TW: Vulgar Language
Today’s story focuses on Josh Lyons as he shares the details of his childhood, turbulent adolescence, and subsequent relocation away from New Jersey. Josh opens up about the difficult experience of growing up with a parent experiencing addiction, and the ways in which that affected much of his early years. Living in New Jersey where violence was high at the time, Josh had to raise himself for much of his childhood and figure out ways to survive despite all the odds being stacked against him. It was eventually Josh’s older sister who pulled him away from this life, and down to Atlanta, GA to start all over.
His transition from New Jersey to Atlanta was not the smoothest. From getting lost on his first day of school, changes in social dynamics, and getting used to the discipline in his new “home”. Josh struggled to find a rhythm for the new life that he was living, still familiar with his past life, but unsure of where he wanted to go. After some hard lessons, he was able to find a track for himself to focus on through pursuing football and focusing on his post-high school options.
Our story picks up as Josh finds true passion in trade and credits it as one of the reasons for major changes in his life path. Through learning various trades and skills, Josh was able to make a life for himself and he even encourages others to do the same. The importance of what some might consider as menial jobs are actually some of the foundations that cement the function of our society. These are the kinds of positions that can be reliable sources of income, but also help us to function as people in society. This is something Josh is not afraid to point out in our time together, as he stresses the importance of learning trades and the success he has seen within the industry.
We end our time together with the encouraging message to pursue your passion, as you never know where life will take you. As Josh says, “Today doesn’t have to be tomorrow”.
Listen to the audio above for more on Josh’s story.