Thank you so much for posting this. I loved every word.

1 | Left by Scott | Nov. 25, 2010 at 12:07pm

thank you for the hope, for the reminders, and for the stories.
i know you've been through a lot of airports and walked down a lot of sidewalks, and i know those things tend to make us feel lonely; like we're going somewhere but we don't know the ending. you've ridden literal and metaphorical waves, and the tide has now brought you to where you are now.
we are supposed to be thankful for it. it's hard sometimes, especially when our own voice is the only one we hear.
but there are other voices and they speak in love. we don't have to look for them or ask anything of them. we just have to listen and that means being still and being quiet. i hope thanksgiving is a day full of that, for everyone.

thank you, jamie. for everything.
you make the Lord smile.

- eric.

2 | Left by eric | Nov. 25, 2010 at 12:15pm

p.s. kudos for listening to sleeping at last. ryan and dan are good guys and wonderful musicians. their albums are my soundtracks.
- eric.

3 | Left by Anon | Nov. 25, 2010 at 12:17pm

Like your blog!
Thanks for sharing

4 | Left by C'est moi | Nov. 25, 2010 at 12:23pm

these words mean a lot to me, I love everything said in here. it made me think about things in my life and helped as I was feeling down.

5 | Left by kayla | Nov. 25, 2010 at 12:37pm

Thank you for posting this it's very helpful

6 | Left by Matt | Nov. 25, 2010 at 12:42pm

Thank you, thank you, thank you for giving voice to the feelings that make me feel so abnormal around the holidays. Thank you for the encouragement, and the hope. Thank you for doing what you do.

7 | Left by Hope | Nov. 25, 2010 at 2:03pm

Thanks for the encouragement. I love all of your blogs, they are always so refreshing. Thanks for trying to make this world a better place

8 | Left by Mandy | Nov. 25, 2010 at 2:33pm

Jamie, thank you for your words. i said on Twitter that i'd waited all day for this to be up; i didn't say that i did so 'cause i knew whatever your words were this time, i'd feel better. Your words are always an encouragement, always so hopeful. And i do feel better. Thank you.

9 | Left by Ally C | Nov. 25, 2010 at 3:44pm

when we were all young, in elementary school, we would say what we're thankful for around thanksgiving. we probably gave answers like my house, my family, my friends. jamie, i am thankful for you. i can't describe what you have done for me through your words. i wish you felt better too. happier. you work endlessly to make others happy and to make others feel better. i sincerely wish that upon you. i wish that everyday you would have someone to tell you that YOU matter and that YOUR story is important and that YOU are NOT alone. thank you so much for all that you do. you are not alone in how you feel and the questions you ask and the thoughts in your head when you can't fall asleep. remember that. thank you. and happy thanksgiving to you too.

10 | Left by kay | Nov. 25, 2010 at 6:56pm

thank you jamie for summing up my holiday. no matter how many people i spend it with, i find myself trapped in the past. your words help me so much. thank you for being so hopeful and reminding everyone that we're not alone.

11 | Left by car | Nov. 25, 2010 at 7:50pm

Thank you so much for this. I live in England and obviously we don't celebrate Thanksgiving but it's 4am and I can't sleep so I decided to have a read of this. I'm so glad I did.

I'm a university student who was recently diagnosed with depression and went home to see my mum last week for the first time since I was diagnosed. I was frustrated by the way she's dealing with my depression (or not dealing with it as the case may be). My best friend reminded me the other day that she's probably dealing with a lot of pain and hurt relating to this too. And this blog has just made me realise how right she is. I was so wrapped up in my own hurt and pain and depression that I didn't for one minute stop to consider my mum's story.

Thank you so much Jamie and Happy Thanksgiving.

12 | Left by A Discouraged Mind | Nov. 25, 2010 at 8:35pm

I agree with everything written here. I also wanna say that this is a nice reminder that my pain and problems aren't my own, that other people understand. I'm beginning to accept that. I feel like a baby, taking their first steps but looking forward to tripping over and stumbling every once in a while. I'm looking forward to the journey. :) Thank you TWLOHA and thank you Jamie

13 | Left by Anon | Nov. 25, 2010 at 9:06pm

It's funny that you put soundtrack the end.the soundtrack I was listening to was david crowder band, rescue is coming and as I was reading this blog I was very conscious of the fact that I was listening to something that related so well with your story and saw it as this blog's soundtrack for me. This is definitely food for thought. Thanks : )

14 | Left by Chinwe | Nov. 25, 2010 at 9:09pm

I love this! I found myself thinking the same thing today.

I have so much to be thankful for. I am alive. I have amazing people in my life that will be there for me. But I find myself thinking about all the things that have gone wrong in my life. I slip back into the depression and lose sight of what is important. The great thing about my story is that i am here able to struggle. Its the struggle that makes me stronger and has got me where i am today. I loved every word you said! Thank you
Happy Thanksgiving!

15 | Left by Callie | Nov. 25, 2010 at 9:11pm

This past year has been the hardest year of my life. Last Christmas my friend lost a rough battle with alcoholism and bipolar disorder. I wasn't looking forward to Thanksgiving or even celebrating my 30th birthday because my best friend wasn't going to be there with me. Although it's still incredibly painful to think about the events that led to his death, I appreciate Jamie's reminder that I am not alone, and that I need to step out of my story and into other stories. It's those stories that move grief along, and build a supporting circle around me.

This Thanksgiving I spent the day with people who have been a supportive circle around me - I wasn't related to a single one of them. For that circle of people gathered around the table, I am grateful. Much like I am grateful for this post.

Thank you.

16 | Left by Annie | Nov. 25, 2010 at 11:21pm

Thankyou jamie for this blog, it helped me in my journey of healing. Posts like this is what is keeping me alive, and so far this website has saved me from suicide. i thank you guys everyday for understanding everyone and their life stories and excepting and helping instead of pushing away.

17 | Left by Kelsey | Nov. 26, 2010 at 7:17am

I can totally relate to 'i'm tempted to say that i wish i was better at being happy.' Definitely. Thank you for this blog, Jamie. I feel like it was written for me today.

18 | Left by Kendra | Nov. 26, 2010 at 9:20am

God doesn't waste a hurt.

19 | Left by erin | Nov. 26, 2010 at 12:30pm

Thank you for writing this! It's beautiful, and it was like you were talking right to my heart. I've been stuck in some of these feelings lately; I, also, realize im truly blessed for what God has given me, but I have this emptiness, and some days it seems like it will eat me alive. I guess I've been trying to outrun the human aspect of it, thinking if i keep pretending, it will go away. Thanks for the reminder that it's ok to be human, it's comforting to know someone realizes how i feel, and isn't trying to tell me that I'm weak or trying to change my feelings, but telling me that it's normal, it should happen, and that I will find healing. God Bless!

20 | Left by Sara | Nov. 26, 2010 at 4:34pm

Thank you Jamie. This was right on the money.
I also want to thank you for being there for my daughter, whom you've never met, but she follows your blog and the twloha twitter. She struggles with depression at 14, but has found comfort from you and your words, the music you share, and your messages of hope.
I can't find the words to express how grateful I am that you have been there for her. I can just say Thank you.
Happy Holidays to you

21 | Left by Robin | Nov. 26, 2010 at 4:54pm

I am not depressed or addicted to anything really, but I, like everyone else, have gone through some hard times, and this blog and just the idea behind it really helped me. My aunt is a recovering alcoholic and her addiction has affected the whole family, so I ask you to keep her in your prayers. I found this site right around when she was diagnosed and I have been following the blog since, and whenever someone asks what my shirt means I proudly tell them. I just wanted to thank you, Jamie, for helping me and the countless others you have helped. Happy Holidays!

22 | Left by Kevin | Nov. 26, 2010 at 9:47pm

Thank you for sharing your story. We all experience times when we wonder what could possibly be the point of all the pain. I can tell you, from my experience, the purpose for the pain is to enable us to recognize beauty when we see it, love when we experience it, and hope when we feel it. There are brighter days ahead, hold on to that hope you feel. I have survived depression and self-injury addiction. Happiness is possible again. There are still times when I find myself feeling anxious and I still struggle with relationships, but it is getting easier every day. This is life on the other side. Life does come back. Those dreams ARE there for a reason. Every one of us has something to contribute to this world. Thank you, Jamie, for everything you do to make us feel that we are not alone.

23 | Left by Kristen | Nov. 27, 2010 at 11:22am

Jamie, you're a saint. I hope you can believe that. You're not alone, either. You have dedicated so much of your life to provide hope and to provide whatever answers you can, and you deserve hope, too. Your story is important and your words matter to so many and have changed the lives of so many. You deserve to be heard. You deserve the space to be human. Your story deserves to have a thousand more chapters. I have read this blog at least fifty times since you posted it, in amazement. You seem to be one of the only ones to find the right words to say exactly how people are feeling, especially me.
You matter very much. Thank you for saving my life.

24 | Left by Katie | Nov. 28, 2010 at 11:04am

this was perfecet. it was exactly what i needed to hear. and i know it is exactly what my dearest friend in the world needs to hear. im gonna share it with him.

thank you jamie. your writing does so much for me. so much for the world. when im feeling alone and desperate, i try to remember to lean on twloha. it always helps. and im still here carrying on with a greater motivation to love and to keep carrying on.

Thank You.

25 | Left by Chelsea | Nov. 28, 2010 at 10:58pm

Thank you for this. I was really hoping you would write something for Thanksgiving. The holiday posts make the family hurt more bearable. Thank you for all you and the team do, and sacrifice, to help.

26 | Left by Kat | Nov. 28, 2010 at 11:00pm

Ummmm this is just wonderful!!!! Seriously. After reading the comments on your blogs, CLEARLY you are having an incredible impact on SO many people in this hurting world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks especially for this post. My life rocks, but I agree

"i think we have to fight to not get lost in our own pain. i think we have to fight to remember the good, the things we love around us, the things not lost, the things that we are thankful for."

This gave me HOPE. Thank you!

27 | Left by Caitlin | Nov. 29, 2010 at 12:21pm

Jaime, it's okay to take a break sometimes. You are amazing for doing the things you do, but like you said, you have to remember the others around you. You can do this. I have faith in you.

Or find a travel companion. A postsecret last week said, "Home is not a place. Home is a person." I wholeheartedly believe in that.

You rock, dude :)

28 | Left by Anastasia | Nov. 29, 2010 at 4:17pm

This is exactly how i feel thanku this site has helped me so much more than you caould ever imagine. Because of everyone's dedication to this website, i can fight back against my demons. Thank you :)

29 | Left by shelby | Nov. 30, 2010 at 10:22am

jamie. i hope that somehow, somewhere, you realize just what you offer to us, and how much all of it means.
please take care of yourself. your a valuable vessel of God.
Love,
Charlie.

30 | Left by Charlie Johnson | Nov. 30, 2010 at 6:04pm

beautifully spoken. blessings and peace.

31 | Left by Michelle Gregory | Nov. 30, 2010 at 6:30pm

thank you Jamie...you hit right on the target because that's how I was feeling at Thanksgiving. I was surround by those I wasn't related to and had just met...and yes, it did feel lonely. Your blog is an encouragement to me and I just want to thank you for speaking from your heart. :) God bless you.

32 | Left by Esther Larkins | Dec. 2, 2010 at 5:55pm

Thank you so much Jaimie for everything you do. I'm 15 and I've been struggling with self injury, substance abuse, and depression for over a year. I've been hospitalized and diagnosed with bi-polar. Your blog truly makes me feel understood and hopeful for a better future. Keep on writing :)

33 | Left by Emily | Dec. 3, 2010 at 6:39pm

Thaank yu for all yu do Jamie , if it waasnt for yu and all the stories of how people reqret suicide once they do it iwould haave lonq aqo done it. Im 13 almost 14 with anqer manaqement , im bi-polar , I haave haad thouqhts about suicide more then ten times and attempted four times.I stopped cuttinq about a yeaar aqo when the kid ive liked since iwaas little confessed thaat he alwaays liked me, since then ive only cut few select times. I have tons of problems at home with my mom brother and moms boyfriend. My mom and me never qot alonq and always arque and sometimes she saays she haates me she doesnt know how much it hurts when she says thaat. My brother constantly puts me down he calls me faat uqly and maakes fun of the waay ilook whaat he doesnt know is when he does it ibelieve him.

34 | Left by Megan | Dec. 4, 2010 at 9:04am

My name is Kandin, im 16 and ive been a cutter since i was 11 ive tried to get help before but everytime i start getting help my granny who i live with presures me to get out of the place thats helping me and when i was 13 she pressured me to stop taking my meds..i quit cutting for a bout a year but recently started again. About a week ago my granny found some scars from oct 31 and yelled at me about it..she says that i do it for attention but what confuses me is i hide them from people i hid them from her and she yells at me saying i just want attention.she told me that im only hurting my self and it doesnt bother anyone else, but i wasnt trying to hurt anyone else i was trying to hurt me i dont get why she thinks my cutting is meant to hurt her....she doesnt want to understand what i feel evertime i try to talk to her she freaks out..i dont understand

35 | Left by Kandin | Dec. 6, 2010 at 10:41am

This really opened my eyes. I never really realized that things can get better. I only thought about "now" not the future. I guess you could say that I wasn't observant until I read this.
So thanks,
Allie.

36 | Left by Allie | Dec. 7, 2010 at 9:00am

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THAT, Jamie! you are SUCH a talented writer, like me! =) I don't know what to really say except that, well, do you know the feeling after you read something deep in a book? that "WOW" feeling?...well thats what i experienced after i was done reading this blog entry.i especially liked the quote "i suppose that since most of our hurt happens in relationships, so will our healing, and I know that grace rarely makes sense to those looking in from the outside." - The Shack by Paul Young. This is VERY relatable for me, because ever since middle school ive had a hard time "letting people in" (literally), because guys would fake ask me out, or telling me they love me but they telling me "oh i was just joking!" i HATED that, that same sort of incident happened again, last month, it made me feel absolutely TERRIBLE! ...Letsjust say i've, myself, been hurt a lot in relationships- and no im not clever enough to have a boyfriend- im talking about the friendships ive had in the past...the reason for a friendship ending in my past were one or more of these three: 1- i totally screwed it up, 2- it was my background that would be too much for the other person to take (which was and is not my fault, or 3- they were just TOTAL JERKS, and only thought about themselves- me giving my 'all' in the friendship, them; NEVER owning up to their half.
Anyways, id just like to tell you that you are AMAZING, and i wish i could meet you, there is SO much i think you'd be interested in hearing about me! =) Your words inspire me not to hurt myself or cut myself! and that means everything to me ;) i cannot thank you ENOUGH!

love, lorena!

37 | Left by Lorena T. | Dec. 7, 2010 at 6:15pm

...And i DEFINITELY agree with Charlie...
"jamie. i hope that somehow, somewhere, you realize just what you offer to us, and how much all of it means.
please take care of yourself. your a valuable vessel of God.
Love,
Charlie."

You have a TON to offer not only me when i visit this website, but SO MANY OTHER people who are suffering even greater than I! And it means SO MUCH TO ME- I CAN NOT STRESS HOW MUCH I MEAN THAT!!! i LOVE your writings.

38 | Left by Lorena T. | Dec. 7, 2010 at 6:18pm

These words have truly touched me.
But Jamie, you are a gift to us all. Everyone who comes to this website finds peace, love and comfort in you and you offer so much more to them than most people do.

You chose to help Renee and then went on to helping the rest of your country...and later, the world. You've touched so many hearts and I hope this message and the other 39 odd above mine are a consolation to you and you realise that you are so much more than you think of yourself.

Stay strong, be happy, be proud and most of all, keep doing the things you're so amazing at

39 | Left by Sarah | Dec. 8, 2010 at 12:12pm

Jamie, you have touched the lives of so many and your words are amazing. But from what I have experienced, those who help have the hardest time helping themselves. Because of such giant, caring, loving hearts, we try our hardest to make the lives of the ones hurting, calling for help better. We spend so much time focused on them, we forget about ourselves. I agree to the fullest extent of what you said about not just paying attention to only our lives, and that other people are around us with their own problems and lives, but it is your story too. We need to focus on us too. We need to love ourselves before it is possible to love others. So my advice to you, Jamie, is to find time in your busy schedule to think about all you are doing for others, for yourself, what it means to you. What are you doing not just for the world but for your own life, to make yourself happy. We all love you Jamie and everything you do, thank you. But don't forget that you are a person battling yourself and you need to find ways to keep you happy in your life as you do in so many others.

40 | Left by Theresa | Dec. 21, 2010 at 1:10pm

Thank you so much Jamie and everyone else on the TWLOHA team. I always love to read the site's blog posts. Whenever I read a blog, such as this one, it always has the affect to make me cry. Tears start forming up in my eyes in the middle of reading and before you know it tears wil be streaming down my face after I'm all done reading it. TWLOHA is my favorite organization. I love how I'm a supporter too. I've been cutting for about 3 months, and this site can always cheer me up and make me feel better. Thank you again. :)

41 | Left by Jennifer | Jan. 8, 2011 at 7:37pm

Absolutely, ed hardy different people have different points of inspect. The above two aspects are just my special views on Ed resilient. So it is no big contract.

42 | Left by ed hardy | Jan. 11, 2011 at 7:02pm