Sincerely Carly Photo, Freelance, and More

In April, I was asked to give a speech about how addiction has impacted my life.

My first instinct was to decline.

The topic felt too fresh. Too close. I still felt raw and emotional—like I was standing in the middle of the story rather than at the end of it.

But then I thought: maybe that’s the point.

Maybe we don’t need to have all the answers before we share what we’ve learned. Maybe there is value in speaking from the middle of the mess—in being honest about the uncertainty, the grief, and the growth that is still unfolding.

Giving this speech felt a lot like writing Good Enough. While the book has gone on to help others, I’m forever grateful for the way writing it helped move me forward in my own recovery and helped me build greater resilience.

“I’m a first-generation college student, which I am proud to say,” I shared.

“But what I’m even more proud of is surviving the adversity I’ve faced because of addiction—first as a child, and now again as an adult.”

As a 2015 Al Forthan Scholarship recipient, one of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that healing doesn’t happen alone.

There is strength in community, and there is strength to come from telling your story… whatever your story is.

And even in the hardest chapters of our lives, there can still be people willing to stand beside us, believe in us, and help carry us forward.

I know that because I am standing here as proof of it.

A heartfelt thank you to Volunteers of America for the meaningful work you continue to do in the lives of so many. Thank you for having me, and for letting me tell my story a second time.🤍

And thank you to two of my really good friends for being there to support me. It meant everything.

Stoked to be working with the Combes again on some exciting new things!

Closing one chapter and stepping into the next feels a little sweeter when your best friend is by your side.💗👣 Proud of these 2026 grads and all they’ve accomplished. Here’s to many more moments, memories, and laughs worth capturing.🥂Marley and Kayla: your love for each other is something special. Can’t wait to watch you both shine even brighter in the years ahead.🌟

19 years ago today I stepped into one of the best roles in the entire world: being an older sister. I love you .barrett5 💗 Can’t believe you graduate high school in only a week. The time has flown by, and I’ve loved getting to celebrate you through all of life’s seasons. I look forward to being there for many, many more. Happy Birthday 🌟 So very proud of you—so very excited to continue watching all you do.

Honored to have been a part of this special day, and in a really special place. Congrats Mitchell & Stephanie. Wishing you nothing but sunshine ahead 🌞💫

She said YES!! 💍 What an incredible and absolutely beautiful moment to be a part of.🥹🥹 Wishing these two a lifetime of happiness.