With the new year approaching, we wanted to spend the month of December looking back on the top 8 blogs of 2017. This post was originally published on June 5, 2017.
To the Girl Who Wrote My Suicide Note:
You didn’t think I’d make it this far.
Hell, I didn’t think I’d make it this far.
But I did.
I’m not going to pretend it was easy. It was harder than anything I’ve ever done. I think what surprised me the most, through all of it, was how calm I felt. Death seemed like such a rational option that you almost convinced me that I wasn’t in any danger.
Almost.
You lingered behind me every day for months, getting closer and closer, louder and louder. You told me I wasn’t good enough. You told me I was unattractive and inadequate. You told me no one loved me. You told me it wasn’t enough to exist and call it a life. You told me it would be easier to just give up. And before I could protest, you were writing, and writing and writing. When I realized what you had written, I decided enough was enough.
It’s required therapy and a lot more effort than I thought I had the energy for. It was uncomfortable and painful and difficult.
But I made it.
You thought I was worthless.
I am not worthless.
You thought I was nothing.
I am not nothing.
I have never been nothing. I am someone’s sister, best friend, roommate, lunch buddy, employee, teacher, mentor. I am an actor, singer, dancer, poet, artist, creator of beautiful things. I am not nothing. I am someone and I am something.
You thought I was unloveable.
I am worthy of love.
I am loved by my professors, who listen to all of my rants. By my therapist, who believes I’m strong enough to grow. By my mentor, who picks me up and sets me back on my feet every time I feel myself slipping. By my friends, who always have my back. By my family, who sat through all of my prepubescent performances of “Tomorrow.” By my roommates, who listen to me snore every night without complaint. By my brother, who looks up to me. By my fish (Swimothy) who appreciates that I bring him food regularly.
If I had let you speak for me, I would have missed out. And, I would have been missed.
Yes, some days I’m just trying to get to tomorrow. Some days I’m simply trying to survive.
But that’s OK.
Because I choose to live. I choose to breathe. I choose to swim instead of sink. And every morning I make that choice over and over again.
This letter is a reminder to the girl who wrote my suicide note. It is a reminder to myself: I am worth it, even when I don’t believe it. I am worth it.
I am fighting for myself. I’m still fighting. And I’m going to keep fighting.
I hope we never meet again. But if we do, know this: I am stronger and more resilient than you’ll ever be.
Sincerely,
The Girl Who Lived
Daneene
Keep holding on. You’re worth it!
Sam Bridge
This is such a beautiful post and speaks to me so much. I was in that place earlier this year, but I have come through the other side and yes it is a journey and it is hard but it is so worth it. Thank you for sharing your words. Reminders like this one, about living, are so important xxx
Mae
Thank you for sharing this with us. I’ve been there myself where that voice sounds appealing and tries to lure you away from all of the wonderful things that you are. I’m still here and so are you. Much love.
Clarissa
Your amazing! I struggle with the similar issues on a daily basis just keep pushing forward and stay strong girl
Amy
Thank you im trying to stay strong for my family. My doctor wanted me to be admitted to the hospital, i said no because i need my family and they need me. So i have to go to day treatment every day until the doctor feels i am better. There is just so much going on in my life right now. Thank you for sharing.
Ulf
So beautifully written and I’m deeply grateful for sharing your thoughts and feelings. The words speaks to me and gives strength and hope. I want to give lots of love and strength to you. Never stop fighting!
With love
Ulf (wolf on swedish)
Kaitlyn
This is so beautifully written. I applaud you for recognizing your resilience!
Kathryn
Wow… that was powerful…
Believe it or not, I’m reading this on my cell phone as I sit at the hospital waiting for them to complete my admission and take me up to the psych ward.
The police were called on me today and that’s who brought me here because of suicidal thoughts and urges and self-injurious behavior.
I’m amazed sometimes at how the exact right thing can find its way to me at the exact time that I need it.
Thank-you for having the courage to share your writing, I’m sure it has helped many people by now.
TWLOHA
Kathryn,
We are so incredibly proud of you for reaching out to professionals for support and help, you deserve to find healing and safety. Please know that our entire team is rooting for you and your recovery. You are moving toward better days already and we are grateful that you shared this with us.
With Hope,
TWLOHA