Several years ago, someone started up a program where you could mail your secrets to them on a postcard. Anonymously, in general. They could be about anything; love, sex. abuse, life, crime, family - you name it. And the postcards came in droves. Books have been published with these secrets, and there is a website where you can see the postcards on line.
They make for a spectacular read. Almost addicting. Some are funny, witty and wise. Others are heartbreaking and others are downright frightening.
Some examples:
"Sometimes I wish I would die under tragic circumstances while I'm still young so people will remember me for everything I could have been, instead of growing older and failing to live up to the expectations set for me. "
"I wish my mom wouldn't get so annoyed when I ask her about sex."
"I was raped by someone I was supposed to trust and no-one will believe me - not even my best friend: his wife."
"I hate how everyone thinks that all homosexuals are wonderful, strong human beings, and that's why we're fighting for their rights. The truth is that we're assholes and drug addicts and charity workers and Sunday school teachers just like the rest of you."
"I experimented with sex. With my brother. I'm terrified my children will do the same."
www.postsecret.com
The secrets go on and on. People admit they cried or threw up when making their postcards and how liberated, or sick, or scared, or happy they felt when they popped the card into the mail box.
The postcards themselves and mostly handmade and beautifully done - with honest and sometimes funny artwork.
If you'd like to mail off a card with your secret, the address is on the site.
Or you can anonymously share a secret here with us on Empowher, under this SHARE.
Tell Us
Why do you think it's so therapeutic to share a secret in this way? And why do you think people get so emotional about it?
What's YOUR secret?