We recently had the chance to connect with Gracelyn Sorrell and have shared our conversation below.
Gracelyn, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I’m most proud of building a life rooted in fulfillment and joy, one that sparks hope in others. Nothing warms my heart more than hearing someone say, “You made my day” or “I’m inspired by what you do.” It’s the unseen moments that matter most, the quiet ways I tend the garden of my heart in private, that ultimately grow and impact others. For that reason, I’m deeply proud of shaping my life not just for myself, but for the sake of others.. It’s my life’s mission.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Gracelyn Sorrell, born and raised in Naperville, Illinois, and I live to inspire transformation through my movement Shift Humanity. I’m a communicator, mentor, social reformer, and advocate with a passion for helping people live with unshakable faith, resilience, and authenticity. My heart beats for creating change, whether that’s raising awareness about mental health, suicide prevention, or trauma-informed care.
I don’t just speak from research; I speak from lived experience. That’s why my mission resonates so deeply. Through my platform, I guide people through life’s toughest challenges with clarity and compassion, addressing the mind, the heart, and the spirit.
At my core, I believe that when we embrace our intrinsic value, we don’t just change our own lives, we spark a ripple effect of hope and ignite meaningful impact in the world.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A moment that shaped the way I see the world happened in 6th grade. It was the end of the school year, and since I have a summer birthday, my friends surprised me by decorating my locker before school ended. I came out of what I believe was my 3rd period class, only to see my locker decorations scattered all over the hallway, trampled and ruined.
A group of bullies who weren’t fond of me were responsible, and in that moment, I realized that people are hurting and need help. My faith rose up in that instant and inspired me to be kind to everyone, because you never truly know why people act the way they do. Later, I discovered that one of the bullies’ parents was going through a divorce, another struggled with self-esteem, and while I didn’t know the story of the third, I saw that they gravitated toward each other. They were hurting and chose to hurt someone else.
Instead of letting my anger harm others, I decided to channel it for good and be the best version of myself living in love, with authenticity, with unity, with dignity, and with utmost respect. Today, I see the world as a place full of people carrying pain, people who often just need a hug or a smile.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Honestly, I “give up” every day because surrender is better than carrying the weight myself. I give my life to God daily. I need reliance on something stronger than myself and my faith carries me.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
Real change takes time. Real impact takes dedication. A fad comes and goes, but a true foundational shift begins with heart. I never desire the temporal things; I seek legacy and lasting impact. The shift happens when you live for reasons beyond self-benefit.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
This world does not need me – this world needs God. So if I laid down my name, role, and possessions, He would remain. I hope that my life can testify to hope, love, light, and the one who saved my soul – Jesus.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gracelynsorrell.com
- Instagram: @gracelynsorrell
- Linkedin: @gracelynsorrell
- Twitter: @gracelynsorrell
- Facebook: Gracelyn Sorrell
- Youtube: Gracelyn Sorrell
Image Credits
Donna Mae Wilks Photography
