Outside the Box: Seeing Adversity as Hidden Opportunity - Paperback

by Dean Wixo (Author)

Outside the Box chronicles my journey, starting with the childhood trauma of growing up with ADHD and dyslexia--conditions that went completely undiagnosed. For over forty years, I struggled with depression and anxiety, shaped by the pain, suffering, and trauma of feeling flawed or "less than" everyone else. My thoughts and feelings were programmed by these challenges, and I often found myself trying to navigate life alone, hiding a birth defect that left me embarrassed and ashamed.

My brain became hardwired to escape the constant turmoil I locked inside, and my habits were conditioned to avoid or distance myself at the first sign of being exposed to my low self-worth. This pattern ultimately led to a physical breakdown in the form of an illness that left me paralyzed. Battling to regain the ability to walk became an unexpected turning point--a hidden opportunity that gave me a new perspective on life, one I desperately needed.

From that tragedy, I discovered what truly mattered and began focusing on becoming the best father I could be for my children. Years later, I learned I had ADHD, and that discovery provided the clarity I'd been searching for. It helped me make sense of my past, easing some of the shame and suffering I had carried for so long. This newfound knowledge allowed me to turn my struggles into something meaningful, sparking a desire to positively impact others.

Helping my kids build habits and behaviors that would enable them to become their best selves became my purpose. This journey led me to become a coach, determined to influence as many lives as I could. True change came from my self-awareness and the ability to rewire my brain to develop healthier habits. I realized that my past challenges had shaped who I am today.