Astonishing Light Necklace
By Jen P.
This week is National Suicide Prevention week. Why am I telling you this? For starters, I myself suffer from depression and have at times wanted to end my own life. Luckily, with great support and the right diet and medications, I am now in a good place and am able help others who suffer from the same. I counsel young girls who like me, have a chemical imbalance that keeps them from thinking clearly and I try to show them how to ride the ups and downs and encourage them to ‘just keep swimming’ (one of my favorite Dory quotes).
In addition to having depression and wanting to destigmatize it by openly talking about it, I want to use my art to give others strength. showtheLOVE has offered a few pieces (featured below) over the years that are meant to inspire people to keep living and to live their best life.
Recently, I was asked to create a piece to call attention to depression in honor of a young girl who died of suicide in our community. Her friends and family are participating in an event this weekend in San Francisco called Out of the Darknesswhere people walk all night into the sunrise and out of the darkness to show solidarity for those who suffer and to raise funds and awareness to fight suicide. So I created a piece called ‘Astonishing Light‘ after the beautiful Hafiz quote, “I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness the astonishing light of your own being”. The quote struck a chord with me and I hope it does with others who hear this message. A portion of the proceeds from this piece will benefit Out of the Darkness.
Meanwhile, if you or someone you know is mentally in a bad place there are so many new ways to get out of it and into the light. Feel free to reach out to me if you want to hear more as I know a thing or two about this subject and genuinely want to help as I know that pain.
Astonishing Light
Imprinted with the words ‘Astonishing Light’ from the Hafiz quote, “I wish I could show you when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being”, let this piece be your loving companion, a reminder to always have hope, to know that you are not alone, and that you are loved and worthy.
Stronger Than Fear
Stamped with the words ‘Stronger than Fear’, this piece is a reminder not to make decisions based on fear. Wear this piece and know that what is within you is stronger than what is in your way!
One Day At A Time
Recovery is hard. This piece is a great reminder to be gentle on your self and take it slowly, one day at a time. Sometimes getting well involves taking two steps forward and one step back and that is okay. Keep moving forward. With each new day brings new opportunity to heal and renew. A truly special piece that we hope brings much solace and the vision of total healing.