One decision 4 years ago. THE decision. (Long read)

You’re probably asking yourself “why’s he posting a selfie”.. well I couldn’t think of a better image to start. This is me at 23, from 16-23 I was the fun guy. Drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and as many parties as I could attend! All of that led to severe alcoholism and an debilitating anxiety and panic disorder at the age of 22. Then when I was 23 my grandmother was diagnosed with lung cancer (which she has passed away from) and that worsened my condition far more. I medicated as much that I could with all of the wrong things. Until one day, hungover on my porch, depressed and borderline suicidal, I made a decision. No I made THE decision. I decided I was done with it all, I decided that this couldn’t be it. That day I dumped the booze out and threw the drugs and cigarettes away, that day I chose sobriety and promised myself there was no going back and I would make myself better and I would try my hardest to give the world a human it actually may deserve. Anyway here’s how things changed in 4 years ::

Well after giving up my addictions and battling through withdrawals i was then stuck trying to overcome my mental illness that lurked all the time. I turned to nature and that is what brought my mind back. I just started fishing one day to escape my mind, just basic tackle and an old rod my grandfather left behind. Which then turned into picking up fly fishing. I started dedicating all of my time to learn as much that I could about it! I was obsessed (still am). All of which in turn led to a blessing with multiple sponsorships with sone amazing companies and that cane with awesome opportunities. ::

Also one of my favorite decisions I’ve made! Some of you may be aware: but I started doing a lot of conservative to give back to nature and help as much that I could. I started a small organization to help rid the beautiful natural areas of trash that is thrown out or dumped there. This is one of my more proud accomplishments. ::

Last spring I decided to pick up college and further my education in a field that would be rewarding. I’m currently majoring in emergency medicine. In December I completed step one and became a Nationally registered emergency medical technician! I also landed a job on an ambulance shortly after. 4 years ago I never would’ve imagined I would achieve this or be this!

I am still furthering my education pursuing becoming a paramedic and graduating with my Associates. So wish me luck on this journey!

I made this post to kind of show off my accomplishments i guess in hopes to show that no matter how far down or crappy you feel like your life may be, you are one decision away from changing it, I mean COMPLETELY changing it. When I was sitting in my house drunk or high 24:7 I never thought I’d make anything of myself. Now I tell myself every single day to do more and go further, to never forget why I’m pushing myself. So my advice to anyone is NEVER lose that light, and keep pushing forward. Life can be a wild ride but we are the ones in control of it and I believe in each and every one of you out there can achieve anything. Hopefully this post reaches at least 1 person and brightens their day or helps their struggle! Also THANK YOU to everyone who read this!