I started this Journey for one reason, I hated who I was. When I say hated, there was not one thing about myself I was proud of. I had lost touch with it all. So many thing that at one time made me happy no longer did. I was truly sabotaging my entire life, my relationship, my job, and most of all myself. I saw this opportunity and knew it was now or never. I had made the decision I did not want to end up like my father, his twin and grandfather and be dead by the time I was 40. I had more to give and really wanted to change the cycle.
Going into the show, I have to say the hardest thing I had to do was face myself. With the help of Doctor Peeke and Drill Instructor's, they made me see I am a person that amounts to more than I gave myself credit for. But it is so hard when your entire life you constantly think of yourself as this fat, ugly kid that will never amount to anything. Not only that but other people too would make comments, starting in school up until just days before this show began. Doctor Peeke had so many great and inspirational things to say, but there was one thing that stuck, I will never forget. She told me, "Stop letting everyone else write your story, Write Your Own Story." That was all it took. I am not going to lie, there were days that I was so sore from the workouts, just wanted a huge burrito, but I realized again, that was someone else writing my story, not me!
The show has changed my life in so many ways! I feel validated, I feel that I am important and I can do whatever I set my mind to. Hand's down this was the best thing that has ever happened to me. I get a wonderful feeling every morning when I wake up at 5am, head to the gym, run 3 – 6 miles, head straight to work and I have energy to carry myself through the day. I can tell you this now, I am cute, I can and will achieve every goal I set out to achieve and also I am proud of the man I am and the life I lead. So ask yourself, "Who's writing your story?"
