How many of you think that you’re a warrior?
You may think that you’re not but the definition of being a warrior is taking ownership of your life. Being resilient. Being adaptive. Changing.
Who we are as humans is what makes us warriors.
12 years ago, I was 24 years old and stationed in Iraq, a first lieutenant in the Marine Corp. We were in a “hot zone” and I was in charge of 50+ marines. Our job was to run supplies to other bases in the area, as well as finding land mines in the area. The other part of my job was being an escort for female insurgents.
In 2005, the night before the first Iraqi election, and I have over 100 marines in my command. We were supposed to go run Jersey barriers in Fallujah and the risk of land mines or IED’s was high. Professionally I was on point, but on the inside, I was seriously struggling.
I was dealing with anorexia, but I wasn’t ready to acknowledge it. I was there in battle about 50% and then the other 50% of me was dealing with the addiction I had created. And that night, in 2005, was a come to Jesus moment for me. I was dealing with an exercise and food addiction and I had people that were counting on me, so I had to do something about it.
So, the next morning I walked myself into my company commander’s office and told him I needed help. He didn’t understand, so he asked me if I wanted a desk job. At that moment, I became a warrior, but really my battle was just beginning.
I was sent home, outwardly as a failure, but inwardly I knew I had done the right thing. The Marines know what to do with an alcoholic, but they don’t have any idea what to do with an eating disorder. But it was at that moment, in asking for help, that my warrior journey happened.
Listen to the full TEDx talk at UCSD HERE