I was born on August 2 in Venezuela as the youngest of three siblings. I grew up in Falcón State, on the Caribbean coast.
As a child, I endured bullying. I had a hard time and did not have many friends in school. During my teenage years, as harassment continued, I spent many times wondering who I was and what my purpose in life was. As I grew older I started to make friends and was exposed to different teenage experiences. In college I realized that I didn't fit in. I did not want to follow the crowd, and I questioned everything. I was label a "rebel" because I did not care for the status-quo.
As a child, I endured bullying. I had a hard time and did not have many friends in school. During my teenage years, as harassment continued, I spent many times wondering who I was and what my purpose in life was. As I grew older I started to make friends and was exposed to different teenage experiences. In college I realized that I didn't fit in. I did not want to follow the crowd, and I questioned everything. I was label a "rebel" because I did not care for the status-quo.
I lost friends as a result of hate crimes. These were rough times; I was angry and afraid. Hatred drove me to actions that I am not proud of, and I ended up hurting myself even more.
I moved to the Washington Metropolitan Area at 21 years of age, right after receiving my degree as a Chemical Technician. Coming to the United States was not as easy as I had thought as the new culture was very different. I was exposed to people of different backgrounds, races and nationalities. Despite living in a culturally diverse society, I found myself discriminated against because of ethnic background. I was granted asylum in 2002. In 2003, I started working for Multicultural Rehab Inc. in Maryland, a private company that provides therapy services for children with special needs. Some in the field may call me a "trouble-maker" because I speak out against injustices and fight for people’s rights. |
Since 2005, I have been connecting more with my true self. With the help of yoga and meditation, my real me started to flourish. I took a look at the way I was living my life, and decided to prioritize things and focus on my passion. I realized not only who I was but also what I wanted to do with my life. Fuelled by memories from my past and from current experiences, I created Taking Actions in October 2010, to raise awareness and promote the qualities of tolerance, respect, and equality.
Instead of remembering the bad times, I decided to embrace the opportunity to share my story through this campaign. I couldn't have become who I am today if it wasn't for the things I've gone through. My desire to help others and the planet inspired me to take actions to make a positive change in the world.
Instead of remembering the bad times, I decided to embrace the opportunity to share my story through this campaign. I couldn't have become who I am today if it wasn't for the things I've gone through. My desire to help others and the planet inspired me to take actions to make a positive change in the world.
My life has changed for the better since, because I have:
- Learned that we control mind and body. - Connected with my inner self. - Realized what makes me happy. - Erased hate from my life. - Stopped smoking after 15 years. - Became an activist. - Turned vegan as a protest against animal cruelty. - Decided to live a more meaningful life. In 2013, I accomplished my most ambitious project yet. I visited 30 cities in 14 states, in 14 days, to share my vision and story. |
Some may think I am naïve and somewhat crazy for spending money, time and energy on this campaign, but I believe that this can help people to open their minds and be more accepting of others. I'd rather be called crazy than sit back and do nothing while the world suffers from prejudices and discrimination.
Everything in life is about choices; we choose to be happy, to worry, to cry, to act, and we choose our relationships, our goals and how we live our lives. I choose to be surrounded with positivism and good energy. There are always sacrifices, but now I do what makes me happy and I wouldn't change it for anything. It has not been easy at times, yet it is all worth it.
I am very proud of the person I have become, and you are an important part of my growth and success. I am forever grateful.
Thank you for being part of my journey and for the continued support.
AJ Palmar, Founder
Everything in life is about choices; we choose to be happy, to worry, to cry, to act, and we choose our relationships, our goals and how we live our lives. I choose to be surrounded with positivism and good energy. There are always sacrifices, but now I do what makes me happy and I wouldn't change it for anything. It has not been easy at times, yet it is all worth it.
I am very proud of the person I have become, and you are an important part of my growth and success. I am forever grateful.
Thank you for being part of my journey and for the continued support.
AJ Palmar, Founder
AJ's Fun Facts- I am a Leo.
- I have three tattoos. - I love horror movies. - I practice yoga & meditation. - I have a needle in my left foot from my childhood. - I used to decorate and entertain children parties. - I enjoy outdoors, hiking and traveling. - I wear contact lenses. - My favorite color is black. |
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