I'm an immigrant.

I left my country and my family behind in the search of a better future. The process wasn't easy; a new culture, starting from scratch, no job, and a student loan which I couldn't afford. Me, all alone in another country.

I found a decent job and, and 2 years in migration, had my first "official" couple. She was local and still lived with her parents. I was immigrant, living from room to room, in different places. After some time of relationship, I convinced her to move together. She wasn't sure, but she accepted. It was a big step.

I used all my savings, and five months into our new home, she began having doubts, I was left alone. Without savings, with a student loan, and with a full apartment to pay. The COVID-19 hit. I couldn't leave our home.

I was left alone inside a flat for two, working in travel, our company stopped to pay; scared of losing my visa, I kept working anyway. Without a salary, I kept on being there, extra hours, at any moment, at any time. I began to acquire new debt; I still had to pay the rent, and relied on alcohol. I started smoking a minimum of 10 to 15 cigarettes per day. I gained weight. I was diagnosed with depression, and experienced my first burnout.

This went on for months. I couldn't work anymore. I had been broken.

Being inside a start-up while dealing with those situations felt almost impossible. I had to take a break. Debt kept accumulating, my depression getting worse.

I started to read and look for answers, wondering if there was a pill, something free. I was broke. A magic formula to relieve my pain. I knew that drinking, smoking and overeating, were just digging me deeper into the whole.

I tried to get my hands on every free nutrition, self-improvement, health, bio-hacking and workout book I could have access to. I started to explore bodyweight training— I couldn't afford a gym membership— and managed to get some mindfulness and meditation coaching.

I started to meditate, put my things together: nutrition, workouts, general mindset. All alone, supported by my books, relying on my knowledge.

In just a few months, I had found my dream job — a product-oriented, remote position — paid off my debt, changed my body composition from skinny to muscular, and started making a salary, one above average.

I could finally travel, save money, start investing, see my family again, and build a new home. A relationship that still lasts until today.