After my keynote last week, I held a book signing and one particular conversation has stayed with me.
A woman came up to the table, tears already in her eyes, and said, “My daughter attempted suicide last night.” Her voice broke as the tears fell. “She’s in the ICU, but I just knew I had to be here this morning to hear your message.”
I simply listened, unsure how to even respond.
She took a deep breath and continued. “I just needed to know that hope is real. And, you gave me that today. Thank you.”
That one hit me. Deep.
I have been reflecting on that word ‘hope’. That four letter word has always been my anchor. The powerful thing about hope is that it reaches places logic never can. Somehow, through all the noise of self-doubt and pain, it gives people the strength to take one more step.
What I’m learning years into this speaking thing is that I am not just delivering words from a stage. I am offering connection, understanding, and a glimpse of a way out of darkness.
And that feels pretty damn good.
Keep talking my friends.
Sometimes, that one message is enough to help someone hold on and keep going.
