Derek
At one point in his life, Derek Palosaari was running out of answers.
Years of addiction, poor choices, broken relationships, and struggles with mental illness had left him exhausted and searching for something he could not find on his own. Then one day, parked on the side of a road in Arizona, his life changed forever.
What followed was not an overnight transformation, but a journey. A journey marked by faith, surrender, accountability, healing, and one day at a time sobriety.
Today, with more than two decades of continuous sobriety, Derek openly shares his story of redemption and hope. Through his book, speaking engagements, podcasts, and personal conversations, he encourages others to face their fears, take responsibility for their lives, and discover that change is possible no matter how far they have fallen.
Derek’s message is simple:
Your past does not determine your future.
You are not too broken to heal.
And it is never too late to start over.
Derek lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Gail, and their disabled adult daughter, Demi. His greatest passion is helping people find hope, purpose, and a new direction when life leaves them standing at their own side of the road.
A Message from Derek
If you’ve found your way here, I don’t believe it’s by accident.
Maybe you’re struggling with addiction. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of depression, anxiety, fear, regret, or circumstances that feel impossible to overcome. Maybe you’re simply tired of pretending everything is okay.
I understand more than you might think.
There was a time in my life when I felt trapped by my own choices and overwhelmed by the consequences. I wanted things to change, but I didn’t know how. Looking back, I can see that my greatest breakthroughs began when I finally became honest with myself and willing to take the next step forward, no matter how small.
What I’ve learned is this: healing is possible. Change is possible. Hope is real.
Not because life suddenly becomes easy, but because we don’t have to walk through it alone.
My prayer is that my story encourages you to keep going. No matter where you are today, no matter how many mistakes you’ve made, and no matter how far off course you may feel, your story is not over.
Sometimes a new beginning starts with a single decision.
Thank you for being here and allowing me to share a part of my journey with you. If something you’ve read resonates with you, I hope you’ll hold on to this truth:
There is always a way forward.
— Derek
