Project Seventh

Someone once told me that sometimes I don’t follow what I preach. I guess that makes me human. I make mistakes. Sometimes, I fall. However, I did not come here to preach. I came here to say a word – believing perhaps that it’s enough to heal, teach, inspire…and even change a life. Mine was a life that many lived, but few survived, and most chose to give up. I suffered, endured than most, and have fallen along the way. But I always got back on my feet, dusted myself off and stayed the course with what I have. This is the story that I want to share here. The same story I want to leave as an inspiring legacy to my children and their children’s generation. I don’t live forever, but I hope I can create something that will.

I was born and grew up in the harshest and most unforgiving streets of the Philippines. I took solace in education and technology to escape a life surrounded by poverty, gangs, drugs, crime and violence. Forced out by political turmoil, I migrated to Canada without a single penny in my pocket. I struggled but eventually managed to develop a highly successful career and business. I now live in the United States where my journey continues.

My idea for Project Seventh is to share an inspiring and motivating story every seventh day as it relates to the passing week (seven days), and to the various journeys I have taken in my life. I got into it so much (thanks Tumblr for making it so easy) that I started posting other materials in the middle of the week. However, the concept remains, and Project Seventh continues as originally thought.

I am James, and this is my seventh day story as much as yours.