“Don’t put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the further you get.” -Michael Phelps

It was July 22, 2013. I only wrote a few words in my diary that day, including listing my new team member’s names. “Met Michael…”

No Clue

I had no clue, then, I would write his story 10 years later. Watching a video on Michael Johnson, not long ago (see end of this post for a link), I was overwhelmed.

Cold, Long Days

Talking recently, he recalls being on my work crew, “As lead, you chose to walk in the field after the buckets instead of driving to interact with everyone. I remember those days detassling corn with the following words: cold, wet, corn smelling, bus ride, and long days. I made the most money, up until that point, at this job. Everything seemed to be going well for the first time in my life. I soon became a crew leader myself.”

Downhill

Things quickly changed for Michael. At age 18, he was arrested for battery, intimidation and auto theft (although he didn’t steal anything). He had taken LSD. During this event, he remembers blacking out and many of his memories being blurred.

(Note: Although still on his record, it was dropped to a misdemeanor and is expected to be rightfully expunged completely at the beginning of next year).

Barely Walking When…

In and out of jail, he felt like he was on a hit list. Barely walking out of a drug house or down the street, he would get pulled over by the police and even got a disorderly conduct. Although he felt many of these were unwarranted then, he now feels he was saved from possibly even worse situations.

A Fit

Homeless and on drugs, Michael was having “a seemingly” great time with his new friend group.  Here he fit in. Although he moved to different houses a lot when he was younger, moving around this time was different. Everyone was unified around one goal: to get high and sell. To this end, his “one ‘sincere’ prayer was to get more drugs to sell, so (he) could get to a better place in life.”

Don’t Turn Your Back

Being involved, in this group, meant being used in any way that would bring money to the table. No one could be trusted. No one told the truth. Many had hard lives. If he turned his back, everything could be stolen in a moment.

No Way

Throughout this time, we talked on and off at public places. Once I went to court with him. Another time I met him at a library when he got out of jail. By this time he felt like family. Sitting across a table, I surprisingly heard myself say, “You are going to make it out…” He looked at me doubtfully and said, “I can’t, there is no way…” For some reason I just knew. So I told him, “you are made for more.”

Lost Scribbles On Paper

I also encouraged him write down dreams of what he wanted in life, if nothing was impossible. There were only a couple I still remember. Someday he wanted to “help other people” and “become a business owner.”

Desperate

Finally, through a series of events he came to a day. It was the day he made a decision that would forever change his life. Dropping his backpack and everything he was carrying on the sidewalk, he walked to the nearest hospital and told them he was done with that life.

Another Struggle

Eventually, he ended up at a rehab facility. Here he worked through a program to get clean. He had one problem, however. He couldn’t get a job due to the felony on his record. He tried at the Dollar General and was denied. That night, he remembers crying and praying for a job and purpose.

Random

The next day, out of around 40 people at rehab, he was picked for a job trimming trees. He made $10 an hour. 

A Tree Falls In A Weird Place

Over time, he learned skills which gave him the confidence to start his own tree trimming company. Today it is growing rapidly. He mentioned one of the strangest days was cutting down a tree next to a former drug house he frequented. Another epiphany happened when he and his fiance went to meet her Mom. He immediately recognized the home. It was where he was once dropped off by car, after getting out of jail.

Today

Today, Michael is still a hardworker. However, he is also more. Although the paper he wrote the dreams down on when he was just released from jail is long gone and hardly remembered, it has been replaced. Replaced by his real life dream of running his own tree business.

A Way Out

Michael’s advice for those reading this blog (who want to get off drugs or know someone) is this: “ ‘know thyself.’ Realize everyone is different. What makes you happy? What are the triggers that put you back there? What are the excuses you are using of why you are staying? What do you need to do differently?”

Worth More

He also suggests asking yourself this question: “What are the negative people, places and things that you need to stay away from that bring negative thoughts/ reactions? Determine not to associate with them anymore.” Although it might be lonely at first to rebuild your life “you need to create a sober life that’s worth more to live than the life you have when you are on drugs.”

And There’s More

Today, Michael feels blessed to have a life that is more than what he left. This includes inspiring others through positive messages on facebook and doing life with his fiance, Megan.

Fiance’s Take

His fiance recently wrote to me, “I continue to watch Michael grow every single day, and he’s honestly an inspiration to me. I’ve never met someone that’s so determined on their career and goals. You’d never think he had the past he did, if you met him today. Michael’s past was hard, but he’s used it… to become the best version of himself and also to try to help and inspire others. …he’s not perfect but this is always something he will work at every day for the rest of his life (gladly).”

What It Takes

What began as a decision to drop his backback years ago, has turned into a whole new life of living out dreams that at one time seemed impossible. His journey has had many twists and turns from a cornfield to drugs and from drugs to owning his own company. Today, however, he is literally climbing for his dreams (as is shown in this video put together about his journey).

Important Links

Link to Michael’s Business: Modern Tree Solutions

Facebook Video Featuring Michael’s Story By The Rehab Center: Michael’s Story Video

Direct Link To Rehab Where Michael Went For Help: Rehab Center