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FROM SUICIDE PREVENTION TO LIFE CULTIVATION: A PATH OF COURAGE AND HEALING

Troy Ismir

From suicide prevention to life cultivation: A path of courage and healing.

Every time I hear of someone lost to suicide or an overdose, my heart aches. Tears well up as I imagine the deep suffering that led them to believe there was no way out. The ripple effects of their loss are devastating, leaving behind unimaginable pain for those who loved them.

I think of Brian Matusz, the former Baltimore Orioles pitcher who passed away from a drug overdose at just 37 years old. His heartbreaking words to his mother — “There is nothing left for me” — echo the despair many of us have felt at some point in our lives. Despite his outward success and contributions to the community through his work with Casey Cares, Brian succumbed to an inner voice telling him he was no longer worthy.


I also think of PGA professional Grayson Murray, who took his life at 30 after years of battling depression and addiction. His story deeply moved me, especially after his courageous vulnerability following his win at the Sony Open. When asked what he showed himself through his victory, he said, “I wanted to give up a lot of times. Give up on myself. Give up on the game of golf. Give up on life at times. Just persevere. When you get tired of fighting, let someone else fight for you.”


Those words struck a chord because I’ve lived that struggle. I’ve never consciously thought of ending my life, but I’ve walked through long seasons of quiet desperation, seeking escapes to dull the pain. These stories remind me how easy it is to look successful on the outside while feeling broken, lost, and powerless inside.


Finding My Light: From Quiet Desperation to Healing


For much of my life, I tried to numb my inner chaos. I escaped into alcohol, bodybuilding, extreme exercise, and relationships, grasping for anything that might fill the void. After a serious knee injury in college ended my professional football dreams, I was left asking, “Who am I if I’m not an athlete?” That question lingered through years of pain and self-doubt.


I spent 17 years in a sales career that felt like a constant act of pretending. Every Sunday evening, dread would creep in as I prepared to face another week of work that was out of alignment with who I was. I felt trapped, powerless to change my circumstances, and deeply alone.


When my marriage ended, I turned to women, hoping to find worth and validation through relationships. Each one provided temporary relief, but the cycle of pain always returned.


Even religion became a form of self-punishment — an effort to be “perfect” enough to earn love.


But no external escape could quiet the harsh voice in my head telling me I wasn’t enough.

The turning point came when I realized I couldn’t keep living this way. After years of self-inflicted suffering — including moments where I used exercise as punishment or literally punched walls out of frustration — I knew I needed help. That’s when I met Kimberly Dawson, my spiritual mentor.


Kimberly became the first person to truly see me — both my shadows and my light — and remind me of the goodness within. Her presence created a sacred space where I could begin to heal. Looking back, I shudder to think where I might be if the Universe hadn’t brought her into my life.


No Man is an Island: The Power of Asking for Help

Men often believe they have to endure pain alone, but isolation only deepens the wounds. I’ve learned that asking for help is not weakness — it’s one of the bravest acts we can take.


When I first reached out for support, I was terrified of being judged. But I discovered that true healing happens in safe, non-judgmental spaces where we can be our authentic selves. We don’t need to be “fixed.” We need to be heard, understood, and reminded of our inherent worth.


This is why I’m so passionate about creating sacred spaces for men. Whether it’s in a one-on-one session or a small group setting, my purpose is to offer a space where men can share their pain, connect with others, and realize they are not alone. Healing happens when we can be vulnerable with one another, lifting each other up in love and support.


From Suicide Prevention to Life Cultivation


When someone is contemplating suicide, they see no reason to live — the light within them has dimmed. Instead of focusing on “prevention,” what if we shifted to cultivating life?


When I was in quiet desperation, I wasn’t nurturing my life; I was simply surviving. It took an extraordinary amount of courage to begin the slow, arduous process of change. But step by step, I’ve learned to find joy within, even in the midst of challenges.


Life cultivation means rediscovering our purpose, embracing our shadows, and reigniting the spark of light within us. It’s about creating a life worth living by connecting with our true selves and building a supportive community around us.


Call to Action: A Path to Inner Power


If you’re feeling lost, stuck, or in quiet desperation, I invite you to take the first step toward cultivating your life. At Inner Power Collective, I offer Soul-Centered Coaching and small group settings through Men of Courageous Souls to provide a safe, sacred space for healing and transformation.


Through these sessions, we work together to uncover your true self, move beyond limiting beliefs, and create a life aligned with your inner power.


In addition, I integrate the practice of Qi Gong, a powerful tool for managing depression, anxiety, and addiction. Qi Gong helps men reconnect with their bodies, calm their minds, and regulate their energy. This ancient practice brings balance and clarity, providing a pathway to release inner tension and foster a sense of peace and purpose.


Healing requires both individual courage and collective support. You don’t have to do this alone. Together, we can reignite the light within you and help you cultivate a life of meaning, joy, and freedom.


Reach out today to learn more about Soul-Centered Coaching, Men of Courageous Souls, or the transformative benefits of Qi Gong. I’ll leave the light on for you until you can see yours.


Troy Ismir

Soul-Centered Coach

Founder and Creator of Inner Power Collective

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