Escaping Darkness, Choosing Light

“If you can’t see the good in the world, you have to be it,” is a direct quote from a 16 year old young lady, Shannon, who has become a mentee of me and my wife—a person who has been through hell and back; bullied, a survivor of suicide loss, multiple mental illnesses.

Only a few years ago, Shannon knew she was struggling with some life events and undiagnosed mental illnesses; took a risk by opening up to her parents, and started reaching out for help. The good in the world that she sought was only a speck of light that was nearly extinguished. 

At the present moment, Shannon still struggles at times (as we all do), but has won an award for her advocacy in suicide prevention, will be off to college soon, and will be co-presenting with me doing a talk on anti-bullying at a middle school in Beverly Hills, California (she’ll be flying in all the way from Kentucky).

I interviewed Shannon on the podcast and learned a lot, laughed some (how is a person in high school marching band terrible at walking? haha), and found the need to share this interview with you. 


I share this episode (embedded above, also downloadable, also available on iTunes) because choosing health over comfort, progress over pain, being the good instead of wishing for it—these aren't easy things to do. Shannon is a great interview and has some big thoughts and ideas. I hope you enjoy!