In 2015, Rora Blue launched The Unsent Project, a poignant exploration of unvoiced emotions directed at those who once held significant places in our hearts. This project captures the essence of relationships that have left indelible marks, embodying the silent conversations between former lovers who have ceased communication.
The Unsent Project
I stumbled upon The Unsent Project, a repository of messages to my first love that I had never sent, tucked away and forgotten over the years. These messages, pivotal at their time, now form a nostalgic collection. It’s been three years since Kayla and I last spoke. Our brief romance in 2016 lasted just three months, and though we parted amicably due to our age difference—she was sixteen, and I was nineteen—revisiting these messages revives the vivid memories of our fleeting yet impactful connection.
Reading just a few lines can transport you back in time. Over 150 messages captured our conversation, primarily concentrated over two poignant days in June 2016. The memory of our last face-to-face meeting lingers; a tender kiss and plans made for a night that never came to be. These memories, preserved in text, are timeless.
The Story Behind The Unsent Project
Each month, I will send an unsent text to one of my first loves. It will land in her inbox as any other message might, bearing sentiments that time has not erased. These messages are meant to remain unanswered, serving as a testament to the enduring impact of a first love.
The intent is not to bridge the gap but to acknowledge the distance with a gesture of continued care. In doing so, I hope to honor the past relationships that have shaped us, recognizing that while the words may not leave a physical imprint, they may soothe unseen wounds.
This project invites reflection on the unsent words in our own lives, encouraging us to consider the power of unspoken messages. As we have the means to convey our thoughts so readily, let us seize the opportunity to express, forgive, and perhaps heal. Every new day provides a fresh chance to communicate what was once withheld, urging us not to let past regrets or future fears constrain us.
What Are Unsent Text Messages? The Unsent Project
At some point, many of us have sent messages laden with emotions—like an impromptu “I love you”—that, in hindsight, might have been better left unsent. Maybe it was a casual text about weekend plans that went ignored, leaving your message to linger in digital limbo. This experience, where communications are crafted but not reciprocated or acknowledged, epitomizes the essence of an unsent text message.
Sometimes, individuals hold onto every word exchanged with a loved one, yet they never receive acknowledgment. These are the messages that remain hidden, safeguarded from the pain of rejection or the indifference of a former confidant. The Unsent Project offers a sanctuary for these withheld words, providing a semblance of closure and privacy that mere deletion cannot.
Origins of The Unsent Project
One afternoon, inspired by a fleeting encounter, I penned a love letter without a designated recipient. That evening, I shared these heartfelt words with a new acquaintance, revealing my unguarded emotions. This vulnerability was not only liberating but also a testament to the inspiration derived from brief but impactful connections. Since that moment, I’ve channeled the emotions from all my encounters—romantic or platonic—into unsent messages, capturing the essence of fleeting connections.
This collection serves as a creative outlet where each message is a raw expression of feelings meant to be conveyed. Here, at The Unsent Project, anyone can find inspiration to express themselves freely and creatively, transcending traditional communication forms. Whether it’s love, heartbreak, or simply the trials of relationships, these messages encapsulate the universal experiences of emotional investment and the hope that tomorrow may bring resolution or new beginnings.
My Journey with The Unsent Project
In autumn 2011, I stumbled upon a creative writing task that involved composing an unsent text to a former love. This exercise sparked a deeper exploration, prompting me to write unsent texts to various people who had shaped my life—relatives, old friends, classmates, and past lovers. This process was not just liberating; it was therapeutic. The Unsent Project, born from this personal journey, invites others to connect with these universal themes, fostering a community of shared experiences and unspoken emotions.
What Was Left Unsaid
I would have shared these messages with my exes if we had remained friends after our breakups. The Unsent Project encompasses a range of emotions—from lighthearted updates about my life post-relationship to deeper frustrations about their actions or inactions. While composing these texts, I realized that many could serve as cautionary tales, guiding young women through the complexities of romantic entanglements to avoid similar pitfalls. For example, the transparency about relationship statuses on social media is crucial; no one appreciates discovering hidden relationships post-breakup.
Insights Gained
The Unsent Project began as a collaborative art experiment with a friend to channel our experiences into creative expression, aiming to bring personal stories to the forefront over mere statistics. Our vision extends to compiling these narratives into a book featuring unsent texts from others.
The project invites honesty in sharing intimate sentiments, which could foster openness in other life areas as well. Contributions are welcome via submission to our platform or email, with potential inclusion in our upcoming publication.
Why Engage in The Unsent Project?
Writing unsent messages to a first love is a reflective journey through past relationships, offering insights into what might have been done differently and the lessons learned from those endings. It’s a chance to introspect about oneself during that formative period.
The process is not just about reminiscence but also about closure. Engaging in new experiences like skydiving or crafts like scrapbooking can complement this journey, providing a creative outlet while pondering the past. The intent behind each letter should be clear—write daily for a month, whether it’s a few words or several pages.
Once complete, consider sharing this collection with your first love. This gesture can facilitate mutual growth and closure, allowing both parties to move forward unburdened by past grievances. Remember, holding onto anger only hinders personal healing—letting go is essential for both your wellbeing and for opening your heart to new possibilities.
The Unsent Project Takes Off on TikTok
TikTok has quickly become my go-to platform for social media engagement. It’s a space where users can upload 15-second videos set to music. Also, its despite its simplicity, TikTok has perfected its unique style and branding. Recently, The Unsent Project had the opportunity to be featured as one of three highlighted creators on the app. This was a milestone for me. Especially since it was the first time incorporating a celebrity into one of my videos. I launched a series of unsent text messages aimed at first loves and crushes that could be shared via TikTok. The campaign caught fire, garnering over 100,000 views within the first 24 hours.
The experience was exhilarating, particularly because I drew inspiration from a real-life crush for many of the messages. Seeing his reaction to the messages felt incredibly rewarding. However, a word of caution for those using their real names or usernames on social media. It’s challenging to shield yourself from unwanted attention that can make your notification feed feel. As busy as a Starbucks during the morning rush.
Conclusion
Reflecting on my personal history, I remember being thirteen and experiencing my first love. It was a secretive and intense relationship with a girl two years my senior. Looking back, our young ages didn’t dampen the depth of our feelings. We were deeply infatuated, perhaps more than was advisable. Now, living on the West Coast and working as an editor, I often think about how external pressures and societal expectations influenced our perceptions and decisions. If we had been left to our own devices, who knows how differently things might have turned out?
