Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Aaron I. Sanchez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Aaron I., we are so appreciative of you taking the time to open up about the extremely important, albeit personal, topic of mental health. Can you talk to us about your journey and how you were able to overcome the challenges related to mental issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
Being a dual-diagnosis individual since I was 12 years old has pushed me to find balance within all that I do. From therapy, psychology and psychiatry appointments to institutions and rehabs, the avalanche continued to plummet throughout the next 15 years. Finding the rooms of AA/CA and being able to fully understand that a Divine presence could and would give me strength to start anew was a colossal shift in life.
Today, at 30 years of age, I am clean from all mind-altering substances and have been for over two years. My sobriety date is October 3rd, 2022. Learning to live one day at a time has shown me how to slow down and appreciate the little things while also showing me that I can handle big changes. Living sober as a musician helps me perform at my absolute best. Sobriety to me means a solid foundation backed by spiritual growth and service to others. My mental health is a direct result of my sobriety, my willingness to share hope with others and the ability to show support to anyone else struggling with mental health / substance abuse challenges.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’ve been fortunate to play guitar for about 20 years now. I began playing with multiple bands in backyards and school talent shows in my teenage years. Though I was young and immature then, there has always been a dream vividly living inside of me where I’d get to play music on big stages.
My biggest goal is to give back to my family for all of the love, support and encouragement that they have shown through the peaks and valleys that come with addiction and recovery. I’d also like to inspire others that are thinking about quitting drinking or using but are worried that their lives may become bleak.. that is not the case at all. If anything, life becomes more vibrant and colorful.
Today, I play guitar and sing in POWER of SOUL – A Jimi Hendrix Tribute. We have been fortunate enough to open up for big tribute bands such as Wild Child – A Live Doors Concert Recreation and Led Zepagain amongst other incredible acts. Our goal and vision as a tribute band is to show our complete adoration and appreciation of Jimi Hendrix’s music by leaving every bit of energy on every stage. It sure is incredible to hear such positive feedback from people in the crowds who got to see Jimi Hendrix and the Band of Gypsys live!
Please feel free to give us a follow on Instagram @powerofsoulband
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three biggest qualities that have gotten me where I am today are faith, love and resilience. Faith that I was born with a purpose and that God always had and still has a plan, even through the roughest and darkest moments of my life. Love in the sense that I am capable of loving myself and who I am, even when I don’t feel worthy of love. Resilience, the driving force that has allowed me to get back up after falling down time and time again.. these three qualities have become a magical recipe of success for me.
The best advice I could suggest to anyone just getting started is to keep their dreams alive. As we grow our older, our dreams tend to become smaller and less foreseeable. Yet there is a beautiful feeling that emanates from within when that dream becomes reality. Whether it’s for one night or many years, there’s no better feeling than knowing that the present moment has aligned with that childhood dream.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was leaving their lives in Mexico and starting a new one as a married couple here in the United States. Being the son of two immigrants has had its challenges, especially here in sunny California. But seeing them both work hard to become US citizens, sacrifice so much to build their home and create a stable foundation for our family to thrive has left a hunger for success within me. Their values have shown me that discipline, work ethic and a vision can take me anywhere I decide to go.
Watching them persevere through sleepless nights, continuing to go to work and staying focused on providing for the household while my addiction had taken me to the streets was imperative to me understanding that no matter what happens, I must continue onwards with my vision and remain resilient. Thank you mom and dad! I love you deeply.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.powerofsoulband.com
- Instagram: @powerofsoulband
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553263637239&mibextid=wwXIfr
Image Credits
Joe Schaeffer Photography:
@joeschaefferphotography on IG
Airbender Media on Facebook
efrenortega.photography
@f.rennn on IG
www.manoamotion.com
@manoa.motion on IG
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