When you have been DOWN to the very bottom, there is only one way left to go, UP!
I suppose i should start at the beginning, I grew up in a single parent family with my Mum and two Brother's,
Dad was an alcoholic woman beater, so he had to go.
We lived on social welfare, in England in the 1980's which were tough times,
Margret Thatcher was in the middle of destroying England, and protests and riots were normal, football hooliganism was at its peak, all in all things were not good.
My Mum was on her own with three boy's, and we were terrible,
running rings round our Mum, causing chaos.
Out of all three, i was without a doubt the worst, i got expelled from my first School at the age of 5 and things got worse from then on.
I think i was about seven or eight when i got put into care, my Mum's new man hated me and I'm pretty sure he gave her an ultimatum.
Getting put into care was devastating for me, you have to go and live with strangers who mostly are in it for the extra income and don't CARE about the child they invite into there homes, and if your lucky you don't get abused. I was tough and had a attitude, so i got left alone, but i have many friends from care that were not so lucky, I'll spare you the details.
That was it, i was on my own and i decided from that day on i would never be hurt again, so i shut the doors, built a huge wall and took to fighting anyone who got in my way, i was angry and hated the world.
After two years when my Mum and her man split up, she asked me if i wanted to come back, but the wall was built and the damage was done, so i said no.
I got expelled from every school i went to, and buy the time i was fourteen no school in London would have me,
and by then i was more focused on taking drugs and fighting the world.
It's a common misconception that it's mostly girl's that self harm, by cutting them self's,
this is not true, boy's self harm just as much as girl's, but in a different way.
Boy's and men self harm by putting them self's in dangerous situations, i did this a lot, i would take on groups of youths, and fight them all, hoping that they might just put me out my misery, but someone must have been looking over my shoulder.
At fourteen i was in court for street robbery, and the only reason the judge didn't send me to prison was because i had a kid on the way.
Sorry about the picture quality it's been in my wallet 21years
Chanel, Born 4th of September 1995
So now i had a reason to stay out of trouble, but it didn't last. We split up after 6 months and i fell deep into drugs and violence and was homeless on the streets of London by the age of 15.
Being homeless in London was a buzz at first, if you are under 18 you usually get a bed in a hostel somewhere with loads of other street kids, we was all in the same boat, and we stuck together, a bit like a family in a strange way.
During the day's we would go out and earn money, a lot of them would do street robberies, but i promised Chanel i would never go to prison or be a heroin addict, so instead we would go and sell fake weed to foreigners.
It was genius, we'd buy a packet of herbal cigarettes, and when you emptied a cigg into a bag it looked like weed, but i didn't smell like weed, so we would take them into troccoderas, an entertainment complex in the west end, the place had loads of cameras so when we gave them them the weed, if they tried to smell it we would say "oi you idiot watch out there is cameras everywhere" worked almost every time, and you couldn't get arrested for it.
The novelty of being homeless in central London soon wore off, and after a massive gang fight in which we all got shot at, i decided to leave London.
By the time i was eighteen i was still homeless, but something happened.
My uncle got a gig cooking food for the drummer from Queen, for his 50th birthday bash, and he asked if i wanted to come and work for him. i was in a bad way at the time and i am pretty sure this single act of kindness saved my life.
Nobody had ever stretched there hand out to me like this, so i jumped at the chance.
I loved it, rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous and I worked really hard for my Uncle, and he acknowledged this.
A few weeks later he used the money from the Queen gig to buy a pub and asked if i wanted to come and work for him,
that was it, my road to recovery, my way out, i felt like maybe life was worth living after all.
I worked hard at it, and within a month i was the bar manager, then i was pretty much running the place.
The Red Lion pub Southampton
All was well, and i truly felt a sense of worth and that i could do anything, but my cocaine and weed habit stayed with me and i had a lifetime of chaos buried in my closet, so it didn't last and i messed it up like everything else in my life.
Homeless again! i was living at a homeless charity called Emmaus in Brighton were i met a Swedish girl, we started seeing each other, and shortly after there was a baby on the way, i didn't want to bring another kid into the world, but she insisted she would go back to Sweden with or without me and have the baby.
So i followed her to Sweden, of course it didn't work out, but i stayed to be close to my child.
I started to like Sweden, nobody knew of my history and it felt as though it all got left behind in England.
Then i met Louise, and thats when things really started to come together. Louise had some family issues, and we both stayed up for hours talking about our pasts, helping each other to bring it all to the surface.
That was it, i decided to get my shit together and stop taking drugs.
I thought long and hard about what i wanted to do with my life, and i remembered, all i wanted to be when i was a little boy was a truck driver. Louise lent me some money to do my car license, and then i got on a 6 months intense course to become a truck driver, in Sweden you don't just take the driving test, you have to know every thing about the truck, the breaking system, how to fix the truck, i had to do three separate theory tests, followed by two driving test, all in a foreign language.
I was up till four in the morning studying some nights.
It felt great, it felt as though i had really achieved something, something i always wanted to do, OK it might not be much for most people, but for me, i had made it, i was a real man now.
After 4 years we had our first child, followed by another, i was saving loads of money and we lived a comfortable life.
We had a nice house, a new car in the drive way. Then i started my own company, we had money in the bank,
i could buy what ever i wanted, and did so quite often, flashy watches, carbon fiber road bike's, 20" rims for the car.
It was so far removed from my old life, you would think we would be happy, but the thing is we was not living our lives, we was living the dream life that everyone thinks you should live. We was not happy living this fake life, we wanted more.
Thats when we decided to SELL IT ALL, AND NEVER LOOKED BACK. to find out what we did you will have to refer to my first Steemit post.
Today i am not in prison, I have never been a heroin addict, and i am not dead, like so many people told me i would be, i don't drink alcohol, i don't even smoke cigarettes anymore. As well as trucking i also work for the local psychiatric ward, helping people who have had a rough life, i take them out for the day, we eat pizza, go for walks and after telling them my story they usually open up, and realize that there is a way out.
I have also been to the local social services, to see if i can help kids in care, which is my ambition in life.
They jumped at the the chance, but every time they found a child for me to help, i have been out traveling.
Hopefully this year it will happen, because i truly believe i can help.
My relationship with my Mum is the best it's ever been, and all though i don't see them as much as i would like, i have great contact with my first and second child.
Ok so I'm not a millionaire, although i do have money in the bank, gold buried in the ground and bitcoins in cold storage,
What i meant in the title "I was homeless at 15yrs old, now I'm rich beyond my wildest dream's" is that i have everything i could ever want. We live a free life, we don't owe a penny to the bank, we own our home, and we now have four of the most beautiful kids in the world, who we spend as much time with as possible, Louise has always been a stay at home Mum and i only work six months of the year.
We are rich, and if you think money makes you rich, think again. There are plenty of miserable millionaires out there trust me.
Yes we have money in the bank, but even if we didn't we would still carry on living the simple life we do.
The reason i am writing this post and revealing my life story to the steemit world, is to point out that no matter how bad life gets, you can always pull it back together again.
Never give up and get out there and make waves, because if you don't you will be forever chasing other people's dreams , only to realize when you finally get them, it doesn't make you happy. and if you ever see someone who is in dire need of some help, and you are in a position to help them, then don't hesitate, you might just save a life.
If you liked this post, if it gave you something, please show some support and spread it, it takes a lot for me to do these posts as i never really went to school (sorry for the bad grammar) and check out my other posts, starting from the bottom of my page and working up.
Peace and love to the world
My first ever selfie, just for you guy's, yeah i know i still kinda look homeless
You recommended to read this article, too - and I liked it a lot! :)
Very inspiring story! You have been down but found ways to keep going, and now you seem happy with your life. Good work, and thanks for sharing this!
Yes I totally agree. I have so much respect for Mark!
we are very happy, truly. thank you
Wow, a truly Inspiring story written Not to Motivate people to Earn a lot But To show the true meaning of life. Most of the people write their life stories to Motivate others to get jobs, earn millions, Live a luxurious life, but only a few try to make people understand that The true pleasure is in giving to others and helping others. Truly Great post. Upvoted.
Amazing, thank you, you truly took it all in, and understood my point.
and your words strike a chord in my heart. thank you, this is a special day for me and my family :) feeling the love
Welcome.
Feeling very welcome thanks
Wow. I was literally on the verge of crying. It was exactly what I needed today. God bless you man!
Such a great transformation from nothing to everything. A really inspiring story mate.
Thank you, i must admit a few tears were shed during the making of this post.
Aww.. It was quite a struggle and its commendable how you didn't give up :)
Wow inspiring post to many I guess. Valuing what's most important in life is not easy for everyone. As you mentioned most people think they are rich when their bank account is pumped to the max but in reality they never feel satisfied until they get to know the true meaning of living a free life as you did! Thanx for posting this man!
Thank you sir, you hit the nail on the head with your comment, you really understood my point.
What a story @markwhittam
Yes, you are right. You can inspire other ppl to get out of the shit with showing them that you did it. That is so amazing from you. I am speechless and impressed by your transformation. YOU just did it! Be blessed!
Wow, such lovely words, i am feeling so much love from all you lovely steemer's
never do you see this kind of love on any other social media.
i feel blessed
I was only having a discussion the other day on how some need a reality check, much in line with what you've said. I've been in a similar situation, and it's really a case of flight or fight, and learning along the way. There's so many willing to blame the world for their problems and not make any progress, whereas others shrug off the shackles and make the best of the situation. We all go through shit, but how we wade through it makes the difference. Peace!
You know it. I think we have all been in similar strife at some piont in our lives, in some way or another, wouldnt life be boring any other way. Thanks for the comment.
WOW, what a story! I'm so happy you cleaned up your life and improved your circumstances. (Tiny homes are brilliant, by the way.) And freedom from debt is a concept most of us can only dream of, but not achieve. I believe that all of us on Steemit have the potential to live a better life, work less, and not pay greedy banks. You will quite likely be an inspiration to many people with a background like yours. I am re-steeming this post!
Thank you so much, you are very kind, and wise. I want this to inspire and help as many people as possible, because if i had read this when i was 15, my life would maybe have been a little different. Thanks for spreading the love.
Wow, that's a pretty wild story! Glad you got everything straightened out, hope the rest of your life continues in this positive direction.
Thank you, we can only take one day at a time.
If we worrie about the future, and gloat on the past, we cant live in the here and now, coz thats all that really matters.
Well said.
Glad you think so. The more people this touch's the more i feel complete.
Thanks for sharing .. upped , followed, and resteemed ..
Your welcome, and i will return the favor. ;)
Great story @markwhittam! Thanks for sharing...
Thank you @brockton and thanks for following, hope you are enjoying steemit as much as we are.
You overcame so much to become the lovely human being that you are! That's SO awesome...much respect! What an inspiration to people everywhere :)
Wow thank you very much, i am overwhelmed with the amount of beautiful people on steemit, that have left such lovely comments.
This would never happen on FB.
Great and uplifting life story.
Thank you, glad you liked it.
Been in similar situations many times in life.
One learn a lot of whats important in life while going through "hells" like that.
Cheers :)
The world we live in is full of these stories, since we traded community for money.
WORD !
Thanks for sharing Mark . Relating to your post on many levels . happy for you and wish you all the best
Your welcome bobskibob, if this post helps just one person, then it has been a success.
I am glad to hear we aren't there anymore. I see similarities in our stories. That is gratifying. uv/rs
I know I'm not alone, the society we live in breeds this kind of madness.
never go back my friend
Congratulations! Your life is rich indead!
Thank u, Thank u, Thank u. just being alive makes us all rich
Thank you for sharing your life story.. it was really inspiring..
i am happy you was, inspired. thank you
Yes, wealth is a measure of happiness and inner value. Live long and prosper! Will follow:)
Exactly, you got it. thank you
Wow, this is quite a story!
Good job beating the odds.
Thank you, i think about all the people in similar troubles and hope they get to see this or a similar story, please share (only if u want)
buddy what i can say,i want you for my friend cos you are honest man.
Thank you, please share this story if you feel it's worthy, the more people this Helps the better. I'm not after votes
What a great and inspiring bud @markwhittam
No way but up! Cheers
Your welcome. Please share this story (if u want) not for votes but to inspire and hopefully help.
amazing story man.
upvoted
Thank you.
Incredible story! Love it and thanks for sharing
You are most welcome, happy you enjoyed it
Your words are filled with power. They (your words) are real and compelling from your experiences both good and bad. Your background has made you capable, passionate, a thinker, a believer in a better life for you, your family and all those you touch. You my, steemer friend, have been honed with a spirit to change the world for the better. Keep sharing your life... you bring hope. Rags to Riches to Real Wealth!
100% upvote and resteeeeeeeeeeeemed!.
Wow, from the bottom of my heart, thank you @pitterpatter
your words are so genuine and real they bring a tear to my eye.
thanks yet again for the support
Friend for life :)
There are no accidents. We were meant to be like everyone in our lives. The flow comes and go so we grow. We all have our mission papers. : )
So true, i would never change my past, it made me strong. :)
Same here and so we found our treasures in hell to become all we were meant to be.
Wow! Such an inspiring story!
Thanks a bunch, glad you liked it my 51 brother
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Thanks for sharing. I can relate to your story in as much as life is such a strange journey with twisting episodes. thanks, again.
Your welcome, thanks for the resteem.
wow really inspiring story :) comes from the heart and goes right there ;) enjoy your day !
Glad it inspired, thank you for your kind words
Great story mate! And to boot, it sounds like your life journey has been quite a learning experience. “Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” ― George Bernard Shaw
Thank you mate! I love that quote I'm going to look him up now.
Came here expecting rich douchbag, went away with a positive message. Life is up and down, but yeah, always try :)
Hahaha great comment, thank you. Following you now for making me laugh
What a story!
This is so true. I am honestly on the verge of selling our house and making my own tiny home (I'm a Mechanical Engineer but I work in IT so no one believes me when I tell them I do carpentry, plus I'm a woman).
When I told people I was going to homeschool my kids, they had expressions that said Are you serious?!
Your stories inspire. :) Keep posting and we'll keep reading.
Thank you.
We built our tinyhouse with no experience at all. Before this I had never built anything.
And a lot of the tinyhouse was built by Louise, who I must say was far better at it than me.
I say go for it. If it feels right, then it is right.
Thanks for the words of encouragement.
Nice post
Thanks for sharing
Upvoted & followed
thanks
what a truly inspiring story Mark. And congrats on your first selfie!
Hahaha thank you very much. I'm sorry to say it might be my last selfie, felt so wrong :)
What an inspiring post. Made me feel so thankful for what I have been given with right from the start of my life. I should do more.
Thank you, I think my story and ones like it can reach out to so many people, on so many different levels.
Wow! Such an inspiring story! I'm happy for you, that you can live your life as you want to. And thumbs up for never giving up, I can't even imagine how hard this must have been for you. Upvoted and followed! Keep the good work up :)
Wow thank you, your very kind.
Comments like this boost me to continue my blogging about our lives.
Glad things turned around for you in the end, and as no one else has said it, that's a spectacular beard you have there.
Hahaha thank you very much. That made me smile
Life is never about the short term. That much i've learned from the wisdom so many people who has been through so much. You're an ordinary person with an extraordinary life, because of that i thank you for sharing your story.
I am just blown away with the amount of amazing comments all you lovely people are giving. I have never felt so much love and support in my whole life. This post has really changed my life, and by some of the comments i have read, it has also helped others.
Thank you
Really enjoyed your post and reading your story being authentic and honest gains many followers, I'm also in the process of posting my life story here on steem and enjoying it, ill follow because your post was great and look forward to more!
Thank you @rickyjrx glad you liked it, and yes your right about the followers,
i think i had 30 before this post no i have around 90:)
being reel is what its all about, no copy and paste on my blog :)
look forward to reading your life story. followed back at ya
I love reading original content from interesting people and you've certainly had an interesring life.
Thanks for the follow too.
Welcome to Steemit! What an amazing story. Thanks for opening up and sharing it with us.
you are most welcome, thank you :)
"When you have been DOWN to the very bottom, there is only one way left to go, UP!" - by markwhittam
Nice! I love this sentence.
Thank you @frankintaiwan glad you liked it :)
You are going to love it here! Follow me at https://steemit.com/@bitgeek
"I'm going to love it here follow me"
You obviously have not read this post
I'm not being funny but, you blatantly just go on introducemyself, paste this same comment to everyone on there, and when i went on your page u have 120 followers and follow 21
Jog on!
Update 250followers
Fair point. I admit I am trying to build up followers quickly and I'm definitely guilty of blanket bombing my greeting comment. I apologize for not reading the article. I've read it now and understand your response. All the best.
Now thats worth a follow, thanks for being real and honest, that gets repect from me.
Thank you for sharing your story. You are living proof that, if you keep going GREAT things will happen. Excellent post!
Your welcome, great things happen to us all, all the time. It's just sometimes hard to see the greatness when your down and out, but it's there, it's just a matter of opening your eye's wide enough.
inspire info...thanks
Your welcome :)
You got this. Always stay positive!
Thank you, one day at a time.
I am so happy for you and your family. What a beautiful story. Nice to meet you @markwhittam!
So very kind of you, it all works out in the end:)
liked and resteemed. Amazing story. I wish you and your family the best of luck.
Thank you again
Wow, great story...
Thank you very much
The excellence in taking action, and by having the conviction to believe in yourself; opportunity appeared and you were able to overcome your past indiscretions. Your success story shows leadership by example in a very inspirational story. Thank you for sharing :-)
Thank you @bilbop your word's are very meaningful and genuine.
You're most welcome @markwhittam. Unpretentious and from my heart I am.
Having been a musician and street vendor my whole adult life. Correction: I've never really grown up so do I still qualify as an adult? :-D
hehe, the only difference between Men & Boys, is the price of there toy's.
sound's like you have had an interesting life (correction) having an interesting life.
We both are finding the 'interesting' bits and staying on edge of the ever changing world.
If we're not on the edge, we're taking up too much space -D
We be steem n on.