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The simple meaning of a semicolon is that the author could have ended the story but didn't. I recently asked a young woman about her tattoo, "cont;ue". She went on to explain what a semicolon tattoo meant. For her it meant her story hadn't ended. I have since realized there is a whole phenomenon out there about the semicolon. When you ask someone who has a tattoo what the story is behind it, they are more than happy to share. The semicolon tattoo speaks volumes without the person even uttering a word. It is a piece of soul exposed to the world. The semicolon is a symbol of a battle fought, a pause that wasn't a stop, and the ongoing narrative of mental health. 

Project Semicolon was started in 2013 by a young woman who was struggling with the effects of mental health issues. She chose the semicolon as a beacon to guide people through the journeys with depression, suicide and self-harm. It is a movement that is encouraging individuals to take their darkest moments and turn them into powerful continuations, the starting points for further personal growth. If you have a semicolon tattoo you are part of a living, breathing exhibit of solidarity. This silent language of tattoos speaks volumes, acknowledging the shared pain and the collective courage to carry on. 

I always thought my biggest struggle was when to use a semicolon and when not to. I was rather surprised to realize this whole world of semicolon tattoos was going on around me and I was unaware of it. What a beautiful meaning behind the semicolon. It is a universal signal to support others that are struggling with mental health issues without saying a word. A simple sign of hope, I love it. 


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