"To Write Love On Her Arms" Has Changed My Life

        I remember being 15 years old, feeling like I was the only person in the world dealing with the secret shame of self mutilation. At this time, I was feeling more alone than I ever thought could be possible. As naive as it sounds, I thought my addiction to cutting myself was unique. It just wasn't something that people were comfortable talking about. I remember being taunted and talked about because of the scars on my arms that were only visible for seconds at a time.. I had become very fond of long sleeves and pants that were dark enough to hide any sign of blood that may have bled through the bandages that covered the fresh cuts on my legs from the night before. I saw counselor after counselor, but none of them seemed to have any real advice to help me find new ways to cope with my issues. After all, how many therapists do you know that have a history of self mutilation? I felt too ashamed to open up about it, especially since they had no way of truly understanding the gravity of what I was dealing with. 
       I eventually started doing my own research, reading every book about cutting that I could. And I remember the day I came across an organization that called itself, "To Write Love On Her Arms". This completely blew my mind. As I read that phrase over and over again.. it became so clear.. I wasn't alone after all. Not once had I even come across anyone who took self harm so seriously. For years I had been told it was just a phase, that I would grow out of it, and that I just wanted attention. The frustration I had felt for so long, slowly melted into hope as I read the story of "Renee". I thought to myself, "Wow... it's like someone else is telling my very own story.".... Which was something I had never done before. I never talked about it. I hid my scars as best as I could, growing silent whenever someone would make jokes about cutting. I never once considered speaking out or reaching for help by sharing my story with those who were going through the same thing.
       TWLOHA has transformed my way of living. I am no longer too ashamed to wear short sleeves. Why? Because now I have hope where there used to be fear. Now, at the age of 21, I'm not saying that I don't have those bad days anymore, where the temptation is so strong, and the sorrow is so heavy. But what I am saying... is that I now have the courage to continue on my journey of recovering from those destructive habits. I have truly been inspired to replace hate with love, not only in my own life.. but in the lives of people I have never even met. I have taken it upon myself to do my part.... To Write Love On Her Arms.