Ep 114: Confessions of a former opium addict & secret society member | Alvin Chiong (ex-convict, Triad Trail tour guide & chef)

Alvin Chiong's father was an opium addict.And as for Alvin:Age 7: Alvin's mother abandoned the familyAge 9: Started sniffing glue & joined the secret society to avoid being bulliedAge 14: Left school to follow his leader Age 18: Became hooked on heroin & couldn't hold down a job.Things came to a head in Thailand, where Alvin realised he needed to change his life around. But opium addiction, while a choice, is not so easy to kick.And it took many, many halfway houses & attempts before Alvin came clean, turned his life around (after prison!!) and became the person he is today: giving back to society, helping his former brothers find their feet & holding down jobs as a chef as tour guide at Triad Trails.Alvin's story, like Notle Chew's story in STIMY Episode 102, is an unusual STIMY story, but one that I really want to have shared.Because there is a lesson to be learned from everyone's life journey. And the biggest takeaway is this: It's all about mindset & attitude. If we insist on blaming the world & everyone else in it for our troubles, no matter how 'justified', then you will continue to be held back. Now Alvin tells his story best, so are you ready?Let's go!Highlights:2:53 Dysfunctional family4:54 Joining the secret society10:34 Fighting12:57 Thailand14:56 The "price" for leaving the secret society gang19:04 Being friends with brothers20:35 Being in prison23:51 Safeguards to avoid temptation26:17 Going back to prison to help30:24 God31:56 Common misconceptions about drug addicts32:49 The secret to change35:13 Knowing when a convict is telling you the truth38:55 Are Singaporean laws too harsh?41:41 Common struggles for members of the secret society 43:02 Spiritual journey & finding God46:43 What Alvin is grateful for this year📍Show notes: https://www.sothisismywhy.com/114 💌 Weekly STIMY Newsletter that deconstructs how you build a portfolio career to prepare yourself for the future of work: https://sothisismywhy.ck.page/acd5bd1062