Celebrating Resilience: The Journey of AnaLori Smith

I’m excited to share a glimpse into the inspiring journey of my friend, AnaLori Smith, whom I met through the amazing free weekly sober coaching calls with SHE WALKS CANADA. Since January, I’ve come to know AnaLori as the beautiful, funny, intelligent, tiny queen she truly is. I really had no idea what her sober story entailed and I knew nothing of her early life.During our sober calls, we often touch on personal stories, but it wasn’t until recently that I learned just how remarkable AnaLori’s journey has been. From the start, she’s captivated us with her vibrant spirit (her growth in sobriety is incredible), but the depths of her experiences are nothing short of astonishing.AnaLori’s life began with tragedy. Sadly, her mother passed away during childbirth in a war-torn country leaving AnaLori, who also has Cerebral Palsy, orphaned and alone. After a few months in an orphanage, she was adopted by an American family who lovingly brought her into their large family (9 children in total! AL is the youngest) but like many of us, as she grew into her teenage years, AnaLori discovered that alcohol could help with social anxiety and all of the other challenges teens experience. And once alcohol got into her system, well, she was off to the races.Intrigued? You should be! I am not going to give it all away here -- you are just going to have to take a listen! I will give you a hint! AnaLori used to be confined to a wheelchair but a few months ago she donated it to someone in need❤️ since she can now walk with just her walker and of course, ride around town on her little yellow bike!Her journey reminds us that transformation is possible, even when the odds seem stacked against us. AnaLori is not just a survivor; she’s a beacon of hope for all of us navigating our paths. I’m grateful to have her in my life and to witness the incredible strides she’s made.Let’s celebrate AnaLori by sharing this incredible podcast episode with everyone you know, and following her on Instagram @analorismith.Thank you, AnaLori, for SHARING OUT LOUD with me. It was truly an honor to have you on the pod.xoxo,Heather