Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Murray.
Hi Nicholas, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Nicholas Murray and I’m the founder and CEO of Mind Muscle Pro, a nonprofit that’s primary focus is mental health awareness, and suicide prevention.
From a very early age I struggled with depression and anxiety. During my teen years it progressed, and by 18 I was a drug addict, self-medicating to escape the way I was feeling. As a young adult, I had several stints in drug rehabilitation programs followed by several suicide attempts. I was in psychiatric hospitals over the next few years and put on many different medications.
The medications brought me no relief and when I was at a point where I felt I was too broken to fix I found the gym. The gym became the answer I was looking for and sparked my healing journey. Years later, my need to help others struggling became something I felt called to do. I created Mind Muscle Pro to highlight businesses and individuals that promote activities that can help people struggling with depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
We interview businesses and take part in what they do to show people they have the power to get out of their comfort zone and find their “gym”…which is different for everyone. For some, it’s yoga, music, or art….for some boxing or MMA. We also are starting free virtual training classes where we will be partnering with personal trainers (like myself), musicians, artists, etc. to offer free classes for people to experience the magic and healing we have from these activities.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Life isn’t easy for anyone, including myself. My struggles were dealing with depression, addiction, and an overall dislike of myself. As I’ve found ways to combat those struggles and heal, which I’m very thankful for, new struggles have risen as they do throughout life.
Currently trying to navigate working my regular job while building the nonprofit is extremely difficult and exhausting. My passion is to help people and my goal is to get Mind Muscle Pro funding so I can do it full-time. In the meantime, it’s difficult to juggle my dream with my regular job. That being said, every time our nonprofit has a positive effect on someone that is struggling it gives me the energy to push forward and continue. I think the most incredible part of this journey has been how therapeutic it’s been not only for the people we reach, but for me as well. My goal with this project was to help others but connecting with people and hearing their stories of triumph has helped me tremendously on my own healing journey. Lifting others lifts me.
Thanks – So what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My current focus is fine tuning our free virtual training classes. As a NASM certified personal trainer I’ve been blessed to help people with their physical goals. These classes give me the ability to combine my skills as a personal trainer with my passion to help people struggling with their mental health. What we are creating is not only a place for people to incorporate fitness, meditation, art, music, and so many other ways to spark their healing journey, but also a safe space for people to share their struggles, their hopes, and their dreams among people who live to lift others.
My proudest achievement is creating a nonprofit that exists to help others. Mind Muscle Pro is a collaborative effort and is proof that if we work together towards a common goal, guided by our hearts, we can change lives, and make the world a better place.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the COVID-19 crisis?
During the pandemic, I found a lot of peace.
I felt very guilty about that considering so many people were struggling, but being away from people, and having to face myself gave me a great deal of clarity. It allowed me to slow down and focus on what I wanted to do with my life. With a giant amount of empathy for everyone who suffered during those times I am very thankful I was able to find some silver linings. The lesson I learned was the importance of prioritizing our dreams. It gave me the time and space to connect with my purpose and create a life I’m proud of.
Contact Info:
- Website: mindmusclepro.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/mindmusclepro/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100081160341521&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-murray-b43b19272
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@MindMusclePro?si=IAV9OqZRaAxyeY5s
