My close friend has severe chronic illness and she's searching for meaning and a way to overcome her obstacles. Thank you for speaking to this and sharing your experiences.

Thanks for sharing this Samuel. I can relate on a deep level. I too have had chronic health problems for well over a decade now. My life diverged greatly from most people my age, because I was left simply unable to function as most do in terms of job, career, relationships, social life. At times this left me with tremendous resistance, depression and anxiety. But gradually, bit by bit, out of necessity really, I had to embrace this as you have done, as a means of finding my Self beneath the outer adversity -- finding that core of peace, of light, of strength and love that transcends the limitations of body, mind and circumstances. Meditation, spiritual study, psychological study and learning to let go of my resistance has helped me so immensely...not always physically, but in terms of finding peace and happiness in myself regardless. I used to feel a measure of shame that my life didn't match up to those of many of my peers. I don't now. You cannot compare. Like you, I now respect myself as a hero, and like you, I have used adversity to find a deeper truth and peace in myself. I also love Joseph Campbell! The hero's journey is the perfect metaphor. Keep sharing your story, it is a huge inspiration to me and likely many others. Thanks again for shining :)

You exude sincerity and integrity. A very courageous and admirable young man.

Thank you for sharing this video. I greatly admire how you embrace your illness rather than let it embrace you. Suffering through a physical illness is indescribable unless you’ve experienced it as well. And when you do describe it, many can take it as seeking sympathy, when you’re simply trying to explain what you deal with. The key in explaining is it exactly what you did: being completely honest about the suffering while not giving into the temptation of victimhood and anger at the unfairness. I’ve struggled with asthma my whole life and chronic back/spine issues since I was 16 that left me walking in a cane. The former has sent me to the hospital before which has induced a great deal of anxiety (it’s a pretty horrifying experience not being able to breathe). But I’ve learned to manage both and both have improved with treatment and changing my lifestyle. I still struggle but I try to always maintain a level of gratitude for my life and use my physical ailments as strength and motivation, rather than anger and hopeless nihilism. I really relate to this video on so many levels, especially the part about not being in the same position as your peers. I’m happy there’s others around my age who experience health issues and that sense of alienation from their peers but maintain a healthy outlook and mindset. Good luck on your journey and I wish you good health and many blessings.

You are a Hero!!! 👏👏👏👏 I applaud your strength💪 you tell my story in every word ty.

Ty ty ty for sharing your experience,strengths and hope.i am grateful. I can relate I except the suffering but nothing will stop me.. Inward journey indeed. Hope you are better these days 😌🙏🧡

Love your content, embracing your sufferings and finding a purpose through these to seek solutions in small ways for a start. Keep doing what you're doing, keep yourself soaked in learning and growing!

Wow man beautifully put. Love these type of video and perspective brotha. Peace and love ✊🏽

You seem like a lovely man, very self aware. Thank you for sharing an insight into your life and for your words which aspire others.

Hi Samuel. I think your videos here are really powerful. I am a doctor in the UK interested in CFS and central sensitivity syndromes. I'm really interested in your journey and how a spiritual / philosophical approach has helped you through. I also wonder what other therapies, treatments and approaches have helped (or not) and your experiences with health professionals. I don't see any direct contact details for you so am leaving a message here. I would be interested in discussing this in more detail. Drop me a line on email or twitter if you have the space.

Friend, have you ever been diagnosed with bipolar disorder? Just wondering, because I have, and I see some commonalities between the way you think and the way I sometimes do.

Do you have Twitter? Where can we talk?