Jay Perry

Been a while since I've posted on this page but I released a book today. Been quite the journey to get this out. Read the post for full details and thank you to everyone who made this a possibility. <3

Did Doritos Steal My Idea?

Three years ago today, I was invited to share the stage and speak to an audience about the previous five years of my life. Five years I had thought were the hardest, but little did I know, it would be the years to come, that would and still currently test my will. I stood up there a nervous man, but decided to open up and be vulnerable beyond my greatest imagination. It was the first time I had publicly told a story that till this day, has never left that room. There’s only a... handful of people that have heard it, but I have intentions of sharing it very soon. I had always been a fan of Ted talks and when I was approached to do my own, I had initially turned down the opportunity. I didn’t think anyone would care about what I did to slowly lift myself from rock bottom. It was event organizer, and friend, Dave Thomas, who convinced me I had a story that might help some who are currently smashing their head off that same rock. I’m glad he pushed me because the feedback I received was quite incredible. It made my day knowing I made someone believe that they could change theirs. To take it day by day and push forward. Point is, I so strongly believe in the power of sharing. There’s this crazy thing that happens when you realize that you aren’t alone and that so many other people are going through the exact same things. I encourage you to jump out from that shame that might be holding you back. Jump out from that fear. And tell the story of you. There’s nobody like it and that’s what makes you so special. Have the best day ever!

So this is what a nervous father must feel like. I sit here this morning, watching media coverage as hurricane Irma rips apart St. Maarten. A beautiful island in the Caribbean. An island where my family owns timeshares, a place that has been home to our family vacations for twenty years, and the beach that roots a tree with my dads name on it. That very tree where we put his ashes in the ground. What I’m currently witnessing online is unbelievable. The power of Irma might sw...eep away our family timeshare. Will my dads tree survive? Most likely not. His ashes will now be spread well over the entire area of the island. But we can always find a new vacation spot and it’s where my dad wanted to be anyways. As I think of all those in St. Maarten right now, I can’t help but sit here in utter sadness, worrying about what is on it’s way to my friends in Haiti. There is little to no safe ground for them. A small rainstorm is even a problem. I’ve noted before that I’m not a religious person, but I’m hoping you can all send a good vibe of hope to a country that has brought so much life into mine. I owe a lot to the people of Haiti and I’m hoping for the best outcome possible but I do fear the worst. I snapped this photo back in 2014 and have no idea how they would even prepare themselves for this. It hurts that I can’t be there right now helping all these kids and keeping them calm. I sit her nervously thinking about the little girl who changed my life, and if she has somehow made it to higher and safe ground. I hope you can take these words and this image and realize everything can change in the blink of an eye. Don’t waste time doing things you don’t want to do with people you don’t want to do it with. Act now. Live now. And most of all, love now. #lovenow

My friends asked me what I wanted for my birthday, and I told them to bring canned food, of course. Andrew, grade 1. My friend Christa Talarowski has quite the family. Check out the #foodbankbdaychallenge they started. https://createwithpositivity.wordpress.com//food-bank-bir/

A huge thanks to Max Francis for coming on the show tonight. Such an unreal dude spreading a great message about the city he cares so much for. Check out the interview below.