The Torn Edges of Life Are Beautiful
Mixing the bits and pieces of art and life
![]() It's been two years since Amanda Todd took her life and changed the lives of so many around the world. Carol, Amanda's mom has worked tirelessly to raise awareness for mental health by telling Amanda's story. She has travelled from coast to coast throughout Canada and in the United States for various speaking engagements, television shows and radio. I am sure, in light of the tremendous loss she must still feel she has saved many lives. It's amazing how one young girl created such massive change and growth. What power she left in the hands of her mom and the courage it has taken for her to carry it all out. There has been lots of changes in the last two years. People are speaking out more about mental health; trying to erase the stigma that surrounds it. This is a good thing. People shouldn't have to suffer alone and people shouldn't feel they need to hide it. It's hard enough in this life when you are healthy mentally; add a dose of depression in there or anxiety and life can be debilitating. There has been more awareness on how we treat each other as human beings. You see the line "everyone has a story" posted often. Everyone does have a story. Some are far more difficult to read than others. Some people are forthcoming with their stories and others find such shame and sadness with their stories it makes it hard to express so it remains bottled. Nowadays, keeping an open line of communication with kids is essential but what is more essential is actually listening to what they are saying. Listening without judgment and actually hearing their words. It's true when they say everyone wants to be heard. What is never said is that some people actually find it too hard to talk about the things that are hurting their souls. It doesn't mean they aren't screaming on the inside that they want to share; they are just to afraid or ashamed or just can't. For me, through the process of creating art I find the words. They may not be seen on the finished piece and they may never be 'heard' by another person but they are there. Under each layer is a thought, a story a moment. We need to recognize that not only do people all people have a story but they tell it in different ways; we just need to pay attention and see the clues for how they are trying to show us. Below is a post I wrote last year, a few days before the first anniversary of Amanda's death. It shares a bit of the back story on the creation of the piece, Snowflakes for a Cause. FULL proceeds of this print will go to the Amanda Todd Legacy Society. Snowflakes and a Cause….
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