I separated from the Marine Corps on September 14, 2011. Like most Marines, I was ready for the relief. I was also nervous. I thought I had a good plan, but I was wrong. A lot has transpired in three years.

Since getting out of the Marine Corps, I’ve been fired from two jobs and quit one. The last job I was fired from was over coffee I wasn’t authorized to drink.

I had a motorcycle stolen from me. It was my only mode of transportation at the time and was stolen days before I was hired to a job that would soon fire me. While I had good coverage, my insurance company informed me that I did not have the right coverage for theft. I was not compensated and had to finance a new vehicle so that I could get myself to my new job.

Since getting out of the Marine Corps, I’ve changed universities three times and changed degree programs another three times.

I lost a good friend over my own insensitivity and a misunderstanding. We still don’t talk.

I went through a frustrating break up that left me feeling alone and guilty and embarrassed. I regretted all of the decisions that were made for that relationship and resented myself for not being better prepared to deal with it.

I went from having a padded savings account to getting into debt. I chased the person I thought I should be and it turned out to be very expensive. I’m still recovering from that.

I became homeless for nearly two months. While I never went without a place to sleep at night, and boasted about it being my own decision to do so, it was stressful and embarrassing.

Since getting out of the Marine Corps, I’ve questioned my self worth, the value I have in the world, the idea of having any purpose, and I’ve wondered if life was really worth it. I’ve thought about suicide on numerous occasions.

If I were to begin complaining about those circumstances and how unfortunate I am to have experienced them, people would begin to remind me…

My mother would remind me that I’m in a healthy relationship with a beautiful lady who provides me love and compassion.

The odometer on the new motorcycle – her name is Gloria – would remind me that I rode her from Sacramento to Washington DC and visited many friends along the way.

iTunes, Stitcher, Facebook, and Twitter would all remind me that I have started five different podcasts. Four of which are still around and one of them nominated for an award.

My tax return and Google calendar would remind me that I started my own business, make my own hours, and have designed a life best for me. My email inbox would remind me that I’m a very sought out person.

Jennifer Roseman, Corey Christman, Geoff Ball, and others would remind me that I’ve spoken at 7 different events and to hundreds of people about an issue that I am passionate about and with the intention of helping others. Most of those events were booked before I ever had speaking experience.

That beautiful girlfriend of mine would remind me of all the places I’ve been in the past three years: Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Denver, Iowa, St Louis, North Carolina, Washington DC, Boston, Memphis, Nashville, Columbus, Long Island, VA Beach, Las Vegas, Wisconsin, West Virginia, San Francisco, Seattle, Louisville, Knoxville, and Pennsylvania.

Fun conversations with my friends would remind me that I was once in a fantasy football league with Joe Budden, that I’ve shaken hands with Matthew Berry, and that I’ve interviewed TV stars, rock stars, celebrities, and more.

I would finally remind myself of all the times my friends have told me they admire me. I would remind myself that after years of tribulation, I have found peace within myself and have discovered a lifestyle that keeps me optimistic, driven, and successful. I would remind myself that I’ve gone from having problems to having challenges.

My time in the military was amazing. I am yet to admit that my life is just as cool as it was when I was a Marine. However, I have these wonderful reminders that I found light after so many moments of darkness. The best part is: I became the flame that keeps my environment lit.