Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brian Sicurella . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brian , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I developed resilience from being homeless because I had to persevere through challenging circumstances and constantly adapt to survive. Being homeless taught me to be resourceful, to think creatively, and to never give up. I experienced firsthand the harsh realities of life and the importance of resilience in overcoming adversity.
Living on the streets forced me to confront my fears and face constant uncertainty. I had to find ways to stay safe, secure food, and seek shelter amidst challenging conditions. This required me to develop a strong mental and emotional strength to navigate through those difficult times.
Moreover, being homeless also exposed me to the kindness and compassion of others. It taught me the value of community support and the importance of reaching out for help when needed. I learned to appreciate the small acts of kindness and to never underestimate the impact they can have.
The experience of being homeless gave me a new perspective on life and a deeper appreciation for the things that are often taken for granted. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the ability to find hope even in the darkest moments. I am grateful for the lessons I learned during that time, as they have shaped me into a stronger, more resilient individual.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I run a Facebook photography group where I encourage people to post their photos no matter their level of photography experience. In the near future I plan on expanding and starting a non profit that helps unhoused people learn to take photos and sell them to make money instead of using government funds.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1. Curiosity and a Growth Mindset: Cultivate a genuine curiosity to explore new ideas, learn from others, and continuously improve. Embrace a growth mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
2. Consistent Learning: Commit to ongoing learning and self-improvement. Read books, take online courses, attend workshops, or seek mentorship to expand your knowledge and skills. Embrace a lifelong learning mindset to stay adaptable and relevant.
3. Persistence and Resilience: Understand that the journey towards your goals may have setbacks and obstacles. Develop persistence and resilience to keep pushing forward, learn from failures, adapt your approach, and stay focused on your long-term vision.
Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and it’s important to discover what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment, seek guidance from others, and stay committed to personal growth.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
I would like to thank my friends Maike Both, Andrew Froemming, Branden Stoltz and the rest of my church family at Hollywood Adventist Church for helping me through the most difficult times in my life.
Their compassion and genuine care have been a source of strength and comfort when I needed it most. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, their words of encouragement provided a guiding light, and their willingness to lend an ear allowed me to share my burdens without judgment or hesitation.
Each one of them played a unique role in helping me overcome obstacles and navigating through the darkest times. Whether it was offering a helping hand, praying for me, or simply being there to listen, your presence has made a world of difference.
The friendship and the sense of community I find within my church family has been a beacon of hope during even the most trying moments. I am endlessly grateful that they were there when I needed them
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @heartofstreetsla
- Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/heartofstreetsla
Image Credits
Heart of the Streets Photographer
