Stay.

Yesterday was World Suicide Prevention Day 2017. 

I spent the day in my favorite city (NYC), with four of my favorite people in the entire world. We laughed, we drank, and enjoyed each other's company. I smiled the entire time. I felt safe and happy and worthy. 

I didn't feel that way 6 years ago. To be honest, I didn't even feel that way 2 years ago. 

For those of you that know me well, you know for me that mental health has been a lifelong mountain. In adolescence, high school, and even into adulthood I have struggled with depression, anxiety, and at my lowest, self-harm. Crippling body image issues have owned a part of me. Insecurity of my sexuality haunts my past. General fear and striving to be a perfect human have been a constant theme for the last 26 years. 

However, I stayed. 

About a year ago, I discovered To Write Love On Her Arms. To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide (more information below).

This September is the #IWasMadeFor campaign. It has inspired me to take a look at the reasons why I stayed, and why I stay every single day. 

I was made for love. I was made for being a son to Joe and Lenore. I was made for being a brother to Stephanie. I was made for being a friend to many. I was made for shooting three-pointers. I was made to tell a story. I was made for overcoming an internal battle. I was made for Broadway shows. I was made for helping others accept themselves. I was made for quoting songs and movies. I was made for analyzing my purpose. I was made for being a future husband, uncle, and father. I was made for having a wild imagination. I was made to be a fighter. I was made for running and hiking. I was made for inspiring others to make it through. I was made to write. I was made for dancing and long hugs. I was made for finding my WHY. 

What were you made for? 

Stay. 

https://twloha.com/