Kyleigh Leist
Marketing Director
As I sit down to write this, my eyes drift down to my wrist, where a simple yet powerful symbol is etched into my skin: a semi colon. To many, it's just a punctuation mark, but to me, it's a symbol of survival, resilience, and hope.
The road to getting this tattoo was filled with darkness. There was a time when the pain was unbearable, and the only way out seemed to be to end my own life. But somehow, I found the strength to keep going. And every time I look at my semi colon tattoo, I am reminded of that strength. I'm reminded that it's ok to not be ok all the time. I'm reminded that I'm here for a reason. I'm reminded that my story isn't over yet.
Getting this tattoo wasn't for attention. It wasn't because it was becoming 'trendy'. It was about reclaiming my life and my identity. It was a statement to myself and to the world that I refuse to be defined by my struggles. That I am more than my mental health issues. That I am a survivor.
But my tattoo is more than just a symbol of my own survival. It's also a beacon of solidarity with all those who have been affected by suicide. Whether you're a survivor like me or you've lost a loved one to suicide, the semi colon tattoo is a way to show that you're not alone. That there is a community of people who understand your pain and are here to support you.
Every day is a battle for me. Some days are better than others, but the struggle is always there, lurking beneath the surface. But when I look down at my wrist and see that semi colon, I am reminded that I am stronger than my struggles. That I have a purpose, a reason to keep fighting. Every morning, as I wake up to face the day ahead, I am greeted by the sight of my semi colon tattoo. It's a small, simple mark, but it carries a weight of emotions that is hard to put into words. It's a reminder of the battles I've fought and continue to fight, a symbol of the strength that lies within me. It's a silent reassurance that no matter how tough things get, I have the resilience to overcome them.
There are times when the darkness threatens to engulf me once again, when the pain and despair seem overwhelming. But in those moments, I look at my wrist, at that tiny semi colon, and I am reminded of the journey I've been on. I remember the lows I've survived, the highs I've reached, and the people who have stood by me through it all. My tattoo is a testament to my survival, an ink of resilience that guides me through the darkest of days.
Having this tattoo is like wearing my heart on my sleeve, quite literally. It's a constant reminder of the darkness I've faced and the light that still shines within me. It's a reminder that even on the darkest days, there is hope. That even when I feel like giving up, I have a reason to keep going.
To anyone out there who is struggling, who feels like there is no way out, I want you to know that your story is not over. Your life has meaning and purpose. And even on the darkest days, there is hope. Reach out for help. Talk to someone you trust. You are worth it. Your life is worth it.
As World Semi Colon Day approaches, let's come together to break the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Let's show compassion and understanding to those who are struggling. And let's remember that our stories are not over. They are still being written, one day at a time.
My tattoo is more than just a piece of ink on my skin. It's a symbol of my journey, my struggles, and my triumphs. It's a reminder of the strength that lies within me and the hope that keeps me going. It represents those days I'm reminded that it's ok to not be ok. And it's a testament to the fact that no matter how tough things get, I will always keep fighting.
Your story also isn't over. Keep go;ng.
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