Sunday, September 8, 2013

AUTHORS CARE Blog Hop for Suicide Prevention Week

The Authors Care blog hop is part of a nationwide campaign and runs Sunday, Sept. 8 through Saturday, Sept. 14. Thanks to Louisa Bacio for putting it together! You can enter the giveaway for the grand prize below, plus individual giveaway on the authors' blogs. Here on Word Affair, you can win an e-copy of Winter Storm, book #2 in my romance series, and 2 times signed cover art (postcard, signed on the back, personalized if you like) of #1 Autumn Leaves. Thank you!

(Graphic by Lex Valentine)

Let’s begin.

When you’re a writer, you’re supposed to find words, always, even when it’s about a subject that can easily leave you speechless. By the time we start the conversation, it’s often because an irreversible incision has already happened, and we’re confronted with it, in our personal or professional lives. Maybe, we come to a point ourselves where it’s hard to stick to the belief that it, indeed, gets better. It’s important to have this conversation, right at that moment, because the words will come, and we can each do a small part in breaking a taboo--talking about the stigma of depression, talking about what it feels like when you desperately need a break above anything else.

It all starts with a revolutionary idea: You’re worthy, to treat yourself well, to be loved, to create your own life. In a world that is often overwhelming with information and judgment, it’s not always easy to keep that in mind, let alone act on it. It requires making a bit of space for yourself to find out what this encompasses for you, and what your goals are. The world that is always in your face with information, can work for you as well. The internet can help you find others that share your vision and passions even if the neighbors next door or your peers in school don’t.

Engage your senses. Bullying hurts, but there’s much more to feel in life than pain. You have a say in that. Find out what works for you. Sometimes, when the four walls you’re in seem to close in on you, taking a walk can make a difference. Did you know that citrus scents can relieve anxiety? What colors are good for you, what scents, what kind of music? Experiment. Be creative.

It’s important to reach out, to a friend, a teacher, a professional if necessary. There’s also a lot you can do for yourself, not just for a quick fix, but maybe a long-term strategy of healing.

This can cause ripples and touch someone close to you, open up a window, a conversation. Words have power, no matter whether you use them to voice your fears or hopes and dreams. It will get better, a little bit every day--and the best? Wherever you are at this moment, you can start right now. Decide to do something for yourself today--and tomorrow. Give it a try. You are not alone. a Rafflecopter giveaway

7 comments:

  1. Thank you for participating. If everyone helps get the word out, perhaps we can lower the numbers of suicides. I have seen the backlash from an aunt whose father hung himself, an uncle whose brother hung himself, my daughter's friend whose mother shot herself. The pain, grief and guilt never go away.
    cc_clubbs at yahoo dot com

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    1. I've been confronted with the subject as well, on the job and in extended famiy. I agree that keeping up the conversation is very important. Thank you for commenting!

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  2. Thank you for the prevention of suicide.Hope others can be saved.

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    1. Let's hope that the conversation will help, and thank you for joining!

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    2. Hi Cornelia, you were drawn as a winner for the signed postcard (see above). Please email me your address at BarbaraWinkes (at) hotmail (dot) com, so I can mail your prize! :)

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  3. Thanks for participating in such a worthwhile hop.

    pjmillion (at) comcast (dot) net

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