Meet Alicia and Evan from Las Vegas, Nevada

This adorable mother/son’s goal is to have as much adventure and see as many places as possible. Dad is at home holding down the fort, this trip, but we were told he’s a pretty amazing guy! Alicia was brave enough to tell us the story of how she got to where she is today. After the pandemic, Alicia found herself struggling with life and finding her purpose. She began to suffer with severe depression and felt like a burden to everyone around her. She was living a life of trying to please everyone around her and not doing to enough nurture her own soul. She came up with a plan that she thought would save her family. Before she was able to follow through with that plan, she was able to find the strength to ask for help. She had a friend who worked for a whale watching company in Alaska. She went to Alaska to visit and that trip changed the trajectory of her life. She was incredibly petrified of whales, but she was absolutely determined to face her fear by seeing whales, and she did. She went on a flight in a float plane over the majestic landscape and glaciers of Alaska and in that moment, something inside her sparked. It became a pivotal moment. When she returned home, she sat down with her husband and they had the hard conversations. They immediately began to navigate her mental health journey together. Alicia knew that she wanted to live her best life and be a great example for her son. She truly believes that her deep love for her son, saved her life. Today she is thriving. She has found purpose again. While she told Betsy her story they shared tears and a huge hug. Alicia hopes that by sharing her story, she can help change even one person’s life. Alicia wants people to know that everyone has a purpose; that you are deeply needed, that you are enough and loved- just as you are. You add color and light to this world that simply wouldn’t be here without your presence.Sometimes it is hard to find your light but it’s always there. She says that “it’s important to nurture your inner child. Take moments to look at the world as if you were a child all over again. Open your eyes, and look at the magic and wonder all around you.”

**In the spirit of fostering a supportive community, we want to remind everyone that mental health & wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Let’s continue to support each other. If you or someone you love is struggling, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. You can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting 988 (chat 988lifeline.org (https://988lifeline.org/)) for support in a mental health, substance use, or emotional crisis. Alternatively, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is available at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), providing 24/7 treatment referral and information service. Help is always available.** Thank you, beautiful Alicia We are so happy that you are here with us to visit and to tell your story “One day you will tell your story of how you overcame what you went through and it will become someone else’s survival guide.” -Brené Brown)