I am FEARLESS simply because I’ve known fear. And I chosen against it.

Today's Fearless Friday goes to John Ortiz. Naturally shy from an early age, he developed a speech impediment where he would stutter through most of any sentence, at any given time. Needless to say, speaking (let alone expressing himself) wasn’t a strength of his until he finished high school.

Because of that FEAR, he was always reluctant to share any of his thoughts, comments & opinions with others; he remained reserved. While this taught John to truly observe and listen to conversations; there was so much building up inside him, that it was almost MORE painful to NOT share is Perspective and thoughts.
 
"Bloomfield College changed all that for me as a student, being involved in organizations, Resident Advisor and then later on, Lambda Sigma Upsilon Latino Fraternity Inc. as a member. Slowly, I began to take on more engaging, speaking roles and exercise my weakness. My once weakness, turned into  one of my greatest strengths. Fast forward a few years and I’ve traded in being FEARFUL for being FEARLESS. Absent of Fear, I’ve become a 200hr Yoga Instructor, and rarely does my speech impediment show up anymore. Teaching 5th grade boys and girls through NEWARK YOGA MOVEMENT, I’m more concerned with connecting with them and sharing with them my story and how I found YOGA. I wasn’t introduced to YOGA until after college, Today I am in the position to introduce boys and girls in Newark that look just like me, to YOGA."
 
Having FEAR would’ve prevented me from this experience from occurring,
 
Being FEARLESS allowed for the experience to occur and I am forever grateful.

Thank you John for being fearless and shining your light toward this generation!