Going in Blind - a conversation with Zach Tidwell

As we approach the American holiday of Memorial Day, I thought this particular episode should air now as a reminder of what our fellow men and women who choose to serve in the various branches of our military sacrifice to protect our freedoms.

 

Just like we hear in the Toby Keith country song “American Soldier”, freedom doesn’t come free. 

 

The cost may be one’s life, one’s sanity, one’s peace in the heart - whatever the price, men and women who return to civilian life after time in our military often battle demons of a completely different kind than those experienced directly in the service.

 

I had the honor of speaking with Zach Tidwell recently.  He is a 29 year-old Marine Corps veteran who served his commitment to his country.  He lost all of his sight and hearing in one ear when in a moment of crushing despair, shot himself in the face almost six years ago in an attempt to take his own life.

 

He survived that attempt and had spent time struggling with two-and-a-half years of rampant alcoholism along the way.  Even after having been diagnosed with an incurable, deadly genetic disease along the way that will eventually reduce Zach to a vegetative state, he is now before 15 months sober.

 

Zach has just finished the second draft of his memoir that explores the facets of his story as a vessel to educate, save lives, and get society to have the uncomfortable conversations we tend to avoid.

 

He is a self-taught, award-winning software developer and entrepreneur making the digital world a more accessible place for everyone.

 

When not working, he continues to ski, rock climb, whitewater kayak, surf, and compete in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu against people without any disabilities.

Zach has been on national news as well as a guest with Dr. Phil discussing some of my stories.

 

You can find more information about Zach, his upcoming book release and other valuable information at www.zachtidwell.net as well as social media platforms at Zach Tidwell.

 

His podcast is called Going in Blind with Zach Tidwell and is available on listening platforms.

As always, it’s my pleasure and honor to bring you guest interviews of all genres.  The message of the heart’s language of love for you dear listeners comes in many forms - all with a common thread of energy and love.

 

If you have any specific requests for the podcast, absolutely reach out and let me know.  I’m open to all conversations with the intention of sharing how we walk our way back home to our heart and soul.  I want to share the commonality of connection through the awareness of our societal and generational programming and bring to light the choice for the unbecoming of the outside world’s expectations of us.  

 

By learning to lean into the truth of the sovereignty available to each one of us by owning our worth, asking for help when we need it and living our life from a place of self compassion, self acceptance, and self love, we can experience a completely different life than the one we’ve been led to believe is mandated for us.

 

You can follow me on FB and IG at mielle fox, or reach out directly via DM.

 

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So much love and gratitude to you all.

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