“You will be scared. Do it anyway.
You will be vulnerable. Do it anyway.
You will lack confidence. Do you anyway.
People will think you are weird. Do it anyway.
Fear will rattle your nerves and uncertainty will try to stop you.
Do it anyway…”

This is a culmination of so many past Recovery Talks. These words entirely encompass what they are and also what Hope Inc. Stories is founded on. The idea that we are humans living life. That life hurts, it’s scary, it’s full of judgement and pain, but if we take one tiny step into that courageous void… Hope wraps us up. It’s the concept that nothing in this world is done alone, no matter how vulnerable and naked we feel. Someone, somewhere has been through their own trial, and together we can face anything. Sometimes it feels like everything in this world is intended to stop us. To prevent happiness, to slow our laugher, or to be a barrier to the beauty of success. But it isn’t. This world is meant to push us to our breaking points so we step out in strength, courage, and hope – driven together as an unstoppable community.

Be scared. Be vulnerable. Lack confidence and stay weird! Whatever you are experiencing, embrace it. But don’t let it stop you. Do it anyway!

Sarah Deats

Sarah Deats is the Hope Inc. Stories Inspiration Engineer. Her goals are to make a connection with everyone that she can while building community, spreading hope, and sparking change. She believes that while life may not be easy, it is never lived alone.