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Welcome to STORIES-2-INSPIRE #13 where I share inspiring stories of REAL people from many different backgrounds and situations who've overcome struggle, made amazing positive changes or achieved great things against the odds and refuse to give up!
Meet Robbie "WILDMAN" Woolner, fellow METALHEAD and BORN 2 BLEED's very first customer from Canada who was told he would be in a wheelchair by the time he was 45... it didn't happen and he's going strong!
Check out his story below - NEVER GIVE UP!
NAME: Robbie Woolner
FROM: Kitchener, Ontario, CANADA
WOOLNER WOOD ARTS:
Trains at: SCHOLARS MARTIAL ARTS
TOP 3 ROCK/METAL BANDS:
1. IRON MAIDEN
2. BLACK SABBATH
3. JUDAS PRIEST
"Hi, my name is Robbie Woolner I'm from Canada and I was born, and raised in Kitchener Ontario.
I'll be turning 50 this month, and to be honest, I never thought I would see the day. I lived a pretty aggressive lifestyle of hard partying, and crazy antics, stupid stunts, things like that. When I found this brand, BORN TO BLEED, it was very inspiring to me, reading other stories, and I just had to get further involved, and help support somehow.
Reminds me of the old saying "you can accomplish anything with a little Blood, Sweat, and Tears". Although I've come to relax in my older age; I think after watching so many friends before me pass away from doing stupid things, and having kids myself hitting impressionable ages, it was just time to start to grow up, so to speak."
"After a several car accidents, and being born with Spina Bifida, my family doctor told me I would probably be in a wheelchair by the time I hit 45. I guess the joke's on him. Still walking fine at 50!
My back really didn't start affecting me till my early 30s. I was very, very athletic, and played many sports when I was younger. Hockey, baseball, soccer, so when my back went I was pretty disappointed that a lot of physical activities needed to come to a halt, at least for then.
My new mission right now is to lose 50 lbs. I'll be doing this by vigorous exercise, and diet along with karate, and some yoga. I started taking karate a year ago. I've already reached my green belt in traditional Okinawan Goju Ryu. My Dojo Scholars Martial Arts is also run out of the school I work at, and my Sensei is one of the teachers."
"Physical, along with mental discipline has made a huge impact on my mindset. I also started a new job last year that I never thought I would be able to do, and I'm still there almost two years later. Cleaning up after an entire school by myself full of kids kindergarten to grade 12.
I am the sole Custodian, and Maintenance Handler, so my job is pretty demanding. Considering walking for me was the most difficult thing, I thought I would be done with this job by now, but I'm loving it still today, and see no signs of quitting.
I believe changing my diet, my attitude, and simply some more exercise with weight training was what has helped me get through things, and helps me in being able to do what I do today. I also have a huge support group through friends, and family. Having people in your corner is always a bonus."
"I also started a small business in wood art. I actually went, and did some vending, and had quite a bit of fun, and made some pretty good money.
I've actually made several pairs of wedding toppers for people. Check out Woolner Wood Arts on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube (Links at top).
There was a time I couldn't get out of bed for days, sometimes weeks on end, but I never gave up!! I NEVER will.
I would say music had a huge part of my process of staying positive. Giving me drive!! I love music, with thrash, and heavy metal at the forefront."
"I was fortunate enough to have an experience where I toured with a band called Five Finger Death Punch across western Canada for a month. My friend's band was opening up for them on the tour, and I was going along as a roadie and merch man, and I also got to sell merch for Five Finger Death Punch for a lot of the tour which was a great experience as well a lot of work, but a lot of fun too.
Like the band, or not it was a great experience, and having lunch breakfast, and supper with rock stars every day was pretty cool.
I remember when I lost my tablet that I left on the side of the RV on the Trans-Canadian highway, and I was lucky enough to go back, and find it on the side of the road with all the pictures from the tour on it, including the one of me, and Jason Hook shown here.
It was taken immediately after I got my tablet back. He is a fellow Canadian, and is local to me also.
The mighty Iron Maiden has been my favourite band since grade 6, many, many years ago, and I'm very happy that they're still going strong. I love so many bands I really can't decide what my top three would actually be, but I would have to say since I'm old that Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, and Judas Priest will always be up there for me.
I like to believe that I'm a prime example pushing on.
So, like the saying goes... when the going gets tough the tough get going, or they die!
Never give up my friends,
NEVER GIVE UP!!
Your friend
Robbie “Wildman” Woolner"
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💪 I want to build a community or tribe of like-minded people through BORN 2 BLEED so if you'd like to share your story email me at info@born2bleed.com , send your story, your top 3 rock/metal/hardcore bands, where you're from and a pic of you rockin your BORN 2 BLEED gear and lets fuckin' lift each other up, motivate and push each other forward!
NEVER GIVE UP!
Steve
(Owner BORN 2 BLEED)