From Crypto Crash to Stage Lights: A Year of Darkness and the Journey Back to Happiness
Happiness isn't always sunshine and smiles; it's the journey of navigating the storms that life throws our way.
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Michael Jackson Impersonator
Today, on International Day of Happiness, I want to share a story that's far from the usual sunshine and rainbows narrative often associated with this day.
But first...
What is "International Day of Happiness"?
Celebrated annually on March 20th, International Day of Happiness was established by the United Nations to recognize the importance of happiness and well-being in our lives – not just as individuals, but as a global community. It's a day to reflect on what brings us joy, to spread positivity, and to acknowledge the very real struggles that can sometimes stand in the way of happiness.
This year, my own reflection takes the form of a story that's raw and honest – a journey through the depths of despair and the slow, deliberate climb back towards the light. It's a story about loss, resilience, and the unwavering strength of the human spirit.
It's a story, I believe, that resonates with the true essence of International Day of Happiness – a reminder that happiness isn't always sunshine and smiles; it's the journey of navigating the storms that life throws our way.
So, dive in, and join me on this journey. You might be surprised by where it takes you.
My true story about recovering from depression
They say good things come in threes.
In 2021, that couldn't have been more true.
The year started with a crypto market on fire, and I, a small-time investor, was riding the wave. My portfolio, fueled by early bets on Luna and Solana (thanks to a lucky spot in Solana's private sale!), was overflowing with profits. It felt like the world was my oyster, and the future gleamed with endless possibilities.
But as with any good hero's journey, triumph rarely lasts forever.
May 7th, 2022, dawned, ironically, on my birthday. Little did I know, amidst the birthday wishes and cake, a storm was brewing.
The Terra blockchain, the very foundation of my beloved Luna, began its descent into chaos. Investors, spooked by a mass sell-off, sent shockwaves through the market. My birthday present that year was a gut-wrenching realization – my once-thriving portfolio was hemorrhaging value.
The ensuing months were a blur of despair.
As if the crypto crash wasn't enough, the weight of a failing marriage began to crack the foundation of my world. My wife and I, once partners in life and dreams, were drifting apart. Vietnam, too, seemed to be grappling with its own internal struggles. The once vibrant country felt shrouded in a collective sense of unease.
The toll it took on me was physical as well as mental. My blood became infected, a reflection of the turmoil within. I ballooned in weight, finding solace in unhealthy habits.
The world, once bright and inviting, felt like a place shrouded in perpetual darkness.
The crushing weight of depression threatened to suffocate me.
One particularly bleak December morning, I remember staring at myself in the mirror, barely recognizing the hollow shell staring back.
It was a wake-up call, a desperate plea from the depths of my soul. That day, an unexpected opportunity arose – a chance to perform on stage. Despite the paralyzing fear, something flickered within me, a spark of defiance against the darkness. I decided to take the leap.
The stage lights, once a source of anxiety, became an unexpected source of rejuvenation. As I stood before the audience, the fear melted away.
The connection with the crowd, the energy that crackled in the air, ignited a spark within me. For the first time in months, I felt alive. It was a turning point, a realization that even in the darkest corners, there is a flicker of light waiting to be reignited.
After that destined performance, I desperated to come back. I decided to work out. And God sent me coach Luu Son to coach me in just 7 days. Then I managed to do the work out alone outside in the nature. I am proud of maintaining that workout routine for more than 1 year. You can watch my 1st day of workout here:
This is a full playlist of my workout challenge throughout the year.
But the journey back wasn't a solo expedition.
My dear forever true good friend, Yvette Sanchez, became my rock.
Her unwavering support, her belief in me when I doubted myself, was a lifeline. She had a terrible abusive childhood but she was still a survivor. I already had a blog post about Yvette Sanchez here:
Tu Michael
Please read it. It is an inspiring and amazing story. I wish a director or producer has a chance to read it so that it can be made into a movie.
Anyway, Yvette and I often emailed each other and her encouragement was miraculous whenever I felt down.
I said to myself that I had to be there for the ones who really cared for me, especially the one like Yvette Sanchez who had never met face to face but still had belief in me.
So why I don't have the right for not believing in myself! I must recover!
I enrolled in therapy sessions run by the incredible Mai Xuan Sang from Like A Tree - a community of Spirit Coach. Alongside this, the spiritual guidance of Priest Ngo Duy Cuong offered another layer of healing.
Slowly, but surely, the clouds began to part. The therapy sessions equipped me with tools to manage the depression, while Yvette's unwavering friendship provided a constant source of strength. The weight started to lift, replaced by a newfound sense of purpose.
Alongside my emotional recovery, I cautiously started investing again. This time, however, with a newfound respect for the market's volatility. My approach is slow, meticulous, and fueled by a long-term vision. While the crypto market remains a rollercoaster ride, I am confident in the future of decentralization, and I plan to share more about this journey on this blog in the future.
You can read my blog post:
Tu Michael
The experience has forever changed me. It was a brutal descent into the abyss, but the climb back out has been a journey of self-discovery. I've learned that happiness isn't a destination, a finish line triumphantly crossed. It's a winding path, riddled with obstacles and unexpected detours. The key lies in embracing the journey, in finding the strength to rise after each fall.
There will be stumbles, moments of doubt, and days when the darkness threatens to return. But now, I am armed with the tools and the support system to navigate them. This experience has shown me the power of resilience, the unwavering strength of the human spirit, and the profound impact of genuine human connection.
So, if you're reading this and find yourself battling your own demons, lost in the shadows, please know this – you are not alone. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, and the journey back to happiness, however arduous, is absolutely worth taking. There will be setbacks, but there will also be moments of unexpected joy, triumphs big and small. Embrace them all, for these are the ingredients that make the journey so profound.
Let this be a testament to the human spirit's ability to endure. It's a testament to the power of friendship, a beacon of hope in the darkest hours. It's a tribute to the transformative potential of human connection, the invisible threads that bind us together.
This experience has also instilled in me a deep sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the unwavering support of Yvette, for the insightful guidance of Mai Xuan Sang and Priest Ngo Duy Cuong, and for the countless others who, in their own way, helped me find my way back to the light.
But most importantly, I am grateful for the darkness itself. It may sound strange, but the depths of despair I experienced forced me to confront myself, to peel back the layers and identify the core of who I truly am. It stripped away the facades and forced me to rebuild, brick by brick, a stronger, more resilient version of myself.
The road ahead may still have its share of twists and turns, but I face them with a newfound sense of optimism. The scars left by the crash, both literal and metaphorical, serve as a constant reminder of the strength I possess, the unwavering spirit that refused to be extinguished.
This blog post isn't just a chronicle of my personal struggles; it's an invitation. An invitation to share your own stories, your battles with darkness and your triumphs over adversity. Let's create a space where vulnerability is embraced, where raw emotions find a platform, and where the collective strength of shared experiences can illuminate the path for others.
Together, let's rewrite the narrative around happiness. Let's move away from the picture-perfect portrayals on social media and embrace the messy, complex reality of the human experience. Happiness isn't a constant state of bliss; it's a mosaic of experiences, woven together with threads of joy, sorrow, resilience, and the unwavering belief that even in the darkest night, the sun will rise again.
So, share your stories. Let your vulnerability be your strength. Let's create a community that celebrates the journey, not just the destination. Because in the end, it's the journey itself that shapes who we are and the light we carry within us.
As usual, I would like to give a special thanks to my dear forever true good friend, Yvette Sanchez, for your encouragement and support. God bless us all.
And for those who are reading this, happy International Day of Happiness. Life is too short to live in despair.
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