LIFE BEYOND YOUR SHADOWS: ILLUMINATING THE PATH TO SELF-WORTH IN A SUICIDE EPIDEMIC
Combining research, actionable strategies, and her story of survival, Josie’s life-changing message is centered on self-worth and suicide prevention through three key initiatives:
​
​
Change your perspective.
Understand your purpose.
Claim your power.
The national mental health crisis carries dangerous consequences that continue to plague our schools and communities. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for teens and young adults, with 1 in 4 high school students experiencing mental illness and thoughts of suicide . This keynote challenges the harmful behaviors and beliefs of self-doubt that have become normalized in youth culture, while highlighting the power each person has to transform their mind into a brighter place.
.png)
A GLIMPSE INTO HER STORY
“Mom, have you ever wanted to die?”
“Sure, there’s been some days in my life where I have wanted to die.”
“I want to die every day.”
“Why is that?”
“I don’t know. I guess I just feel like I have no purpose, like I am just going to end up in jail or something.”
This conversation occurred between Josie and her mom in the car on the way to dance class. She was in the fourth grade. Josie didn’t have the vocabulary to describe or understand exactly what she was feeling, but she knows now that at ten years old, she was experiencing some form of depression for the first time. This depression and sadness would follow her for years to come; through middle school, high school, and college. Along the way, she struggled with panic attacks, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and eating disorders, and continued to form harmful beliefs about herself, a voice that sounded like: “I am unworthy,” “I am a burden,” and “I deserve punishment.” Drowning in pain and believing that suicide was her only path to peace, Josie made plans to end her life. But in the face of death, she discovered the power of her beliefs and began the journey to transform her life into one filled with love, joy, and purpose. Now free from the burdens of mental illness, it is Josie’s mission to help students overcome their shadows and unlock long-lasting happiness and self-worth.

Attendees will Learn:
-
The Importance of Self-Talk
-
Affirmations & Belief Systems
-
What Confidence Looks & Feels Like
-
Strategies to Release Perfectionism
-
Understanding vs. Finding Your Purpose
-
Tools to Overcome Darkness & Hopelessness
-
Steps to Discover Self-Worth and Long-Term Happiness
This presentation contains age-appropriate discussions about depression, anxiety, self-criticism, and suicidal ideation.