01 Jul From 5 to 35 Years Old

In order for the readers to get an idea of my background, let me share something that you likely did not know.

Here is a little insight into the first years I can recall.

The earliest memories I can muster are from the age of five. I recall being a small, quiet, and kind young boy. I had one very close friend and a few acquaintances.  My grades were top notch, despite my teachers often commenting that I was a “dreamer” in class.

Some would say that the above description would fit the mold of a promising young man and a promising future. Some would say the opposite.

How could it be that someone so kind, gentle and intelligent could encounter so many challenges in life?
Did I become a product of my environment?

During high school, I had a few close friends and mostly acquaintances, or people I met on school breaks or casual parties. Strangely, some classmates would make fun of me at parties, saying things like “shut up Nuytten” or ignoring the things I said. This can affect confidence and self-esteem to young folks if repeated at home or at school consistently. That is exactly what happened.

I did not realize or understand what was happening at the time.
After all, I was merely 16 years old.

Not to to blow my own horn, but some might say right now that I was a pretty wise young man back then. There are few adolescents pondering the meaning of life at that age. My classmates and friends rarely “got me” at that time. Their fascinations were mainly directed towards parties, relationships or the dream of a golden career opportunity.

Paying little attention to the superficial world around me, I longed to find my true place and purpose in life.

My social connections may have been limited, but I had a few new friends on my side: a sharp wit, strong will and stubborn determination to succeed in anything I did.

I remained true to myself over the years. There was no other option in my mind.

There was always peer pressure, in many forms, to become socially accepted or “cool” or perhaps the so-called model citizen. I knew where they were coming from but that is not who I was. Perhaps I was different but I accepted it.

Unfortunately, this caused a ripple effect where I became bitter and resentful towards many people in the modern, trendy, superficial world. I blamed myself for being different and not confirming to the social norms. I could not do that even if wanted to. It was not in my blood.

Twenty years later, things really started to change.

I realized that my core problems could never be discovered outside of myself.

Like a gardener pulling his weeds, I hacked at the leaves without severing the roots.

I could never reach the roots because the main issue was always about my internal baggage. I needed to look within myself for answers.

I knew we always have the power to choose our own paths, what we believe, what we think and what we do with our lives. It took me some time to find the courage to do it, but here I am, following my heart the best I can.

Benefiting from newfound self-confidence, a growing business, loving wife and overall joy for living, I have much to be grateful for.

Allow me to send a huge “thank you” to my teacher, coaches, family and friends.

Your support over the years has been tremendous, whether you were the ones cracking the whip or patting me on the back.

I can honestly say that my life has taken a turn for the better. There is light on the horizon!