“Most real failures are due to limitations which men set up in their minds.” ~ Napoleon Hill
Without a shadow of a doubt, receiving a DWAI changed my life. The set charges, the advanced A classes, and the 1 year probation were all worth it in the end. During that process my “old self" died. A new self-formed with a fresh attitude towards growth, mindset, and goals. A hunger for discipline. I finished probation June 17th, 2021. In a way, I’m an example for my siblings “of what not to do”. They learned from the best, their older brother. A black sheep. It’s a blessing I can teach my siblings the importance of restraint—saying no to stupidity. One wrong decision can change everything.
As for the future, I’m thinking long term—1 year from now to 3 years to 5 years. I know that I’ll be financially free. I’m invested in my career, music and constantly creating. I quit my day job and life’s the vacation. My beautiful girlfriend is still cheering me on. I enjoy my sobriety. Occasionally, I’ll smoke a joint and if I do drink, solely drink on the weekends. I evolved as a young man, pursuing a dream with a purpose.
Ultimately, I wouldn’t change a thing, and it was one of the greatest blessings in disguise. I had a great support system; family, friends, and my beloved girlfriend. What I learned most was personal growth. I ask myself if I didn’t get caught that night would I still be drinking recklessly and partying? Drifting? Maybe so. At best I’m a student who’s constantly learning, re-learning, and un-learning—but knowing. The spirit within gains a newfound knowing, allowing space to listen more to one's intuition. And that’s made all the difference.