If You Feel Too Much

Have you ever read a book that resonates with you long after you’ve read it? Have you ever read a book that has encouraged and inspired you so much that you feel led to buy it for others? For me, that book is: If You Feel Too Much, by Jamie Tworkowski.
 
Jamie is the founder of To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), which is a non-profit organization that is "dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide."
 
I first heard of To Write Love on Her Arms by going to concerts. I saw several musicians wear TWLOHA t-shirts. I remember Googling this strange phrase that I saw on a t-shirt, and I began to learn and read about this amazing organization. It all started with Jamie writing a story to help a friend, and now lives around the world are being changed. 
 
While looking at the TWLOHA website, I was quickly drawn to their blogs.  All of the writers courageously shared their personal stories with such honesty. Over the past several years, the blogs on TWLOHA have been so encouraging to me on my journey, so when I learned that a book was being published by the founder of TWLOHA, I was excited!
 
If You Feel Too Much is a 10-year collection of personal essays by Jamie Tworkowski. Each essay is short, but full of inspiration. In the midst of pain, struggles, and loss, Jamie speaks words of truth. He reminds us that our lives have purpose and that hope and healing can be found in community.  
 
“We were meant to be known, to be loved, to be in honest relationships where we can be carried and where we can help carry.”  Jamie Tworkowski, If You Feel Too Much  (p. 91)
 
He reminds us about the power of speaking up and sharing our stories…the power of responding to someone’s confession by saying, “Me too”….the power of not judging others, but showing them unconditional love and compassion.
 
As I finished the last page of this book, I was inspired. I began to look at people differently. I began to see each person as a story – a unique story that was written for a reason. Stop and get to know the stories around you. Share yours. It could end up changing someone’s life.