hard and so worth it, I could never turn back to being an active drinker. I hope. Alcoholism is a disease and there is no known cure. However, with support and counseling we can put this life threatening illness into remission. I had my first drink when I was 5 years ol... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Pain: 9 of 53
I thought the pain of surviving and overcoming a life torn apart by the effects of abuse was the hardest thing I had ever done. Just living daily with so much mental and emotional agony was so draining of any energy I had. I chose to drown out my pain by drinking alcoholically for many years. Add on prescription and illicit ... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Racism: 5 of 25
A man was yelling " Get off the street you black bitch!" he was visabily upset and I turned around to see who he was yelling at. No one, not one person was on the street except for me. I almost started to laugh. He couldn't be meaning to yell at me? Then, he made eye contact and I knew for sure that he was indeed, yelling at... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Spiritual Life Understanding fear: 8 of 26
Franklin D. Roosevelt spoke the words " Nothing to fear, except fear itself" many years ago. Great words from a great man. I would have to think that Mr. FDR knew a thing or two about fear. He must have faced many of his, to speak the words, that are still being heard today. How many of us have spoken these words ourself, ju... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Self-Awareness & Realization Advice on the journey of life: 33 of 77

"" Pull up that chair and make yourself comfortable"" said the old woman as she put the freshly made pot of coffee on the table. She groaned as she bent over, her back was sore often these days. She had been in the garden earlier, her passion, and pain was not an acceptable exscuse for missing a day with the Creator's anecdo... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Heaven, Hell & Afterlife Exploring the possibility of life after death and reincarnation: 6 of 13
Exploring the possibility of life after death and reincarnation is a subject held very close to my heart and soul. Since my own NDE (near death experience)in 1986 my interest in life after death and reincarnation has been one of almost daily examination and exploration. I am blessed to know the truth of what happens when we ... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Heaven, Hell & Afterlife Does our spirit or soul survive after death: 24 of 50
Does our spirit or soul survive after death? Yes. How do I know? I had a near death experience 21 years ago. Having the courage to speak of this journey comes from the absolute belief I received. I was not any different when it came to thinking of death. I feared it tremendously. I feared even more because I did not have a b... More..
Relationships & Family > Crisis Support (Other) Trauma: Beginning the road to recovery: 4 of 6

Trauma, the very word causes my body to shake and my heart begins to beat a little harder. Fear rises up to my throat and that silent scream that has been stuck there for so long, almost makes it's escape. I am a survivor of horrific abuse. Physical, sexual, emotional and mental. I am a miracle. I chose to enter recovery in ... More..
Relationships & Family > Grief & Loss Coping with trauma: 12 of 17

I'm clawing at the darkness, my heart pounding out of my chest. Terror fills my body and I begin to scream, something or someone is trying to kill me. My scream awakens me and my eyes begin to focus. I see a faint light coming through the window. It's alright, I'm in my bed and nothing is trying to kill me. The terror begins... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Spiritual Life Transforming your life: 17 of 23
Whenever I think of transforming ones life, I think of the butterfly and the phoenix. Most people will see these as creatures of beauty. How many though, think of where they first started? In order for the butterfly to emerge it must first be the moth that will become the coocoon and finally, burst out of it's shell as the b... More..