I was too young when I first heard phrases like ‘bad blood’ in reference to my existence. That I had undoubtedly inherited generations of ‘defective blood’ and my fate would be in a straight jacket unless god would have mercy on my soul.

I was put on ungodly amounts of sedatives at a young age.

I kept putting myself in environments where I thought I deserved to be - dragged through the dirt.

Life in post 9/11 Brooklyn, NY, was rough.

By age 18 I already had two guns stuck in my face, and I had to learn how to make friends with 'the enemy' in order to survive.

After nearly 3 years in 'ground zero', experiencing things first hand that some people only see in movies, I left New York City and went on to pursue a successful career in marketing.

I taught myself how to program and I spent days and nights grinding to achieve 'The American Dream'.

I was fortunate to buy a home and start a family.

Ironically, my life came to a climactic peak at age 33 when I suffered two strokes (yes, in my head).

I spent an infinite amount of time in what I call ‘the void’ and returned to my body, not once but twice, to land on hands and knees puking every ounce of me out my throat.

I had never felt anything better.

To feel again.

And after working for the last 8 years on myself, today my body is in ‘perfect health’ according to doctors.

Despite these obstacles I persevere and present the world with the behavior I know how - unending compassion for every type of human.

Because I've seen both sides.

I've lived with cockroaches and slept on sailboats.

The greed, jealousy, and resentment is on all sides. But, so is love, respect and kindness.

Our grievances and resentments have gotten the better of us - much to do with the constant competitive nature of modern society.

But I know we are built for better.

I know that each and every person can look down deeper within themselves and find the strength to do better.