I should be dead today. Instead, I am gifted with a life beyond my wildest dreams and have yet taken that for granted. It is my responsibility to pass it on. The future is now.

As I continue to witness the rising amount of suicides, overdoses, and senseless mass shootings in our country, I felt compelled to share my journey to mental wellness. I'm astonished daily that most colleagues in business and beyond are unaware of the incredible amount of free help available to jump on this broken road to mental health. As a sober woman of 25 years, I attribute all of my personal and business success to a 12-step recovery program that I still attend today. I have also previously attempted suicide, and have successfully lived a depression-free life for 24 years. That comes will diligent work on myself, along with the understanding that passing it on is a responsibility, not a choice.

I do not have any clinical background, just straight up practical tips and personal experience. I have applied everything I know from the accountability sobriety offers and daily work required to stay mentally well in business. As a child, I've always wanted to be a therapist. I am happier as just another recovering alcoholic with practical life and business skills. I have never forgotten where I came from in life or in business. Both are required to maintain a level of humility with a lifetime of experience.