Instagram story viewer> @ayysimz> Posts

Allie Joan

@ayysimz

1.8K

followers

1973

following

I recover loudly for those still suffering in silence
107 🪽
Resiliencywithoutborders.org

POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED

Excited to finally share a little more about my trip to Guatemala and something pretty exciting that came from that experience!

In July, I had the opportunity to travel to Guatemala through El Amor de Patricia. It ended up being so much more than I expected — serving others, experiencing a new culture, meeting incredible people, and stepping away from my normal routine.

One of the biggest things I took away was how valuable it can be to step away, do something meaningful, reconnect with yourself and others, and challenge yourself to grow. It was also a really positive part of my own recovery and reminded me how important those experiences can be.

That idea stuck with Gary too, and over the last several months he’s been working to turn it into something bigger: Resiliency Without Borders.

RWB is focused on creating wellness and resiliency retreats for first responders, military members, veterans, medical professionals, and other frontline workers — combining service, travel, culture, connection, wellness, and adventure.

The goal is simple: create an opportunity for people who spend so much of their lives serving others to step away, recharge, reconnect, and experience something meaningful.

Guatemala was a huge inspiration for what we’re building, and I’m really excited to see where this goes.

We just launched the Resiliency Without Borders website! We’re still building, so we’d genuinely love your feedback, ideas, and suggestions!

www.resiliencywithoutborders.org by @ayysimz

197

20

2 months ago

Can’t believe it’s been a whole year of being a ✨sober✨ girly!

Exactly one year ago today, I checked into inpatient treatment at First Responder Wellness — and thank God I did. That decision completely changed my life.

This past year has been the hardest, most rewarding, most eye-opening year of my life. I’m learning how to actually feel things instead of numb/run from them. I’ve had to face addiction, face my demons sober, grieve the loss of someone I love, rebuild myself from the ground up, and found lifelong friendships.

Recovery isn’t pretty all the time but I choose to recover loudly for those still suffering in silence.

Forever thankful to my family, friends, and support system. I would be lost without you all 🤍 by @ayysimz

329

41

5 months ago

3.3.26

Life will never be the same without you here. Somewhere along the way our friend group became our chosen family, and you became my best friend—my other half. Everyone always said we were the guy/girl version of each other, and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully explain what it’s like to meet someone who is so much like yourself. My heart is truly broken, and a piece of me will always be missing without you here.

To know RD was to know love, laughter… so much laughter, and genuine happiness.

I watched you fight one of life’s toughest battles, and even with so many unanswered questions about why God took you so soon, I find comfort in knowing how lucky I was to witness your journey. The 107 days before you were taken from us, I got to watch you win your battles, face your demons, and become the best version of yourself.

Our family lost our brother, but your memory will live on forever.

I am—and always will be—so proud of you, Ryan. My life will never be the same without you here, but what a privilege it is to have known someone so incredibly hard to lose.

Until we meet again. Love you always. by @ayysimz

267

22

7 months ago

They say time goes by faster as you get older because your brain stops making as many new memories. I don’t know if that’s true, but I do know that with you, time slowed down. You helped me appreciate the little things, create memories I’ll always hold onto, and find joy in life again. Happy one year Gare Bear 🫶🏼

P.S. welcome home 😉 by @ayysimz

156

13

2 months ago

Summer feels a little different. Memories mean a little more. Forever grateful for the 10 summers we got with you @rdrizzle2 🥹🫶🏼🪽 by @ayysimz

3

2

3 months ago

A perfect day celebrating The new Mr. & Mrs. Basill! Love you both ♥️ @azure.jo @_baz_2 taken in River Falls, Wisconsin by @ayysimz

3

0

4 months ago

The comeback has great scenery 🤩 taken in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park by @ayysimz

245

17

4 months ago

Getting lost in the right direction 🧚🏽‍♂️ taken in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park by @ayysimz

3

2

4 months ago

Desert detour 🌵🌞🫏 taken in Verrado, Buckeye, Arizona by @ayysimz

3

3

6 months ago

This kind of quiet 🧚🏽 by @ayysimz

3

3

7 months ago

They say a best friend’s life isn’t a book that closes; it’s a story that stays open through the people who knew him. And with RD, that story is a loud one.

He was the guy who somehow knew literally everyone in the room minutes after walking in. He didn’t just ‘enter’ a space—he shifted the energy of it. If he was there, you knew there was going to be a laugh, and it was usually the best part of the night.

The world feels a lot quieter today, but that’s why we’re here.

We’re the ones who carry his punchlines and the stories he didn’t get to finish. He isn’t a memory we’re looking back on; he’s the guy who’s still right here in the middle of us. He’s the reason we’re all together now, and he’s the one we’ll still be looking for every time the room gets loud.

Thank you @sdawgg.whaddupp for making this beautiful video of just a few of the millions of memories and laughs we all got to share with Ryan. by @ayysimz

3

4

7 months ago