We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Thomas Guerra. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Thomas below.
Thomas , thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?
It’s never easy to have people rooting for your failure, but I’ve learned to accept it as part of the journey to success. Sadly, some of these individuals came disguised as friends. Over time, I’ve lost friends who secretly envied my role and achievements. They weren’t just jealous—they actively worked against me while pretending to be supportive. Experiencing this makes it hard to trust others, but I choose to move forward, stay focused on my purpose, and continue helping others.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I work in overdose prevention and harm reduction through F Fentanyl , an organization committed to saving lives and empowering communities affected by the overdose crisis. What excites me most about this work is the opportunity to make a real, tangible impact. Whether it’s through distributing naloxone, providing education, or connecting with individuals in need, each interaction has the potential to save a life and create lasting change.
Our goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to life-saving resources and support.
I’d also like to encourage others to get involved. Whether through volunteering, attending our events, or simply starting conversations about overdose awareness and harm reduction, everyone has a role to play in building a healthier and safer community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful qualities on my journey have been my lived experience and recovery, my passion for helping others, and my commitment to uplifting those around me.
First, my lived experience and recovery are my greatest tools. They’ve given me a unique perspective and deep empathy for those I serve. To anyone early in their journey, I’d encourage embracing your own experiences—whether they’re challenges or triumphs—and using them to connect with and inspire others. Authenticity is powerful.
Second, my passion for helping others has kept me grounded and focused. The joy of seeing someone else thrive because of your support is unmatched. For those just starting out, find what truly excites you about serving others and let that passion drive your actions.
Lastly, I believe in bringing people along with me and encouraging their success. Collaboration and mentorship are vital. My advice is to build a strong support network and be intentional about lifting others as you climb. Success is even more fulfilling when shared with those who’ve supported and believed in you.
Even after being hurt by people I’ve mentored, I still know that mentoring and helping others is something I genuinely enjoy. Those experiences, while painful, haven’t diminished my belief in the value of lifting others up. For me, the satisfaction of seeing someone grow, succeed, and overcome challenges outweighs the risks. It’s a reminder that my purpose isn’t defined by those who’ve let me down but by the countless lives I can still impact positively.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I tend to use humor as my go-to strategy. It might seem unusual to some, but making jokes helps me process stress and keep things in perspective. People often ask how I can find humor in tough situations, but for me, it’s a natural way to cope and stay grounded.
My advice to others is to find what works for you—whether it’s humor, mindfulness, or another outlet—and lean into it unapologetically. Stress is inevitable, but how you navigate it is personal. For me, a laugh can go a long way in turning a heavy moment into one that feels a bit lighter..
Contact Info:
- Website: https://f-fent.org
- Instagram: @f_fent_
- Facebook: @ffentanyl
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ffentanyl/
- Twitter: @f_fent_
Image Credits
Thomas Guerra
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