Working my whole life

By Joe Peterson 5/8/24

They say life takes unexpected turns, and mine is no different. You might know me for my videography work, but that's just a sliver of the pie. Today, I want to share the story behind my "day job," and how it became more than just a paycheck.

At 43, you'd think I'd have a single, clear career path. But the truth is, I've worn many hats – from my teenage lawnmowing days to slinging burgers at Burger King (hey, free fries!). While videography has always held a special place in my heart, different paths kept pulling me in other directions.

One such detour was a modeling audition. Let's just say David Hasselhoff on the beach bod I wasn't!  But hey, it was an experience.

A bigger life change came when I moved from bustling Mesa to the quiet town of Thatcher. Trading cityscapes for cotton fields was a shock, and my initial dream of becoming a police officer or forensic detective seemed less glamorous in this rural setting.  However, the real turning point came with a health challenge – rheumatoid arthritis.

The pain was debilitating, forcing me to abandon college and my law enforcement aspirations. It was a heartbreaking shift, but it also became the catalyst for a positive change.

Faced with chronic pain, I became a sponge for information, seeking relief from every corner. That's how I stumbled upon Optimal Health Systems (OHS) – a local company shrouded in a bit of mystery (their logo didn't exactly scream "health supplements").

Intrigued, and maybe a little desperate, I applied for a job in their shipping department. While waiting for the interview, I devoured their brochures, learning about their philosophy of whole food-based supplements. It resonated with me – a stark contrast to the synthetic options I'd been trying.

Long story short, I got the job, and it's been the best decision I've ever made. Eight years later, I'm still there, and OHS has become more than just a workplace – it's a family.

The founder, a true inspiration, has instilled in me a deep respect for whole food nutrition.  Most importantly, the OHS formulations have been a game-changer for my health.  I'm pain-free, mobile, and even running again (something I never thought possible).  Prescription meds are a thing of the past, replaced by the power of whole food supplements.

So, when people ask "What do you do?" the answer goes beyond videography.  I'm a product knowledge expert at OHS, passionate about helping others on their own health journeys.  Every story of someone feeling better thanks to whole food nutrition fills me with joy.

Sure, life threw me some curveballs – the challenges were real, the lows were deep. But those experiences, and the choices I made, led me here.  Here, to a fulfilling career, a supportive community, and most importantly, to a life brimming with health and the chance to help others find theirs.  It's a pretty good day to be alive, wouldn't you say?