My name is Britni Wilson, and today I have decided to be brave, by giving myself permission to ask for help. I am choosing vulnerability over fear, as I open my heart to the world and share a bit of my journey with you.
This was not an easy decision for me to make and I honor every person on this earth who finds the strength within themselves to ask for help when they need it, before it’s too late. Before all Hope is lost. I have quickly come to realize the incredible amount of bravery and courage that is required of someone in order to allow themselves to become truly vulnerable. To not only ASK for help, yet to allow themselves to RECEIVE the help they need.
Today is the day that I have decided I am worth it. Here is my story…
I am a 30-year-old Artist, Youth Advocate, Speaker, Writer, Mentor, Passionate Animal Lover, and Founder of Inspire Somebody . I live for the advancement, growth, and success of children, teens, and their families. Helping others discover their deepest hearts desires, their true potential, and ultimate soul-purpose that lies deep within each and every one of us. I am an advocate for creating opportunities for our youth, where there were none, removing all barriers (especially financial barriers) that would prohibit the children of our world from excelling, growing, and thriving… not just surviving.
At the young age of 5-years-old, my father, Wesley, passed away. Throughout my life, this experience has only strengthened my desire to serve children who also grieve the loss of a parent and/or loved one. I was raised by Gina Wilson, who became a single mother at the young age of 30-years-old. My mom is my best friend and BIGGEST supporter. She has overcome unimaginable circumstances throughout her life, teaching me, by example, what it means to truly be a survivor and remain uncalloused by life's challenging experiences. As a single mother, she has raised me to be independent, resilient, self-sufficient, and strong... all while stressing the importance of helping others along the way, regardless of what your own circumstances may be.
My mom and I have lived our lives working for everything that we've desired. We believe in Faith in action... That we are all capable of remarkable things when we move our feet and apply ourselves throughout our lives. Growing up, I witnessed my mom doing everything on her own, and I mean EVERYTHING. It was difficult for her to ask for help and honestly express what SHE needed throughout her life. As a 30 year old woman myself, I now understand her struggle. I understand what it is like to be an independent woman who says, “don’t worry, I can do it, I’m fine." Someone who genuinely pours their heart and soul into the world around them and all those in it… Yet when it comes to the ways in which I need help and support for myself, I find that I hesitate to reach out and express that which I need.
Up until 2 years ago, I never knew what it was like to experience a physical limitation or injury. My heart always went out to those suffering from chronic pain, illness, disease etc. All of that changed in May of 2014, when I suffered my first (of multiple) back and neck injuries, resulting in debilitating chronic pain, including the inability to walk/function on my own, in addition to a variety of complex health conditions involving chronic vomiting, horrific abdominal pain, the inability to eat etc., resulting in a series of hospital visits, tests, procedures, physical therapy, medical bills, and unemployment. Over the course of the past 22 months, these injuries have affected my cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, in addition to extensive nerve damage, creating complications within my digestive system... ultimately, limiting the forms of treatment that I am able to receive that won't create more harm than good.
I have been literally forced to stop. I now face the very real struggle of an invisible illness/injury and the ways that it is capable of affecting a person not just physically, yet emotionally, and mentally. Chronic pain that no one is able to see or feel, but you. Where by appearances you may look "fine," yet I am literally in pain each and every day, in different ways and for different reasons. It can be extremely isolating and frustrating… and not many are truly able to understand it. My entire way of living has changed. I’ve have had to alter my day-to-day activities, in which I must take multiple "breaks" throughout the day, as the act of sitting and standing for any period of time can create immense pain throughout my body, and serious potential for re-injury.
As with any health complication, some days are far better than others, and unfortunately, that can change for the worse without a moments notice. I've physically pushed myself through as much as I've been able to for the past 22 months, in order to make a living and pay the bills, and sadly, for the first time in 15 years, I've been unable to consistently maintain any type of employment, including my own photography business, due to these injuries and illnesses. This has not only effected myself, yet my entire family. I am beyond grateful for the support of my husband, Kevin, who had also experienced the stress of unemployment for several months during this time. His dedication to me and my healing is beyond compare. It has taken a heavy toll on him as well, as he has had to carry the load financially, when I’ve been unable to work, resulting in the loss of half of an income. We are now at our breaking point, with our backs against a wall... and at serious risk of losing our home, to say the least.
With that said…
I believe with all of my heart that every challenge in life serves a much greater and Divine purpose. That within every "problem" is an opportunity that has the ability to change ones life for the better and ultimately heal the lives of others. After suffering the most recent re-injury of my back on November 3, 2015, I had no choice but to leave a job that I absolutely loved, with Northpointe Academy Elementary (an inner-city community school here in Toledo, Ohio) in addition to removing all photography services from my business, "Inspire Somebody ." This was a harsh reality… coming to the realization that I could no longer operate my own business the way I used to. I was unable to walk on my own, I was in excruciating pain, and all I could do was focus on my healing.
It was at that moment that I decided to listen. I decided to listen to what life was telling me. That although this situation appeared so terribly trying and hopeless… what could I do to make it better? How could I change this experience from a “negative," to a positive? What did I still have control of? What am I am being led to do with my life?
My physical limitations are no longer allowing me the ability to work for someone else, I am no longer able to handle the physical demands of being a photographer without experiencing painful setbacks and re-injury. This is when I realized that I was literally being forced to follow my heart and fulfill my true purpose here on this earth. To pursue a dream that I’ve had in my heart for 10 years now - which is to transition Inspire Somebody , my once photography business, into a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to providing free creative, therapeutic, and artistic services that inspire the positive advancement of children, teens, and families living in the inner-city. An organization centered around self-worth, empowerment, and healing. It was then, that I realized that NOW is the time. Now is the time that I commit myself to my calling, my hearts desire, and let go of what I am no longer able to control. What I am no longer able to do.
This is where I need your help.
I believe that friends, family, and strangers all have the ability to dramatically alter the life of another, and that is why I am opening my heart, my soul, and my journey up to you today. I am releasing all fear, and doing something that I've never done before... I am asking for your help and your support, which will create much opportunity for healing, growth, and renewal, not only for myself, yet for my family as a whole.
The money raised from my campaign will be used to cover the costs of my medical bills/debt, monthly living expenses (until I am healed enough to be able to work at full-capacity again), holistic medical treatment, self-care, and my mission for Inspire Somebody’s new purpose in this world.
I hope that my journey resonates with you. That you are reminded to NEVER, NEVER give up, knowing that you are not alone in this life. Even if you’re a strong, independent person, always looking out for others… Remember that I understand that you too need help sometimes. Be brave. Ask for it. Love yourself and never be afraid to reach out. You deserve it.
I want each and every one of you to know, that I am beyond grateful for your love, care, and support during this difficult time. We will get through this... and we will not give up. Life is far too short, and so very precious.
Thank you for your blessing of allowing me the opportunity to truly heal and begin this next chapter of my life. You are Loved more than you will ever know.
Britni
This was not an easy decision for me to make and I honor every person on this earth who finds the strength within themselves to ask for help when they need it, before it’s too late. Before all Hope is lost. I have quickly come to realize the incredible amount of bravery and courage that is required of someone in order to allow themselves to become truly vulnerable. To not only ASK for help, yet to allow themselves to RECEIVE the help they need. Today is the day that I have decided I am worth it. Here is my story…
I am a 30-year-old Artist, Youth Advocate, Speaker, Writer, Mentor, Passionate Animal Lover, and Founder of Inspire Somebody . I live for the advancement, growth, and success of children, teens, and their families. Helping others discover their deepest hearts desires, their true potential, and ultimate soul-purpose that lies deep within each and every one of us. I am an advocate for creating opportunities for our youth, where there were none, removing all barriers (especially financial barriers) that would prohibit the children of our world from excelling, growing, and thriving… not just surviving.
At the young age of 5-years-old, my father, Wesley, passed away. Throughout my life, this experience has only strengthened my desire to serve children who also grieve the loss of a parent and/or loved one. I was raised by Gina Wilson, who became a single mother at the young age of 30-years-old. My mom is my best friend and BIGGEST supporter. She has overcome unimaginable circumstances throughout her life, teaching me, by example, what it means to truly be a survivor and remain uncalloused by life's challenging experiences. As a single mother, she has raised me to be independent, resilient, self-sufficient, and strong... all while stressing the importance of helping others along the way, regardless of what your own circumstances may be.
My mom and I have lived our lives working for everything that we've desired. We believe in Faith in action... That we are all capable of remarkable things when we move our feet and apply ourselves throughout our lives. Growing up, I witnessed my mom doing everything on her own, and I mean EVERYTHING. It was difficult for her to ask for help and honestly express what SHE needed throughout her life. As a 30 year old woman myself, I now understand her struggle. I understand what it is like to be an independent woman who says, “don’t worry, I can do it, I’m fine." Someone who genuinely pours their heart and soul into the world around them and all those in it… Yet when it comes to the ways in which I need help and support for myself, I find that I hesitate to reach out and express that which I need. Up until 2 years ago, I never knew what it was like to experience a physical limitation or injury. My heart always went out to those suffering from chronic pain, illness, disease etc. All of that changed in May of 2014, when I suffered my first (of multiple) back and neck injuries, resulting in debilitating chronic pain, including the inability to walk/function on my own, in addition to a variety of complex health conditions involving chronic vomiting, horrific abdominal pain, the inability to eat etc., resulting in a series of hospital visits, tests, procedures, physical therapy, medical bills, and unemployment. Over the course of the past 22 months, these injuries have affected my cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, in addition to extensive nerve damage, creating complications within my digestive system... ultimately, limiting the forms of treatment that I am able to receive that won't create more harm than good. I have been literally forced to stop. I now face the very real struggle of an invisible illness/injury and the ways that it is capable of affecting a person not just physically, yet emotionally, and mentally. Chronic pain that no one is able to see or feel, but you. Where by appearances you may look "fine," yet I am literally in pain each and every day, in different ways and for different reasons. It can be extremely isolating and frustrating… and not many are truly able to understand it. My entire way of living has changed. I’ve have had to alter my day-to-day activities, in which I must take multiple "breaks" throughout the day, as the act of sitting and standing for any period of time can create immense pain throughout my body, and serious potential for re-injury.
As with any health complication, some days are far better than others, and unfortunately, that can change for the worse without a moments notice. I've physically pushed myself through as much as I've been able to for the past 22 months, in order to make a living and pay the bills, and sadly, for the first time in 15 years, I've been unable to consistently maintain any type of employment, including my own photography business, due to these injuries and illnesses. This has not only effected myself, yet my entire family. I am beyond grateful for the support of my husband, Kevin, who had also experienced the stress of unemployment for several months during this time. His dedication to me and my healing is beyond compare. It has taken a heavy toll on him as well, as he has had to carry the load financially, when I’ve been unable to work, resulting in the loss of half of an income. We are now at our breaking point, with our backs against a wall... and at serious risk of losing our home, to say the least.
With that said…
I believe with all of my heart that every challenge in life serves a much greater and Divine purpose. That within every "problem" is an opportunity that has the ability to change ones life for the better and ultimately heal the lives of others. After suffering the most recent re-injury of my back on November 3, 2015, I had no choice but to leave a job that I absolutely loved, with Northpointe Academy Elementary (an inner-city community school here in Toledo, Ohio) in addition to removing all photography services from my business, "Inspire Somebody ." This was a harsh reality… coming to the realization that I could no longer operate my own business the way I used to. I was unable to walk on my own, I was in excruciating pain, and all I could do was focus on my healing.
It was at that moment that I decided to listen. I decided to listen to what life was telling me. That although this situation appeared so terribly trying and hopeless… what could I do to make it better? How could I change this experience from a “negative," to a positive? What did I still have control of? What am I am being led to do with my life? My physical limitations are no longer allowing me the ability to work for someone else, I am no longer able to handle the physical demands of being a photographer without experiencing painful setbacks and re-injury. This is when I realized that I was literally being forced to follow my heart and fulfill my true purpose here on this earth. To pursue a dream that I’ve had in my heart for 10 years now - which is to transition Inspire Somebody , my once photography business, into a Non-Profit Organization dedicated to providing free creative, therapeutic, and artistic services that inspire the positive advancement of children, teens, and families living in the inner-city. An organization centered around self-worth, empowerment, and healing. It was then, that I realized that NOW is the time. Now is the time that I commit myself to my calling, my hearts desire, and let go of what I am no longer able to control. What I am no longer able to do.
This is where I need your help. I believe that friends, family, and strangers all have the ability to dramatically alter the life of another, and that is why I am opening my heart, my soul, and my journey up to you today. I am releasing all fear, and doing something that I've never done before... I am asking for your help and your support, which will create much opportunity for healing, growth, and renewal, not only for myself, yet for my family as a whole.
The money raised from my campaign will be used to cover the costs of my medical bills/debt, monthly living expenses (until I am healed enough to be able to work at full-capacity again), holistic medical treatment, self-care, and my mission for Inspire Somebody’s new purpose in this world.
I hope that my journey resonates with you. That you are reminded to NEVER, NEVER give up, knowing that you are not alone in this life. Even if you’re a strong, independent person, always looking out for others… Remember that I understand that you too need help sometimes. Be brave. Ask for it. Love yourself and never be afraid to reach out. You deserve it.
I want each and every one of you to know, that I am beyond grateful for your love, care, and support during this difficult time. We will get through this... and we will not give up. Life is far too short, and so very precious.
Thank you for your blessing of allowing me the opportunity to truly heal and begin this next chapter of my life. You are Loved more than you will ever know.
Britni
Organizer
Britni Wilson-Carleton
Organizer
Toledo, OH