Style June 29, 2017
Semicolons aren't just for English teachers and grammar nazis anymore!
Photo via Instagram / @mzwarlordBy now, you’ve probably seen people on Instagram rocking their new grammar-based ink. Even stars like Selena Gomez are rocking the trendy semicolon body art. But for what?
What does the semicolon tattoo mean, exactly? ENTITY breaks it down for you.
Well, let ENTITY break it down for you.
No, the people asking their tattoo artists for a semicolon tattoo are not English teachers. And they are not students in love with grammar either.
The semicolon tattoo has a different meaning: Life can continue.
Project Semicolon on Instagram provided their mission statement in their bio.
Project Semicolon is a movement dedicated to presenting hope & love to those who struggle with mental illness, suicide, addiction & self-injury.”
They also offer a link to their website, which offers help for people experiencing suicidal thoughts, for survivors and for concerned friends and family.
One piece of advice that the company emphasizes is that these negative and painful feelings are often temporary. Suicide isn’t.
“Although it might seem as if your unhappiness will never end, it is important to realize that crises are usually time-limited, ” the Project Semicolon writes. “Solutions are found, feelings change, unexpected positive events occur. Suicide is sometimes referred to as ‘a permanent solution to a temporary problem.’ Don’t let suicide rob you of better times that will come your way when you allow more time to pass.”
Unlike a period, a semicolon does not stop a sentence; it allows it to keep going.
This metaphor carries over to life. The semicolon tattoo represents the reminder to continue living, even when life seems unbearable.
Project Semicolon founder Amy Bleuel created the site after she lost her father to suicide. And Bleuel herself suffered from depression since she was eight-years-old.
“Despite the wounds of a dark past, I was able to rise from the ashes, proving that the best is yet to come. When my life was filled with the pain of rejection, bullying, suicide, self-injury, addiction, abuse and even rape, I kept on fighting,” Bluel explained.
“I didn’t have a lot of people in my corner, but the ones I did have kept me going. In my 20 years of personally struggling with mental health, I experienced many stigmas associated with it. Through the pain came inspiration and a deeper love for others. God wants us to love one another despite the label we wear. I do pray my story inspires others. Please remember there is hope for a better tomorrow.”
Sadly, however, Bleuel took her own life just last March. However, her legacy lives on through the tattoo.
You may have seen that Selena Gomez’s decision to get a semicolon tattoo was influenced by her involvement with the Netflix “13 Reasons Why” cast. And if you’ve watched the show, then you know the little things matter. What seems like a small interaction can have a big impact on someone who is suicidal.
Sometimes, people need a reminder that their story does not end here. The semicolon tattoo is that reminder.
So what does the semicolon tattoo mean? It’s a sign that there is hope around the corner. Your life is worth living.
And if you are feeling suicidal, there is help available for you. Call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255.
