Fitness Helped Me Find Passion. I Now Have Purpose

Let me take you on a journey through my life—a life filled with challenges, resilience, and an unwavering determination to overcome any obstacle that comes my way. It all began when I was just a toddler, riding my bike without training wheels and accidentally cutting my ankle deeply. I remember hobbling to my apartment door, seeking help from my mother. While I didn't cry at first, my mother's reaction made me feel like I had done something wrong. Little did I know that this injury was just thebeginning of a series of traumatic experiences that would shape my childhood.

As I reflect on those early years, I recall a mixture of moments—getting into trouble, being beaten, but also experiencing the thrill of Friday night parties my parents threw. Those nights were special to me because I was allowed to do what I wanted and hang out with the older kids. However, looking back, I now realize that there was a lack of concern for my well-being and that of my younger half-brother. As time went on, more siblings joined our family, and we all faced the same cycle of physical, mental, and emotional abuse. I was constantly reminded that I wasn't truly part of the family, yet expected to shoulder the responsibilities of caring for my siblings.

Despite the hardships I endured, there was one thing that remained unshakable—my true identity.

No matter what I went through, nobody could take that away from me. Around the age of 11, a flicker of hope ignited within me. I knew deep down that I deserved a better life, not only for myself but also for my family. I refused to let anything extinguish that flame, even if it meant standing up against my abusive family.

During those trying years, I was fortunate to have a few emotional anchors in my life—guiding lights that showed me the right path. They taught me the importance of tenacity, the unwavering determination needed to achieve my goals. I learned that even in the darkest moments, when I felt at my lowest, I had to summon the strength to keep moving forward. My family's message that I was expendable became the driving force behind my decision to fight for the people I cared about most.

And so, my journey continued as I transitioned from a child soldier to a soldier in the Army. It was during my time in the military that I truly grasped the significance of physical health in leading a fulfilling life. The daily physical training, the general physical preparedness required for my work, not only honed my fitness but also had a profound impact on my mental well-being. I discovered that exercise could alter my mood in exponentially positive ways, solidifying the connection between physical and mental wellness.

It's taken me a long time to figure out how to say this in an objectively positive way, and for the right reasons. I can't stand sympathy because of what I have been through. The experiences I've shared with you today though, have been the driving force behind my pursuit of knowledge and the direction I've taken in my life. They have molded me into the person I am today and are propelling me towards the future I envision. I recognize the power of my story and its potential to inspire others who may have faced similar challenges. My resilience and determination serve as a reminder that we all have the strength within us to overcome adversity and create positive change.

I share my journey not to dwell on the past, but to showcase the transformative power of resilience and determination. I encourage you all to embrace your own stories, no matter how difficult they may be, as sources of strength. Let us use our experiences as stepping stones to reach our fullest potential, both physically and mentally.