Kidnapping victim Elizabeth Smart, 36, marks the 21st anniversary of her sensational rescue - as she admits she thought 'all her dreams had been stolen' during harrowing ordeal

Elizabeth Smart has marked the 21st anniversary of her kidnapping rescue with an emotional post in which she insisted 'miracles happen.'

The now 36-year-old took to social media to reflect positively on the milestone as she shared: 'I believe in happy endings. I believe in dreams coming true.'

Smart was just 14 years old when she was abducted at knifepoint from her bed at the family's home in Salt Lake City, Utah, on June 5, 2002.

She was held captive by Brian David Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee and repeatedly raped for nine months before she was rescued on March 12, 2003.

Elizabeth Smart has marked the 21st anniversary of her kidnapping rescue with an emotional post in which she insisted 'miracles happen'

Smart was just 14 years old when she was abducted at knifepoint from her bed at the family's home in Salt Lake City, Utah, on June 5, 2002 

The mom-of-three, 36, took to social media to reflect positively on the milestone as she shared: 'I believe in happy endings' 

In a clip, which was shared to TikTok on Tuesday, Smart spoke directly to camera as she explained: 'Today is March 12 and it will always be a reminder that miracles happen and that there are dreams that come true and that good things are abundant in this world.

'For those of you who don't know me, my name is Elizabeth Smart and back in 2002 I was kidnapped and I was held hostage for nine months.

'But I was rescued on March 12 of 2003 so today is 21 years since I was rescued.'

She candidly continued: 'I know anniversaries mean a lot of different things for different people. 

'I respect whatever it means to everyone individually but for me it really is a reminder that life is good and that dreams really do come true and that we should never, ever give up - because we all have hard times and we all have struggles but good things do come and I think that's really important.'

Smart, who now shares three children with husband Matthew Gilmour whom she married in 2012, concluded: 'I think it's really important to savor the happiness in life and savor the joy in life so no matter where you're at, I hope you find happiness.'

Elsewhere, she took to Instagram to share another touching caption that read: 'I believe in miracles. I believe in happy endings. I believe in dreams coming true. 

'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. 

Elsewhere, she took to Instagram to share another touching caption that read: 'I believe in miracles. I believe in happy endings. I believe in dreams coming true'

Back in 2002, Mitchell, a self-proclaimed prophet, kidnapped Smart with Barzee's help and took her into the woods, where he performed a mock-wedding ceremony before raping her for the first time 

Smart (pictured with her parents a month after she was rescued) was held captive by Brian David Mitchell and his wife Wanda Barzee and repeatedly raped for nine months before she was rescued on March 12, 2003

'When I was kidnapped I thought I'd never finish school, go to college, fall in love, get married, or have a family. I thought every dream I had for myself was stolen. 

'For me today is a celebration of all the happy moments of my life, and a reminder to never give up. 

'I know each of us has a story and we all have our dark days in life but I hope whoever reads this finds themselves believing in miracles, dreams coming true, and hope for a better future.'

Back in 2002, Mitchell, a self-proclaimed prophet, kidnapped Smart with Barzee's help and took her into the woods, where he performed a mock-wedding ceremony before raping her for the first time. 

To keep her from escaping, she was tied up with steel cables in a dugout filled with mice and spiders.

Smart was forced to take drugs and drink alcohol, she testified in 2009, and was raped daily — as often as four times a day.

Back in 2002, Mitchell (left), a self-proclaimed prophet, kidnapped Smart with Barzee's (right) help and took her into the woods, where he performed a mock-wedding ceremony before raping her for the first time 

Mitchell and Barzee's trials were dragged out for years due to delays and mental evaluations - it took nearly eight years for Mitchell's case to finally come to court 

Mitchell and Barzee later moved her to Lakeside, California, where they plotted to kidnap other girls. 

But, after their last failed kidnapping attempt, she convinced them to return to Utah.

Smart was rescued at age 15 after she and her abductors were recognized by witnesses in Sandy, a city in Salt Lake County.

Mitchell and Barzee's trials were dragged out for years due to delays and mental evaluations. It took nearly eight years for Mitchell's case to finally come to court.

Mitchell was sentenced to life in prison for his crimes, but Barzee was given just 15 years. In a plea deal, she was given credit for the seven years she had already served.

Barzee was released from prison in September 2018 and lived to the same town as Smart, despite the survivor's pleas to the parole board not to set her free.

Smart - who has since gone on to become a public speaker, author and advocate - founded the Elizabeth Smart Foundation in 2011 and has spent over a decade combatting the victimization and exploitation of sexual assault.