The inspiration behind my motivation...

"The happiest people don't necessarily have the best things. They simply appreciate the things they have."

Many Years ago I met someone who would change my life forever. And I mean that in the most literal sense. This person was a key reason to why I do a lot of what I do today, and is the main reason for my constant pursuit in motivating people. My friends and I were enjoying a friendly soccer game on the field where we all stayed. We all lived in a complex, so everyone knew everyone. Although sitting on the swings in the corner of the field was a guy we all didn't recognize. It didn't take long before he came over and asked to join the game. We allowed to him to play, and the game went on. Eventually after the game ended we all went our separate ways but myself and the new guy decided to stay a little longer and practice our shooting. I asked his name, it was Pecasen. From that very day we met we became friends, and eventually over time we became brothers. Pecasen was great human being. On the outside he seemed, what most people would call 'rough' but on the inside he was a kind, gentle man. He had a lot of things going for him, but one big thing stood in his way. Pecasen had epilepsy. And he had it pretty severely. He had to take 22 tablets every day. Pecasen would on a regular basis fall down and have an epileptic fit. Then soon get up, and after a few minutes of recovery, carry on doing whatever he was doing. Over time things started gradually becoming worse for Pecasen. He would get up to 10 epileptic fits a day, and he started picking up a lot of weight. We talked for hours every day, and the more I started getting closer to him, the more I realized besides his epilepsy, Pecasen has been through a lot. From physical and mental abuse, to his own father not wanting to speak to him. He had undergone a brain surgery and couldn't walk or take care of himself for more than a month. He had to go to hospital regularly for check ups. Pecasen had two brothers who he was never allowed to see because they stayed with his father. I realized more and more that what he was going through was so difficult that any other person that didn't even have epilepsy would probably fall into a depression, or worse. Yet Pecasen smiled every day, and would greet everyone who walked passed him. Pecasen would play with the children in the complex, teaching them soccer and tricks. Because of his severe condition he was not allowed to work. He lived with his mother who was absolutely fantastic. I grew close to her over time too. She was fighting her own battles. She was let go from her work for medical reasons, and had to take care of Pecasen full time. Pecasen had a big changing point in his life. He said enough is enough. He new the challenges that stood in front of him, but he was not going down without some sort of fight. He woke up early and started training. He ran every day, doing his sit ups and push ups. He eat healthier. Over time he lost a lot of weight. Not only that. Pecasen slowly stopped having his epileptic fits. He went from having around 10 a day, to not having 1 whole year. Things were going great! Pecasen eventually started telling me that he found his life's purpose. That was to motivate others, and inspire them with his story. He wanted to help others! Because it is a passion of mine, we set out together and tried to put this into place. We came up with a business idea. Pecasen was going to write motivational pages, on his life story and much more. We would then formulate a small, easy to walk around with, booklet. We would then take that and drop them off at shelters, and underprivileged homes. In hopes of inspiring and motivating others. It was our way of taking a small step to changing the community. We came up with the plan to go door to door and ask for a small donation. With that donation we would print the booklets. By doing this we could get more booklets to give to others for free, and spread the word! This all worked for a while, but unfortunately as time went on Pecasen started getting his epileptic fits again. He slowly started picking up weight and going down that spiral he once fought to get out of. I started noticing changes within him. I brought it up to our other friends but they never noticed. Maybe it was because I was so close to him. I could see it in him. This year on the 3rd of April, Pecasen passed away in his home. It was really tough for me, and those close to him. I really felt this passing so much. Pecasen was my brother and we spent every day together for years. I didn't know how I was going to get over this... After a tough start, things started getting better for me. I learned so much from this great man. Never to give up fighting until the end. Pecasen would always tell me that I inspired him. I would thank him. On the odd occasion I would say the same back to him. I only regret that now. I wish I could of told him that he inspired me. He was the one. Not me. From that I learned to appreciate more. Whether its the people around me, or the food I eat. I've learned that, yes I have been through a lot, but there is always someone who has it worse. If they can genuinely smile, and be happy with themselves and life around them, while still being in their situation. The there is no reason for me not to. Yes life is challenging. Yes we all go through things, big and small. But we can all take away something from Pecasen's beautiful life. That is to smile, enjoy the time you have with the people you love. When you want something, never stop fighting until you have it. Don't let adversity get In the way of you achieving whatever you wish to achieve. And always appreciate what you have, who you have, and the beautiful journey you have had, and will continue to have.

Thank you Pecasen, your story has inspired many...

Junaid. M

"Understand your worth. Value your life. Appreciate your blessings."