11 years. 
The journey over the last 11 years has been absolutely magical; and I never, EVER expected to be where I am today. 
11 years ago today was my spinal fusion surgery, where I had my lower spine fused together due to my discs exploding in between my vertebrae. 
I was never so scared, confused or lost in my life. Many people that have a surgery that severe remain on disability and stay hindered the rest of their life. 
I’ve always said that God has to do big things to get my attention, and this certainly was it. I was working tons of hours, eating horribly, smoking, addicted to nicotine, sugar and caffeine. 
I worked hard through my rehab, and started to learn how to take better care of my health, and I gained quite a bit of strength as I recovered. 
Once I moved back to Buffalo, old habits crept back in and I found myself living in my same addictions again, and weighed in at over 325 pounds. 
My breaking point was when I ran out of breath playing catch with my son in the back yard. Not running, not jumping around; standing still throwing a damn ball. 
How did I let it get that bad? 
Who knows?! Who cares at this point. What matters is a switch got flipped that day. 
I have to be healthy for my family. I have to be around to see my children and family succeed, grow and be healthy doing it. 
I needed to be a better example for the people the universe has entrusted me with. 
My journey hasn’t been perfect, and it still isn’t. I’ve lost over one hundred pounds, earned a Blackbelt in Taekwondo, ran 2 Tough Mudders and have completely transformed my life. But I still have a sweet tooth, suffer from poor self esteem and fear of rejection. 
The journey through this thing called life makes things clearer every day. 
And the best part is, it will continue to change and improve. I’m learning more everyday about loving more, about being a better father and husband, and finding new avenues to pursue my passions. 
If you need help figuring you out, I’d love to help. 

Let’s help each other through it all, and we will be better in the end! 
#beMORE #doMORE #transformation #overcome #grow #resultscity #weightloss #selfworth