It was another late, sleepless night in his dorm room, and Mark Metry's phone buzzed. It was the campus police, warning students through text message of yet another violent altercation that had occurred blocks away. In what he describes as a trance-like state - one precipitated by a lifelong battle with untreated mental illness - Mark deliberately walked headlong into the dangerous area that the authorities had just told him to avoid. As he tells it, Mark was hoping that something would happen to him as he walked alone that night. At that rock-bottom moment, he would take any relief he could find from the turmoil that was costing him his health, his happiness, and his life.

It was in the midst of this dark period that Mark finally stopped and looked himself in the mirror - quite literally - and asked himself one simple question: "who are you?". That critical moment would turn out to serve as a catalyst for Mark Metry's story of transformation. From that point on - through reflection and great effort - the downward spiral that Mark had felt his life to be had been replaced by exponential increases in energy. He began feeding his mind through books; he integrated a healthier diet, and introduced exercise and mindfulness habits into his life. By the time he returned to college the following year, his roommates didn't even recognize him when he opened the door.

Before long, Mark Metry's journey would lead him into roles of public speaking, leadership, and coaching. Today, he uses tools such as writing and podcasting - in conjunction with his life's lessons and insights - as a vehicle to help others going through similar challenges that he did. Even at his young age - still in his 20's - Mark has become a role model for million going through any number of challenges - from social anxiety to racism. His courage is an inspirational to all, and today Mark is living the life of his dreams as he continues to better himself, help others to do the same, and make a world a better place.

In this episode of Stories of Transformation, Mark Metry shares the story of how he went from his lowest point of physical and mental health to becoming a role model for those going through similar challenges. Born in 1997, Mark offers a unique perspective into what it was like growing up as a first-generation Egyptian-American going through grade school in the aftermath of 9/11. He shares pivotal moments from his life - the good and the bad - and how all of it has been crucial in transforming him into the man he is today.

For full show notes
https://www.baktashahadi.com/podcast

Connect with Mark Metry
Website: https://www.markmetry.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markmetry/
Twitter: markymetry
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-metry/

Resources
Purchase Mark Metry' s book, Screw Being Shy: Learn How to Manage Social Anxiety and Be Yourself in Front of Anyone
https://amzn.to/2QCm1cz

Listen to Mark Metry's podcast: "Social Anxiety Society"
Social Anxiety Society

Follow/Support Stories of Transformation and Baktash Ahadi

Donate to the production of this podcast https://www.baktashahadi.com/support

Credits
Hosted by: Baktash Ahadi
https://www.baktashahadi.com

Produced by: Joseph Gangemi
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-gangemi-audio/

Digital Marketing & Media by: Katherine An
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-a-91081b56/

Theme music by: Qais Essar
www.therabab.com

Artwork by: Masheed Ahadi
https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/masheed

Episode Music Credits
"Reflections" by Pete James Johnson
"Flight of the Inner Bird" by Sivan Talmor
"The River of Hope" by Emmanuel Jacob