I'm Not Waiting for Permission

Dear Friend,

A few days ago I was sitting at the bottom of my mother's garden drinking a coffee, and I began talking to Amy Poehler.

I was on her podcast, of course — in my head — and she was asking me about Hilarapy. I was naturally animated, jovial and full of enthusiasm as I told her it's a powerful evolution of comedy, and yes, there are some very cool comedians doing Hilarapy-style performances; I know how to teach it and how it works.

She was, of course, absolutely fascinated.

Next, I was sitting with Oprah, enjoying a different vibe of conversation; she was so interested in what I had achieved thus far, and our conversation was full of joy and big confidence.

I finished my coffee and returned to the kitchen, where I promptly told my parents I had just been on podcasts with Oprah and Amy Poehler. They, not knowing quite how all this works, completely believed me and asked when it would be available to listen to.

Oh mother, soon enough, I'm sure.

Something shifted at the end of that garden. Because somewhere between Amy and Oprah, the plan landed.

Here it is.

For a few years, I have been quietly holding a vision of travelling around the USA in a van, talking to the recovery community.

At the same time, I have been in deep conversation with the Institute for Addiction Research about how we can raise their profile through live events — conversations that helped crystallise something bigger around women, research, and changing the public conversation around addiction.

We settled on a six-city California tour. But where is the funding and what makes people come?

Alongside that, an idea formed to create a series of viral comedy films that take the mickey out of — not the addict, not the disease — but our assumptions about it.

I don't believe in starting small. I'm writing famous people into them.

And then, the other day, I put it all together.

I'm going to get a van and put out a call, worldwide.

NOMINATE HER.

People will be able to nominate a woman living free from active addiction who is a real blessing in the world.

Someone with an against-all-odds comeback story.

Someone who is giving back, showing up, and quietly or loudly helping people.

I will drive around meeting these women and hearing their stories.

Millions of lives around the world are lost each year to causes attributable to alcohol and drug use, while enormous numbers of people struggling with addiction never receive the help they need. Women can face particular barriers to treatment, and we desperately need more research.

I know the shame that surrounds addiction.

The stigma is massive.

And I would happily spend my entire life helping to break it down.

Addiction has no face. Neither does recovery.

So I'm fed up with sitting behind a desk trying to convince people to believe in me, this project, or this mission.

I don't need to wait for anyone's permission.

I can go now.

I can get in a van, put the call out, meet people, hear their stories, follow the road and see what magic I find along the way.

Maybe the search creates enough noise to help fund the series, the six-city tour, the comedy films and, most importantly, more addiction research.

Maybe it becomes something even bigger than I can currently see.

And if nothing comes of it?

I'll have had one hell of an adventure.

I have been given my marching orders by the universe.

I love you.
I love you.
I love you.

Lizzie