Now, Iām not usually one to post things like this, as I believe we all somewhat fall into the honeypot of only posting the things we want people to see on social media. But I also think social media can be used as a positive tool to spread a message, so if youāre reading this and it resonates with you, then Iām glad itās served its purpose.
Fourteen years ago today, my mum was battling cancer. Iām not here for a sob story, but the reality is that life will hit you from all angles when you least expect it. I carry a lot of resentment deep down somewhere towards my mum for reasons unknown to me ā because letās be real, thereās no rulebook on parenting, and I know she tried her best with what we had.
Every day I see memorial posts and posts of parents passing away, and as I sit here reflecting, Iām pretty fucking lucky to still have both parents by my side.
So I guess the moral of this story is this: forget the past and work on the future, live in the present, hug those around you that you love, and learn to forgive and forget. None of us get out of this alive, so make the most of it.
The first woman to ever steal my heart ā this one goes out to you, Mum.
Bit of a blast from the past that popped up on my memories this morning.
Five years ago to this day, working in EE at the peak of Covid with my man @_ryanspivey both doing what we needed to do. Since then, weāve both gone on to achieve so much.
Since taking the leap and deciding that I wanted to make something out of what was once a hobby, now turned profession (feels weird to say that this is my job), so much has changed.
The moral of the story is: whatever you truly have a passion for, donāt let that slip. It doesnāt come around often. Itās allowed me opportunities that some people will never get to experience in their lives, and for that, Iām forever grateful.
Itās taken me around the world, and I really have been blessed ā and grateful ā for what Iāve learned along the journey.
But letās not get it twisted ā it hasnāt all been sunshine and rainbows, thatās for sure. Iāve burnt bridges, let people down, not met deadlines. Sometimes, you have to accept the fact that no one is perfect, and life can really get in the way.
But I think everything in life is a lesson ā a lesson of what to do, and what not to do. There have been days where you lose that spark, when something you were once so passionate about can feel lonely, and the days of editing can feel endless.
But you have to remember: at one point, this is all you ever wanted ā to be able to take your passion and turn it into a career.
So, if you take anything from this long-ass paragraph, take this:
If you really want it, then you can achieve it.
Belter of a day for Mr and Mrs Riby
Felt good to be back on the tools
Shout out to the great team around me also @haydbell97 on video & @samanthawheeldon22 on the 2nd shooting
From Emmaās cheesecakes to @merrydalemanor what a blessing it is to call this a job
Wishing you both the best for the future happiness health & wealth šš»
Super grateful for the opportunity and experience to be able to help out @lobe_media on their videography project, working with @lagomstudiouk and @melladee_ for new, up-and-coming projects. What a blessing it is to be able to be doing this as a job. Sometimes I have to sit back and actually look at what I have been blessed with as a career, but thatās easier said than done at times.
I also think itās important to share this message that we all get trapped in the bubble of social media validation. Looking at this post, you might think thereās a happy guy in this photo and that everythingās all going well, but in all honesty, this is probably one sunny day in several months of stormy weather. But it felt good to finally have that small bit of my spark back for just a minute so times like this you have to double down on that I believe
In the process of things going on, I have let countless people down, lost close people around me, and failed multiple times. On a real note, Iām a big believer that you can always rebuild yourself back up.
For anyone going through a hard time at the moment, always remember that as long as you can believe and put action into place, then you can always make a change and you can always bounce back. Keep pushing forward, as thereās no other option.
6-0 š§”
What a team Iāve got around me
First one under Steve @thefinestboxinggym Still plenty more to come and learn
A frustrating opponent but when the levels step up youāll see a better version of myself.
Thanks to everyone that came out to support the love is real and I means the world to me.
No slowing down #UTT @_jsuth šø
So the past few years have been a real battle for me mentally. Donāt believe everything you see on social media, as people only really show the best parts of their life, but in reality Iāve made countless mistakes, let countless people down, and broken the hearts of those around me through my own selfish actions. Iāve been battling demons daily ā just like we all have demons daily.
Every time you walk past someone, you donāt truly know what war is going on inside their mind.
So this brings me onto my good friend and coach, @stuartgraham_mma , telling me to sign up for a white-collar boxing match to give me something to focus on. Now, Iāve never really been much of a fighter, but right about now Iām in the biggest battle ā Iām fighting for my life.
So if we can raise a little money for charity in the meantime, then whatās not to love? Iāll be fighting on 19/04/2026, and the donation link will be available in my bio. Every little helps, as theyāre charities very close to my heart.
Letās get after it.