Imgur user AintNoSaintsHere recently shared photos of his journey after a divorce, a situation that caused him to drop 70 pounds, get shredded and take up MMA. His motivational attitude and disposition towards his ups and downs are a truly motivational force. Check out his Instagram here and his story below.
“When I turned 40, I posted my before and after pics on Imgur. A short time later I was contacted by a reporter and the story was posted online. I was surprised at the amount of people who responded and even messaged me with encouraging words and shared with me their own struggles and told me seeing my transformation and determination inspired them. In turn, their support has continued to inspire me and keep me going when I haven’t been at my best. That was almost two years ago. I just turned 42.”
“I had lost my first fight, but after my story went out a local coach in St. Louis reached out to me and helped me find an MMA coach. Despite being unable to train as often as I would have liked, I won my second fight, a first round TKO in just 1:10. There is nothing like that moment.”
“My third fight however was a bad time. I moved up in weight class in short notice and I was unprepared. A tough setback for me at that time.”
“I have been traveling for work. I’ve been a personal trainer and worked at gyms also. I have trained at different places and been lifting weights as well.”
“From California and back to St. Louis, I’ve met some amazing people.”
“I’ve had two great coaches, an old Wolf and a young California cowboy. Both have inspired me and encouraged me in the short time I have trained with them.”
“Unfortunately, I was incarcerated so I was unable to fight my last scheduled fight in April. That’s not the real mugshot.”
“My fire is still lit. I haven’t given up. I still hope to be able to continue fighting and I also would like to mentor and coach fighters myself one day.”
“I haven’t gotten my life back yet, it’s still a work in progress. But I have a job back where I had been for over ten years before times got tough. I have had some rough times, slept in cars, back rooms of gyms, and bounced from couch to couch. I’ve learned who my friends are and so much more about life.”
“I’ve lost so much that I’ve learned to appreciate the little things. I take nothing for granted. I hope sharing my story can help someone or inspire someone who is fighting their own battle in life in any way.”
“One of my favorite quotes. My Instagram is @aintnosaintshere if you want to follow. Tl;dr Life is tough, fight back.”
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