This Is Why I’m Writing on Substack

Sharing My Journey of Passion, Growth, and Emotional Intelligence

When I tell people I am starting a Substack, their first reaction is often surprise. They usually know me as someone who dances his heart out to Cuban salsa, plans communities, or talks passionately about cultural diversity. So why write? Well, let me explain. Three things helped me deal with life when it felt like too much: Cuban salsa, Buddhism, and therapy. They might seem like an odd trio, but they share something powerful in my life. First, let us start with the juicy stuff.

Writing is my way of inviting you into my world. My life has been a rollercoaster of cultures, emotions, and lessons. I have been misunderstood, felt like I did not belong, and wondered if I would ever find my place. Yet, here I am, happy, grounded, and inspired, thanks to three things that saved my life: Cuban salsa, Nichiren Buddhism, and therapy. Buckle up because this story is full of rhythm, faith, and a lot of emotional unpacking.

Let us talk about salsa, Cuban salsa to be precise. I started dancing as a kid in Lima, Peru, and let me tell you, it was my therapy before I even knew what therapy was. Dancing gave me an escape from the things I could not understand as a child or a teenager. It was my safe place where I did not have to explain myself, just move. When I moved to the United States, salsa became my bridge to belonging. I danced my way into communities, friendships, and even love. Traveling the world to connect with others who share this passion has shown me that joy truly is universal. Dancing is not just about the music, it is about creating happy moments that remind you life can be beautiful even when it is hard. But even with all the twirls and spins, I realized I needed something more to tackle life’s toughest challenges.

Now, let us get spiritual. Nichiren Buddhism came into my life when I was at rock bottom. Picture this. I was broke, jobless, and living off my parents’ money while finishing my master’s degree. One day, at my girlfriend’s apartment, I found a book called The Buddha in the Mirror. That book changed my life. It introduced me to the concept of chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, a practice rooted in the belief that everyone has the potential for happiness and strength within them, and chanting helps bring out that inner potential, and soon, I started practicing Nichiren Buddhism through the SGI (Soka Gakkai International). Within months, my life began to shift. I got a job right after graduating, and I realized how powerful intention and self-reflection can be.

Years later, when my mom was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, I turned to Buddhism again. Watching her struggle was the hardest thing I have ever faced, but chanting gave me strength and purpose. Three years of treatments, pain, and prayers later, my mom recovered, but the myeloma eventually returned. Life has not been easy since then as she is now dealing with both the return of multiple myeloma and dementia, but Buddhism taught me to focus on gratitude, resilience, and hope.

Now, therapy, oh, therapy. My first session was not even for me. It was couples therapy with my then-girlfriend (yes, the one with The Buddha in the Mirror… and no, therapy did not save the relationship, but it absolutely saved me). That experience opened my eyes to a new level of self-awareness. I started to see myself clearly, the good, the bad, and the messy. Later, someone recommended Family Constellation Therapy and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). These methods helped me dive deep into my traumas, uncovering wounds I did not even know I had. It was painful, yes, but also liberating.

These figures are used in Family Constellation Therapy to represent family members and uncover hidden dynamics.

Therapy taught me emotional intelligence, a skill that has transformed not just my personal life but also my career. As a community planner, I engage with people from all walks of life. Therapy helped me understand not just my triggers but also the fears and traumas of others. Now, when I work with diverse communities, I approach them with empathy and patience. I see their struggles, and I am better equipped to help them find solutions. I have also become strong enough to see and accept what some people have gone through, such as survivors of human trafficking, refugees escaping wars, and undocumented immigrants fleeing terror. These experiences have deepened my understanding and helped me see the strength it takes to endure and overcome such challenges.

So why am I here on Substack? Because I want to share my journey. I have learned that life gets easier when you have a passion, a spiritual practice, and professional help. No, I am not here to convince you to start taking Cuban salsa classes, join SGI, or call my therapists (though if you want to dance, chant, or talk it out, I am your guy). My goal is to show you that emotional intelligence matters. It helps you make better decisions, the kind that are not driven by irrational emotions. That is why I will share personal stories, lessons, and maybe even a few embarrassing moments. I hope this becomes a space where we can connect over culture, personal growth, and the beautiful chaos of life. Let us make this world better, one story at a time, with a little rhythm, faith, and self-love.

If you enjoyed this, I invite you to subscribe to my Substack to get more of my stories. Let us build a community where we can exchange experiences, inspire one another, and share what has helped us grow. Sharing our stories can spark change and create real connections. Let us start a conversation. What is one thing that has helped you navigate through tough times and find your place in the world? I cannot wait to read your answers.