On August 3, 2014 – after over a decade of cutting (self-harm) – I made one very final cut… God, the EMTs, the ER docs, and a few others said, “Not yet.” August 4, 2014 was the start of what became the life I have now. A life free from self-injury.

I’m one decade clean from self-harm as of yesterday (August 4, 2024)!

To celebrate, I drew self-portraits of myself at each age from nine until now.

If you need help with suicidal thoughts or self-harming behaviors, call or text 988 or visit https://988lifeline.org (not sponsored – they’ve helped me in the past).

If you’re in immediate danger – to yourself or others – call 911.