ABOUT
ME
Passionate About Inspiring Others
Being the son of two deaf parents and the youngest of four brothers, there were many times as a child where I felt challenged. Communicating with my parents had it's difficulties and I felt like I was always having to prove myself with my brothers. For a long time I struggled with finding my place and would do whatever I could to gain attention or approval. My self worth became defined by what others thought of me. Part of this was because of my circumstances, but a bigger part of it was that I didn't know how to respond any differently.
Growing up I had responsibilities that most kids my age probably wouldn't have to deal with. My parents didn't have the benefits of email, texting, or relay services at that time, so completing tasks that we consider simple today were much more difficult. Previously my brothers had all spent their time handling school calls, making doctors appointments, disputing bills, etc... So being the youngest, it was eventually my turn to take over.
My parents worked extremely hard, and made many sacrifices to provide for us. Money was tight, Dad worked during the day and Mom worked the graveyard shift at night, they were spread thin. Seeing this, I wanted to help in any way that I could and not take things for granted.
I wouldn't ask for things I needed. I avoided seeing friends and pursuing hobbies because that would make me feel like a burden. I often stayed home so that everything could be easy. I tried to eliminate any problems that might stress my parents for time or money.
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I used to see this all as a struggle, or weakness, and be angry that I was missing out on normal kid stuff. All the while not realizing the gift that it would later become for me.
As I became an adult, I realized that keeping this mindset would never provide me with the happiness and success I wanted to achieve. The time had come now where I was not needed in the same way. I had grown up, technology had gotten better, financial issues had improved, but the mindset around putting myself second had not changed...
I came to the realization that my life was in an unhealthy place. Like many others, I was stuck in a job that was comfortable, yet unfulfilling. The romantic relationship I had was volatile and supporting my worst habits, our environment was toxic. I wasn't pursuing anything that I loved, I was unsure of every decision I made, and I was miserable.
I couldn't let this continue, so I made the decision to make a drastic change.
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I left my job, ended my relationship, and sold everything that wouldn't fit into the back of my 2002 Nissan Altima. I decided to do something I had always dreamed of and moved from LA to NYC, traveling the country for as long as I damn well pleased!
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First off, there was no reason for me to go to New York. No job waiting for me, no love interest, only a deeply rooted (and completely necessary) need for change. There was an excitement within me to scrap everything, spend my time on the road and just travel. There may not have been a reason to go to New York, but it was imperative for me to start making decisions for myself.
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I took well over a month traveling out to NY. Time was not important to me, having the experience I'd always wanted was. I tried to see every city, national park, family member or friend that I could on my journey and experience it all. For me, taking this time and doing something specifically for me had a profound effect...
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You can run into some unexpected things on these trips, the most unexpected thing I discovered, was reconnecting with people...
The decisions I made for myself ended up impacting other people in ways I could have never imagined. I always loved photography so I would post pictures and updates on my trip of the beautiful places and experiences I was having, it was great! What I didn't expect was that friends I hadn't spoke with in years just started reaching out to me asking and me what I was doing. Since this trip was sparked by a need for change, the conversations it created naturally revolved around change. I was surprised by how many people could relate to what I was going through. I can't count how many times I heard, "man, I wish I could do that..." Once I had made my decision and rolled with it, the same fears everyone had expressed to me turned into the realization that the fear around change is greater than the reality, and the journey can be better than we think.
On my journey, I found that I loved having conversations that were truly impactful; connecting with people in a way that can change the trajectory of someones life and create possibilities.
One of the most impactful and dear to my heart conversations I've ever had was with a friend I had not spoken with since High School! We spoke on the phone for over 8 straight hours. Our time was so profound that it led to that person, the very next day, quitting their unfulfilling, unsatisfying job, and deciding to take their first trip to Europe. I was floored... This was a massively bold decision, but it was an easy one when you realize that life can be better than you allow. Right then, the beginning of a life filled with purpose and fulfillment had begun. To this day it is still the most powerful conversation of my life.
It was right then when I understood something, I value this... I value helping people change. I value and respect other peoples struggles and I know that I can help - this gives me purpose.
When I said my struggle was a "gift" I meant it. My struggle allowed me the pain, suffering, and fear that I would need in order to realize what was missing from my life. It made me have to focus and understand what my relationship was with myself and with the world. My having to handle the grown up responsibilities as a kid gave me an understanding of the challenges and balance that is needed to make things work.
The value of a powerful conversation cannot be quantified. They can lead to the most miraculous discoveries in life, and that is the place where I want to spend my time.
That 8 hour long conversation is where I decided I would lead an authentic and purpose driven life. Which brings me here, wanting to do powerful, life changing work with others...
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"If you want to go fast, go alone; If you want to go far, go together..."
My passion is to help people discover their purpose in life, understand their "Why", and support them in building the path towards
waking up in their dream...
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