After graduating from university with a degree in sports science, I made the bold decision to move to Bangkok, Thailand. At first, it felt exciting—a fresh start in a vibrant new city. But not long after, the post-university blues hit me hard. Without the structure of my studies or a clear sense of direction, I fell into a deep, dark hole of depression. For the first time in my life, I felt profoundly lonely and isolated. My moods became unpredictable; I would explode over the smallest, most trivial things, losing my temper and my sense of control.
Some of my close friends began to distance themselves, and those who stayed would comment on my erratic behavior, even going so far as to call me “bipolar.” The weight of my emotions grew unbearable. I reached a point where I didn’t want to exist anymore, and I knew I had to make a change—fast. I had to reach out for professional help.
This was when Baz Yafai entered my life. Baz, an NLP life coach and personal trainer, became my guiding light. His support and therapy sessions didn’t just help me manage my depression and anxiety—they transformed the way I saw myself and the world. One day, he suggested something that would change the trajectory of my life: “The true form of happiness comes from helping others,” he said. He encouraged me to start working for charity, and wow—was he right.
It was the beginning of my journey into charity work and giving back to the community. Not long after starting therapy, I had the privilege of meeting Thepitak Chansuthep, the President of the Thai Senior Footballers Association. We talked about his charity initiatives for older Thai citizens, and I shared my own experience coaching children aged 3 to 16 back in the USA. I expressed my desire to give back to the Thai community and made him an idea—I proposed directing charity football tournaments that combined fun, football, and English lessons for children.
After a brief discussion, he saw my vision and intentions. I’ll never forget the moment he jumped out of his seat, shook my hand, and said yes. That handshake marked the start of an incredible partnership. Together, we organized charity football tournaments focused on underprivileged Thai children, with an emphasis not only on sport but also on learning English.
Over the years, these projects grew. We gained sponsorships from major organizations like Honda, Singha, FIFA, and Toyota. Every profit was reinvested into buying essentials and toys for local orphanages. Visiting these children profoundly changed me. Seeing them live with so little—basic rations, worn clothing—but still radiate joy and gratitude was humbling. It brought life into perspective in ways I could never have imagined.
I can vividly remember one visit where I couldn’t hold back my tears. I cried in front of the children, and they stared at me with confused, innocent eyes, asking what was wrong. They didn’t know any different than the life they were living, yet their happiness and love for life inspired me to be more grateful for everything I have.
During my time in Thailand, seeing the children smile and grow has been incredibly rewarding. I hope to continue this work as soon as the world recovers from COVID. A special mention goes to Nana and Seesee, two sweet little souls from Bangkok who were always smiling and respectful to their coaches. Working with children like them is pure joy—it even gives me an excuse to act like a silly child myself!
Giving back to the community selflessly has been a cornerstone in achieving the positive mental state I now enjoy. Today, I can honestly say I am the happiest I have ever been. I am now a qualified NLP practitioner, and my purpose is clear: to help others struggling with mental health challenges, lack of motivation, relationship problems, and more.
If you ever feel lost or in need of support, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram. Happiness and love cost nothing, yet they are the most valuable gifts we can share. The world could always use a little more of both.
