Happy "I'm NO Longer Paralyzed" Anniversary

"There’s going to be very painful moments in your life that will change your entire world in a matter of minutes. These moments will change YOU. Let them make you stronger, smarter, and kinder. But don’t you go and become someone that you’re not. Cry. Scream if you have to. Then you straighten out that crown and keep it moving.”

Crazy how in the matter of moments your life can change. Today for me is the anniversary of one of those days. At this EXACT time 2 years ago, I was laying on a table during an 8 hour surgery to remove a tumor that had wrapped itself around my spinal column, all spinal nerves and caused temporary paralysis from my belly button down.

I knew I was facing a long road of recovery, a few weeks in the hospital and even longer bed rest at home. But this little guy threw a whole lot more at me than expected.

I knew I could handle the physical part of it, that’s easy. But I was not prepared for the mental battle of fighting depression, anxiety and addiction. That one I didn’t see coming.

But I also didn’t see the impact this little tumor made on my life and the life of thousands more.

Laying alone in the ICU at 2am one night, with tears 😭 rolling down my face I made a promise to dedicate my entire life to helping and serving others. To using this story of redemption for good. To teach others to “TRIUMPH” over the mountains ⛰ they had in their own life.

Have you ever seen those “Pilot Fish 🐟” that latch onto the side of sharks 🦈 and whales 🐋 and cruise around with them? Yeah that was my little guy on my spine so we named him “Pilot”. For the longest time I HATED that tumor and the damage it caused for me and those I love... and I spent many nights wondering why this all happened to me and my life was changed FOREVER.

But today, I know why. And I wouldn’t be who I am without “Pilot” hoping a ride on my back!

Without this life changing experience, I never would have launched “The Triumphant Life” movement and the mission we are on. And without that, all the people who’s lives have been impacted by our work and this message of hope!

So little buddy, today is a celebration! Happy anniversary little dude. I hope to never see you again, but thank you for the gift you’ve given me and this world 🌎!!

I gotta hand it to you, for such a small thing, you throw one hell of a punch 🥊. But for the record... I won little dude. I beat you. I took the hardest you had and fought through.

And in the words of Elton John...

“You know I’m still standing better than I ever did. Looking like a true survivor, feeling like a little kid. I’m still standing after all this time. Picking up the pieces of my life without you on my mind”.

So if you are still reading this, no matter what battle you have going on in your life and no matter how far you have to go...

I hope my story of hope inspires you.

Keep fighting.

Keep swinging.

Keep going.

It will get better. I promise

❤️ Nicky T