One Year of F*ck Rock Bottom

One year ago today, I achieved one of my greatest goals and released my first book, F*ck Rock Bottom.

When I hit publish, I didn’t know what would happen next. I wasn’t thinking about rankings or reviews or milestones. I was mostly thinking, “Alright… this thing exists now. My most vulnerable moments are officially out there for everyone to read.” 

The mix of emotions was intense. I was relieved, fearful, and experiencing a little bit of disbelief. 

I didn’t write this book because I had everything figured out. I wrote it because I didn’t. Because I’d been in places where everything felt broken, heavy, and uncertain, and I wanted to help other people feel less alone. 

Since then, a lot has happened.

2025 ended up being the best year of my life. Not because everything was perfect, but because I was fully committed to every aspect of my life. I said yes to nearly every opportunity. I even said yes to opportunities that scared the hell out of me, like getting up in front of many of you at the Haymaker this past June to share my story live for the first time. 

Commitment was my word for this past year, and I lived it, sometimes to a fault. In many ways, I overcommitted. I filled my cup up way past the rim. 

Which is why my word for 2026 is simplify.

I’m paying closer attention to what actually matters to me. And I’m being very intentional about what deserves my energy and what doesn’t. I am taking this year to prune all the limbs so the right things can grow. That feels like the natural next chapter, both personally and professionally.

What surprised me most this past year were the messages and testimonials from people who read the book. I didn’t expect it to land the way it did, or for so many of you to say it helped you feel seen and start believing a comeback was possible. Along the way, the book even hit #1 on Amazon in Survival Biographies. I honestly didn’t see that coming either.

If you’ve read the book, thank you for trusting me with your time and your attention. If you’re in the middle of your own rock bottom, I hope you know you’re not stuck. You’re simply in it until you’re ready to pick up the pen and begin rewriting your story.

One year in, I still believe this deeply: rock bottom isn’t the end. It’s just the catalyst that will launch you toward a life that’s more aligned with who you’re meant to be.

-G aka The Grateful Author

P.S. One of my goals this year is to do a quarterly speaking engagement. If you know of an opportunity, an event, or someone who would benefit from a story centered around resilience and transformation, I’d love an intro.

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