JULIE ALLEN

“Our past does not define who we are, nor are we bound to it. We are gifted with the possibility of taking what has happened to us and sharing it, so others may have hope.

My hope for the audience who reads my story of my own difficult journey and the lessons I learned along the way, is that it will help them recognize that they, too, have a story to share and that sharing it matters.

Ultimately, I hope they see that they matter.

Each chapter of The Courage to Hope begins with an excerpt from a journal I kept in the midst of my struggles. The journal entry is then followed by a written snapshot of what was happening in my life at the time paired with tangible pieces of advice. The focus centers on the steps that brought me out of the dark place I was in to where I am today.

Photography is also interwoven throughout the book to visually capture the raw feelings I experienced during the midst these hardships. 

My hope is you will find the hope and the courage to find your passion and run after it, knowing you are worth it. 

Thank you all so much for your support of Mary Rose and our mission to help ALL bodies feel beautiful.

At the heart of our boutique and our foundation is self-love and empowering people in all bodies to finally see their worth and their beauty.

We know that beauty does not come from a number on the scale or a clothing size. It comes from your eyes. Your ability to have overcome and your ability to keep going.

We are all fighting a battle and I encourage you to be thankful for your struggle because in the end, we cannot know joy without having known pain.

My book, "The Courage to Hope" has officially launched! I dive into my 15 year struggle with anorexia/bulimia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder all while giving the reader a clear pathway on how I was able to recover. How I was able to finally find the Courage to Hope.

Thank you all again. And please, if you are struggling, know that you are not alone and you are worthy. Just as you are. You deserve your own love, acceptance, and compassion.