“Now, I am the husband and father my family deserves.”

For years, it seemed like tragedy kept following me. Diverticulitis, double hernia, arthritis, hit & run, a multitude of health conditions, and more, all before I was 40.  After the sudden death of my father, I spiraled even further. In 2020, I lost my business and my home. I fell into a deep depression and contemplated the idea that my wife and two children would be better off without me. 

Then I decided that I would make one last effort to change everything...and I did!  DDPY helped me to get stronger physically and mentally. With DDPY, the DDPY community, and the support of my friends and family, I was able to achieve success truly.  Now, I am the husband and father my family deserves. The future is finally exciting for me. I’m now living my life rather than running from it!

“I’ve changed my daughter’s lives, my wife’s life, impacted thousands, and most importantly, given myself life.”

January 3rd, 2020, I went to rehab for a 20-year addiction to crack, cocaine, speed, and alcohol for the third and final time. I successfully completed the program and needed a recovery plan. One Sunday before driving back to rehab, I watched “The Resurrection of Jake the Snake,” and it clicked. 

I found my recovery plan. It was called “DDPY.” I knew there was no such thing as a magic pill. I knew I needed to be the change I wanted to see. Since starting the Positively Unstoppable Challenge, I have turned the dial up to 11. I have lost 30 lbs. in 6 months, which brings my total to 70 lbs. I’ve continued to battle addiction and depression. They don’t take a day off, and neither have I. 

The thought of having any similarities to who I used to be is what drives me to work my ass off. In 23 months of sobriety, 15 months of DDPY, 3 months of DDPY JACKED, and 6 months of pushing as hard as I can in the Challenge, I’ve changed the lives of my daughter’s, my wife’s life, impacted thousands and most importantly given myself life. I have no finish line. I AM POSITIVELY UNSTOPPABLE.

“I am active to a point where workout attire has a whole section in my closet!”

My way of life used to be in front of the TV, mindlessly eating, numbing whatever feelings I didn’t want to feel. I had always wanted to lose weight because I wasn’t happy with how I looked, but I was always looking for the magic cure. The idea of a “lifestyle change” was intimidating. I was comfortable with the discomfort of my lifestyle because at least I couldn’t fail at that. As an educator, I tell my students, “It’s only failure if you don’t learn from it.” I felt like a hypocrite. I had to reshape my mindset. 

As I reflect on where I am now, I truly see the transformation. I’m busy with projects, friends, and family. I am active to a point where workout attire has a whole section in my closet! When I’m faced with a challenge, I meet it head-on because I’m #PositivelyUnstoppable! Oh yeah, and during the Challenge, I lost 52 pounds, which is great because I feel better, but it’s just a physical representation of my mental transformation. Nothing gets in my way anymore.

“A year later, I am living life at 90% and Owning My Life, no longer wanting it to end.”

I was one bad day away from ending my life. Every day felt like a curse rather than a blessing, and I was at my breaking point. I wanted to die. I was waiting to die. I couldn’t wait for the relief of existence to come. The only thing stopping me was the fear of hurting my wife and kids in the process. At 303 pounds, I already had one foot in the grave, and I decided to give DDPY a shot. 

If this didn’t work, I had decided that would be the end for me. A year later, I am living life at 90% and Owning My Life, no longer wanting it to end. I view each day now as a blessing instead of a curse. Losing 130+ pounds with DDPY has been amazing, but nothing even compares to the weight of the darkness lifted from my mind. DDPY not only strengthened my muscles, ligaments, and tendons, it also strengthened my mind. My wife has her husband back, my kids have their father back, and I couldn’t be happier.

“This challenge kept me accountable, gave me strength to face my fears, and unleashed a whole new me!”

Injury after injury destroyed any confidence or drive I had. Even worse, it destroyed my last shred of hope. I accepted the fact I would always be 300 pounds and miserable.

When I found DDPY, I convinced myself to give one last shot to be healthy. It was so hard in the beginning, but I committed. I did it anyway. My family cheered me on every step of the way! I never looked back!

When the 2021 Positively Unstoppable Challenge came around, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to take my journey to the Next Level! This Challenge kept me accountable, gave me the strength to face my fears, and unleashed a whole new me!

So what did I gain during the Positively Unstoppable Challenge? FREEDOM to live my life! I didn’t even know I was looking for this. What I’m doing, what I’m a part of, is bigger than me. It’s about helping others. Every. Single. Day. I have reached the Next Level in every way possible!!