The "Forge Don't Follow" Collection

Every life is a canvas, a vibrant blend of color and rhythm, a dance between the darkness and the light. However, for too long, my life was a monochrome painting, devoid of passion and emotion. The invisible chains of imposter syndrome, depression, and suicidality gripped my heart, ruthlessly replacing the joyous colors and enthusiastic beats with an oppressive silence and stark monotony. All while I neglected my wellbeing in the pursuit of a career aimed at healing others.

Med school felt like a vortex that swallowed my identity, my essence, and left a hollow shell, a vessel labeled 'med student.' A narrative I had accepted, and feared to escape from, for years. My spirit was worn down, my soul parched, but unbeknownst to me, a fortuitous encounter was about to alter my destiny.

The day dawned like any other when my classmate signed me up for my first jump course. Little did I know, I was about to plunge into a realm that was as terrifying as it was liberating, a world that existed far above the norms, the labels, and the pressures of the mundane world below.

The roar of the plane, the exhilarating rush of wind against my face, and the adrenaline-fueled anticipation of the free fall, became my catharsis. Skydiving didn't just offer a rush of adventure or a break from my relentless routine, it was my gateway to confront the fear that pervaded my existence, face-to-face. As I dived into the void, I was forced to confront the very feelings I had hidden away - insecurity, depression, a consuming apathy towards life.

Falling from 12,000 feet has a way of putting things into perspective. Suddenly, the fear that once consumed me felt minute, insignificant in the grand scheme of things. As I hurtled down, a sense of control returned to me. The adrenaline, the rush, the liberation from the relentless pull of gravity, was an empowering reminder that I was more than a mere med student. I was a person, capable of feeling fear, and doing it anyway.

Skydiving was not just my escape, it was also my muse. While waiting for the next jump, a whole world opened up to me in the form of watercolors. I found my hand reaching for the brush, painting the colors of the sky, the emotions within me, the silent stories that lingered in the recesses of my heart. Against the backdrop of immense fear, my dormant passion for art came alive.

Thus began the awakening - a journey from a monotonous existence to a vibrant tapestry of experiences. A transition from the confining chains of fear to the liberating winds of the sky. It marked the beginning of my creative journey, the resurgence of an artist, the healing of a soul. 'The Awakening' is more than a chapter; it is a tribute to my transformation, a salute to the sport that led me back to art, and a celebration of the vibrant colors that now enrich my life.

The pivot to the realm of web3, particularly to Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs), sprouted from a deep introspective period during my second psychiatric rotation in medical school. Prior to this, my first rotation had taken an emotional toll, pushing me to the brink where I found myself in a poignant, one-on-one session with my program director. I was letting out my childhood trauma and frustrations about the medical system's stereotyping of patients - an experience that was profound, unsettling, yet necessary.

What disheartened me most was the pervasive lack of empathy demonstrated by numerous medical providers. Combined with a glaring scarcity of resources for those teetering on the brink, the environment was profoundly disenchanting. As I looked around, I saw patients who mirrored my family members and myself, seemingly doomed to a hopeless future within a system that appeared purpose-built to fail them. This realization provoked a sense of despair within me, making me question how I could possibly aid others in such a flawed setting.

I had entered medical school with a noble aspiration - to tackle disparities and address systemic injustices as a physician. However, despite my ability to deeply connect with patients, I could already feel myself crumbling under the sheer weight of this failing healthcare system. My resolve was wavering, and the path I had so confidently chosen seemed less clear with each passing day.

Just as hope seemed distant, the world of NFTs illuminated my path. I had been peripherally aware of NFTs from sporadic news throughout the year, but it was only in late 2021 that my interest truly sparked. An intriguing Twitter thread led me into an intellectual rabbit hole, unearthing the technology behind these JPEGs which commanded mind-boggling prices.

With further exploration, I experienced an epiphany - NFTs held the potential to revolutionize philanthropy. I visualized them as a fundraising vehicle for community-based non-profits working relentlessly to mend the healthcare system's cracks. These were the organizations that had inspired my public health journey, and they could substantially benefit from the potential of NFTs.

I saw an opportunity to effect change uniquely, rekindling hope from despair. By harnessing NFTs, I could assist others in realizing their true potential and direct aid to marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by the system's flaws. The prospect of intertwining this with my creative passion made it even more appealing. The thought of driving change through art, reigniting my dormant creative side while working remotely, was exhilarating.

At that point, I knew I owed it to myself to venture into this fascinating arena of opportunities. This was my chance to contribute to society while nourishing my artistic spirit, a calling that resonated with my core values and aspirations. The journey from hospital wards to the boundless digital world had been unexpected, but every bit purposeful. The call to web3 was a call to a novel form of healing, one that held the promise to change narratives, mine and potentially many others.

The landscape of my life began to change dramatically the moment I decided to take a leave of absence from medical school and plunge into the unchartered territories of Web3. I entered this new realm unburdened by expectations, choosing anonymity as my armor. I was a curious adventurer, exploring the vast possibilities of this digital world, fervently hoping to make a difference.

As ‘iRise_NFT’, I introduced myself to the Twitter-verse, a self-proclaimed medical student venturing into the unknown. To my surprise, I was welcomed with open arms into a community of artists, creatives, and free thinkers. The initial intention was to make an impact through a project, but the ties that bound me to this community grew stronger than any transactional relationship. As many would echo, I entered Web3 with an economic intent but stayed for the invigorating community.

Weeks turned into months, and as the seasons changed, so did my perspective. The intellectual tunnel vision I had developed during my medical studies began to widen, welcoming a new kaleidoscope of possibilities. I was astonished at the complex conversations about social issues taking place - a stark contrast from the clinical discussions I was accustomed to in the healthcare world. The nuances of these discussions and the palpable weight of their implications had me hooked.

While drawing my first digital art collection, I found myself immersed in Twitter discussions, drawn to the profound insights that echoed in these digital halls. It was an exhilarating realization - here I was, doing what I loved, engaging in conversations that mattered, and feeling a sense of belonging I hadn’t experienced before. I felt as if I had found a home, a place where my passions and purpose intersected.

The more I delved into this world, the clearer it became that the key to success was not merely marketing a project but marketing myself. Initially, I had stepped into Web3 with the intention of fundraising through art, but I soon recognized the broader potential. This was my opportunity to lay the foundation for a dream I didn’t know I had - to lead and inspire in ways I hadn’t previously imagined.

The artwork that emerged from this period encapsulates my journey, serving as a potent symbol of stepping into the unknown without expectations. Each brushstroke is an echo of my adventures, a testament to the transformation I experienced as I transitioned from the clinical world of medicine to the dynamic expanses of Web3.

Today, this piece stands as a testament to my journey, a vibrant affirmation of the immense growth that can occur when we dare to venture beyond our comfort zones, embracing the boundless potential within the uncharted territories of our lives.

Having emerged from the structured confines of an academic world into the burgeoning #Web3 landscape, I quickly became enchanted by the creative freedom it offered. Yet, despite the exhilaration of exploring this new frontier, the reality of the healing I needed to undergo became strikingly clear.

For as long as I can remember, I have prided myself on my robust work ethic. This tenacity, which once served as my guiding light, suddenly cast long, disquieting shadows. The relentless bursts of productivity I had so comfortably sustained began to exact a toll on my health. The constant push and pull between my desire to explore and create, and my body's plea for rest, resulted in a cycle of burnout that left me in a state of flux. My physical well-being, long ignored in a perpetual state of fight or flight, demanded my attention.

It was during this period of forced rest and introspection that the healing began. Each brushstroke was a moment of reconciliation, a conscious choice to listen to my body, to heed its wisdom, and to allow it to recover at its own pace. Each piece of art I created during this time was a testament to the healing process, as it unfolded within me.

Interestingly, the hardest part of this process wasn't merely the physical recovery. It was grappling with the idea that taking care of myself and prioritizing rest and reflection, wasn't an act of selfishness. It was a radical act of self-love, a vital step towards becoming the leader I aspire to be.

I had to unlearn the notion that relentless productivity equated to worthiness. I had to learn how to breathe again, how to work in harmony with my energy rather than deplete it, how to release the guilt associated with self-care. I had to fundamentally reframe my relationship with myself, my work, and my place in the world.

This piece serves as a visual testament to this metamorphosis. Through it, I broke free from the societal conditioning of timing, the self-imposed pressure of rushing to where I want to be. It encapsulates my decision to let go of former versions of myself, to trust the timing of my journey, and to relinquish preconceived notions about how I should live my life. Another reminder that I am the architect of my life, and I have the power to design it in a way that fosters not just my physical health, but also my emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

‘The Healing’ is a symbol of my journey from burnout to recovery, a tangible representation of the leader I am becoming. It is a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of resilience, self-love, and the audacity to envision and create a better future for myself and for others. It is, in every sense, a celebration of the healing power of art and the transformative potential of self-care.

The final chapter of the collection introduces "The Mission," an artwork forged from my deepest convictions and reflective of my quest to revolutionize philanthropy. Having journeyed through personal healing and growth, I am now ready to channel this transformation into a purpose greater than myself.

Over the years, I've gained invaluable experience, insights, and understanding about the intricacies of activism and social impact. Now, I feel a powerful call to reimagine philanthropy through the lens of blockchain technology. My mission is to leverage this groundbreaking technology to distribute financial support to underserved communities, thus amplifying the voices of local leaders who are making a significant impact at the grassroots level.

These leaders, equipped with their lived experiences, have the profound ability to create feasible, sustainable, and impactful solutions. Yet, often, they lack the financial means and platforms to bring their visions to fruition. This is where "The Mission," embodied in the iRise NFT project, comes into play.

iRise seeks to create a new paradigm for nonprofit foundations in the digital age. The initiative aims to cultivate a solution-driven network of public health innovators and change-makers, bridging the gap between creative culture and social impact. With the values and perspectives of millennials and Gen Z at its core, iRise aims to infuse joy into efforts directed at addressing injustices and combating disparities.

The artwork, "The Mission," serves as a visual manifesto of this noble cause. However, before I could embark on this outward journey, I needed to embark on an inward one—I needed to realize the universe within myself. This realization has now empowered me to help others unleash their potential, to rise to their highest selves, and to lead lives that are not just healthy, but also meaningful and impactful.

Through my artwork and the iRise NFT project, I aim to create a ripple effect, empowering individuals, fueling their potential, and giving them opportunities to positively influence their communities.

"The Mission" is an invitation to join me on this journey towards redefining philanthropy. It is an invitation to participate in a movement that empowers us all to rise together, creating a wave of positive impact that transcends boundaries and resonates across the globe. I am profoundly grateful for your support as we embark on this journey.