It’s been 21 years since Elizabeth Smart was rescued after nine harrowing months of fearing for her life.
Earlier this month, the 36-year-old took to TikTok with her first-ever video, reminding others of the power of positive thinking.
“Today is March 12th,” she begins, “And it will always be a reminder that miracles happen and there are dreams that come true, and that good things are abundant in this world.”
Smart was just 14-years old when she was kidnapped at knifepoint from her Salt Lake City bedroom in the middle of the night on June 5, 2002. Her younger sister, Mary Katherine, witnessed the whole thing, but was too frightened to intervene.
Brian David Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee, held Elizabeth captive just five miles from her home for nine months. She was subjected to physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, as Mitchell treated her as his personal sex object, while his wife treated her as a slave. She was denied food and water for days on end, and had several fleeting opportunities to escape, but feared what the couple would do to her family. They promised to kill them if she tried to escape.
In reflecting on the 21st anniversary of her rescue, Smart says the day serves as a reminder for her that “life is good, and that dreams really do come true.”
@elizabeth_smart_official Today is the 21st anniversary of being rescued. My life is far from perfect but I’m so happy and grateful for the life I have today. #elizabethsmart #survivor #anniversary #rescue ♬ original sound – Elizabeth Smart Official
The mom of three married her husband Matthew Gilmour in 2012.
Today, Smart is an advocate for missing persons and victims of abduction and sexual assault. She has worked tirelessly to raise awareness about child safety and the importance of education and prevention. Smart founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation, which aims to empower and educate children and families about safety and abduction prevention.
Additionally, Smart has written books detailing her experience, including “My Story” and “Where There’s Hope: Healing, Moving Forward, and Never Giving Up.” She has also worked as a correspondent for various news networks, using her platform to advocate for victims’ rights and speak out against sexual violence.
In her first ever TikTok video, which has racked up more than 1.8 million views, Elizabeth Smart encourages her followers to “never ever give up.”
“We all have hard times and we all have struggles, but good things do come,” she says.
She emphasizes that it’s really important to “savor the joy in life and savor the happiness,” before wishing everyone watching, happiness.
