“Shortly after high school, I started bartending, and from day 1, my life went downhill. I was drinking all the time, staying up way too late, picking up bad habits, and was very unhealthy. This went on for 7 years. There was a point where not only was my health terrible, but I was homeless for a short period of time. I had nowhere to go. I had a couple of friends who allowed me to couch surf. That was my lowest point. I didn’t know what to do. Finally, I woke up one day and said, what am I doing with my life? I had no money. I had no schooling. I hadn’t graduated from college. I just knew I needed to make a change. There were no other options. That moment changed my life. Two years ago, I got out of the bar industry, and I started exercising and eating healthy everyday. I ended up losing 90 pounds, and felt amazing. I completely changed my lifestyle. I have a 12 year old son, and the whole 7 years I was bartending, I wasn’t around as much as I should’ve been. I’ve spent more time with him in the last couple of years than I did throughout my entire bartending career. It’s so insane, because I finally realized that there were so many things I missed out on, and times I just wish I would’ve been there for him. But now, I get to be there all the time for him and spend time with him whenever I want. We go for bike rides and walk around town together. He’s my best friend. I want to maintain a healthy lifestyle for me and my son. I don’t ever want him to go down the same road I went down. I want to be a good example for him, and I want to be a good father for him. My health means so much to me now. I’m glad I had that moment where I was like, what am I doing to my life? Because I know I don’t ever want to do it again. Having the realization that things needed to change turned me into a better person. Sometimes you have to hit bottom before you can realize what’s at the top.”