www.twloha.com

I'm glad I got to fully participate this year. I'm very happy with how my arm turned out.

I don't like the term "Self-Mutilator" or "Self-Injury". To me, they sound too...soft, too PC. Cutter gets your attention, its harsh and to the point. It's not a pretty thing, therefore why try to give it a PC name? As you all probably know, I myself am a cutter. I have been since my tenth grade year of high school. My last cut was 6 months ago. I blacked out, for reasons I can't even remember anymore. Before my addiction, I'd always heard how alcoholics will always be alcoholics, smokers will always be smokers, even after they quit. That never really made sense to me, how could you still be something even after you quit? Now, I understand. Addiction isn't really something that ever leaves you. Sure, it gets easier to deal with, but part of you will always remember how it easy it was to give in. Because fighting is hard, fighting takes work.

But it's worth it.

I know I'll never be free of my addiction. I know it well in the weird need I have occasionally, even when everything is fine. But, fighting is worth it. Its worth it to hear my best friend tell me he's proud of me that I haven't, its worth it for my own pride I feel when I notice the scars are fading.

I don't reach a lot of people here, and I don't presume to think that the person that needs to read this will, whoever they may be. But I write this in the hope that maybe they will...maybe.

Remember, you're not alone. You're not the first person to pick up a blade, a lighter, or the like, and you won't be the last. There's a lot of us out there, and we're here for you. I promise, it can get better, but the blood you're drawing won't make it better. You have support, because those of us who've been there, know how it feels. And we love you, we can do our best to help. Just reach out...because you're loved, and you're not alone.

Spread the Love.