I been trying to figure out myself. I researched best places to be homeless. I said, “I’ll go to Venice.” I was contemplating living in an RV. On October 6, 2017, my cousin died—he was 18 years old, a swimmer. He died in practice.*

After his death I came here to figure out who I wanna be while doing what I love, which is working with my physical intelligence or gift and try to cultivate my emotional intelligence. I’m trying as hard as I can to be a better human being.

*I had my own business in Pittsburgh—prepackaged healthy foods. I booked a one-way ticket to LAX. From the time I made the decision until the flight was 6 hours. Left my house, left my business. I wanted to find myself. I’m doing what I love—working out. Researching, reading. Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations means a lot to me. He was emperor of Rome who let go of everything. The idea of stoicism. To live minimally.

I’m living in a van that I rent. When I came here I challenged myself to stop social media. It’s over a year. I use the public library and read articles. I take challenges on food—I fast for 24-48 hours. Just coffee, water, cigarettes. I still have a house in Pennsylvania. I’m still in touch with my family. My brother is a PhD electrical engineer. My mom visited last year from Saudi Arabia. They came to Pennsylvania and she had a panic attack. They bought me a ticket. I went to Pennsylvania for 10 days. My mom didn’t judge me and said, “I hope you find yourself.”

Don’t judge people. You don’t know their story. Everyone is on their own journey.