From Rock Bottom To Growth & Living A Purposeful Life

From Kindergarten on Michael felt like he was different. He was on medication for his behavior starting in the third grade. He was even suspended from school twenty-three times in a single year. Michael was picked on and ridiculed in school and could not see a way out of his situation for many years. With an undiagnosed mental condition, poor relationship choices, and alcoholism he carried the weight on his shoulders as he struggled to make it day to day. Later in his life, after he completed his time in the Army, Michael was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. After he came home from the Army, Michael's life started going deeper into a downward spiral. Michael committed second-degree burglary one night out of desperation and mental sickness. He turned himself in the next morning and was facing 33 years in jail. Then, just as Michael was facing jail time and loss of freedom for the foreseeable future, something miraculous happened. Michael was fortunate enough to have a judge that had a college roommate with bipolar disorder, so he understood the condition very well and showed mercy on Michael. As the judge threw the gavel down for Michael's sentencing, he suspended everything. Michael did not do single a day in jail, instead, the judge asked him to seek help and do something productive with his life.

 Full Video Interview:

A second chance at life was given to Michael by the Judge, and he sought the help he knew he desperately needed. Michael took his second chance and ran with it in incredible ways. His story is a story of resilience, perseverance, mental fortitude, and faith. Michael went from not knowing what he was doing in life and just trying to survive day-to-day to becoming a very successful in-demand public speaker. Michael was offered a second chance with an incredible opportunity at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). In an astonishing twist of events, he meant an executive keynote speaker at SHRM that helped him change his life. Michael put in the work and went through a public speaking program to help him achieve his dream. He has since dedicated the rest of his life to growing. Michael was able to utilize his story to motivate himself into action as well as everyone he touches in his audience. His growth story began with owning his mistakes and taking massive amounts of action in the right direction.

Michael's story resonated with me so deeply that after our call I couldn't help but become overcome with emotion for everything he has gone through and conquered in his life. This is Michael's strength, and the reason he is such a powerful public speaker, he captivates his audiences with emotion. After Michael speaks to his audiences, he leaves them motivated, elevated, and empowered. Michael actively posts his personal story on platforms like LinkedIn with the goal of sharing his failures to inspire others. He shares his worst moments with massive audiences on social media and in person to help others understand that they are not alone. Michael crossed the bridge from serious mental illness to enormous success and is a role model for anyone regardless of their current situation.

Michael and I formed a genuine human connection and relationship, and I am excited to see where his career takes him. Our relationship has since led to the possibility of us working together in the future, accomplishing one of my goals to become a public speaker. Michael is proof that you can overcome any level of adversity in life if you believe in yourself and put in the necessary work to accomplish your goals. The possibility of Michael and I being on stage in front of massive audiences and helping inspire thousands of people gives me chills thinking about it. Michael said it well towards the end of our interview that every day is an audition and to take full advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. We need to embrace opportunities as they are presented to us and make the most of what we are given. My hope is that anyone and everyone reading this newsletter and watching this video becomes inspired to better their lives. Even by improving your life a small percentage every day, you can change the trajectory of your future drastically. Michael is proof that second chances work as he demonstrates the power and fortitude of the human spirit.

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