What’s your biggest fear? How about your greatest dream? Would you be willing to share this information for the whole world to see? This summer, that’s exactly what the non-profit organization, To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) asked Warped Tour-goers. TWLOHA is dedicated to helping young adults struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. TWLOHA’s most recent campaign is Dreams vs. Fears, where passersby write on a wipe board what their greatest fear and dream is. Bravely sporting this board, a picture is taken by one of the TWLOHA workers and uploaded to the TWLOHA Facebook page, to be shared with everyone. This Dreams vs. Fears photo op is an opportunity for people to share with others, which is one step in the right direction for help.
It’s truly an eye opening experience to realize how many people deal with these issues. Obviously, the world we grow up in today puts harsh views on what we do and how we look. But what has caught my eye in the past few years is how dedicated TWLOHA is to spreading hope and love. I’ve always thought to myself: if there’s something I will always hold onto in life, it’s hope. Because without hope, how can you ever expect to get anything better in life? No matter who you are, you can achieve anything you believe in, and hope is the key to that. Call it blind faith or whatever you want, but you’d be amazed by how positive thinking can help you change your life around. It’s an amazing and empowering first step to realize that you are in ultimate control in your life.
TWLOHA has been spreading this message for a couple years now. Back in 2006, founder Jamie Tworkowski started writing a story and selling t-shirts to help his friend Renee Yohe, who was struggling with self-harm and depression, get into a treatment facility. Starting with this one girl’s treatment, TWLOHA has expanded into an entire movement, proving that one person truly can make a difference. Bands such as Switchfoot, Anberlin, and Paramore have also helped the movement by wearing TWLOHA threads at their live shows. Check out the TWLOHA site and get yourself some cute sweats or a tank! And the best part? All the profits help run treatment centers nationwide!
You can also learn more about the organization from the movie Renee, which is coming out next year. The film is based on the story that started it all. Centered around the 5 days before beginning her treatment, the movie focuses on Renee’s struggles and the love that helped save her life (Not to mention Chad Michael Murray stars as TWLOHA founder, Jamie!).
To learn more about the organization, visit the website and buy some awesome t-shirts to support the cause! If you or anyone you know is struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are millions of people out there ready to love and support you once you take that first step.
And always remember, hope is real.