No, this isn't a tattoo. However, if I ever DID get a tattoo, this one is on my short list of considerations. The reason why follows...
One of the most challenging, and rewarding, experiences of being a therapist for me is working with clients who self-harm. Challenging in a sense that I take on the task of assisting an individual who has found meaning in harming themselves as a coping skill for any number of ailments (relieving emotional pain, punishment from wrong-doings, etc) and helping them find new ways of working through their struggles. Rewarding in a sense that when healthy coping replaces razor blades or cigarette lighters, there is no greater celebration that comes in hearing the words in a therapy session, "Kelly, can you believe it's been 6 months since I've cut?" I cannot begin to explain the excitement I see on their faces and the joy in their voices as we process their growth and change.
In 2013, I was introduced to The Semicolon Project. It happens each April 16th, in remembrance and recognition of those who have lost their fight, still fight, or who have conquered their fight to self-harm.
The meaning behind The Semicolon Project is incredibly powerful and moving to me. It is significant in the fact that I believe that everyone deserves a second (and fifth, and thirteenth) chance and change. A semi-colon is used in sentences to connect two independent thoughts. An author uses a semi-colon when a sentence could have ended, but chooses to extend the sentence with another thought. In life, and especially the life of a person faced with mental health or substance abuse issues, a semi-colon holds significance that life does not have to end where it currently is. Life does not have to end with emotional pain and suffering... with negative self-esteem, self-doubt, feelings of failure, and broken dreams.
Today I drew a semi-colon on my wrist. And next year on April 16, I will do the same. And the year after that, and so on. I will do that to represent the amazingly strong people that have allowed me into their lives, allowed me to see their vulnerabilities, allowed me to challenge their thoughts, allowed me to see a part of them that they didn't want to show anyone else.
The other day, a client showed me a quote that she recently read: The bravest thing I ever did was continue my life when I wanted to die. After our first therapy session, I knew she would be my most challenging client. Four years later, if I could have a list of client references on my resume, she'd be on my list. I've never felt more challenged in therapy, more exhausted after sessions... or more rewarded.
The Semicolon Project is meant for her. Or maybe it's meant for you... maybe a friend... maybe a family member. Today, will you help raise awareness?
I have not heard of the Semicolon Project before. Reading your post here – a day after the project date – makes me stop and think about my life up to this point. Gracious! I’ve got a few semicolons, painted with tears. Right now my life’s scale is heavily tilted on the blessed side – and I try to count and recognize them daily. However I know the burdens of life will show up again. Thankfully I won’t repeat most of the struggles from my younger years… but what about my young loved ones? Will their choices mirror what I did and suffer similar consequences? What about my older loved ones? No one lives forever.
ReplyDeleteI hope I remember the semicolon. Likely I’ll need it before next April 16.
CB