From a broken soul,
blooms a warrior.

During 21 weeks of bed rest, words became my lifeline. I mostly wrote tiny poetic pep talks and addressed them to my soul. I needed something to change my perspective and to help me heal.

One day, I started sharing what I wrote on my social feeds, and when I did, I noticed something —they help heal others, too.

I started writing reflections from my recovery bed.

The Daily Uplift was born.

On a chilly day in March 2020, we woke to the word "pandemic." Overnight, everyone around the world started healing from the same things that I was facing. Maybe not three unexpected spinal surgeries in one year, but what comes with it— immobility, isolation, a looming new normal, and a bit of the unknown.

Like so many of us, I wanted to show up for service during this time. Admittedly, I didn't know how. One day, I stopped looking and started listening—to everyone who wrote to me and shared their story after reading a bit of mine. I started an active practice—responding through DMs and submissions on my website—authoring a poetic thought to help elevate their mindset and share a perspective to lean into when they need it most. Because of their responses, I knew this practice needed to be made accessible on a broader scale.

Days later, The Daily Uplift was born.

What started as words to heal me quickly became words to help heal people around the world. Since its launch, The Daily Uplift has reached 47 countries, has been translated into several languages, and was used to uplift front-line workers and virtual classrooms worldwide—all made possible by the simple act of sharing our story. When we do we feel seen. We feel heard. And a little less alone in our struggle.

I hope you'll share with me, too.