TWLOHA: Love is the Movement

FrockOn for a Cause – A Passion for Fashion that Helps Others

How it began…

I’ve been following frockOn since the beginning and I never in a million years would have thought that I, Jess Telmanik, had any business being a “fashion” writer as I would live in sweatpants and flip flops if given the choice. I’ve never been described as girly and rarely go out of my way to dress up my exterior. But I’ve always admired those with style and I am quite proud of my fellow frockOn ladies.

Now you may ask or wonder, what exactly am I doing here.

It all began a few months back when I re-came across a charity called To Write Love On Her Arms also known as TWLOHA. I had initially found TWLOHA years ago, back when a strong holding depression, daily anxiety attacks, various addictions and an unending desire (and too often the actual action) to cut myself was my every day existence. I felt alone, I felt hopeless. I wanted my world to end. My life had never been anything resembling a fairy tale, not that I believed I even deserved a fairy tale life.

After a (long) time the darkness led to light. Through therapy, my family and friends and a mental overhaul, I slowly found hope and with that hope I found strength. And the most important thing I learned was that I was not alone then. Nor am I alone now. (And just in case the thought crossed your mind, neither are you.)

Movement Black Tote Bag $12.00

Write Black Tote Bag $12.00

So as I perused TWLOHA’s website, I was reminded of my past. And I wanted to do something, to help others or at least bring some attention to those that are living their lives helping others. So I proposed (half jokingly) to start writing for frockOn and bring attention to the amazing organizations/charities/movements/groups that have fashion and clothing related products with the proceeds going to help others. Enter stage left… FrockOn for a Cause – A Passion for Fashion that Helps Others. I have TWLOHA to thank not only for letting us that live with Depression know we aren’t alone, but for also being my inspiration to reach out and join frockOn, and to finally step out of my safety zone.

Girls Title All-Blaque T-Shirt $17.00

Quiet Title White Deon $23.00

Filled Indigo Unisex Tank Top $18.00

TWLOHA was started by a group of friends that sold T-shirts to help a friend pay for rehab and therapy. Then they realized how prevalent Depression and its effects are and TWLOHA grew and grew. I feel their Mission Statement sums them up perfectly:

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.  TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

So the next time you’re looking for a new comfy tee that’s perfect for layering or a easy go to tote bag, check out TWLOHA’s store. And help inspire a movement of love.

“The vision is the possibility that your best days are ahead.

The vision is the possibility that we’re more loved than we’ll ever know.

The vision is hope, and hope is real.

You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story.”

In fact, it’s just the beginning.

For more TWLOHA merchandise (including men’s clothes!), information on getting involved or getting help and an incredibly moving background story by TWLOHA’s founder Jamie Tworkowski, check out www.twloha.com.

 Article | Jess Telmanik

frockOn © 2012

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Author: Jess Telmanik

Bio
Life isn’t always rainbows and unicorns, we all have scars and bad days. I’m just another human being just trying to pay my bills and find a little sunshine where I can. Thankfully this life has been kind enough to provide me with some amazing people, an artistic drive, bacon and sharpie markers. This helps immensely. So does writing for FrockOn (for a Cause!), we might not be able to “fix” the world, but we can still try!