Meet Sahand Fardi of For Your Tomorrow in Westwood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sahand Fardi.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Sahand. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
This part of my story began when I was an 11-year-old soccer prodigy with stars in my eyes. My ultimate goal, pun intended, was to become a professional soccer player. I never imagined I would face an obstacle so massive, that it would stand between me and my aspirations. Little did I know, this obstacle was going to change the plans I had for myself, and reveal the life I was meant to live.

One year later, I was diagnosed with Guillain Barre Syndrome, a rare virus that causes the immune system to attack the nervous system. Within a few weeks of my diagnosis, I was completely paralyzed and face to face with death. After years of grueling physical therapy, I was able to regain the ability to walk with leg braces. However, even after years of dedicating myself to my recovery, my body was still not strong enough to return to soccer. At this point, I began to embrace the idea of playing on a different type of field.

My experience gave me a greater appreciation for life and all that it has to offer. I didn’t appreciate my health and overall well-being until it was gone. In the following years, this led me to develop a strong passion for self-growth and self-care, not only for myself but also for others. Today, I am still the same team captain I was on the soccer field, helping my teammates grow as players, only now, on a different field.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The past ten years have been anything but smooth. I have faced many trials and tribulations, some bigger than others, but I have always managed to come out on top. I treat every issue like an opponent, defending myself from any form of defeat. Because of what I went through, I was forced to grow up at a very young age. I missed out on a lot of childhood experiences. My friends were nurses, doctors, and physical therapists, rather than my buddies on the playground. This took a huge toll on my emotions, and left me constantly wondering, “Why me?”. It wasn’t until I was introduced to the world of medicine and self-growth, where I was able to find this answer. I realized I was meant to help others.

Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am the creator of “For Your Tomorrow”, which is an Instagram page dedicated to guiding self-growth, one tip at a time. What sets me apart from others is my unique approach to self-growth. I do not just focus on one aspect, but rather I provide tips in five separate categories of lifestyle development: fashion, cosmetics, healthy habits, work improvements, and science in the daily life. I am most proud of the impact I have had and continue to have on everyone who comes across my page. I know this is only the beginning, and I am eager to see what tomorrow holds.

What were you like growing up?
Perspective is to be shown a point of view other than your own. I am who I am today as a result of encountering various perspectives throughout my childhood.

Soccer gave me the perspective of being both a student and a teacher. I was a student to the professionals on tv, my coaches, and my dad. I was always eager to learn and better myself. I was a teacher to my teammates, wanting to help them grow to their full potential. Soccer also taught me to be a fighter. I learned that there will always be something standing between you and your goals, but the only person that dictates whether or not you reach them is yourself.

My family gave me the perspective of loving and being loved. When I was hospitalized from Guillain Barre, my mom would sleep on an uncomfortable chair in my hospital room so I wouldn’t be alone at night. She has never failed to remind me that I am never alone and that she is always there for me. My dad has always done everything he can to provide for my family. He would often work 12-13 hours at a time and then come visit me at the hospital. He and my mom opened up an ice cream shop in addition to his primary job to help put me and my brother through college. He is always there for me as well. My brother is younger in age, but older in spirit. As an older brother, I have learned so much from him. He constantly pushes me to be the best I can be, and is there to offer a helping hand when I need it the most. My family taught me that there is no specific way to love or be loved, as long as you feel the love.

Finally, Guillain Barre gave me the perspective of a greater appreciation for life. I never knew the value of walking until I couldn’t do it. I never knew the value of smiling until I couldn’t do it. Guillain Barre slowed me down and taught me to live in the moment, because what you have today may not be around tomorrow.

So what was I like growing up? I was a student. I was a teacher. I was passionate. I was a fighter. I was loving. I was loved. I was appreciative. All of this came together in perfect harmony to mold me into the man I am today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: foryourtomorrow_official
• Other: personal instagram: sahandfardi17

Image Credit:
Johnny Gan Chong, Kayvon Jonghani

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