From Beirut to Beyond: A Journey of Resilience and Entrepreneurial Spirit

My Story of Overcoming Adversity

Growing up in Beirut, Lebanon, life presented its challenges early. Diagnosed with ADHD and struggling with depression, my childhood was further complicated when my father left us when I was just three years old. Despite these hurdles, I found solace in my studies, becoming an honor student despite my inability to stay in a classroom.

The War and a New Beginning

In 2006, the war between Israel and Hezbollah turned my world upside down. Amidst the chaos, an unexpected opportunity arose when the U.S. Marine Corps came to Beirut to evacuate Americans. My sister and I, holding dual citizenship, seized the chance. We embarked on a journey from a ship to Cyprus, then a flight to Philadelphia. Heartbreakingly, we had to leave our mother behind, as she didn’t have her citizenship.

A Family Reunited

Upon our arrival in the United States, we entered foster care. With only a photo of my grandmother and a few details, the foster system miraculously located my father in Maryland. A court visit later, we were reunited with him. In a twist of fate, he reconnected with our mother, secured a job in Montreal, and brought our family back together.

The Rollercoaster of Life

The following years were a whirlwind. After relocating back to the U.S., I joined the Army in 2009, only to be honorably discharged for medical reasons. Life threw its curveballs – marriage, divorce, and then meeting the love of my life in 2014. My mental health continued to be a battle with depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and OCD.

Pursuing Dreams and Facing Realities

In 2019, armed with a TEFL (Teaching English as a Second Language) certification and a desire for a simpler life, my wife, our dog, and I moved to Thailand. However, this dream was short-lived, as my wife’s depression and our dog’s health issues forced us to return to the U.S. The pandemic derailed plans to teach in China, leading me to Uber driving as a temporary solution.

Education and Career: A Path of Discovery

Despite the upheavals, I never gave up on education. I completed my GED in 2008 and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing in 2018. My career path has been as varied as my life, with over 35 jobs since I was 19.

The Entrepreneurial Drive

Amidst these personal and mental health challenges, I embarked on various entrepreneurial ventures. My journey began with selling on Amazon and creating our first brand, which, despite its eventual failure, was a valuable learning experience. I then dabbled in e-commerce shops, each time learning more about the complexities of online business.

My entrepreneurial spirit continued to evolve, leading me to start a microgreens local delivery service offering freshly harvested produce to our community. This venture, while fulfilling, also highlighted my struggles with patience and maintaining interest, a common challenge with ADHD.

Exploring Happiness and Fulfillment

Despite investing significant amounts in these ventures, the fleeting nature of happiness in each endeavor was a recurring theme. I founded a marketing agency to assist small local businesses in search of more consistent fulfillment.

Sharing My Story and Insights

I’ve launched a newsletter that intertwines my experiences with ADHD and my passion for technology. This platform allows me to share my journey and support others facing similar challenges. It reflects my commitment to use my experiences to help others navigate their paths.

The Unwavering Spirit

The essence of my story is not just about overcoming adversity but also about the relentless pursuit of new beginnings despite the odds. My entrepreneurial ventures have been a rollercoaster of successes, failures, and invaluable lessons.

A Beacon of Hope

To those reading, remember that each struggle is a stepping stone to a more resilient you. Your journey, like mine, is unique and filled with potential. Embrace your path with courage and an open heart, and know your experiences can inspire and empower others.

Let's Connect and Share Our Stories

As I close this chapter of my story, I invite you to open your own pages. Your experiences, challenges, and triumphs are not just personal milestones; they are the narratives that can inspire, motivate, and support others on their journeys.

I'd love to hear from you:

• Share Your Experiences: Have you faced similar challenges in your entrepreneurial journey or personal life? How have you navigated through them?
• Offer Advice: What advice would you give someone on a path filled with uncertainties?
• Ask Questions: Feel free to ask if you have any questions about my journey or want to know more about specific aspects of my story. I’m here to share and learn together.

Your insights and stories are invaluable. Let’s build a community of support and inspiration right here. Comment below, share your thoughts or simply drop a message if you prefer a one-on-one conversation.

Together, we can turn our collective experiences into a beacon of hope and a source of collective wisdom.

Looking forward to connecting with each of you!