I remember the day I turned 18. I stole my mom's car and drove 2 hours to the beach where I sat under the moonlight and the stars pondering the possibilities. I used to believe I had no opportunity. A life destined to suffer in prison, just like my father. 

I cried on the beach that night. Tears of joy, tears of hope. I had graduated from high school even though I had skipped much of my classes. I had been accepted into a college and for the first time, I felt like I had a chance to make things right for my family. 

But I was still that 18 year old, clueless about what he wanted and what the world was like, and who he was. 

I made a promise. I would live a life worth four, representing the lives of my grandparents. 

Today I believe I have designed a life that continues in that spirit. I have experienced great loss, great pain, consistent joy, I have seen with my eyes, precious and spectacular moments. 

I fell in love with life and I became strong. Physically but also emotionally and that confidence allows me to love others the way I want to. It allows me to create to build upon. To break destructive cycles. 

I am not wealthy. 

I try to live in my manner, conscious and free. If you are curious about what that feels like then I welcome you. Let’s practice this together.