About Me — Austin Bell
A short introduction
I always feel like a fool writing these things. I think I speak for most people when I say that. Why do so many people have trouble writing about themselves? Is it because we are so interesting that we don’t know where to start? Or is it because we don’t know ourselves as well as we think we do?
A General Introduction/My Experience on Medium(Or lack thereof)
Anyway, enough about that. My name is Austin, I am relatively new here on Medium. And this will be the first thing I am writing on here. I have always been told I’m a pretty good writer, but have never really written anything outside of essays I had to write for school. I figured it’s about time I changed that. No time like the present, as the old saying goes.
At the time I’m writing this, I am 26 years old. I am originally from Fall River, Massachusetts. In May 2017, I decided to move to the White Mountains of New Hampshire. And it was arguably the best decision I ever made.
Since everyone else is posting this, I am an INFJ on the MBTI (or an INTJ depending on the test). And I’m not an astrologist (I am a man of God, more on that later though), but in case you’re curious, I am a Capricorn.
My Studies/Career
After moving, I went to White Mountain Community College where I graduated in May 2019 with an Associates Degree in Information Technology. I was also a member of the Phi Theta Kappa society. After which, I enrolled at Plymouth State University and graduated in May 2022 with a Bachelors Degree in Information Technology with a minor in Cybersecurity. In case you can’t tell, I’m kind of a tech geek.
In April of 2023, I was hired by one of the public school systems near me to work an entry level IT position as a Support Technician. It’s been a good job thus far, definitely a lot of adjusting was needed though. As I only ever worked retail before. So, I was definitely not used to working an office job, at first. But, I like to think I have a adjusted well, they haven’t gotten rid of me yet at the time of writing this, so I guess that says something.
My Hobbies and Interests
When I am not at work or at home, you will find me at one of two places. At the gym, or at my Brazillian Jiu Jitsu club. Fitness is a major part of my life, and has honestly saved my life. Before I moved to New Hampshire, I was depressed and angry all the time for reasons I am going to elect to not reveal at this time. I even contemplated suicide many times. After moving, I was happier but still felt like something was missing. Around the end of 2019 going into 2020, I started working out and lifting weights. I was 270 lbs when I started, and little by little, that number got lower and lower. And my mental health got better and better.
Then, in January of 2022, I started doing Brazillian Jiu Jitsu. I initially thought this was something that I would try for a little while, but just end up quitting, eventually. Over two years later, I have competed in 4 competitions (I got medals in two of them) with more to come, lost an additional 40–50 lbs on top of what I have already lost, and in October of 2023 got promoted to Blue Belt.
All in all, since I started caring about my health and fitness, I have gone from 270 lbs down to 190 lbs. And my mental health is better than it has ever been. I still have my rough days as we all do, but I am much more equipped to deal with those days in a healthy manner.
In addition to fitness, I have also started reading a lot more over the past year. I mostly like to read old philosophy and non-fiction books. I find that they really make me think and give me different ideas about life.
Apart from all that, I also like doing outdoorsy things like photography, fishing, shooting guns, and hiking every once in awhile, as well as yoga to compliment my fitness, and so I don’t get to sore. I also love tinkering with things related to technology, since my profession revolves around that. I am also a musician, I’ve been playing guitar for over 16 year. Unfortunately, I don’t have a whole lot of time to play these days.
Exploring different areas of interests and trying different things to me is what living is about. Getting out of the house and doing things is what living is.
My Faith
This deserves its own section. I mentioned before about my mental health struggles and triumphs. What has really taken my triumphs over the top, is over the past couple of years or so fully, surrendering my life to God and accepting Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I know not every one feels this way or believes in these things. But, I just noticed, when I did this, everything fell into place, per se. Funny how that happens, huh? I am not shoving my Christianity down anyones throat, this is just simply my experience.
I think I have always believed in God all my life. But, there were many times when I had my doubts, growing up. Many things happened where I questioned Him, and whether or not he was really there for me. Now, I realize, God gives the toughest battles to His strongest warriors.
I can’t remember how or what happened, but I just started having epiphany’s, and I realized just how much God has looked out for me over my realtively short life thus far. I can’t pinpoint an exact time when I realized this, I can only tell you what I know now. And what I know now, is God has always been there for me, despite my doubts. He has been molding me, and doing great work within me. And he continues to do so.
Now, I read the Bible every night, and I pray multiple times per day. Of course, I am not a perfect Christian, there are sins I struggle with. And I am still learning, but I know I am doing the best I can for my Lord and Savior. And I know, God is with me, always.
What I want to do on Medium
I am hoping to get started in my writing journey here on Medium. I want to perhaps write about things I have done to lose close to 80 lbs. Other topics include philosophy, self improvement, and of course, Christianity. I just want to express my ideas and thoughts, and hope somebody gets something out of it. I hope my writing helps people.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. God Bless You.
