Ten years ago, TWLOHA came into existence as a story that invited people to speak and to be heard, to seek help and to help others, and to live this life together. This month we’re looking back on the last decade and sharing some of our favorite blog posts from TWLOHA’s history along the way.
If you feel too much, there’s still a place for you here.
If you feel too much, don’t go.
If this world is too painful, stop and rest.
It’s okay to stop and rest.
If you need a break, it’s okay to say you need a break.
This life – it’s not a contest, not a race, not a performance, not a thing that you win.
It’s okay to slow down.
You are here for more than grades, more than a job, more than a promotion, more than keeping up, more than getting by.
This life is not about status or opinion or appearance.
You don’t have to fake it.
You do not have to fake it.
Other people feel this way too.
If your heart is broken, it’s okay to say your heart is broken.
If you feel stuck, it’s okay to say you feel stuck.
If you can’t let go, it’s okay to say you can’t let go.
You are not alone in these places.
Other people feel how you feel.
You are more than just your pain. You are more than wounds, more than drugs, more than death and silence.
There is still some time to be surprised.
There is still some time to ask for help.
There is still some time to start again.
There is still some time for love to find you.
It’s not too late.
You’re not alone.
It’s okay – whatever you need and however long it takes – it’s okay.
It’s okay.
If you feel too much, there’s still a place for you here.
If you feel too much, don’t go.
There is still some time.
This blog is now available as a poster print and as a shirt.
Jules
Reading this while…. “If this world is too painful, stop and rest. It’s okay to stop and rest.
If you need a break, it’s okay to say you need a break.” And all the rest of the above. ♥
Nathalie gagné
I just look the film wow i pass a half of my Life dépress, sorry im french so i Will mate some mistake
I Hurt my self i suffer of anoxercix im 47 i drink at night
Claire Biggs
Hi Nathalie,
Thank you so much for your comment! We hope you’re surrounded by people who can support you with your anorexia and drinking. We encourage you to lean on them and let them remind you that your story is important.
We’d love to send you some words of hope. Would you mind emailing info@twloha.com?
Sarah
Just got done reading the book and well needless to say this organization has changed my life. I’d do anything to help out them out and would love to be a part if something so life changing. Words cant describe the way I feel right now.
Adds
Needed this dearly tonight.. Thank you Jamie for reminding me it’s ok to be broken..?
Jodie
This is my all time favourite piece of writing. It is important and everyone should read it. I ordered a copy of Jamie’s book for my library and keep it on display at all times signposting page 160. Hoping this message reaches the most amount of people and when they need it.
Darquetta
I’m struggling… I been having a few too many bad nights and this girl I met in a day treatment program at Mclaren thinks that I could have PTSD. Things are starting to resurface. Like I’ve been bursting into tears here and there. Actually did it again last night. I cried myself to sleep on the couch. I keep having dreams about my mom and other stuff. The stuff is getting old and I’m tired of it. I’ve also been having to face some strong emotions, unpleasant dreams and among other things again. I have a therapist and a psychiatrist that I see but I don’t see them until next week. I am starting to think that I don’t think that it ever truly gets better. I think I just get stronger and learn how to deal with it better which the process of that is really hard. I’ve been having panic attacks and my anxiety has been so bad. I’ve been having nightmares and flashbacks like crazy, everything is just getting too much and I don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t know if I need better meds or my dose need to be increased or what. I dreamt that my mom’s boyfriend ended up in court along with my entire family for beating me in the head and other stuff. And I end up with a protection order against him and my entire family was upset with me. I mean it happened but it wasn’t from him. It was my sister that did it but she never got in trouble for it and it happened years ago. Stuff from my past keeps coming up and it’s getting really tiresome.
LJ
PTSD sucks. There is no way to sugar coat it or wrap it up in a bow. I suffer from PTSD. Flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, panic attacks, and all the ways that I try to cope are not the best. One thing that I want to tell you though is this; A fighter trains to last 10 rounds in a ring. But in between they sit down and people doctor them up, give them water, a pep talk and a game plan for the next round. During that time the fighter never steps out of the ring. He/She never takes there gloves off, but they do sit and they do allow people to help them. This life is a lot like that. You can feel as though you have been fighting for more than 10 rounds and you want to step out of the ring and just quit. The thing is you just have to sit. You invite safe people who care about you to come into your life to help Dr you up, give you the pep talk, and to hold you when you are really low. This is not an easy fight, and you will get tired and want relief and that is when you sit down, but never step out. I hope that you can find some people that are in your corner and in time it will not be as severe. It will never completely go away, but it will not knock you down as hard. Keep fighting.
Darquetta
I am JUST NOW seeing this LJ. I don’t think I am receiving emails for when someone replies to my comments on here (TWLOHA). Thank You SO MUCH ! I am struggling badly……
Laurie
Love this!
Callie
i do not know what else but thank you.
Elle
i just came by your movie, before that i never knew something like this existed. my whole life has been a struggle and i have always been made to feel there is something wrong with me. it is hard to change this stigma, i always feel as though i’m letting others down and that to have me in your life is to bring drama. fuck i hate that word. when you are constantly surrounded by people who always expect the worst of you how can you get better ??
Tina
wow. i think i’d better buy the book. get a poster. god, this really affected me. I’m a feel too much girl. far too much.
your nan
where r your eyebrows
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Marcy
Jamie, I have always felt cursed that I care too much! The other day, by chance, I met Layla and we talked. It was good. When I left, she had gifted me with your book!
I am a teacher- we do NOT dog ear pages of a book. I broke my own rule today!
After a wonderful weekend celebrating the beautiful success of my my only child, last weekend, back to a job, I feel stale in, smack into the ER & ICU with my sister facing the real possibility of the death of her husband and now, processing the next 2 days of anniversaries: 5 yrs.(May 1, 2006) from my husband cancer diagnosis, to the next day of 5yrs + 1 day(May 2, 2011- he wouldn’t let stats define him!!!) – I am encouraged!!!
Thank you for being “real!” In a Christian world where I feel I can NEVER feel comfortable telling people how pissed I am about what happened!!! Reading your truth was refreshing and encouraging- stay brave, stay real, live without boundaries!
Lincoln Read
As far as I know
We have only this one shot at living.
I’ve lived ten thousand lives in books
And learned from others’ mistakes,
But only so I can make fewer of my own
And waste less time
Understanding the goal
And how to get there:
Be as happy
And as healthy
Physically and emotionally
As you can
Every moment of every day.
Give of your true self
And connect from the heart
With all the like minded people you encounter.
Waste as little time as possible on anger,
Revenge,
Or jealousy.
Wish the naysayers,
The problem finders
And the excuse makers well.
Share your heart,
Your ears,
Your time,
But never let them
Take over your life,
Cloud your vision,
Or darken your dreams.
They deserve love
And heartfelt empathy,
But some will never let go
Of their victimhood,
Their fear,
Or their excuses,
And you’ll have to leave them behind
To follow your own path to happiness.
Surround yourself with dreamers of bigger dreams
Who are willing to pay the price
To achieve them.
Share your dreams with those who
Encourage you, who believe in you,
And help you find your way.
This is the only chance
You’re going to get.
As you breathe your last,
Whenever that is
You’ll want to know
in the deepest corners of your soul
That you did your very best
Every moment of every day
To be the person you truly wished to be
And to let nothing deflect you
From your bliss
And the joy that finding it
spreads over the world.
L. Read, 2/2016
Eddie Lopez
” If you feel too much, don’t go. ” Just what I needed to hear.
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LA
I struggle with depression. It is so hard. In a dark place tonight and needed encouragement. Thank you for these words.
Casey Wright
Im tired. Im not sure there is a word that exist that could explain how tired. My heart is missing. My minds full of chaos and my soul is lost. Im lost. Im just tired. I just want to stop existing.
Becky Ebert
Hi Casey,
We understand how you’re feeling. Please know that your emotions are valid, and we’re glad you decided to share them with us. We hope that you will continue because you are needed and loved and wanted.
If you would like to, please email us at info@twloha.com. We would be honored to know more of your story and situation. We read and respond to every message we receive.
If you are interested in professional help, we fully recommend it. A good place to start is our Find Help page here: twloha.com/find-help You can also text TWLOHA to 741741 via Crisis Text Line to be connected to a trained counselor. It is free and available 24/7. Do not hesitate to ask for help. If you think you need help, please reach out.
We are with you, Casey. Your honesty and strength is inspiring.
With Hope,
TWLOHA
Kim Sharpe
Beautifully necessary ♡♡♡
Nobody
Sure, sure. Maybe I don’t want the time.
Yeah, I’ve always been alone and it’s long been too late.
TWLOHA
Hello friend,
We are heartbroken to hear how you are feeling. You may feel alone, but we want you to know that we are here for you. We believe that the world is a better place with you in it. We also believe that there are better days ahead for you. It may not seem like it right now, but we truly do believe this. You deserve to be here for those better days. You deserve happiness and love. We would love to talk to you more about how you are feeling. Please reach out to us at info@twloha.com. We are here for you.
With Hope,
TWLOHA
Jack
I’m only 9, sounds young but doesn’t matter. I deal with som depression and suicidal thoughts. Just thought writing here would be good and not to bottle it up.
TWLOHA
Hi Jack,
You’re right, your age doesn’t matter. So many of us struggle with mental illness regardless of age, gender, race, etc. We are sorry to hear that you are struggling right now, but we are so inspired by your courage to talk about it. Would you email us at info@twloha.com? Our team would be honored to offer you some encouragement and support.
With Hope,
TWLOHA
Jack
I’m sorry that I didn’t say something faster. I don’t really know how but thank you and I will get to you as soon as I can. Thank you people so much, I love you all!!!!
Navi
Time? It’s a waste.
Life? It doesn’t need me.
People? They don’t need to suffer because I exist.
Me? I don’t deserve anything.
TWLOHA
Navi,
This world, this life needs you. Your friends and your family need you. And although you don’t feel deserving right now, you are. You are deserving of life, of love, of hope, of help. Please email us at info@twloha.com so we can learn more about you and offer you some support, Navi. We would be honored.
With Hope,
TWLOHA
Name
I wish I could just end it but it’s been like three years and I back out every time I can try to do it idk how much longer I can do this
TWLOHA
Although we are grateful you “back out” every time, we do not want to minimize your pain. It is valid and we hope to hold space for what you’re experiencing. Please know that you can reach out and share whatever it is you’re feeling or going through with our team by emailing info@twloha.com. We would be honored to be a listening ear and to offer you some encouragement.
With Hope,
TWLOHA
Ali Glass
It’s been six years since my mom died. I just found this. It’s good to know that it’s okay to be broken
Mert Işık
Hello. My name is Mert. I live in Turkey. Frankly, I’m not in a good shape. I have been living alone for a very long time. I couldn’t fix my situation in any way. I am psychologically collapsed. People outside act like I’m a monster. I’m on the brink of death. Nobody helps either. I am so disgraced that I cannot describe it in words. I no longer have the strength to endure the life I live. Is there anyone who can help me?
TWLOHA
Mert, we are so grateful you reached out. Please email our team at info@twloha.com so we can learn more about your story and do our best to offer you some support and encouragement. Until then, we hope you’ll visit our resource page: https://pleasestayalive.com/. We are incredibly sorry for the pain you are experiencing. We know it can be hard to continue, to keep going, but we are here and you are not alone.