Today I have the word LOVE written on my left forearm. I’m at work, and in my oxford shirt half of it is visible, so I expect a fair amount of questions about it today. I’m also wearing my Standing on the Side of Love tie, to complete the theme.
But why do I have LOVE written on my arm? Its the To Write Love on Her Arms campaign.
I first heard about this two years ago when a student I was teaching had LOVE written on her arm, and I asked about it. She explained it was for suicide awareness and prevention. I immediately grabbed a marker at the table and wrote it on my own arm. And this morning, barely awake with a cup of coffee nearby, I grabbed a magic marker and wrote LOVE again.
We all have our own causes, and Suicide prevention is one that is close to my heart. I’ve talked about Suicide before on this blog, in a pretty personal and emotional post called On Suicide and Unitarian Universalism – An Extended Post. If you haven’t read it, I would ask you to.
I’ve had those thoughts before myself. I’ve had a dear friend of mine commit suicide. I’ve had many dear friends attempt it at some point in their life. But it’s not something that can be talked about in society. There’s an extreme amount of shame when it comes to suicidal thoughts/tendencies which makes the feelings even worse – a horribly negative feedback loop. A lot of teens and young adults don’t have anywere they can go to express their feelings and often the first suicide attempt is the first wake up call to everyone around them. There needs to be a place teens and young adults to go to talk about these feelings when they know there will be no judgments passed, only love and support. I’m proud that this movement to write love on your arms is so driven by youth, by high schoolers and young adults.
I support this movement proudly. And today, when I look down at my wrist, I will remember overcoming the thoughts I once had, mourn for the loss of my friend, and celebrate life with those around me.
If you came across this post by happenstance and are considering suicide, check this website first - http://www.metanoia.org/suicide/
Love to you.
Pingback: To Write Love on Her Arms : ministrare