They Almost Killed My Mother

Almost Losing My Mother and My Career by Choosing Reaction Over Response

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1. How to stay positive during hard times

2. Trauma & stress manifesting into emotional eating

3. How hormonal imbalance causes weight gain and fatigue

The Unexpected Call…

I’ve spent the past week at my mother’s side, bracing myself for the worst. Last Wednesday (3/12/24), my mother was assaulted by a man my age, who kicked her down the stairs, leaving her unconscious. We believe he continued to assault her while she was unconscious, causing further harm. She suffered severe brain, facial, and neck injuries.

My character was tested, and thoughts of revenge crossed my mind, but I chose not to act on them.

“When you try to return someone's bad karma, you only create more for yourself. Let the universe handle it.” — Nate Ortiz

Despite the challenges I've faced recently, I remained committed to hitting the gym, maintaining my diet, and continuing work on the final draft of my book, "The YOU You Never Knew." Now, even after rushing back from the hospital, I'm ensuring that I send out my weekly newsletters to paid subscribers, which are typically shared on Fridays.

Why?

Because these are the things within my control. I couldn’t control what happened to my mother, but I can control HOW I react.

Overreacting wouldn’t help. In fact, it would impact those around me, like my younger brothers and my father, who is now 60 and trying his best to enjoy this last stage of his life.

Thankfully, my mother is now conscious and has been discharged from the hospital.

Never let the evil consciousness stop you from doing God’s work

This is what it means to be a One Percenter (the one in the family overcoming generational trauma and poverty). My raw energy, fueled by passion, shaped by pain and trauma in my videos, newsletters, interviews, and other forms of inspiration, doesn’t come from reading Twitter quotes or self-help books... it comes from LIVING THIS LIFE!

Ok, now I can get back to my job, creating this week’s newsletter for you :)

I hope you're looking forward to this month's ✨Free Edition✨ of The One Percenter Series! Usually, my paid subscribers get a weekly newsletter every Friday, filled with advice and motivation for breaking free from generational trauma and poverty. This includes valuable insights on:

• Building and maintaining a positive mindset

• Personal development

• Answers to questions

• A healthy dose of inspiration to encourage your growth into the best version of yourself.

I trust you'll find this edition inspiring.

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Is it truly possible to start a New Life?

December 15, 2017, is a day I will never forget. There I was, waiting for my name to be called, dressed in my graduation cap and gown, ready to walk across the stage. I was about to receive my bachelor's degree from the president of Delaware State University. My heart raced with anticipation while my mind was swirling with thoughts of the future.

Unlike my classmates, who eagerly awaited this day, I dreaded it. Most of my classmates had jobs lined up and a place to live. I, on the other hand, had no idea how I was going to make a living for myself. I had plans to play professional football before my career was cut short by a spinal injury.

When graduation approached, I found myself "unprepared" for the real world.

For the first time in my life, I was genuinely afraid. It was also the first time I was no longer an athlete. My work ethic and athletic ability carried me through my challenging adolescence. Unfortunately, my dream of going pro had vanished, and I was faced with starting all over.

I did have an opportunity to be an assistant strength and conditioning coach in Texas, but I couldn’t repeat the mistake I made at 17.

Most people didn’t know this, but I hated football. I grew up as a basketball player, passionate about the game. After being awarded a full scholarship to play basketball at the premier high school in the United States, under the guidance of the legendary Coach Bob Hurley Sr., I quickly learned that being six foot three wasn't tall enough for the position I had played my entire life.

Yes, I know—six feet three inches is tall—but I was one of the shortest guys on the roster.

Coach Hurley informed me that the school would be starting a football program. Initially, I was confused about why he was telling me this. After a moment of silence, I realized he was suggesting a switch.

"Nate, you're big and strong; you could be a great football player."

I had worked my entire life to play basketball for him at St. Anthony’s, and now he was suggesting I switch to a sport I had never played? After some thought, I realized I couldn't say no.

Long story short, I became the first division one full scholarship football player in school history. Exciting, right? Not exactly. Despite everyone’s happiness for me, I was miserable, spending four years playing a sport I detested at the collegiate level.

Many students considered me ungrateful whenever I expressed my dislike for football, unable to understand my unhappiness amidst their own struggles with tuition.

Why did I stay?

The prospect of even a single year in professional football meant a minimum contract of $705,000. I had plans for that money: business ventures, moving to Miami, and reuniting with my day one, "Romeo" – not his real name. Our paths would diverge, but his identity remains protected out of respect.

My dreams were dashed by a spinal injury, ending my career and my relationship with Romeo, who had been my guardian through hardship. When graduation came, and it was time to start over, I turned down the job in Texas.

The lesson was clear: never pursue something solely for the money.“ I would rather live a life doing what I love, broke and homeless, than a life rich with money, depressed, and lost.”

After receiving my diploma, the reality of needing a place to live hit me. My family had just moved into an apartment in one of the Northeast's most dangerous neighborhoods— Newark, NJ, offering me a spot in the living room. However, this wasn't an option if I wanted to chase my dreams safely.

Hours after graduating, as I packed my dorm room belongings, my girlfriend—now fiancé, offered a lifeline: moving in with her family in Washington Heights, NY. Known for its challenges, it was still a step up, offering a safer environment and basic amenities.

The transition was tough, facing the reality of no longer pursuing professional football. I was left with two options: wallow in self-pity or carve out a new path.

Despite the daunting nature of this fresh start, I knew it was time to make a DECISION!

I made a decision that seemed crazy to everyone around me—I chose to create videos, share information, and tell my story to inspire others. And here's the part they laughed at—I was determined to earn a living from it.

The First Step To Starting Over

Starting over is hard; there's no doubt about that. But do you want to know what's even more challenging? Being indecisive. It’s like playing a painful game with ourselves, where we can't even decide what move to make next.

My all-time favorite author, Napoleon Hill, shared some powerful advice:

“Successful people make their decisions quickly and hardly ever change them. Those who don't succeed take a long time to decide and then change their minds often and quickly.” He also said, “With every challenge comes an opportunity just as great.”

Instead of letting fear steer our course, why not embrace the belief that achieving our dreams is within reach?

Have you ever witnessed someone full of self-belief and optimism struggle with indecision?

I haven't.

Whether you're contemplating a change or actively pursuing a new beginning, commit to a decision. Let it be driven by positivity, hope, and faith, my friend.

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What's holding you back from taking that leap of faith toward a fulfilling life? Don’t be shy; please share :)

Next week, I'll take you through the biggest hurdle in decision-making—the daunting question of HOW. "How can I do this, Nate? Is it even possible? How long will it take?" Ah, that little word that often steals away our chances to live life to its fullest—HOW.

But fear not, I've got the blueprint. I've got your back :)

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