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If you find yourself on page 63 of the new Rolling Stone Magazine (Taylor Lautner of Twilight is on the cover), you will find the first of five pages dedicated to TWLOHA. It's an honor and exciting to say the least. That said, i must confess that i found the title a little awkward. (i am a surfer, i'm not a savior.) The story is not perfect but hopefully it's good.
When they said they wanted to photograph me in New York City, i asked if it might be okay to invite some friends. TWLOHA supporters came to Washington Square Park in NYC from as far away as Toronto, Virginia and Delaware. My hope was a photo that expressed the community and "we" spirit of TWLOHA. They went with something different but the video below captures the true spirit of the day - stories colliding and hope shared, people coming together... Thank you once again to our talented friend Dustin Miller for making this video and thank you to Rolling Stone for liking it enough to post it on their website.
Peace to you tonight.
jamie
PS: We've been working hard this week, adding to twloha.com. We've added FINANCES and STAFF sections, and updated NEWS and MOVE.
PS2: We would love to know your thoughts.
Posted in General, Journal by jamie tworkowski
Comments (28)
Jamie, I think what you said at the end of your article was really genuine and sincere. It takes alot of guts to admit needing help and seeking, to be truely buying what you are selling. I admire you for that and thank you for that. It makes me wanting to keep staying clean and keep working for better life. Thanks for starting TWLOHA it's kept me alive, and given me hope.
1 | Left by Maddey | Nov. 25, 2009 at 9:39pm
Yay for Dustin!! :D
This event was one of the best experiences of my life, and I would give anything to relive it. There was so much life and energy there, and real people with real stories. That day, strangers became family; friends were made and kept, and I'm happy to say that this has started something wonderful in the NY area. This was too amazing for words. Thank you Jamie for inviting us to be apart of this, and I'm so happy that twloha got this opportunity.
Love, peace, hope forever. <3
2 | Left by Amanda | Nov. 25, 2009 at 9:52pm
gah! since it was changed to friday i had no chance of going. you moved it to school hours. :[ but i am really happy that twloha is getting so much exposure these days. rolling stone is a really good way to get the message out. i will watch for the article(:
3 | Left by PJ | Nov. 26, 2009 at 7:34am
Jamie, At the end of the article when you admitted you were struggling, That was so sincere and genuine!
Jamie, you help us, all of us, but you need to know you're loved to... perhaps now we can be the ones to give back what you've been giving us all these years... Love is for everyone :) including yourself :D I know you've heard this a million times, but you saved my life. I'm going on 207 days without Si'ing... Everyday i write love on my arms... as a reminder, not only that I am loved, but that i need to love OTHERS as well. :)
Praying for ya!
4 | Left by Em | Nov. 26, 2009 at 8:04am
The video was awesome and captured what I see as TWLOHA.... I disagree with the article though in how it was presented to the readers. I'm not sure the writer understood where the focus lies, or even their own ability to group thoughts. It was kind of a let down to see this happen for TWLOHA. I won't suggest others outside of TWLOHA to read it because I don't think it truly captures the love and hope that this organization brings.
<3 to everyone stay strong, live life, be brave
5 | Left by Anon | Nov. 26, 2009 at 3:48pm
I gotta admit, I was psyched to hear that y'all would be in Rolling Stone but I'm not sure I could in good conscious recommend the article to anyone because of the angle it portrays TWLOHA. What I take away most from this article is the vulnerability it took to share that Renee has struggled with her sobriety and that you struggle, too. I've had a hard time with this idea that relapse is part of recovery and her struggles are such an affirmation that I'm still on the right path. Thank you so much for being willing to share with us. Shalom.
6 | Left by ally c | Nov. 26, 2009 at 6:16pm
My mom bought me the magazine because Taylor Lautner was on the cover, I soon realized TWLOHA was in it and I don't even care that Taylor is in it. TWLOHA is an amazing organization, it has honestly saved me. i love you guys. keep up the work. i've told people about TWLOHA and it has saved many of my friends. thank you so much :)
love is real, so is hope <3
7 | Left by Jessie | Nov. 27, 2009 at 2:51pm
I read the article online and, frankly, I was a little disappointed. It seemed to be written almost in a sarcastic manner, like it was mocking the whole idea. I'm glad it is printed for people to see, but I think it could've been written better. I think they focused on all the wrong things. I love TWLOHA. Hopefully there will be another take soon.
8 | Left by Ev | Nov. 27, 2009 at 3:19pm
I haven't read the article yet, but the updates to the site look good. Hope the staff and everyone in the movement get some rest this Thanksgiving weekend, and please remember that we're all thankful for what you and your staff are doing and also what you are enabling the rest of us to do.
Take care.
9 | Left by Robin | Nov. 27, 2009 at 4:09pm
I gotta admit i agree with others, the article was dissapointing. RS didn't present TWLOHA in the best manner, it almost seemed as if they were mocking us...
10 | Left by E | Nov. 28, 2009 at 7:20am
Jaimie,
Reading the article this morning made me feel a sadness I've never felt. I can't lie to you, I'd always heard the phrase "to write love on her arms" tossed around in hallways at school& backstage, and finding it catchy, occasionally scrawled the words on my wrist. Never did I realize what the movement (what else can we call it?) was all about...until today. I read the article and cried. not just for the organization, but because you're so selfless. You admit that even you are seeking help, in therapy and..antidepressants. This message is to all you guys&gals out there, asking for Jaimie's help and love. Please, give some back. A beautiful soul like him deserves it just as you do. :)
-Eily.
11 | Left by Eily | Nov. 28, 2009 at 9:36am
I did indeed find myself earlier this afternoon on page 63 of Rolling Stone. I had yet to even finish reading the entire article when I got to the very bottom of page 66. It pulled at my heart strings and in the stillness of it, I found such beauty and hope in Jaime's words. I'm truly inspired by the work of TWLOHA. May the team always find the grace and energy to continue this amazing work and journey. God bless.
12 | Left by gyv | Nov. 28, 2009 at 3:06pm
Jaimie,
I'm glad they finally put an article about TWLOHA in RS. It's about time! I've had some hard times in my life, and Renee's story has had a big impact to me. When I saw her picture in the article, I looked at it for a good long time, then said, "She survived. I can, too. I'm going to survive this, like Renee." So thank you for giving me hope. And tell Renee I said "Thanks", too. =)
-Theh0pe.
P.S. It did seem like they were making fun of TWLOHA. Expessially when they said "Christian Touchy-feely Stuff." I take offence to that. Oh, well. Can't do anything about it now.
13 | Left by Theh0pe | Nov. 29, 2009 at 4:39am
TWLOHA is beyond amazing. They have helped me and many friends through so much. Jamie really is a savior. Maybe not him as in himself. But without him, TWLOHA wouldn't even exist. He has saved so many lives. It really is incredible. We will always be here with you, Jamie. Thank you. The article was also pretty fantastic. You are such a great person. Wish I could have been at the photo shoot with yall!
14 | Left by Lacie | Nov. 29, 2009 at 2:11pm
I literally just read this article, mad props for reaching out loud and out past blogs and internet. Rolling Stones is such an acclaimed magazine and I'm sure that is going to reach a larger audience and win more support. It was an extremely good article and a good insight.
TWLOHA has helped me get the courage to help a few of my friends who have had some rough times.
Thank You So Much
15 | Left by Cadence | Nov. 29, 2009 at 6:27pm
Jamie-
I just heard about what you're doing from the Rolling Stone article. I just wanted to tell you that you have a beautiful heart.
Always remember it's okay to take a little "me" time, time to just "be." We cannot take care of eachother if we do not first take care of ourselves.
Everyday life is not epic. But everyday, you are epic in someone's life. Which is more important?
Keep shining. The world needs lights like yours.
16 | Left by Jessica | Nov. 29, 2009 at 8:42pm
Just read the RS article and, whilst I don't think it portrayed TWLOHA in the best light, it didn't do bad for a popular magazine.
I've only recently discovered TWLOHA and boy do I wish I'd known about you guys earlier. I've been self harming since I was 12 and I'm 27 now. I'm 3 years, 9 months and 12 days without SH at the moment and I still struggle every day. I'm trying my best to spread the word about TWLOHA as I think you guys sound like a great organisation.
Jamie I felt privileged that you were able to share your own struggles at the end of the article. The message you're spreading applies to you too babes. Everyone struggles and everyone deserves to be loved. Stay strong and reach out to all those who believe in you. I'm sure every last one of us would be more than happy to give you a hug for a change! xXx
17 | Left by Affienia | Nov. 30, 2009 at 5:16am
The article is great Jamie. Thanks so much for caring for people, your heart is a wonderful gift and you are blessed with a wonderful strength. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
God is still at work my friend. Isn't it awesome!
18 | Left by Kate | Nov. 30, 2009 at 6:05pm
Though I couldn't drive from Colorado to be a part of this, I am touched and inspired by the overall vibe and energy of the group that did make it to NYC. I hope to be an intern for TWLOHA in the not too distant future, because I have a passion and love for this organization. This movement. With every post I read and every video I watch, I am further driven to be a bigger part of this movement. There are many days that I couldn't have made it through without some arms to hold me and some good music to uplift me. Thank you for all you do, and may God bless the taboo topics that TWLOHA so bravely approaches with love and understanding.
19 | Left by Rachel | Dec. 1, 2009 at 3:22pm
I just read the Rolling Stone article, and I must say that I'm highly disappointed. Did the author bother to look at this organization's financial summary or 990 form? I mean, I did that before I let go of my measly little $10.00 donation; one would think that an author working for a popular magazine would do that before writing any article especially such a cynical piece with that kind of disparaging tone.
20 | Left by Robin | Dec. 3, 2009 at 1:35am
Jamie,
I cried after reading that you have your struggles too. You're a really good person and have alot of courage to say that. Thank you.
Frankly, I'm dissapointed with Rolling Stone. Honestly, they needed to take away the slight sense of sarcasm and take TWLOHA more seriously than they did...they sounded like they were mocking us or something.
thanks again.
xoxo. peace to YOU, Jamie.
21 | Left by Jovie | Dec. 3, 2009 at 2:46pm
I've read the article, and a sentence there was kind of stereotypical: "A bulimic cheerleader" i hate this one: "A pretty goth girl that makes like Lindsay and draws a sharp blade across her arm" or something like that. please don't stereotype. it's not very nice. :(
22 | Left by Krystal | Dec. 3, 2009 at 3:12pm
Jamie-
I heard about TWLOHA for the first time when I read the article in Rolling Stone, and I think it's great that there are people like you who care enough to help others without being patronizing and/or preachy. Some of my friends and I were all cutters when we were in junior high and high school, and I think a lot of them substitute drugs and alcohol for self-harm now; they need help climbing out of the holes they live in, and I'm going to tell everyone who will listen about TWLOHA-that there's always someone who cares, who is non-judgmental. Thank you for being an inspirational, relatable, and beautiful person.
girls ARE made to dance in white dresses...your words are beautiful and thanks again xoxo
23 | Left by Alicia | Dec. 3, 2009 at 5:43pm
I am a boy just to clarify that my name is pronounced Sasha I was adopted from Russia when i was 5. I just started to get rolling stone with the issue you are in. I'm not going to lie before this i had no idea who you were but after reading this I am so heart warmed to hear that you started this. When i was about 12 I had a friend like a brother to me hang himself after his mom died of lung cancer. He was 16.his mom was like an aunt to me. Last year a person who was like a brother to me died from a stomach ulcer that burst and that was the hardest thing for me. I started some bad things but now i am clean. Even though i don't know you i am proud to say I have heard of you. You are an inspiration
24 | Left by Sacha Johnson | Dec. 3, 2009 at 10:46pm
You have a lot to read so I will try to make this concise. This is a flow straight from my heart to yours, hoping to help you as you have done for so many others.
Happiness is not a goal but a choice that comes with every breath. It will never be fulfilled by another person. I understand that you must have a strong connection to divine energy, to be as compassionate as you are, but I also was struck by your admission to taking antidepressants and the insinuation that you may be unhappy because you are not in a romantic partnership.
I believe fully that true happiness and the source of our life force energy comes from a deep connection with the present moment and our environment and especially the natural world. Often we gather energy from others and feel temporary boosts of love/energy/happiness but these will never sustain no matter how many people we connect with unless we ourselves are able to connect within our center to the divine source of Earth's boundless energy.
I suggest to you, as someone who has gained a position of great respect and who has a great influence on so many people, to not depend too long on the chemical crutch for happiness but reconnect with nature, whether it be the force of the ocean, the forest or a few potted plants, Give your skin the benefit of full sunlight on a regular basis, for lack of vitamin D is a huge factor in depression, and don't wear glasses as 98 percent of that D is absorbed through the eyes. Let your skin breath fresh air. Take deep breaths, be always thankful, find time to be still and alone in sacred places, and keep on keeping on because the world right now needs the new awareness of love and compassion that you are providing and your strong example will ripple out more than you will ever know.
Thank you,
Heather
25 | Left by Heather | Dec. 4, 2009 at 9:47am
Dear Jamie,
First of all, I want to say thank you for your honesty because I know it's hard to talk about personal issues.
At first I felt disappointed after reading the Rolling Stone article. It seemed the writer didn't capture what TWLOHA is about, they just concentrated on portraying you as a rockstar savior for others. Then at the end you admitted you are currently seeing a therapist and taking antidepresants. Your words felt broken, lost, and confused. But THAT is what this movement is about; bringing hope, love, and joy into people's lives and healing their brokenness.
TWLOHA also sheds light on the fact that anyone can have struggles and that most people do. You are another example of this because even though it seems you've got it all together, you don't. You're not perfect, but who is? Just remember it's okay not to have control over everything, to become vulnerable and take some love from others for a change. I hope all is well and that you can find refuge in God and those around you.
Love always,
Carol
26 | Left by Carol | Dec. 4, 2009 at 9:46pm
Heather, I read your comment and agree with much of it, all of it in fact. I think you left out one thing though, nature has rules, and the rules were established by the source of nature and all things. If the occupants of the world obeyed all of the rules, everything would exist in harmony. There would be no division and unity among all. There would be no religion and laws because there would be no use for them, no need for punishment, no need for discontentment.
The world will never have that kind of an existence, because the world is exactly what it is supposed to be. Because we exist in the human body, which is bound to the world, we look for worldly happiness, which does not exist. Our existence in the body and in the world is for the purpose of understanding ourselves, and to grow in ourselves and above the world, so we can move forward into an existence of real life that comes after the carnal life.
What we must also understand is that there are no mistakes in creation. Jamie, and all his followers, religions, and all of their followers, movements of all kinds, and their followers exist for a purpose that was conceived at the beginning. Blindness from reality and truth is created along with the world. The ones who see the truth serve the ones who cannot, and we do it in unity with the source of all things, which is nature and the source of nature, who we call God. Everything here in the world is very very small, including me, including Jamie, and including you. Upon our acknowledgment of our smallness is when we free ourselves from our depressions, and our insecurities, our worldly passions, and our disappointments. How I wish everyone would read this and understand what I am saying, but I am very much aware that that is not possible, because I did not create this mess. However, I am a part of it.
Goodbye
27 | Left by another voice in the wilderness | Dec. 11, 2009 at 10:54am
This still bothers me some time later:
Krystal, TWLOHA wasn't stereotyping. Rolling Stone wrote the words, NOT TWLOHA, NOT JAMIE. >.<
28 | Left by R, | Jul. 8, 2010 at 8:26am
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