First and foremost, bodybuilding/working out personally, became more than just a hobby, it became a complete lifestyle. I really wouldn't know where or how I would be or end up; I probably would’ve been locked up or who knows where, but I’m blessed, I got awaken, a wake up call some might say before it was too late.

My senior year in high school became the start of my turning point in life. I’m excited, graduation, prom, all these up-coming activities, but my senior year started really with mainly tragedies, as well as pain. The loss of three close family relatives really hit me hard; one being I visited them over the summer, the second being the bond I had with them, and third It was a week and half apart. For some reason, I had a time expressing myself to others when I was hit with a tragedy; I was able to conceal it without anyone noticing/sensing any of my feelings. Holding it inside really just caused confusion and mainly stress because I really didn’t know how to express myself with confidence, and also didn’t really know who I should share my problems with. Pain, anxiety, concerns, and depression slowly started to build because throughout my senior year, I was also hit deep/long term breakups, which actually led towards my addiction towards drugs.

Honestly speaking, it is something I am not proud of till this day, but my addiction towards drugs became a serious concern to a point where I become literally hooked. It caused a lot of disputes, breakups between close friends, created trust issues with my parents/family, and just brought nothing but pain and complete misery. Those short moments of happiness was absolutely nothing compared to what I was hit with afterwards when the high went away. It honestly just created a bigger tension in my life because it brought back those previous memories and thoughts. It became harder to let go of those memories. I seriously needed help, plain and simple.

The turning point of my life happened on the first night of Ramadan. I can never forget that day, because I was faced with two options which I had to really and personally decide for myself. On that night, I was with my friends, and literary my mindset was completely not in the right state of mind. That is how messed up and intoxicated I was, but I didn’t know the area I was getting high at, my friends were banned. Didn’t know that until we are completely finished with what we’re doing, and we’re driving back to the basketball courts, and red and blue lights turn on once we turn into the basketball courts. In a state of confusion, my highness complete disappears, even though I was high. The undercover cops pull us over, three additional cop cars arrive, as well a van. Everyone single one in the car, including the car is searched because they were warned twice about not going to that location. As I’m getting searched, I’m praying and hoping in my mind, if all goes well, I will not turn towards this lifestyle, I’ll leave this lifestyle completely because it will lead me towards complete failure and only sorrow.

This is started and led my journey towards the gym because I really wanted to seek change for the better and greater good. It was difficult adapting in the beginning, but changing the company of my friends really came into play. Slowly, I started just going out for runs, walks, basketball, and just try to keep myself occupied, but after some time, I always thought about making a change, doing something different, wanting to achieve a goal, build confidence, and just really work towards something. Once I made the decision of what I really want to do, the only question now was how? A close family friend, as well a close friend decided to one day take me to the gym. It was an eye opener, but something really drew me towards the gym. A few weeks later, I ended up signing up after my 2 week guest pass was over. Until this point in time, I joined the gym. This basically opened the door for me towards bodybuilding/working out, and it wasn't until the start of second year I deeply, truly, and willing got attached to this life style. It changed me completely, mentally and physically. It brought a better meaning and change into my entire life, and makes me look at the world completely different.

1) Relieves Stress/Tension
2) Keeps Me Out of Trouble
3) Prevents Health Risks/Diseases
4) Promotes Self-Confidence
5) Allows Me To Feel Accomplished At The End Of The Day
6) Makes Me Feel Stronger/Active/Alert/Quick/Energetic