Why I Started This “They Call Me Mista Yu” Journey

I’m incredibly grateful you’re here. Getting to this moment has been a long journey — filled with challenges, lessons, and growth. But today marks a new beginning — not just for me, but hopefully for you too.

I’ve been getting so many questions about where my persona came from and why almost everybody I know refers to me as “Mista Yu”, even my relatives. The original push was created to spark something real — reflection, healing, and purpose. My hope is that every conversation here encourages you to take one more step toward a healthier, more fulfilled life.

The Story Behind the Name

This project was born from a near-death experience I had last year.

One night, while my wife was at a meeting, I collapsed at home. My blood pressure had skyrocketed to dangerous levels. The doctor later told me I was less than a quarter mile away from having a stroke — or worse.

That moment changed everything. As I lay in the hospital, I realized I wasn’t living the life I truly wanted. I was unfulfilled in my career, frustrated with my finances, and unhappy with my health. My physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being had taken a back seat. I began to ask myself the hard questions:

• What are you willing to change to have what you want?

• How far are you willing to go to see your goals realized?

Those questions became the foundation for my first foray into media and podcasting. 2020 shook our world to its foundations and many walked away not giving their health (physical, mental, or emotional) any priority.

The Wake-Up Call

Losing loved ones compounded the urgency. My grandmother battled dementia. My father passed away suddenly before we really got to know each other. Family members fought cancer. We lost others to COVID.

All of it forced me to face one truth — life is fragile. And yet, it’s full of potential if we decide to live it intentionally.

That’s when I knew this platform couldn’t just be about me. It had to be about us — about our shared pursuit of purpose, health, and growth.

Why Health Is at the Heart of It All

Here’s what I’ve learned: everything in life connects back to health.

When one area of our health is off — physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, or financial — the rest suffers. I call these the Five Fingers of Health.

Think about your hand: if one finger is injured, it affects your ability to use your whole hand. The same goes for life. If one “finger” is weak, the others struggle to function at their best.

That’s why every story, interview, and topic here — whether about marriage, cooking, entrepreneurship, or leadership — ties back to health. True wellness isn’t one-dimensional; it’s holistic.

Lessons From Adversity

If 2020 taught us anything, it’s that adversity can be one of life’s greatest teachers.

So I’ll ask you:

• What have you learned about yourself lately?

• Where have you gotten it right?

• Where do you need to grow?

This space is for honest reflection. For people who know they need change but aren’t sure where to start.

Your Role in the Journey

I can share my stories all day, but the real transformation happens when you get involved.

Here’s what I ask of you:

1. Listen – Take in the stories and lessons each week. Let them speak to where you are.

2. Reflect – Ask yourself how these lessons apply to your own life.

3. Act – Don’t just be inspired. Be intentional. Start where you are.

We grow stronger together. I used to pride myself on doing things alone — a lone wolf mindset. But I’ve learned that real change happens in community. None of us were meant to do life in isolation.

The Road Ahead

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In the weeks to come, we’ll explore topics that touch every part of who we are — the things that build us and the things that break us.

We’ll talk about:

• The power of purpose

• Healthy living and balance

• Marriage and relationships

• Leadership and entrepreneurship

• Faith, discipline, and resilience

We’ll even sprinkle in some lighter conversations — cooking tips, fitness challenges, maybe a little sports talk. Because all of it matters. Every aspect of life connects to our overall well-being.

A Word to Those Who Are Struggling

If you’re reading this and feel close to giving up — don’t.

You may feel unseen, unheard, or unworthy. You may even think this is the end of your story. But I’m here to tell you it’s not.

You can do exceedingly and abundantly above all you could ever ask or think. There’s greatness inside you — the power to rebuild, to heal, and to thrive. You’re not alone in your struggle.

Somebody else has walked that same road and made it to the other side. And so will you.

Final Thoughts

This isn’t about perfection — it’s about process. It’s about getting back in the game, even after life knocks you down.

My hope is that this space reminds you that you are more capable, more powerful, and more purposeful than you’ve realized.

Together, we can learn, grow, and build lives that reflect who we truly are.

So, don’t give up.

Don’t sit this one out.

Get back in the game.

You’ve got more to give — and the best is still ahead.

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