Zenfull Heart | November 8, 2026
I recently had the honor of participating in the Out of the Darkness Walk on Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast near Fort Walton Beach. This event was especially meaningful to me because I wasn’t just attending the walk. I also had the privilege of being a sponsor through my business, Zenfull Heart. I created a special coupon code that gave supporters 20% off their orders at zenfullheart.com, with $2 from every item bought with it donated to the organization. Being able to contribute to a cause that holds such personal meaning for me fills my cup up.
The morning started with only about three hours of sleep because I had stayed out a little later than planned the night before, visiting some friends about an hour away. They were down this way from Nashville. I still had to get everything organized and loaded into my car, and I was excited but also a little nervous because I had never set up an actual Hug Zone or information table before. I’ve carried my Free Hugs sign to plenty of events, but this was my first opportunity to create a dedicated space where people could stop, connect, and learn more about what I do.
I had borrowed a table and chalkboard from a local friend and brought along my Free Hugs signs, self-love stickers, pamphlets, and a QR code linking to my website. I also had a little creative project in mind using popsicle sticks and notecards. People could write an affirmation or encouraging message to keep for themselves or pass along to someone else. I loved the idea of giving people another way to share kindness beyond a hug.
The pamphlet was something I had worked especially hard on, and I was proud of how it turned out. Of course, after printing everything and reading through it again, I noticed a few things I wished I had changed. Isn’t that how it always goes? But it still shared the information and message I wanted people to receive, and I was happy to finally have something tangible that represented my work and my story.
Registration began at 9 a.m., and I arrived about 40 minutes early. The location was absolutely gorgeous, and I immediately wished I had thought to bring my bathing suit or at least a pair of shorts so I could enjoy more of the beach afterward. Although, considering how little sleep I’d had, I probably would not have lasted very long anyway!
Beasley Park, Fort Walton Beach
Despite my excitement, that familiar feeling of social anxiety decided to make an appearance. I got out of my car, walked toward the registration area, started feeling intimidated, and turned around and went right back to my car. A few minutes later, I tried again, only to retreat once more. After giving myself a little more time, I finally made my way to the table. Thankfully, Wendy, who I had met at a previous suicide prevention walk, was there. She helped connect me with Cindy, the woman I had been communicating with about the event, and they showed me where I could set up.
My spot was right near the entrance, which was wonderful for my Hug Zone. I started arranging my table, displaying my pamphlets and stickers, and getting my signs situated. I had originally planned to write on the borrowed chalkboard, but the chalk marker I bought apparently had other plans because it wasn’t chalk markering! So I improvised and taped my Free Hugs sign to the board instead. Sometimes you simply have to work with what is given to you in the present moment.
My very first Hug Zone
Watch my video: Free Hugs at the Suicide Prevention Walk
One of the most meaningful parts of these walks, and something that has stayed with me since my first one, is the ceremony with the different colored honor beads. Each color represents a personal connection to suicide, whether someone has struggled themselves, lost a loved one, or is there to support suicide prevention and mental health awareness. People choose the colors that represent their experiences. Some wear only one, while others wear several.
Watch my video: What Is Your Color? The honor beads
I personally identify with four of those colors because of my own experiences with suicidal struggles, loss, mental health, and supporting others. During the ceremony, the speakers explain what each color represents and invite people to raise their beads if they feel comfortable doing so. Looking around at everyone holding their colors in the air is incredibly powerful. You begin to see just how many people have been touched by suicide in some way. Some have lost children, parents, siblings, friends, or partners. Others have survived their own darkest moments, and many are standing there simply because they care and want to help.
What's your color? The honor beads
There is so much emotion in those moments. You can feel the grief, sadness, pain, and loss, but there is also an incredible amount of love, gratitude, and appreciation for life. People are standing together in the sunshine, surrounded by others who understand at least a little of what they’ve been through. It’s a reminder of how much we carry that the people around us may never know.
After the ceremony, everyone was invited to gather near a beautiful sand sculpture for a group photo. Naturally, I was not about to miss an opportunity to get my Free Hugs sign front and center! (The New Sherry) I made my way down toward the sculpture, held up my sign, and joined the group. I also asked someone to take pictures of me with the sculpture, and someone even joined me for a photo while giving me a hug. Those are the kinds of moments I especially love because they capture the simple human connection behind my Hug Movement.
Rise Together, and a hug at the sand sculpture
As I reflect on the experience, I realize how much more meaningful the day was because of my own history. There was a time in my life when I couldn’t imagine standing at an event like this, sharing my story with pride and knowing my experiences might help someone else.
I still remember a dark July day back in 2024 when I stood in my bathroom with pill bottles lined up on the sink and a mouthful of pills. I was overwhelmed by years of pain, chaos, stress, trauma, and physical and mental health challenges. I felt as though the weight of the world was crushing me, and no matter how hard I tried, I could not seem to make anything better.
The truth is, I did not want to die. I wanted the suffering to stop. I wanted relief from a life that felt unbearable, where every day seemed to bring another struggle and I had nothing left to give. In that moment, I could not imagine a future that looked or felt any different from the life I was living.
But as I looked into the bathroom mirror, I heard something deep within me say, “Not now. You’ve fought too hard.”
I spit the pills out and collapsed onto the bathroom floor. I had absolutely no idea how I was going to create a life I actually wanted to live. I did not have a plan, a solution, or some miraculous understanding of how everything would change. I just knew I could not go through with it. Somewhere beneath all that pain, there was still a part of me that loved life and believed I deserved something better, even if I could not see what that looked like.
That was not the only time I struggled with thoughts of ending my life, either. There were other moments when the pain felt greater than my ability to carry it. It’s hard to explain those experiences to someone who has never been in that state of mind, especially when your intentions and actions don’t always fit neatly into a definition. But I know what those moments felt like, and I know how much it took to keep going.
Today, my life looks completely different. I genuinely love being alive, even when things are difficult or don’t go the way I’d hoped. I have learned that life can change in ways I never could have imagined while standing in that bathroom. It did not happen overnight, and it certainly hasn’t been a perfect journey, but little by little, I’ve learned to recognize and release some of the unhealthy patterns, beliefs, and behaviors that kept me trapped in so much pain.
Through my own healing journey, I have discovered how important it is to look inward, acknowledge what we’ve experienced, and take responsibility for how we move forward, without denying the hurt or pretending that what happened to us was acceptable. We can’t always control what life brings or what other people do, but we can begin changing our relationship with ourselves and the choices we make.
Now I get to share my experiences in ways I never thought possible. As a life coach, BRIDGE practitioner, energy worker, worldwide house and pet sitter, and the lady who travels around giving away Free Hugs, I have the opportunity to connect with people from all walks of life. I get to share kindness, encourage self-love, and remind others that their lives have meaning, even when they’re struggling to see it themselves.
What I appreciated most about this walk was realizing that I can talk about some of the darkest moments of my life without feeling like I’m being pulled back into them. Those experiences no longer define my worth or leave me feeling broken. They’re part of my history, and sharing them can be empowering because I know how much has changed since then.
This event also gave me a chance to see what a Hug Zone could look like at future gatherings. I learned a few things about setting up a table, presenting my information, and finding the confidence to be myself. Even with my nervousness, a stubborn chalk marker, and very little sleep, I showed up and did something I had wanted to do for a long time.
I’m incredibly grateful to Wendy, Cindy, the organizers, volunteers, participants, and everyone who helped make the day possible. Being able to contribute through Zenfull Heart and take part in such an important event was a privilege I won’t soon forget.
I'm walking for the world
When I think back to that July day, I could not have imagined the life I would eventually create. No way would I have imagined traveling, meeting strangers who become friends for a moment through a simple hug, or standing at a suicide prevention walk with my own little table, sharing my story and encouraging others to love themselves.
I don’t know exactly what my future holds, but I know I want to be here to experience it. And if sharing my journey, offering a hug, or giving someone a little encouragement helps them recognize that their story isn’t over either, then I’m thankful I found the courage to keep writing mine.
About the Walk and the People Behind It
The organization. The Out of the Darkness Community Walks are held by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, known as AFSP. The walks raise money for suicide prevention research, education, and support for people who have lost someone to suicide. The Emerald Coast Walk was held on November 7, 2026, at Beasley Park in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
Wendy Thompson. Wendy is the Executive Director for North Florida and the Panhandle at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I first met Wendy at the Pensacola walk, and she is the one who welcomed Zenfull Heart in as a partner.
Cindy Kelly. Cindy is the Chair of the Emerald Coast Walk. She is also the Clinical Executive Coordinator and Director of Community Outreach at Bridgeway Center. Cindy is the one who made room for my Hug Zone right by the entrance.
To learn more about AFSP, or to find a walk near you, visit afsp.org.
Shop and Give Back
Code AFSP20. Use code AFSP20 at zenfullheart.com for 20 percent off orders of $29 or more, now through December 15, 2026. For every item bought with this code, $2 goes to the AFSP Florida Panhandle Chapter.
Shop with the code already applied: zenfullheart.com/discount/AFSP20
Or scan this code with your phone camera.
If you’re struggling right now, you’re not alone. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 any time to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Sending out love and hugs daily,
Zenfull Heart by Sherry
#ZenfullHeartHugMovement
