How I Changed My Own Life || A Decade In Review

[@HeartBreathings]

Hey, Everyone! I really did try to make this one shorter, but this is just how I am, haha. Long videos for life!

[@joleehill5597]

I'm so sorry these things happened to you but look at the strong brave woman you have become. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me! Sending you love and more success than you can dream of in the 2020's.

[@bobbischmelzer1125]

I just love your channel. I love your planner videos and that's how I found you last year. For this whole year you have been a solid inspiration in my head to reach my goals and get my dreams. I am so happy to say that I am following my dreams and opened my own business. I am hoping pver the next year this business can replace my job. I love it so much and I can feel it when you say to listen to your heart. Thank you for always being so amazing.

[@joellalukehart3978]

Thank you for having the courage to go and help prosecute that guy. Thank you for having the courage to make this video. And Evie is so cute, just adorable. Keep on keepin' on, girlie.

[@KristenSWalker]

This decade has been a whirlwind for me with two divorces, now engaged to a wonderful man who supports my dreams. Went back to college and got my teaching degree, loved teaching for a few years but then I quit to pursue my real dream of writing. Now I have self-published 10 novels and still going strong! I'm a stepmom to two great kids and just moved into my dream home. I don't know what the next decade will bring but I know I want to keep writing, love my family, enjoy our home, and get married (again!).

[@Marion1457L]

I'm glad that you decided to do this. I admire your courage and it motivated me to email you today (December 20, 2021.) I hope you will not be put off by my having shared a tragedy in my life with you, in confidence. I took a risk in emailing you, but my intuition told me that you would respect my request for confidentiality. Thank you for all that you do.

[@shanawalters3943]

Your husband George sounds just like my grandfather. No matter how much I doubt myself, my grandfather is always the one who encourages me to move forward.

[@nikhiMD]

I confess I'm really bad at commenting on videos even though I'm such a voracious consumer of all your content, but I'm halfway through this video and I just wanted to say that it is so courageous of you to talk about some really tough things that you were put through. You're a class act and I love your videos and your passion despite all the hard times

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you so much for commenting. It means a lot!

[@Iama31woman]

@@HeartBreathings As another someone terrible at commenting and voracious consumer, I am coming out of my lurking shadow to say thank you. You are, indeed, a true inspiration. You have always inspired me. Hearing your story just makes you more inspiring. Thank you for having the courage to be, share, and teach others to be authentic and true to themselves.

[@aydeflor18]

That’s what I thought!!!

[@dubiouslycrisp]

It sounds like we could all use a George in our life, to cheerlead us to "Follow your heart. Follow your heart." 14:03

[@HeartBreathings]

♥️

[@thespeculativedrewcrew8485]

I was recently raped myself in August 2019 in my own home, by a housemate. It wasn't the first time I'd been raped in my life, but it did happen after attempting to rebuild myself up again & I know that I have spent most of my life at some point feeling like I keep getting parts of me cut off every time I get remotely close to that freedom. I went to the UK to visit my long distant partner and did a lot of soul searching there to come back exhausted, yet with dreams still burning inside of me. The police won't do anything to protect me here, and I have had to move back home, and watching your videos has always been a balm and a reassuring focus on my darker days. This one especially I feel pivoted something internally. Reminding me that even though I have been through three years of recovery and more assault, I really have still grown as a creative and as a woman. The kanban board system helped me get out of depression. It got me out of bed and it helped me reframe healing and working on my dreams in small increments so that I could make small changes and not give up on them. I can't thank you enough for sharing your experience and your journey. Tears flooded as I looked at my planners and kanban board & I know the power of rebuilding. It is one of the many strengths no one can take away. Resilience.

[@HeartBreathings]

I am devastated to hear this. Seriously, my heart is breaking. It's hard enough to go through once. I can't imagine enduring it multiple times. I'm so sorry. But you are right. You are strong and resilient. This is your story to write. It's not an easy journey ahead, but you are going to be okay. Sending you love.

[@part-timeprofessionalfull-8083]

I don’t even have the words for what you’ve experienced. Too many of us have our own stories of trauma. So much warmth and brightness your way and so much respect and admiration for your openness and courage in sharing.

[@journaling_for_stillness9047]

Sarra, lovely Sarra, I watched every minute and I wept when you did and I'm sitting here still crying. I'm so inspired by you. Thank you for giving us this gift of your story.

[@HeartBreathings]

You are so sweet to care. Thank you so much.

[@taryn3961]

You're such an inspiration. I'm grateful you let us see your pain while telling your story (instead of editing it out). I knew you were strong but dang girl, you are STRONG!. I'm way older than you but you still teach me something about my self in every single video. I'm grateful for you and your videos and I'm glad you let us get to know you a bit more. I'm off to journal about my own fears and whats holding me back from being a writer. Thank you for all that you do and give us each year.

[@loiscassels8966]

It broke my heart when you didn’t take the opportunity to go to grad school. I now understand the name of your channel. ❤️

[@selmaarnaut-madrigal667]

wow that hit me hard for some reason. it makes sense now.

[@suecathcart4687]

I met my "George" in 1999 and saw in 2000 with him ... still with him today - he is my rock, my best friend and my soul mate. I am so glad you decided to take that leap of faith it's so good being "home" (as in where you were meant to be)

[@HeartBreathings]

So happy you found your person too and followed your heart.

[@Yesharu1957]

Thank you, Sarra. I am 62 years old and I've been watching your channel for about a year now. I know you have no way of knowing, but you are my hero. I finally downloaded some of your books. I am in the middle of the first one and I love it. Most of all, I want you to know that you have singlehandedly reignited my love of reading and writing and journaling. I am a gamer and tarot reader as well. I see so much of who I wanted to be in you. I'm so glad you made it!!! This video is such a timely one since I have decided to get back into writing. Thank you and please do not ever stop making these videos. I'm sure you are an inspiration to so many more. Sending you love and blessings.

[@contrapasso]

Can we just have a round of applause for Sarra and George? What a power couple. I’m just in awe of you, Sarra. It’s really inspiring to know that things in my own life can turn around. Thank you so much for telling your story!

[@AnggiSahamCantik]

You are so brave to tell your story in the internet. I learn so much from this video. Thank you ❤ I'm in the beginning of changing my life trajectory by listening to my heart. It feels right already. I know good things come my way 💓

[@angelajefferson5874]

You are Brave and Uncompromising! Your story was up lifting and honest. Thank, thank you for sharing your story. Keep doing what you are doing. You broke free and you are a inspiration.

[@inesjohnsonwrites]

I'm so thankful you were put on my path. You have truly lit up my life and I look forward to hearing from you, learning from you, and being inspired by you. Can't wait until I get another hug!

[@HeartBreathings]

So grateful for you, too. We will have to find a way to get together coming up.

[@deniseleblanc8129]

I relate to you on so many levels, it's almost frightening. #1 - Aquarians for life! I think you said you had a birthday soon in a recent video. #2 - Witchy. #3 - Same generation, but I think you are 7 -8 years younger, maybe? #4 - Now the serious. I also had my soul killed by a rapist at a time when I was forming thoughts of what I was going to do. #5 - Also stayed in soul sucking jobs for years because others told me how lucky I was. #6 - Wrote my first book, but still had self-doubts. Now working on my second years later. (Okay, that last is a little different.) Why did I bother saying all of this? Because I know how hard some of this video was for you. I cried along with you at times. But you helped me realize some important truths that I never took the time to look at. I can NEVER THANK YOU ENOUGH for speaking of these things.

[@Khanslady]

Raw! Real! Heavy! Testimonies after testimony. Your sharing of your testimony will be part of healing for you and many to come! You’re awesome! Bless you friend!!! Overcomer!!!!! With all the heartache ALL the blessings out way it by a landslide 🙌🏽🙏🏽

[@celinevaillant5275]

I literally cried during the part about him offering you your dreams and telling you not only was it possible, but he would wholly support you in it. So beautiful I am actually balling 😢😭😭😭😭❤❤

[@SonjasMaschensalat]

I am not a very emotional person but I had tears in my eyes listening to your story. I am SO SO happy that you are living a great life now and that you are here to share your experiences and knowledge with us! You are really helping me a lot on my way to becoming awriter too.

[@BonnieDragonKat]

As a rape survivor I felt that. Hard. It took 30 years and another person suffering at the hands of my attacker for justice to come. I was also adopted and my parents were borderline abusive. I found my birth mom and my adopted parents told people I was dead. I also had abusive, nassisitic friends and exes. I am now living with a friend who made it clear that if want to do something I can or if I don't my choice.

[@karri-z2f]

I can’t thumbs up this video enough!!!! Perfect timing for me! I literally told myself today to take a chance on myself and listen to my gut. Meaning I need to publish this year-period. Done looking for validation outside of myself. Done not following my ❤️. Thank you Sarra for the transparency and motivation.

[@HeartBreathings]

Yes! This is your year!!

[@debrahorst8154]

Brave Sarra, thank you for sharing your inspiring story with us. You and George should make KZbin videos on what it really means to support your spouse. I'm glad you finally followed your heart while fear was still screaming its defeatist message. You have helped me as well as numerous others to follow their hearts. Blessings to you and your sweet family.

[@HeartBreathings]

Thank you Debra. ♥️ I showed him this comment and he said "do I have to talk?" Haha. He's so the opposite of me and very introverted, but that's part of what makes us work. I think it's a great Topic!

[@debrahorst8154]

@@HeartBreathings Love it! George could be silent and hold up cue cards. Ha! All kidding aside, it would make for a great video. Maybe he could do just one with you. Just saying. Not that you don't have enough on your plate. :) .

[@shellystar]

I love that idea! I'd definitely watch it with my husband - telling him "why can't you be more like George?" Ha, ha, ha. No really, maybe just one video at least 😉

[@Neil-writer-author]

I was also raped in my life. I'm a recovering addict. Eleven years clean.

[@lidiag6695]

You are a very brave woman and I wish I had that courage because I really need to change my life. I feel like I'm disappearing. It's scary

[@HeartBreathings]

That feeling you have right now is your own soul telling you it's time to do something else. You can do this. Even tiny changes over time can start to make a difference. I believe in you. Let this be the moment you listen to your heart. ♥️

[@lidiag6695]

@@HeartBreathings Muchas gracias!!! I'm thinking about it but I still don't know what to do. I'm trying for the first time in my life to make the right choice for me, not for anyone else. I hope I find it out soon. By the way, I love your channel, your stile, and how sweet and nice you are. Can't wait to watch more of your videos ;)

[@hersabbatical580]

Lidia G, that is the perfect way to describe it "I feel like I'm disappearing". I've been feeling like this the last few months, and yesterday I realised that if I just took a baby step, things would start to be different. I didn't know how or what to do, so I went for a little drive, even though fear was telling me to just stay home. It was lovely! Then I found Sarra's video this morning and she talked about baby steps again. I'm now committing to the tiniest of daily baby steps and I want to encourage you to just take one tiny little step today. Then another tomorrow. We can do this, you and I.

[@lidiag6695]

@@hersabbatical580 Gracias!!! Not everybody understand what it feels and how paralyzing it is. Of course we can do it! The goal is to get it not how fast. Baby steps are the best way and every little one counts. Thanks again for your words. You're a very nice person. Something very hard to find these days. You have all my support and good thoughts. If I can help you with something, let me know. Write me any time. I'll be here for you ;)

[@hersabbatical580]

@@lidiag6695 Thank you so much! The same applies to you - I'm here to listen, vent and support anytime at all

[@mr369walters7]

I wouldn't have thought you had a traumatic experience based on how you present yourself - sunny, warm, super efficient and very well accomplished and successful. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It can inspire others who had similar experience.

[@perstephanies]

You are so brilliant and inspiring. Thank you for everything you share. I wrote a novel several years ago. My fear got me and I set it aside. I'm dragging it out and am going to finish it this year. 💜

[@HeartBreathings]

This makes me ridiculously happy. Go for it!

[@perstephanies]

My husband might contact you regarding the number of notebooks needed for this... You should confirm a minimum seven!!

[@nildam.bonilla5849]

Cried along with you when I heard of your suffering. And my heart melted when you talked about George your personal Cheerleader ♡♡♡

[@Katesbookdate]

I have so, so much respect for you and this video, Sarra. Love all of your content. Hope 2020 is a great year for you!

[@HelenRedfern]

Sarra - you have always been an inspiration to me ever since KZbin placed you in my feed early last year - but your powerful (and emotional - I cried with you) story is just a whole new level of inspiration. Thank you for sharing and being honest and brave. Thank you for inspiring me and showing me that there is a way to make a living through writing and creativity - and KZbin. And thank you for reminding me not to listen to fear but to my heart. x

[@NdiNaija]

You are so brave! Thank you so much for this video. I love your videos and you are so encouraging and uplifting. Thank you. I cried, and what you said resonated very much with me. Thank you so much for sharing. I've gone through some similar things to you and I have blamed myself and eaten my feelings, and just accepted the status quo. I've been slowly taking steps to achieve what I want. But by God, I will so win this decade! I will WIN!!!!!

[@HeartBreathings]

You will!! It's so hard not to blame ourselves. It's like our brain is trying to make sense of it and sometimes the only answer that makes sense is "I did something bad". But it's a lie. You are beautiful and you deserve joy. I'm cheering you on

[@thejournalconnection4755]

Thank you. Any time I get caught up in depression, anxiety and fear, I will watch this video to remind me to never give up! Your story is inspirational and is a reminder that we can do anything we want regardless of the pain and trauma we experience if we don't give up. And if we set goals and put in the effort to achieve them, we can climb mountains.

[@lynceeshillard]

You've accomplished amazing things and have overcome so much. I have, sadly, shared many of the same life hiccups. There is only one thing I'd like to "add" to your message. IT'S NEVER TO LATE TO FOLLOW YOUR HEART'S PATH. I'm older and because of pass abusive I didn't follow my heart not always because of fear of being hurt but I threw myself into my children 300% as someone who had been raised by self absorbed people I didn't want my kids to feel that. So I let them consume them. They are now grown and living amazing lives. I struggle with "I'm too old to start this journey". Soooo I just wanted to say it's never to late to follow your dream path.

[@shellystar]

I'm much older than Sarra too, but I also feel it's never too late. Why spend the rest of our days not living our truth, our dream? Go for it girlfriend! I'm with you all the way 😁

[@mrsjkamp]

I have chills. Thank you so very much for sharing your story with us and encouraging us to listen to that voice in our hearts.

[@LisaZoe86]

Oh sweetheart, that made me cry. A close and beloved friend of mine recently told me about her rape when she was a child and it's just such a wrong thing to happen. I really want to hug you now. You are so strong and creative and full of love!

[@MeeshIsGaming]

My heart goes out to you hun. I'm a survivor of child sexual abuse and rape (continuously over an 8 yr span). I completely understand that feeling of a piece of yourself dying - thankfully I met my husband at the time that everything came out and he supported me while I was able to help my sister (who was going through the same thing) press charges and have him (my mom's boyfriend) locked up. Like your case - he only got 8 yrs for multiple cases of rape. I'm soo happy you found George and you got out of that difficult life. Your courage is EXACTLY why I started writing. My debut novel is a piece of my story. I'm releasing a follow up book to my TRUE story this June. I think it's really important for teens to see life can get better regardless what has happened to them. Thank you sooo much for sharing this video and your story. It helps knowing Us Survivors are not alone.

[@soniarodriguez2072]

Thank you for sharing your story. It's courageous and brave. I lived my life in shame and guilt for too long. Letting go of that, setting boundaries and finding my own "George" has made my life the one I've always wanted. I'm so proud of you. Your family is beautiful. Keep going strong Sarra.

[@pameehanson1764]

Telling your story helps other women come out of the shadows and start the healing process. I personally did not heal from this issue until I came out and shared my story, it changed who I was and finding myself was a long journey. Thanks for sharing and I started this decade by keeping a 10 year journal and I just retired and now will take your advice and listen to what I would love to do😊

[@shellsbrood]

I want to reach out and give you a big hug, and I'm not a hugger! Our histories have many similarities. I'm only now (at 43) learning not to allow fear to rule me. At times, I feel even more grief for allowing fear (and the past) to rule me for so long, but I can't change yesterday. I can only do what I can with what I have today. Onward and upward! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@HeartBreathings]

Any time is the best time to start. I'll be 43 next Thursday!! Let's focus on right now and where we are going. Definitely upward!! Let's do it together.

[@natashasanders8785]

I’m 41 and I feel the same way. I’ve been wondering what could I have accomplished in the past 15-20 years if I hadn’t allowed my fears and others peoples’ fears to rule me. Yeah...not anymore. Onward and upward for sure!!

[@melodine707]

And now we understand what Heart Breathings TRULY means. Im so sorry you went through all that, but it got you where you are today and so we can all be happy about that. Even though you didnt become the professional singer that you wanted to be, you are sure using your voice now and reaching out to thousands of people whom you are helping reach their dreams. I KNEW you were Wonder Woman. Many blessing to you Sarra Cannon!

[@Kat-km9tm]

Thank you for sharing your life story. How difficult this must have been! Now I know why I was drawn to you and your channel. I'm not even a writer or much of a planner, I'm just drawn to your beautiful soul. God bless you for enduring so much and coming out with beauty and grace!

[@HeartBreathings]

This is so sweet to say. Thank you.

[@authork.shafer1444]

This was heart-wrenching and beautiful and triumphant and I'm not even 20 minutes in. I am so in awe of you as a person and I can't wait to finish this.

[@theimmersedreader]

9 months later and this video does /not/ have enough likes. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@sofiastark5446]

Thank you for sharing your life with us - the good parts and the hard parts. You are an inspiration. It’s so important for others who have been through a traumatic experience to hear your story - it’s a story of hope and love and survival, and they need to know it IS possible to come through and go after their dreams. I love listening to you but it is special to know more about someone you admire. Keep going. Congrats on your gorgeous baby, such a blessing. Thank you 💋

[@k.n.schweizer6539]

You are a phenomenal storyteller. Thank you for sharing your journey, career, and joy with us. I have absolutely loved your channel since you started and am delighted to see how it has grown. Keep it up, mama!

[@ilkaschulze644]

Sarra, it's absolutely okay to watch your long videos. You don't have do apologize for them. I have never been raped, I don't know through what you have been going - I feel so sorry for you! Thank you so much for talking about your past and about your struggles of getting to live the life of your dreams. In my past, my mother (who was a very creative person) died early on breast cancer and my father forbid me to get singinglessons, writinglessons, drawinglessons - everything I was passionate about, and my mom was really good at. I know what it is like, living selfsabotaging and having deep depressions. Watching this video made clear, that in my past, too, everytime I decided to get a normal job and living a normal life, life seems to start fighting against me. Everything goes wrong. I can write already, I can sing already and I can draw, but I still never was brave enough to completely step inside the life of being a creative person. Again, thank you so much for this video! It means a lot for me - this video really is a gift! I wish you an amazing future decade with your wonderful family!

[@loriswitalski6711]

Just found your channel this year during Nanowrimo and have been goung through your catalogue. I believe it is when we are able to share our vulnerability and pain with no other purpose than service to others is really when we are doing our highest calling. Your beautiful soul shines so bright. Thank you.

[@HeartBreathings]

This is such a kind and encouraging comment. Thank you so much.

[@LeahWriter]

Holy crap Sarra, that was so hard to watch the pain others put you through. What an inspiring turn around by the end of this video. You deserve all the dreams that the Universe wants for you too. I'm looking forward to stepping into dreams I've had for 40+ years. Partly because as I get older my inner voice is starting to yell at me and partly because you're showing us how to listen. Thanks for so much xo

[@HeartBreathings]

I know you deserve your dreams, too. It's time!! Thanks so much for watching and for your kind words!

[@LeahWriter]

@@HeartBreathings thank you🥰

[@maomi1852]

They say the teacher appears when the student is ready. Even though I have been subscribed to your channel for some years now, only last year and especially this one, I have begun to actually follow you wholeheartedly. This because I was afraid of even fantasizing about writing books... In a way, my past decade was eerily similar to yours, unfortunately... Sabotaging myself, being abused and abusing myself (also substance consumption), toxic relationships, traveling the world and even being a kindergarten teacher. I guess that's what happens to us folks with narcissistic parents who try to run away from their life and just react on fear. After a few years of therapy I've finally begun to pursue my dream too. Here's to hope the next decade is full of amazing things ✨ And Sarra I want to thank you for sharing your journey, i think I needed to hear that, you give me hope. I also want to say you're very strong and brave and congratulate you on your growth and resilience. Hope you sell many more millions 💖

[@gigartina]

I am in awe of your courage and generosity. Thank you so much for sharing this, and hopefully more of us will open our dark places to the light.

[@Raelana66]

Like you, I've had negative and narcissistic people in my life, too. They have said things like, "why would anyone pay money to read something you wrote?" and "you're fooling yourself if you think you will make any real money writing books." So I have chosen to not discuss my writing with this person. I have been struggling to finish my first book for the past 7 and a half years. I have set it aside and started another book, then set that one aside and started plotting the third book. I don't know if it's fear of failure or fear of success that prevents me from finishing a book. My whole life no one in my family expected me to be successful, they all waited for me to fail, which I usually did in the end. This August will be 8 years since I started writing, but I've promised myself that 2020 is the year that I will not only finish my book, but I will publish it.

[@alishacostanzo2689]

Thank you for the courage it took to share such personal information, and thank you for reminding those of us who have been through similar that it's not our fault that others decided to hurt us. I'm sure I'm not the only one who needed to hear it. Now that I'm in control of my tears again, I also relate to following my fears. I've been complacent, teaching for peanuts, for the last eight years. And my fear of losing that steady, albeit tiny, salary has kept me from doing something to make that change. My goal for 2020 is to create a job that I can take with me anywhere, especially back home to visit my family more.

[@HeartBreathings]

Sending you lots of hugs. Change and risk are scary, but your heart knows the way.

[@ddlorenzo]

I'm fighting tears, Sarra. There is so much of your story with which I identify. Although you and I are at different stages in life and career, these words resonate with me. I'm starting over. I'm scared of failure, but I'm making the attempt to revive my dream of writing and I am doing it afraid. Thank you for this video of affirmation and your honesty.

[@KristenSWalker]

My heart goes out to you for your courage and love to tell your story and change your life. I am also a child of a narcissistic parent and a sexual assault survivor, and it was really hard to learn that it was not my fault, to stop blaming myself. It's hard enough to deal with one type of trauma but sometimes life just keeps adding more hardships. You are an inspiration for how you have made your dreams come true despite the opposition. Your love and compassion comes through in your work and I'm sure it affects how you are a great mother to your kids, too. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@ashleyemma4954]

I remember I also got a rejection from Harlequin and that was also when I decided to self publish. I'm so glad I did! I recently retired my husband to homeschool our 5 kids while I write Amish books and freelance full time.

[@CarlaCano]

I love your transparency. I adore you and your message. Thank you for sharing!

[@daniwade28]

Wonderful! It means so much that you would share so much of yourself. An inspiration to someone like me who tends to make decisions out of fear. Thank you!

[@JacquelineKirk]

Thank you for this very brave video! It's a great example of truly listening to your own heart no matter how many times you get knocked down! 🥰 Now, the big question is - when do we get to hear you sing? 🤔

[@dianamaurer2291]

You’ve certainly have dealt with challenges in your life journey, but that hasn’t deterred you from reaching your goals. Thanks for sharing your philosophy on how to keep going despite your fears and the advice of others. Your accomplishments speak to your strength and fortitude.

[@katybroyles2805]

This was my favorite video yet. I'm doing some deep reflecting on the ways I've let fear shut down who I should be. I'll probably watch it a few more times.

[@rosannebowman2592]

Thank you so much for sharing such personal stuff because I know it couldn't have been easy. I spent about a decade of my life completely tied up with fear. Now, I know that if I want to do something and fear starts knocking on my door, wanting to come in and get comfortable, the very thing I'm afraid of is what I probably should be doing. I love your channel. Thank you again for being willing to share this incredibly difficult stuff with all of us! :)

[@charlie.cummings]

My last decade in a nutshell is was finishing highschool and heading to college (I'm in the UK), and at college the boys in the class (myself being the only girl) would muck around and not do their work and the noise levels were like a zoo at feeding time. So I started to become "depressed" and would only be on campus to do the work. I started writing as a way as escapism and get lost in a whole I created (it was fantasy with demon, angels, vampires, werewolves etc) to cope with the real world around me. At Higher Education, and University the class noise levels were calmer but it still wrote as I've always struggled to cope academically; and with comparing myself to others. I was in my university's writing society. A few years ago I was diagnosed as autistic, which answered a lot of my questions; however at this point I still struggle with self-esteem and self-doubt (thank you teachers, all the way back to primary. /S) I graduated university a couple of years ago, but writing is still my passion/"hobby". My family have never seen writing as "proper" job, and get annoyed when I talk about it. They are always pushing me to get a proper job. Because I'm autistic, have other disabilities etc I have always struggled to get a job. At the moment I'm in my first (contract) job and my colleagues are nice/friendly, however my dream is still to write/publish etc. I am burnt out after work, so struggling to write. My life is somewhat stable, but it's not where I want to be. My fantasy novel will properly never see the light of day; however I am hoping my current crime novel will, one day.

[@VintageLilacMemories]

I haven't followed you for long but I want to thank you for your courage and honesty. You do not have to be this open to sell more books, you are doing this to help people. To help them understand that they too can be more and have their dreams come true. So thank you again for baring your soul to help others grow. I am so sorry your past happened the way it did, but it formed the woman you are today, so that cannot be bad. Your George sounds like 1 in a million. You absolutely lucked out there.

[@SarahMJordan]

thank you so much for keeping it real and being so vulnerable. I actually cried while I was listening to your video on my way to work. You are such an inspiration Sarra!

[@helsphoenix2623]

Oh Honey, what an inspiration you are. The proverbial phoenix rising from the ashes (literally twice!). Thank you for having the courage to tell your story and what a beautiful message to the world.

[@JacquelinElizabethWrites]

Thank you for sharing this. I'm at a really low point in life right now and I'm terrified. Thank you for telling us that we CAN make it.

[@HeartBreathings]

I'm sorry you're going through a tough time. Don't give up. Better things are coming.

[@garnellwallace5594]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. You're an inspiration as a person and a writer.

[@cherylfish8931]

I have been following your channel for a little over a year now, and I have always found you and your teaching and ideas to be such an inspiration. You and your channel have become a very big part of my writing journey. I get random videos that pop up that you did like a year ago, or a year and a half ago, but You Tube decided to take it back even further tonight, and I am sooo very glad that it did. This is the first time coming upon this video, and as I watched it, my admiration for you grew. It also struck a chord that I desperately needed to hear as 2022 comes to a close. Thank you so very much for your honesty and openness with your fans and the writing community.

[@sheilawestmoreland2461]

Thank you for trusting us with your story. Much of what you said resonated with me.; rape, narcissistic parent and husband (now ex) -abusive in so many ways. I know that has stunted me , I felt dead on the inside. Press on!!!!

[@rachelshay43]

You are truly an inspiration and have a beautiful heart! Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story. Also, thank you, thank you, thank you for the countless hours you put into helping others, the positive encouragement, and for sharing your talent for organization and self-discipline. Because you followed your heart, you have inspired me and given me the tools to follow mine 🌹

[@kelsiestelting5756]

I'm so sorry you went through such a hard time. I can't imagine what all of that trauma inflicted on you, but I thought it was absolutely beautiful Evie came in toward the end. It was like she was letting you know she was there and reminding us all of the beautiful birth of your new life.

[@amberkamps]

Thank you so much for sharing. This touched my life today. Excited to see your dreams unfold!

[@kristengwenwriter]

Oh, my!! I had to laugh a bit as you repeated my life-- I double majored (mine was in opera and theater) and then I auditioned and was accepted at San Fran Conservatory. I too balked at the price of the city and mostly at the fear of taking such a big step. I then majored and graduated with an English major. I'm so sorry for all the crud you went through, but what an amazing story on how you have come through it all, and what a guy you found!!! Love your story! Thank you for sharing your life with us and thank you for continuing to inspire and encourage. You are amazing!!

[@ThatWitchyLady]

There are some painful parallels between our lives (ones I hope I might share with you in person one day) and I think it's fitting that finding your channel started me back down the path of my dreams. I've been a fan of your channel since it was a baby channel and I've been proud watching you grow and reach more people. I'm blessed to have been among the first members of your HB90 bootcamp and Publish and Thrive. You've inspired me in ways I'm not sure you're aware of and I appreciate the heck out of you. I look forward to being there to cheer you on as you continue to work toward your goals and bring us along for the ride. Much love to you Sarra. 💚💙💜 - Brightest Blessings, Melissa

[@careebelle7803]

It breaks my heart to know what you went through. You are a shining light and have always brought me inspiration through sharing your writing journey as well as your PCOS and fertility challenges that I also share. Thank you for trusting us with your story. You are beautiful and brave!

[@Live4legacy]

Your an amazing person Heart Breathings one of the most powerful things you said for me although the entire video has bless me it was as if you spoke directly to me when you said "People chose to hurt" me . I identify

[@lauby182]

This is one of the most inspiring videos I've seen. You are amazing.

[@spongehateworld]

As someone contemplating whether to become an inspiring writer, I just wanted to say your experiences are extremely insight for me. Also, I've watch some your other videos and I appreciate the genuine author advice you gave. Thank you so much, and please keep up the great work!

[@EMarieRobertson]

I wanted to hug you through this whole thing. Thank you for sharing your story and this inspiration. Here's to the next 10 years for all of us. xoxo

[@jessasank]

It took me a little longer to finally have a moment to watch this, but I'm so glad that I did. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I think so many people get into this mindset that once you "make it" as an author that life is perfect or that life had to be perfect before then to reach that goal. But that's not how life is. There are ups and downs, there are times you need to take a leap, and there are times you need to reevaluate. And that's fine! Life isn't perfect and neither are we as humans. I genuinely love watching your videos, and this one really touched me in a way I needed. I haven't been focused on what I truly want and I need to step back and start aiming for the goals I really want to achieve. So thank you for your amazing videos and for being an inspiration to me. ❤

[@carlacalvert9738]

You are so brave. This encouraged me more than I can express in words at the moment. Thank you, Sarra. From someone whose life unexpectedly imploded in the last decade, your story has (and your courses have) truly inspired me to stop living in fear and pursue my dreams! Thank you again for all you do and all you share with all of us!

[@ShanaCali]

Sarra, this made me cry for you and me. I have been in therapy for ptsd, depression, 5150, and anxiety. I have chronic pain the last 4 years. We moved our family out of a home that was filled with reminders of abuse the first 18 years of my life. Later at a group church counseling, I mentally broke with a single sentence of what happened to another women. This has caused me to lose my spark of my spirit and I can't find it. My husband whom has been with me the last 20 years has been my heaven on earth. However he too said I lost a bit of my soul from that single sentence that haunts all the memories of my first 18/20 years of my life as a child/teen. I am now starting to experiment with my art tools and using your videos as a guide even if it's not about writing, it's still the same path but with different sights along the way. You resonate with my soul since I found your channel. I am so thankful. I have been working on my art and it is filling me with joy. Mostly because of you. Yet my fears are still in the corners of my line of sight and am scared to death as well that I am going to fail. ~*Shana

[@vickiavila9681]

Thank you Sarra for sharing your story with us. And for letting us see your emotions while telling it. Your message of following our hearts/inner guidance is so powerful, and made more so by telling us your own journey of following and not following yours. I appreciated your framing the decade in review as 'how I changed my own life', as it got me thinking about how I have changed my own life in the last 10 years by following my inner guidance about what I wanted my life to be. The biggest changes I made were leaving a career that was very lucrative and in many ways fulfilling (psychotherapist in private practice) but drained the life out of me, and moving 3000 miles from just outside New York City back to the Pacific NW after 35 years away. There have been a lot of other accomplishments and choices that worked out well or not so well, but those were the biggest ones. Thank you for your courage, and for reminding me of my own. May the blessings you bring to others be returned to you and your family a hundredfold.

[@emmyscreativecorner1575]

I needed to hear this today. Thank you Sarra. A lot of parallels you and I. I also met my husband on Everquest. It's been 13 years. You're a blessing to others, girl.

[@HeartBreathings]

Wow!! That's amazing!

[@salmahmohamed6048]

It was very brave of you to share your story here. I'm so sorry that it happened to you. Thank you for sharing your story, because it will give hope and inspiration to others who may have gone through similar things, to see that it is possible to get through it and not let something like that to define and limit their lives. God Bless!

[@gryranfelt5473]

Thank you so much for this story. Thank you for sharing. This story really shook me, but also awakened something in my. I've never been abused, but I dealt with chronic illness for six years before I finally became medicated. I see now how those years broke something in me that I have to have to have to fix. Thank you.

[@suzisaintjames]

Thank you for sharing. I know it was difficult, but hearing your story made me feel like I'm not the only one who things happen. And to keep striving for the things I want. ❤🌅🌵

[@ckhelgeson4614]

I appreciate your vulnerability in sharing your story. I know it isn't easy, because I have been through a similar experience and all around I've had a tough life, so I can definitely empathize with what happened to you. I'm glad you've been able to heal from it and have turned your life around, which is also difficult. It's so much easier to let those demons pull you down and under. You're an inspiration on both a spiritual level and a professional one! I aspire to make a living with self-publishing and I've been following you for a while for your valuable tips and tricks. Thank you for all you do for the writing community!

[@SoftHealingbyDanielle]

Blessed by this video!!! Thank you for sharing:)

[@phoenixrose1278]

Your honesty and encouragement are so inspiring. Thank you for this important video.

[@deborarichesmorrison2134]

Wow. This gave me goosebumps. I have some thinking to do!

[@caramullaney2043]

A really moving video that can't have been easy for you to film. So glad that you found your George and went after your dreams. I dreamed of being a writer for most of my life, but fear stopped me pursuing my dreams. Three years ago i took the plunge and published my first book and it has been an amazing experience. I am finally doing what i always wanted to and no longer letting fear hold me back. Thank you for this video.xx 💕💕

[@aprilteesdale3146]

This was awesome! Thank you for opening up and being vulnerable. I hate all the bag that happened to you. When you said your house burned down the second time, my heart sank, but it felt like the ground floor was being set in place for you to start over. I’m from NC now living in PA and my husband gave me the same gift. Wow, you are such an inspiration ... I have a first draft that needs my attention. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! ❤️

[@juliegoldie7681]

You are an inspiration Sarra. I'm in the UK but I can't get enough of your videos. They are so informative and helpful. I am just started on my journey and I have wasted decades talking myself out of following my dream of being a writer because of fear. I am now studying a writing course and hope to move toward my goals this decade ❤

[@beautifulpinkqueen8073]

This video made me cry I'm so proud of u that u never gave up on our dreams and I'm 30 now I wanted to be a novelist since I was 14 every year I one of my goals is to write a novel this year I changed it to a paragraph because even though I love to write .......I don't write like I used to this video gave me what I needed to hear i love ur videos gives me encouragement congratulations on ur new baby

[@emilypiers2839]

Thank you for having the vulnerability and the strength to share your journey. I'm so sorry you had to go through so much injustice and I'm so impressed by how you've turned your life around.

[@reneebarrette4514]

Sarra... Today is May 3rd 2020. As you know, over the past several weeks, I've been joining your journey while you read The Witch's Key on your Sarra Cannon channel (which was SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!). Over the past several weeks, I have learned more about you and now, when I watch your videos, I feel like I'm watching someone that I care about and that I would be blessed to call a friend. I am just watching this video now, and I am so very sorry that you went through all of the hardships you've just told us about. The amount of courage that took is phenomenal. Thank you for sharing that. You are so much stronger today for everything that you've been through, trust me! You are just an inspiration to everyone around you. Don't ever stop showing our vulnerabilities and being yourself, that's why we all love you so much!

[@darleneelsbree645]

Sarra, your video was very raw. It takes an enormous amount of courage to come forth and share your story with the world. It takes an enormous amount of courage to come forth and press charges against those who've wronged you... You are definitely a much stronger person for doing so... and each time you look in the eyes of your beautiful children, that strength becomes even stronger. You have a wonderful husband who adores you. You are an inspiration. We are only human... Sliding backward is inevitable... If I may share this bible verse with all of you, James 1:12 "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." NIV This is one of my favorite verses. Have a blessed 2020. You got this.

[@artisticsharon1216]

I'm in awe that you shared such personal information, especially in this day and age of people being so mean and disgusting online. You really are a strong person! My heart ached when you shared all the trauma you've experienced but I'm also filled with hope and inspiration that I can follow my heart too. I wish we could clone George, he really is 'your person'

[@cwc3kids]

I will be sharing this video two out of three of my daughters have been violated by someone that chose to hurt them. Praying your story will inspire them to get to the other side.

[@HeartBreathings]

My heart is breaking for them. It's so tragic and just cruel. My heart is with them. There is a better life ahead.

[@annelinn1465]

Your story is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing it with us. I felt like crying when you talked about your decision to follow your heart instead of fear. That's what I'm trying to do too, after years and years being afraid of life. Life has knocked me down so many times that I felt I had to stay small to be safe. But something is telling me that it's time to move into something new and beautiful. Thank you for your courage.