5 Years Ago Today – Things Were Much Different
by Robb Sutton
17. Jun, 2009 
32 Comments
Some people go through life and just repeat the motions until they get to the end.
Others…like myself…needed a life changing event that would forever change their path. 5 years ago today, I decided to make a huge change in my life that drastically altered everything I knew…and for the better.
There are those key points in your life where you are put at a decision and that decision can mean the difference between life and death. Are you going to get busy living or get busy dying? For me…5 years ago today was when I finally made the decision to get busy living.
For many…even some of my closest friends…this is the first insight into who Robb Sutton was several years ago. I am writing this now not to look for satisfaction in my accomplishments up to this point or to look for a pat on the back. The following depiction of the details covering the past years of my life are solely to prove that anyone can overcome anything if they make that decision and stick with it. There is nothing in life that we can not overcome and nothing is hopeless.
After spending several years caught up in the Athens, GA downtown nightlife, things were getting out of control. Without getting into the gory details that are really irrelevant to the purpose of this post, I had put myself into a position on this day 5 years ago that was going to have drastic negative results in my life for years to come.
- I was failing out of school.
- I had plowed my SUV into a tree doing 50 mph.
- My habits had put me in a financial position that was horrendous.
- I had alienated everyone around me.
- I was slipping in to a depression that was getting dangerous for myself and those around me.
- I was abusing substances to the amount that was going to put me in an early grave.
With the wreck that had happened two days prior, I was at a jumping off point where I had to make the ultimate decision…was I going to start living or get busy dying. At that point in my life, I couldn’t see much use of going on. Something inside of me wanted to keep going…and that is what I did. On this day…5 years ago…I decided to drop everything I knew and start my life over.
I was in such a state of wreckage that I knew it was going to be a long road out of the darkness, but…for the first time in my life…I had the fight to get out of it. The next couple of years proceeding this decision were filled with road blocks and repercussions due to past decisions. Through each of these hurdles, I focused on the end goal ignoring anything that would stand in my way.
So after all that has happened, where do I sit 5 years later?
- I returned back to the University of Georgia and finished my degree in economics. It took taking classes at Kennesaw and then commuting from Marietta to Athens (1.5 hour drive) twice a week for two semesters to get it done, but it was worth every second. I actually checked and rechecked the list in our graduation books while sitting in Sanford stadium during graduation to make sure it really happened.
- I stopped living the life that was going to kill me and started living healthier by dropping all bad habits. 5 years ago today…I stopped everything that needed to stop immediately and a year later I completely stopped the 1.5 packs a day of cigarettes. Today…I can ride a road bike for 100 miles in one sitting and I can enjoy the hobbies that I gave up in favor of a life that wasn’t worth living. I gained my health and happiness back.
- I am now married to a wonderful woman that treats me better than I deserve and we have two houses and two dogs. This was something that I never thought would be possible and I am thankful everyday of my life that I have received such a great gift.
- I have started my own projects that will carry my families financial freedom for years to come.
- I am happy. I am starting my own family and my current family has their real son back. That alone is worth the price of admission.
It is amazing what has happened in just 5 years. My only hope is that someone else who can’t see a way out can read this and see that anything is possible. Even the most hopeless case can pull through with just a little bit of hard work. I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday about an article here on robbsutton.com and I explained to him that I write these articles as much for me as I do others. Once it is down in print, it is real for me and that is the push I need to continue to live in action rather than complacency.
This is your one and only life. You have to make it…there is no other choice. If there are things in life that are trying to bring you down, make the decision to make the changes that will drastically change your outcomes. There is no hurdle that is too large to cross…you just have to make the decision to do it and take the necessary action. No one said it was going to be easy, but the rewards of hard work greatly outweigh the effort. Simply put…if I could do it…anyone can.
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Dude, I am so proud for you. Thanks for sharing that with us…damn it you brought tears to my eyes. There is a genuineness about your writing that has always struck me as I read. Now I understand why. You have already reached what I consider to be the most important goal any person could strive for, you are a sincerely nice guy! Rock on!
Thanks paulo! Your comment means more than you can imagine.
Very inspirational Robb!… really makes me re-examine my life and what I want out of it. It’s a great wake-up call… Thanks for sharing!
Really enjoyed your story. I come from a similar background as yourself. I came out of a drug rehab program almost 9 years ago and pretty much quit destroying myself. After about 3 or 4 years of being clean and sober I finally went back to college and got my degree. Trying to help others going through what we went through is a huge reward as I am sure you are well aware and by telling your story you are doing just that. Unfortunately I don’t think I’d appreciate the things I have today if I didn’t go through hell to get where I’m at. Just wanted to say that I know where you’re coming from.
Thanks again.
It’s definitely a case of looking yourself in the mirror, deciding you don’t like what you see, and actually doing something about it. That’s a rare thing and is extremely impressive. The great thing about it is that you took that look young and now know what you’re truly capable of.
Sky is the limit at this point and all excuses are out the window. Anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
After reading your blog, I think it’s appropriate to say: Happy Birthday Robb! And congratulations to a birthday you actually worked hard for!!!!!
Congrats man! I didn’t know that history, but you’ve sure come a long way. I would have never had an opportunity to know the “old” Robb… but, I’m glad to know the new one!
Thanks! Glad to know you too…the contacts I have made through the online world and cycling are amazing. We need to get together and ride.
Thanks for sharing that, Robb! I am definitely glad that you made that decision. Congrats on 5 good years.
Yeah! I am too! Thanks and looking forward to the mobile social so we can get out and spin.
wow…talk about a 5 year plan.That’s awesome Robb.
Admirable stuff right there!
Our paths a semi-similar. I was a two pack a day smoker, I weighted over 200 lbs., and was an absolute slug. At 30 Y.O. I made a similar change.
20 years later………many 30 somethings can’t keep up with me.
Good for you Robb, good for you!!!
What a wonderful viewpoint! I am so glad that you are doing well and are happy!
Inspiring story Robb!
Good for you Robb. The only limitation on ones self are self imposed. Glad you made the right decision and it has paid off.
Kyle…that’s what I’m screaming…we are the only ones that get in our way.
Wow….that’s awesome Robb. Thanks for the inspiring story and the courage to share it. My past shares some similarities to yours….so I feel a sense of “kinship” there. Glad you were able to turn the corner.
Thanks Gregg. It really has been a pleasure working with you over the past year. I feel ya on the “kinship” deal.
Just wanted to say this was an amazing post.
Thanks Mike!
Hey I know that Robb guy!
Well done sir, well done.
The Lord’s grace and hand in this is so blatant. How good is it to know that the creator of this world cares so much about us individually. My hope is that everyone who comes across this story is reminded how good our God is.
Very inspiring story. I can relate to the depression. A lot of things are different since being back from Iraq. But it’s stories like this that let us know that there is hope if you are willing to FIGHT for success.
Thanks for the awesome post!
Wow robb…just, Wow. Pulling up out of that had to be tough, but I am so glad you did! You are very talented and the world would have missed out had you not had the strength to do it. I lost a brother to that lifestyle and it was such a senseless tragedy for our whole family. Also, as a mother myself, I’m happy for your Mom:)
Keep up the good work. I subscribed and will be back.
Debbie Ferm
Thanks Debbie. It can get even the best of people. Thanks for stopping by and subscribing! If you ever have any questions or anything…shoot me an email.
Very inspirational Robb… Thanks for the post! Anyone can turn their lives around!
WOW! Robb I can relate to you so much it’s scary! I haven’t been a reader of yours that long, but I’m very happy to have found your site. I would love to be able to talk with you offline one day. When I say offline I mean private chat or something like that. I will stop rambling. Great Post!
Thanks Jason!