Burning Bridges

OK you guys - you asked and at last I can deliver - Here are some printable files for my Song of Achilles cover. You can download the full size ones here: https://joshchmartin.wixsite.com/mysite/book-covers - just scroll down to the Song of Achilles cover and click on it! 

I figure most of you will be printing out at home so I added some tabs so you can print out each part separately on A4 and stick them together yourselves.

If you want to support me you can buy my books here: https://uk.bookshop.org/contributors/josh-martin

or here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Josh-Martin/e/B0799QRYX4/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1

or if you’re in the UK, ask your local indie for them!

Self harm is not exclusive to physically attacking yourself. Doing emotional damage to yourself, especially when exposed at a young age, CAN kill you and DOES kill people.

first, identify why self harm helps. is it the expression? the energy? the violence? the tactile effect? figure it out, and act accordingly in a safer manner.

second, separate yourself from your trigger. then know that you are not your urge to self harm. call it your blurry face, call it an urge. create distance between your identity as a person and the thoughts that occur to your person.

stewing and expressing // talk to a friend. write about it. make art. yell to no one. listen to music. make a playlist. CRY. draw on your skin. workout till you burn and sweat. 

expelling energy // do crunches. do yoga. go to the gym. go for a walk. or run. take up lifting. or kickboxing. throw ice. dance. shake out your hands. jumping jacks. clean something difficult to clean. 

tactiles // use a mala bracelet or necklace. hold ice. peel an orange (aroma benefit). peel a frozen orange. feel a sweater. pet a dog. put on a tactile temporary tattoo. draw simple or complex patterns. make a friendship bracelet. embroider. 

distraction // get out into public. organize/clean- it’s productive too. watch something. watch with someone on rabbit. talk to someone. read. move around. play with a pet. make a playlist. slowly focus on 5 examples within your sight for all 5 senses. create something.

destruction // peel an orange. throw ice in a bathtub. rip paper. go boxing. scribble. bounce a ball.

find peace // mindfully make a cup of tea. take photos. smell lavender, mint, or citrus. use a light box. cuddle. take a shower. stretch. do a body scan!! pay attention to your body movements during breathing. feel your heartbeat at every pulse point.

take your anxiety medication. use aromatherapy. take an herbal relaxer chewy or pill (like gaba, a supplement)

some don’t’s //  1) tweeting rarely ever get the response you’ll want. if you have a close friend, instead just reach out to Someone specifically. 2) cut caffeine and any food allergy like gluten that may impact mood. 3) substances include withdrawal. avoid them.

two notes // 1) i hesitate to mention snapping a rubber band on your wrist as it can result in bruising which can lead to more self harm 2) self harm doesn’t have to be physical. substance abuse, sex, food may be included. i’m specifically addressing physical, but use if it helps.

stay strong. stay safe. give yourself grace.

my brain: self-harm!!!