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@surly1

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Wentworth on Facebook: Today I found myself the subject of an Internet meme. Not for the first time.

This one, however, stands out from the rest.

In 2010, semi-retired from acting, I was keeping a low-profile for a number of reasons.

First and foremost, I was suicidal.

This is a subject I’ve since written about, spoken about, shared about.

But at the time I suffered in silence. As so many do. The extent of my struggle known to very, very few.

Ashamed and in pain, I considered myself damaged goods. And the voices in my head urged me down the path to self-destruction. Not for the first time.

I’ve struggled with depression since childhood. It’s a battle that’s cost me time, opportunities, relationships, and a thousand sleepless nights.

In 2010, at the lowest point in my adult life, I was looking everywhere for relief/comfort/distraction. And I turned to food. It could have been anything. Drugs. Alcohol. Sex. But eating became the one thing I could look forward to. Count on to get me through. There were stretches when the highlight of my week was a favorite meal and a new episode of TOP CHEF. Sometimes that was enough. Had to be.

And I put on weight. Big f–king deal.

One day, out for a hike in Los Angeles with a friend, we crossed paths with a film crew shooting a reality show. Unbeknownst to me, paparazzi were circling. They took my picture, and the photos were published alongside images of me from another time in my career. “Hunk To Chunk.” “Fit To Flab.” Etc.

My mother has one of those “friends” who’s always the first to bring you bad news. They clipped one of these articles from a popular national magazine and mailed it to her. She called me, concerned.

In 2010, fighting for my mental health, it was the last thing I needed.

Long story short, I survived.

So do those pictures.

I’m glad.

Now, when I see that image of me in my red t-shirt, a rare smile on my face, I am reminded of my struggle. My endurance and my perseverance in the face of all kinds of demons. Some within. Some without.

Like a dandelion up through the pavement, I persist.

Anyway. Still. Despite.

The first time I saw this meme pop up in my social media feed, I have to admit, it hurt to breathe. But as with everything in life, I get to assign meaning. And the meaning I assign to this/my image is Strength. Healing. Forgiveness.

Of myself and others.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Reach out. Text. Send an email. Pick up the phone. Someone cares. They’re waiting to hear from you. Much love. - W.M. #koalas #inneractivist #prisonbroken

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surly1

Wishing you a world of peace WM.

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reblogged

Clinton Claims Victory but Arizona's Voting Fiasco Dubbed "National Disgrace"

Shuttered polling places, endless lines, and widespread disenfranchisement—particularly for minority communities

Something was amiss in Arizona on Tuesday. As Hillary Clinton claimed victory in the state’s Democratic primary, thousands of voters were left out to dry, with shuttered polling places, endless lines, and widespread reports of disenfranchisement.

In Maricopa County, which includes the capital Phoenix, voters waited up to five hours to cast a ballot after the County Elections Office slashed the number of polling sites from 200 in 2012 to just 60 this year. As the state’s most populous county, this amounted to more than 20,000 voters for every available polling location.

As Sanders supporter Patti Serrano told the Phoenix New Times, “I think there’s voter suppression going on, and it is obviously targeting particular Democrats. Many working -class people don’t have the privilege to be able to stand in line for three hours.”

Ultimately, Clinton was credited with winning 57.8 percent of the vote to Sanders’ 39.8 percent. But more than have 36,000 people signed a White House petition calling on the Obama administration to investigate the voter fraud and suppression in Arizona.

Please support this petition. People don’t have to spend hours in line to vote. The results of Arizona Democratic primary are not accurate - lots of people had no possibility to vote. It’s inappropriate and it blocked Berine supporters from voting. The struggle is hard, but all Bernie’s victories were the product of our empathy and activism. Get in now! Sign the petition! Arizona, we need your votes! 

Please, spread it!

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surly1

Doesn't surprise me in the least. Per capita one of the highest rates of white supremacy in the nation. High population of xenophobia.

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reblogged

فلسطينية في ايطاليا ❤️

every one needs to see this and appreciate the raw beauty of it <3,

a palestinian in italy <3

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blue-moon5

She’s talented. And I love the way they speak.

YES, he’s telling her “Ryma don’t be shy, do it, I know you can” <3

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