This mom is channeling her pain into a good cause and the internet is applauding

Editor's note: This article contains themes of suicide that some readers may find distressing

Emily-Sue Snyder, a hairstylist and a mother of two from Tulsa, Oklahoma, has found a way to spread positivity and inspire others by reminding them of their worth. Snyder has been through a lot, including homelessness, domestic violence, and a suicide attempt, but she has found solace in the simple phrase, “You are enough.” According to USA TODAY, after nearly a decade of struggling, Snyder, 32, began leaving anonymous, handwritten business card-sized motivational notes in gas stations, grocery stores, and anywhere she went. She would write uplifting messages like “hey, you’re doing a great job!” or “you are loved.” Snyder’s mission to spread kindness started back in March 2021, when she donned a red costume cape during rush hour in Sapulpa, Oklahoma and stood on a corner holding a large, bright-green poster that read “you are enough.”

“The thing that really got me was the teenagers and kids that rolled down their windows to tell me they love me,” Snyder recalled. “It made me realize everybody needs some positivity and a little bit of hope in their lives.” Discussions that include mental health struggles during the mid-pandemic are one of the reasons that inspired her to extend the colorful, positive messages that she uses now. Moreover, Snyder calls her mission "Stay Another Day: Suicide Prevention and Awareness." She has already heard from people interested in holding signs at her event planned in Tulsa in May.

Snyder’s own journey to recovery began when she hit rock bottom in 2013. After enduring “almost daily” mental and physical abuse from an alcoholic partner and having no one to turn to, Snyder walked to buy alcohol and extra-strength sleeping pills. At that moment, she felt hopeless, alone and not enough.

She woke up three days later in a mental hospital. It was then she decided it was time to be her own hero. Encouragement from a hospital psychiatrist motivated her to leave her abusive situation and it was the little spark that ignited a fire. “I don’t know what I would have done had someone not shared some love and positivity with me in that vulnerable time,” she said. Snyder’s mission to spread positivity and inspire others has resonated with people all over the world. Her anonymous notes and public displays of kindness have warmed the hearts of many and her message of “You are enough” has given hope to those who need it most.

As Snyder continues spreading her message of positivity to inspire others, at the same time, she reminds us that we are all enough. “You're always enough; it doesn't matter if you're at your lowest point," Snyder told USA TODAY. "You're still enough to be worthy.” Her inspirational story reminds us that it is never too late to turn your life in a positive direction. Her journey to recovery was not easy, but she persevered and found solace in spreading positivity and inspiring others. Her message is simple yet powerful and makes us realize that we all are unique.

If you are having thoughts about taking your own life or know of anyone who is, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)