Pleasure to meet you
I made it out of the war zone in 2009 and my journey of healing began. In 2017, I was diagnosed with leukemia—an illness, likely stemming from environmental exposures while deployed to Iraq. Cancer nearly took my life but not in the way you’d expect. Having unresolved lifetime trauma, the cancer diagnosis became the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back.
After leaving military service in 2009, I began a career as a tax adviser and financial planner. Later, I followed a long desire I had since the war theater and relocated to the country. My family and I started a farm and hand-sculpted a cob house.
Then, as if dropped from heaven, horses entered my life.
I did not become the typical horseman. Instead, I found myself venturing deep into the realms of spirituality, including animal communication, Yoga and meditation.
The horse became my guide and guru, coherently assisting me on the path to a profound spiritual awakening. I soon ventured to the Indian Himalayas, secluded in a Yogic ashram and finally found true love and healing.
Through this journey, I changed from the inside out—I became a completely different being. Throughout the transformation, I nearly lost my daughter to suicide, left my profession, ended a nearly seven-year relationship and sold a house I spent four years building with my own hands.
Considering all the abrupt changes, military experiences, and a vast amount of lifetime trauma, including cancer, I understand what it means to be resilient.
I’ve made it to the other side of darkness. While my journey undoubtedly continues, I seek to inspire others with a vulnerable and authentic story of hope and healing.
I now spend my time on fun, creative endeavors like music, and writing. In less than a year, I’ve authored over 100 spiritual poems, most of which are finding their way into a coffee table book of poetry, Mahima Moksha: Poems of Grace and Freedom. I’ve also written a children’s book, Hasta La Vista Leukemia, which is currently being illustrated. Last but not least, my life’s work, a memoir entitled From Horseback to the Himalayas: a war veteran’s journey within, finding love, healing cancer is nearing completion.
I co-host a podcast, Reinforce the Horse, with my daughter, Alyssa. We talk with interesting guests from around the world about horses, life, spirituality and self-improvement.
Today, I live a life full of exuberance and joy—a stark contrast to the passive suicidal state I fell into not long ago.
When I’m not on a farm hanging with horses, I travel the world in search of exciting adventures, new friends, and transformative spiritual experiences.
