The Letter That Changed Everything

Michael Allison on silence, survival, and the decision to stay

Author

Matt Gilhooly
August 06, 2025

There is something powerful about someone sharing their complete story with you. Not a sanitized version, but the authentic, unfiltered truth. Michael Allison brought that level of honesty to our conversation, and I am so grateful for his openness.

We discussed what it feels like to silently carry pain for decades without anyone ever truly asking, "How are you really doing?" Michael has navigated childhood trauma, war experiences, profound grief, and long periods of isolation. He eventually reached his lowest point on a bridge in Tampa. But at that critical moment, something important happened that completely redirected his path.

"I was writing my goodbye letter when I remembered the letter my mom wrote me back in boot camp. And just like that, it pulled me back. It was one of the most sobering moments of my life."

Many of us move through life carrying burdens we have never fully acknowledged. Sometimes hearing another person share their journey helps us realize we do not need to shoulder our struggles alone.

  • You can be doing "everything right" and still feel like the world is falling apart

  • Writing something down can make a tangled truth a little more honest

  • There is no shame in asking for help, and if the first attempt does not connect, try again

  • Healing is not about erasing the past but about living differently because of it

Michael now runs The Adversity Academy, speaks to audiences around the world, and helps others reconnect to themselves after trauma. What affected me most profoundly was simply this: He chose to remain. And now he helps others make that same choice.

You can listen to Michael's full story here:

Or if something resonated with you while reading this, hit reply. I would love to hear what emerged for you.

Matt

PS: During a long weekend trip in May, I created a short-form podcast, “It’s Okay If…” Each episode is under three minutes long and provides a permission slip to simply be human. I’d be honored if you subscribed to the show. New episodes are released every Wednesday at noon ET.