We make today better
Another year around the sun
It’s starting to feel like I only write in this blog once a year – once a year for National Suicide Prevention Week and World Suicide Prevention Day. And you know…that’s ok – because that’s what this is all about, isn’t it? Starting the conversation. So welcome back – let’s talk.
To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) is a non profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and invest directly into treatment and recovery.
Did you know that suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds globally?
This week (Sept. 8-14) is National Suicide Prevention Week in the United States and Tuesday, Sept. 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. TWLOHA’s campaign this year is “You Make Today Better.”
You make today better
In TWLOHA founder Jamie Tworkowski’s blog, he writes:
Hope involves the future and so we talk a lot about tomorrow. We believe in a tomorrow that feels different from today. We believe in a tomorrow that involves love and wonder, healing and sobriety, and whatever else you need. We believe in a tomorrow where your dreams are within reach. We hope beyond words that you will stay alive to see tomorrow.
But we understand that you may need some answers now. And so let’s talk about today. You make today better. We believe that.
He goes on to share a quote by Sierra DeMulder:
You, whose voice is someone’s favorite voice, someone’s favorite face to wake up to. Nothing would be the same if you did not exist.
Nothing would be the same if you did not exist
Did you catch that? Nothing. You cannot be replaced. Your story is important, and you are a part of a bigger story. You make today better.
You are already enough. You are worth knowing in this moment, just as you are.
You the child, the sibling, the cousin. You the adopted family. By sending me funny posts because you know I’ll love them too. When you call me just to tell me you love me. When you forgive me for the distance. You make today better.
You the colleague, the cubicle neighbor, the mentor. You the workout partner, the babysitter, the check-out lady at Target. When you tell me “you can do it” and hype me up when it sends. By encouraging me and supporting me through triumphs and struggles. You make today better.
You the dance partner, the brunch enthusiast, the Instagram boyfriend. You the dreamer. You the storyteller. The way you love your favorite places. When you share in life’s joys. You make today better.
You the friend – the Mellon. For loving me, always. You make today better.
And you. You the broken, the lonely, the heavy. When you need someone to share in your burdens – when you share in mine. When you speak your truths. By embracing your light, but not ignoring your dark. You make today better.
Share in each other’s today
Some of you may have never questioned your tomorrows, while others may struggle with this daily. I believe that we can all relate to love and loss. I believe that tomorrow brings the hope to be surprised and that better days are ahead. And I believe that community is essential.
I believe that you have a place in this world. So, please – stay.
Refuse to be silent
Don’t hold back a moment to tell someone why they make today better. And don’t forget to recognize those reasons in yourself, too.
You can join the conversation through TWLOHA as well. Download the response card. Share your story by tagging @twloha and using the hashtags #YouMakeTodayBetter #WSPD19 and #NSPW19.
You can also raise money for treatment and recovery: fundraise and donate
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