It would’ve been really easy for me to get up there on stage and talk about personal style and the importance of dressing well and making good first impressions as we get older, and that’s probably what a lot of people were expecting of me. But, I’ve been dealing with a lot of personal issues that I’ve tip-toed around a little bit over the last few months. I felt like I owed it to you guys to be honest and let you know some of what I’ve been dealing with over the last 10 months or so.
There’s risk, fear and significant vulnerability involved with sharing my talk here with you guys, because I’m sure some of you might think less of me, or have your opinion of me change after you hear this. But, this is my truth, this is my life, and this is my story. And if it resonates with only one of you, then that’s all I really care about. I can’t control how any of you guys might feel after watching this, but either way, I owe you this. You deserve to understand where I’m coming from and some of what I’ve been through. There’s certain parts I’ve left out, but if you watch the video I linked above, you’ll hear a general overview of what’s been happening with me over the last year or so. And you’re also about to see me cry publicly in front of hundreds of people.
The response I got afterwards was a bit overwhelming. There were so many people coming up to me and telling me about their lives. I heard at least three cancer stories, stories of divorce and financial issues. One guy even broke down and cried as he was talking to me. I gave everyone as much time as they needed and I can’t describe how much I appreciate everyone who I met that weekend as a result of my talk.
I will be monitoring your comments, so feel free to drop me a note down below and I’ll see you in a few days for a brand new, less serious video. Thanks for watching.
Amazing story. Thank You so much for sharing. I’m 52 and have also been in the exact same position,as yourself, just 5 years ago. I became laid off and practically lost everything I ever owned. I went into a deep state of depression and feeling ashamed as a man, husband and father. Fast forward 5 years, I have a job that pays 50% less than what I made 5 years ago, I live paycheck to paycheck and have a credit card debt of $20K, but I’m still alive and taking it day by day and moving forward.
As men, we each face hardships and question if whether living and trying is worthwhile. These last 5 years have been very difficult for me, but I thank God everyday that I’m still alive.
You and I and every other men in this world have similar stories. We will survive. We will be victorious.
Yes! Thanks for commenting and sharing!
Hey John. I had previously sent you a personal email of encouragement (which you shared on your Instagram story) and after watching this, those words I sent you still hold true…even more after watching this video. As I said, you have had a profound effect not only on my style at 53 but also on my self-confidence…and my wife agrees. You do much more than perhaps you initially anticipated when you began your channel…it runs deeper. Thanks again for your transparency…something that is uncommon in today’s world. That took courage to do.
Yes, the one thing that is certain about life is that one day we will cease to exist…there is no workaround for that. However, as you shared, it is what we do with our lives that will impact others long after we are gone. Everyone has obstacles they need to face and it is unfair to weigh our problem against another’s (or they ours) because what we feel and how these things affect us is real and personal. We should instead encourage one another and perhaps help someone else in a crisis…because that helps us build our own strength and in turn a personal investment for someone we helped to help us one day. I hope one day we can meet face-to-face, but if not…thank you for not giving up. You matter.
You matter too, Pedro! Thank you!
hi John,
It seem we have a quite similar situation.
back then in 1997 where Asean financial crises i loss my job due to laid off and i’m out of job for about a year. It is tough to get job that time. i had loss faces with close friends and relative as they saw me like a beggar asking for help and financial aid. There you will notice who are your close buddy and freinds in the hard time. Yes it take a while to regain back stable income, clear credit card $16K debt and car had being reprocessed by bank.
Being shame doesn’t feel like anything, and there’s nothing wrong with being wrong. It happens to everybody. Realizing you’ve made a mistake can be difficult and perhaps embarrassing – I’ve been there – but letting others know that you got some set back is important to healthy relationships.
My prayer to you that you success in this hard time and i will continue support your channel.
Norman Ismail
Malaysia
Thank you very much Norman! Thanks for commenting!