Since his early twenties Mario studied various personal development and self mastery techniques, philosophies, and concepts, and gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and understanding from his studies. There were times when he applied what he learned, and other times when he applied none of them. When he did, he did so haphazardly, and although he achieved results, they were never sustainable or lasting.
Then he was diagnosed with an advanced stage of colorectal cancer and given a much greater mortality rate than survival rate. That wake-up call prompted Mario to reflect back on his life. He began asking himself what legacy he would leave behind, what purpose in life he’d really served, and how he’d affected the lives of others?
“I began to feel disappointed in myself for not making a bigger difference in the world and not making greater strides for the betterment of mankind.
I remember sitting with the doctor as he was explaining my prognosis. I remember not being scared nor having any thoughts of dying. All I could think about was leaving my three boys behind and what I’m going to do next to beat this dis-ease. I knew I was faced with the greatest challenge of my life.”
It was at that time that he vowed to himself that he would beat the horrible dis-ease using his second chance, the gift of life, to contribute something great and substantial to the world.
“And then it hit me like a ton of bricks; I discovered my life’s purpose. I remember feeling so determined to survive I knew what I had to do at that moment. I immediately started building some wonderful visions around my newly discovered purpose and from that point on, focused on achieving them.”
He then wrote down some really big goals and committed to give up the highs of successes that no longer served his newly discovered life's purpose. He was not concerned about how he was going to accomplish such tremendous goals: he had complete faith and knew he just would.
"Undergoing several major operations, chemotherapy, and radiation, traveling the road to recovery was filled with pain and challenges. At times the pain was unbearable but I kept holding on to my purpose and vision telling myself that I would achieve and realize my goals and that tomorrow will be a better day.”
Through the recovery process I was forced to sell the home, the jewelry, and deplete the savings to get through this challenging time. Not only did my life change relationally with my family, but spiritually, physically, and financially. I practically lost everything; bit the one most valuable gift I did not lose, the one that I could never replace, was the gift of life.
I always kept the faith and perceived this great challenge as a turning point, a blessing and gift, in my own life and most importantly; the lives of others."
Through the greatest challenge of his life, Mario gained a new perspective on life and adopted new beliefs and core values. Through his inner search he gained inner peace and a positive attitude that, he believes to this day, made his journey through recovery fearless and embracing with a vision for a spectacular future.
"Thank you for the opportunity in allowing me to touch and guide the lives of others toward their success in life."
Peace and Grace,
Mario Anthony Salvi