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Who I Am
In a life that once held boundless promise, I found myself reflecting on a time far removed from my current reality. It felt like a distant memory, a time when I was not shackled by the affliction of homelessness and addiction. Once, I stood at the precipice of success, a Top-10 Texas HS QB recruit destined to play college football for the esteemed United States Military Academy at West Point.
There was a time when friendships embraced me in abundance and the world seemed to offer limitless possibilities. I possessed a multifaceted spirit, gifted not only in sports but also in the arts. I found solace and expression in my talent as a singer, a pianist, and a writer. I transcended the stereotype of the typical alpha-male jock, eschewing shallow pursuits for a deeper connection with the world around me.
Curiously, it was not until my final semester of senior year in high school that I ventured into the realm of drugs and alcohol. Naively, I believed that this choice set the wheels in motion for my subsequent unraveling and descent into a personal abyss of unimaginable anguish. Yet, as time has passed, I have come to understand that this simplistic narrative was misguided.
In truth, the circumstances that led me astray were far more complex and nuanced. Life is a tapestry woven from countless threads, and my journey took an unforeseen turn, leading me into the depths of my own personal hell. But here, amidst the shadows, I am learning, growing, and discovering that the path to redemption lies not in casting blame, but in the strength to face the truth and reclaim my identity.
As I share my story, I hope to unravel the layers of misconception and challenge the prevailing narratives that confine us. This is a tale of resilience, of finding purpose amidst adversity, and of discovering that the power to redefine oneself lies within. Join me on this transformative odyssey, as I navigate the corridors of my past and forge a new path towards hope, healing, and redemption.
What I'm All About
This was started as a therapy project. Due to the fact that I have a very difficult time opening up to people and allowing myself to be vulnerable, my therapist suggested I find alternative outlets to unload the burdens of my past in a healthy constructive way. I chose this forum as a way for me to not only share my pain, my struggles, as well as my honest journey through recovery, but also to encourage others who have struggled in similar ways as myself. My aim is to change the narrative of mental health and addiction. We live in a culture that tends to shame those who struggle with such issues, even though everyone in the world is somehow touched by addiction and or mental health struggles. In my experience, addiction and mental heath struggles do not discriminate. It can affect everyone and anyone, regardless of our ethnicity, socioeconomic status, race, or creed. There is an underlying narrative of shame and judgement that goes hand-in-hand with those struggling, and through my own journey I have learned that abandoning this is crucial for setting a foundation on which I can rebuild my life. I have found that through vulnerability, facing fears, and being brutally honest with myself and others, shame no longer has a leg to stand on in my life. I wish to bring awareness to this very human issue that we all deal with, whether we realize it or not.