"Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

-Melody Beattie

Your Motivational Story: Dwayne Johnson

We have all come to know and love Dwayne Johnson with his huge biceps and starring roles in massive box office smashes.  It seems there's nothing he can't do.

However, early years for Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson were no picnic. 

He spent much of his childhood living as a gypsy and would bounce around between homes in California and New Zealand. 

After a string of monetary setbacks, the Johnson’s hit rock bottom, which included his mother’s car being repossessed, they were evicted from their small apartment.  Johnson noted that they were living on $120 a week. 

Ultimately this drove Dwayne down a destructive path as a teenager.  He began running with local gangs that would peddle knockoff handbags to tourists.

Although Dwayne dabbled in the theft which often landed him in police custody, it was in these moments that Johnson experienced an epiphany. 

He notes that the most important aspect of his life which he could control is how he carries himself, his pride and how he presents himself to the world.

Dwayne found solace in his ability to train and build his body.  He notes that the most successful men he knew were the ones who rigorously trained their bodies. 

By the time Johnson was 16 years old, he was 6’4 225 lbs. 

He continued to bounce around high schools.  It wasn’t until Bethlehem Pennsylvania that Dwayne would find his niche on the football field.

A career that began with football would eventually evolve into the wrestling ring.

Dwayne’s monumental ascent to stardom was a long road paved by hard work, blood, sweat, tears and never shielding away from a challenge.    

Fast forward to 2015 and Dwayne has progressed from wrestling to being one of the highest paid actors in Hollywood.  

Dwayne has been active on Instagram in saying that

“The only way to start a post is with a thank you.”  

His gratitude is reflected by the $1.4 billion dollars that his movies have made!!