“The spiritual journey is one of constant transformation. In order to grow, you must give up the struggle to remain the same, and learn to embrace change at all times.” - Michael Singer

“I’ve spent a lifetime trying to be a hero. A Gen Xer, I grew up with Saturday morning cartoons; animated series like GI Joe and the Super-friends. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to save the world. Growing up Catholic, I just wanted to be good. I was pretty shy, so daydreaming was an escape that allowed me to be someone else. It made me feel important. This confidence and belief in myself opened many doors. I graduated from University of Wisconsin-Madison and post college, worked in Hollywood for companies like Disney and Sony. Unfortunately, secrets and traumas that I buried in the past came back like old ghosts. A closeted gay man my life was rife with emotional landmines and memories of loved ones praying for my eternal soul. And one moment in particular that changed my life when a friend Sara said to me “It’s better if you are struggling and suicidal because at least you’re still clinging to God”. I knew in that moment I couldn’t live this way anymore. That’s not God. That’s not the God I love who protected me my whole life. So, I walked away and I began my solo spiritual journey; Just God and I. To discover who I am. And through each victory and each heartache God showed me what’s important: Love. And how Love has to start with yourself before you can truly love others. Love became my Superpower. With Love anything was possible. It made me dive deeper into my purpose and connected me with my soul. It allowed me to ask the tough questions and heal. The pain became a calling to serve and fight for people who didn’t have a voice. The many roads I’ve traveled down and the lives that have touched mine. I reveled in every moment. In every beautiful connection of love and hope for a better world. From the cab driver sharing his story of survival from genocide to sitting in shareholder meetings speaking to CEOs on human rights. I’ve sat in support groups with people suffering from all forms of addiction to running groups for those with traumatic brain injuries. Their stories live inside of me. Their lives have been my education and fueled my passion to help those in need. My hope is that my experience can help guide you”.

- Tony Cruz