Spirit Boy's Journey

Contents:

Who is Spirit Boy

Schooling and Life Changes

Who is Spirit Boy?

I'm an outgoing, enthusiastic single young man with an adventurous spirit and strong character! By looking into my eyes you can tell that I am passionate about life and put alot of energy into it as well as the people around me.

I was born and raised in the Midwest by two of the most wonderful parents anyone could have ever asked to have and by a grandmother who was loved by everyone. I am definitely an urban city kid who loves the outdoors as well as the exciting energy that major cities offer. Astrologically, I'm a Taurus with a strong Cancer Rising.

To The Begining of Who is Spirit Boy

In my younger years . . . I was raised Fundamental Baptist, I was the church pianist, president of the youth group and yes, I even served as one of the local "preacher boys" for the street mission and outreach in Chicago and Los Angeles.

Even though I attended church regularly from an early age, I do not consider myself to be "religious". Rather, I consider myself to be spiritually minded, having a very strong Christian foundation which has been further enhanced through Shaman, Zen and Taoist Teachings in addition to practical life experiences.

To The Begining of Who is Spirit Boy

Schooling and Life Changes

I attended public grade school in Chicago until my parents decided that attending private schools would be a better investment for my future. I have always been very athletic and into competitive sports, although in college I became interested in challenges of a different kind: Scuba diving and rock climbing became my passions.

I first attended Bob Jones University in South Carolina because I longed to be a man of "character and principle", well after one year of trying to fit into other people's vision of "character and principles" I realized that my character and my principles were already firmly established, I just needed to be myself. I decided to finish my schooling on the West Coast where I felt I would be able to get a more balanced and realistic approach to life.

Even though I had a great love for Music, when school began I decided that it would be better for me to enter the Pre-Med program at Biola University in Los Angeles. I enjoyed the Pre-Med program all the way through my Senior year.

It was during my Junior year that I realized I was attracted to guys more than girls when it came to romance and sex. My best friend, Jason and I became romantically involved and I have to say that we truly loved each other. Unfortunately for us the university happened to find out that we were in love.

We were immediately placed in dorms on opposite sides of campus and forbidden to talk with each other or to be alone together. This was very difficult for us since we were both Pre-Med majors, scuba diving buddies and had several classes together.

The really sad thing is that Jason and I were forced to go our separate ways and we have never been together since. I wish I could see Jason again, they say you never really get over your first true love.

When the university realized that I was not going to "change" and become heterosexual, even after placing me in a "gay recovery" program through the Rosemead Graduate School of Psychology . . . I was denied graduating priviliges and immediately terminated from continuing my education at Biola University in the middle of my Senior year.

This occurred during the same time I was in charge of handling the promotion of the annual Missionary Conference for the school, so my "outing" was not a private matter either on or off campus.
For the first time in my life I found myself completely alone and on my own since none of my friends or family would have anything to do with me - I guess you could call it a "christian tough love" kind of thing. Something I never did understand.

I have to admit that this whole ordeal left me feeling so angered by ignorance and selfishness but even more humbled by acts of kindness. I ended up moving to the only place where I knew there were some people of my "inclination" living . . . West Hollywood, California! I was amazed to meet other guys living in West Hollywood who were also kicked out of their homes and lost friendships just because they were gay. Fortunately we developed a camaraderie and became support for each other. Now that's another story in itself! Anyway . . .

To The Begining of Schooling and Life Changes

A Creative Career

It was after a year and a half of having no direction that I became fasinated with the Interior Design Industry and the Interior Design Bachelors program at the University of California Los Angeles campus. I was extremely fortunate to immediately obtain work with a renowned interior designer in Los Angeles. Working for Sally Sirkin-Lewis/J. Robert Scott, was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I had instant recognition which I took advantage of five years later when I decided to start my own design firm back in the Midwest.

Well, after several years of being in the Midwest working on corporate and residential space planning and design I ventured into the exciting world of retail design. It was actually retail design that finally brought me back to the West Coast.

Now you tell me, how can anyone live in the exciting high tech world of Northern California and not succumb to the passion of computer technology! I became enthrawled with studying design of a different sort: Computer Animation and Internet Technology! Unfortunately the "dot com" industry died in San Francisco. Still, I have always felt that it is important to continue learning and seeking out new adventures.

There is so much to enjoy in life - so much to enjoy in the PRESENT MOMENT. Currently, my desire has led me back toward the healing arts profession. This time I have become a Reiki Master/Teacher. My passion is to utilize this powerful Eastern method of stress reduction, relaxation and healing therapy, by helping others through difficult times in their lives, just as Reiki Practitioners, Acupuncturists and Energy workers have helped me overcome my struggles with AIDS. The majority of my Reiki practice is with people who have a terminal illness diagnosis, especially those who may not have the means to take advantage of other alternative therapies.

To Begining of Creative Career

Personal Thoughts

Life is wonderfully amazing and in the infamous words of "Auntie Mame": "Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!"

In my own words: You have to take risks if you want to really experience life . . . Whether you have money or not, are healthy or not, dealing with Cancer, AIDS or whatever, I believe that you must live your life to the very fullest because life is too short to play the victim.

Being HIV Positive since 1997 has not only strengthened my character but given me a new appreciation for each day of life and for the people around me. Being HIV Positive has also brought my family and I close together again.
This new awareness has enhanced my life:

I have more of a determination to not hold back and to break through barriers - especially barriers of fear. I am definitely more open minded, more compassionate and less judgemental.

I really enjoy spending my free time with my friends, being outdoors, meditating on a mountain-side, working out at the gym to maintain my health, working on creative projects, walking on the beach at sunset and taking time to watch the sun settle calmly over the horizon. I also enjoy the "Circuit Scene" although it isn't a big part of my life but I do enjoy going out to feel the energy with my friends on occasion.

Life is all about Balance not Judgement - Moderation and not Excess.

To Begining of Personal Thoughts

Photo Gallery One

Photo Gallery Two

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