✦ Your voice matters ✦
Someone out there is going through exactly what you've been through. Your words — your real, honest, imperfect words — might be the thing that gets them through it.
You never know who's reading. Your breakthrough could be someone else's turning point.
Reading that someone else went through it — and made it — is one of the most powerful things a person can experience.
We don't want polished. We want honest. Messy, real, from-the-gut honest. That's what changes people.
You've been helped along the way by someone. This is your chance to pay it forward — anonymously if you'd like.
Your story doesn't have to be dramatic. Sometimes the quietest moments are the ones that say the most.
Every submission is read personally. We review all stories with care before posting. Your words are safe here.
Your story has been received. We read every single one personally. If we feature it on Rise Up, we'll reach out first — and we'll always handle your words with care.
Keep going. You matter more than you know.
Real people. Real moments. Real proof that it gets better.
"I lost my job of 22 years on a Tuesday. By Thursday I was ready to give up on everything. I found this site and read 'Stumbling in life is not unusual. What's unusual is to get back up.' I printed it out and put it on my bathroom mirror. Six months later I have a better job than I ever had. I get back up every day now."
"I was the first person in my family to go to college. I almost quit my junior year because I felt like I didn't belong. Someone sent me 'It doesn't matter where you start — it matters where you end up.' I graduated. I framed that quote at my desk the day I became a manager."
"I spent 15 years in a job I hated because the money was good. Then I read 'If you constantly look forward to the weekend, you don't have a career — you just have a job.' That was me. I left six months ago and started my own business. Terrifying and the best thing I ever did."
You don't need to be a writer. You just need to be honest.
Tell it like it happened. Messy edges and all. That's what connects with people.
One sentence or five paragraphs. If it's true, it has a place here.
What changed? What helped? Even a small shift makes a story worth telling.
Your name doesn't matter. Your story does. Check the box and we'll protect your identity.
Every story submitted to Rise Up is read by a real person. We never share your contact information. We never post without your permission. And we never change your words without asking. This is your story. We're just honored to help it travel.