Authentic Voices. Important Topics.

Lynn Marie Smith
The Joy of YES
Get a Positive Life By Getting Positive Towards Life

At nineteen, Lynn Marie Smith went from small town straight "A" student, to an aspiring actress in New York City. By twenty-three, she was living in a psychiatric ward nearly destroyed by drug addiction.

After years of healing and recovery, she was able to begin a new life. She became a drug educator, author, and speaker, reaching out to other addicts and potential users. It gave Lynn an amazing feeling of freedom and it helped her heal. When she finally opened up about the alcoholic home, the drug use, the psych wards, the brain damage, and the unhappiness that she had been through, the guilt and shame that had controlled her life for so long began to dissolve. But when the pain left, a void remained—no longer the darkness, but a shadow. Lynn was sober, and helping others, but it didn't feel right. She was still fighting but now on the other side.

Lynn's audiences and readers never fail to ask, "How did you move past the pain to make a positive life for yourself?" It was a simple realization. A profound understanding that changed her life forever. Growing up, Lynn was told by parents, teachers, commercials and counselors that she must say 'NO' to the bad things, she must confront her problems, and conquer her demons. Everyday would be a fight that required denial and sheer will power to survive. But it didn't feel good. Lynn realized it was denial of life masquerading as life. It took Lynn a quarter of her life, and a trip to rock bottom, to realize: the only way to make a positive life for herself, was to make herself positive toward life.

Yes—life can be painful. Yes—life can be challenging. Yes—life can fill us with fear, jealousy, anger, and sadness. But the only way to be at peace with our lives and ourselves is by ACCEPTING the painful, not by rejecting it. Once Lynn decided to view everything that landed on her doorstep as a potential teacher rather than a monkey on her back, her entire life transformed. Lynn's emptiness turned to energy. Every day isn't a fight, it is an opportunity. She is full. She is flying. She is serene, confident, and truly happy.

In this powerful talk Lynn shares her answer—she says 'YES' to life. She empowers the audience to see that by accepting their struggles, their fears, their pain, and most importantly, by accepting themselves, they can find the courage to overcome any obstacle and find their true path to happiness, success, and freedom.

Say 'YES' to the challenge of facing the world with an open hand, rather than a clenched fist. Say 'YES' and celebrate everything that comes your way—believe that each experience is valuable and meaningful. What we view as difficult and painful in life can be a vehicle to move us into selfhood—full, integrated, bad-ass human beings. . .if we say YES to the challenge.

Lynn Marie Smith has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, MTV's True Life, and The Dr Keith Ablow Show, among others. She has testified before Congress and is a member of the Advisory Board at the Partnership for a Drug Free America. Lynn's powerful voice has inspired thousands of people around the globe, at high schools, jails, rehabs, and colleges in personal appearances that draw rave reviews. Her book, Rolling Away: My Agony with Ecstasy,was published by Simon and Schuster Books. Visit www.LynnMarieSmith.net to learn more.

The Response

"Lynn was wonderful. She really connects with students and everyone felt comfortable asking questions and sharing their own stories related to drug-abuse. Her informal style was a huge success and we will bring her back to our campus soon!"

Kathleen Bond
Program Board Convocations Chair
Belmont University

"Lynn's program is a real look at a problem many college students face. More importantly, the candid way she discusses the 'cool, fun' way in which she fell into a serious drug problem was eye-opening. Lynn is an upbeat speaker whose infectious energy makes her a joy to work with!"

Joseph Harvey
Lecture Chair of APSU Govs Programming Council

"The Pace Center for Girls in Lee County was treated to an exceptional and well-informed speaker. Lynn Marie Smith brought much needed, important, and relevant information to our young girls. Her story included the fantasy, excitement and parties all loaded with drugs, booze, and artificial friendships that were waiting for her. Lynn looks like a teen herself and the girls connected to her beautifully. They were captivated by the real life drama that became part of Lynn's journey and they saw and heard, first hand, how her romanticized world of dreams fell apart in the blink of an eye. The girls were truly moved by her powerful presentation, as was the staff. Thank you Lynn for taking the time to care and share your story with our Pace girls."

Allison Nunez Teacher
PACE Center for Girls

"Lynn's brave and unflinching examination of herself, her actions, and the choices that led her from a straight-A cheerleader at school to a crazed half-dead drug addict shows us the kind of determination it took for this young woman to stay clean. In the end, the hardness of her drug tale is lifted by her honesty and spunk, and love of family, friends, and life."

Loung Ung - Author
First They Killed my Father and Lucky Child

"I'd like to extend my gratitude to Lynn for the wonderful programs in Clearwater. I know her story had a huge impact; people are still talking about it here. Lynn's personal and honest story of drug abuse and recovery captivated audiences of all ages."

Jennifer Obermaier
Public Library, Clearwater FL

"Lynn Marie Smith's presentation was moving, powerful and was well received by all the youth present. Right now I have a Juvenile Detention Center full of kids who all want to write personal letters to her. Keep doing what you're doing Lynn, you have no idea what an impact your words have on these kids."

Vincent P. Vurro
Superintendent
Southwest Regional Juvenile Detention Center

"Lynn Marie Smith moves people. Her smile is infectious. She is a joy to work with. Fresh, hip and in tune with the world that she so passionately speaks about. Her experiences have taken her on a path that is allowing her to touch the hearts, souls and minds of those who need it most."

Donnie Vick
Sun Studios, FL

"Lynn provided powerful real life experiences that brought home the reality of choices. Many of the students stayed after the lecture and spoke to Lynn Marie about their real life experiences. They felt empowered and knew that someone else understood their pain. I will bring her back so that her story can resonate with the student experience. Thanks, Lynn, your story was transforming."

Krissie Harris
Coordinator of Student Activities
Oakton Community College

"Lynn gave a heartfelt talk about her experiences that touched the audience. We are still hearing people talk about her and her message."

Chris George
Student Activities
Harper College

Visit Lynn's website at http://www.lynnmariesmith.net.

To book this speaker, call (206) 529-4711 or email info@samaralectures.com