Sach - 44
I’ve been asked to share my story. A story that I struggle to write because it is still being written.
What can I share?
It’s difficult to define, and even harder to articulate into words the DARKNESS that had manifested in me. I am not different than most people as it relates to my traumas and my mental health struggles. Physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse, hate crimes and bullying. We have all experienced some level of trauma. My personal darkness revolved around feeling alone, beating myself up on everything I did, feeling like my life was unraveling and having no control over slowing it down, never mind stopping it. I felt helpless, I didn't know what to do with my life. I had a deep sense of disillusion around my purpose and why I was put on this earth.
It wasn't that I was actually alone - I really just felt like the people around me didn't understand what I was going through. It wasn't until I met a friend who truly understood my situation that I started to feel some hope. Not only did he understand but he also offered important feedback on how I could crawl my way out of the “mental ditch” I was living in. Learning I was not alone in my struggles, truly knowing that, was the watershed moment which started my ascent out from the dark.
Two years ago, I started running. I hated it, but I loved life more and I discovered it was an effective solution to manage my mental health. So, I started on a difficult journey of self exploration through the physical act of running. When I ran, my busy mind turned down. I started with short runs, 5km, 3 times per week, I struggled, but I kept grinding, and with that consistency I became disciplined around it. I am now running times and distances I never dreamed possible, had you told me when I was in the grip of that darkness, when I wasn’t sure I’d come out of it alive, that I would be running distances more than 100km multiple times per year, I’d have told you, you were out of your mind.
January 2022 to present day. In this time, I have been able to right my course and the direction of my life. Day by day I employed every strategy imaginable to improve my mental health. I sought out treatments and found a psychologist I could feel comfortable with. I began to change my sphere of influence so that it encompassed like minded individuals. I started reading books, any book, it didn't really matter. I just wanted to establish the habit of learning to develop my mind. I began seeking out mentors to further expedite my mental and physical growth. I began doing things that I never thought of doing which allowed me to get outside of my own head. I started to see how beautiful life could be.
With constant reflection and the guidance of mentors, I was able to identify and define my purpose. My life purpose is to effect permanent and positive change, not for personal gain but to support and help those that sacrifice themselves each and every day for the rest of us. I am now executing against my purpose every single day, and in 2025 I plan to break the record for the fastest run across Canada. 7300km in 66 days all to raise awareness and funds for veterans, and first responders with PTSD/OSI.
I am still writing my story and I don't know where it will end, I entered this crucible donning shiny yet cracked armour and I’ve emerged a force multiplier, kitted out with the skills and equipment for my mission ahead.
We are never alone, even in our darkness, and we can all take solace knowing that we are STRONGER TOGETHER!
Music - Sach’s music choices during our photo session included Capleton, Sidhu Moose Wala, and Buju Banton.
