Today we’d like to introduce you to Eliot Popkin.
Eliot, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Yes indeed, I come from a challenging start. As a child my father was physically abusive for me for most of my childhood. My mother passed from breast cancer when I was 15 years old and she had been battling that disease for many years. There were many lessons I didn’t get a chance to learn as a child. As a young adult, I found myself very uncomfortable building relationships, and working well with others, I sabotaged a lot of opportunities. It was hard for me to feel like I deserved an abundant, happy life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was ironic because on the outside I was talented, I was driven, I think I was a good friend to many people. I was battling a lot internally and I never let it come to the surface. It all came to a head when I moved to Los Angeles to be a songwriter. I could not be as successful in that career as I had hoped. On paper, I lost everything. I lost five properties, three car repossessions, credit score dropped 280 points, I was on public assistance for eight months and I slept in my car and on friend’s couches for about a year. I became a shadow of myself. I became disillusioned.
That’s when I really found God and ended up writing most of my first book in about four days. The book Circle is about my life and at the end of each chapter I write a letter to that version of myself saying everything I would have wanted to hear. It was the most cathartic thing I have ever done. Happy to say earlier this year Circle became a best-seller. What a full-circle moment, Pun intended.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At this point in my life, I do a few different things professionally. I still am a Songwriter for films, tv shows, commercials and artist albums.
My first book Circle became a best-seller and I enjoy talking via podcasts, interviews and to book clubs about my story and my journey as a writer.
I became a Motivational Speaker to share my story with others, I want people to know that your past does not have to dictate your future.
Lastly, I have been a Business Development Coach for over 20 years, I love helping people grow.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
For me, happiness is my life today. I look at my relationship with God, the friendships I have that have become my family, I look at how much I love my dog, I love where I live and I feel like my life today is a walking and living meditation of happiness.
I have lived in some scary places in my past and the simple things today really make me happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.eliotpopkin.com
- Instagram: eliotpopkin
- Facebook: eliotpopkin
- Twitter: eliotpopkin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyl43usREQg
Image Credits
Photographer – Elijah Jamal
