Ten years ago this August, I died.
And it was one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.
In fact, I can look back on my life and see how my most challenging experiences, the things that at first seemed “bad,” were just what I needed to evolve to the next level.
For example…
I was arrested for running a black market growing and distribution organization in BC with 200 people on my payroll so I could stop putting so much effort into trying to evade law enforcement and focus ALL my energy on unlocking the code to bring cannabis to its true genetic potential through Advanced Nutrients.
I’ve been ripped off by partners and previous members of my C-suite so I could learn to overcome the kind of adversity required to run a cannabis company that does billions of dollars in sales each year.
And I died so that, well…let me explain…
On August 30th, 2011, while undergoing routine surgery, I flat-lined.
RIP BigMike! Sayonara, buddy!
I left my body and floated to the top of the operating room.
In a state of absolute bliss, I watched from above as the physicians and nurses scrambled to revive me.
Soon, I was engulfed in blackness. And then everything turned white.
I was ringed by black towers that looked like a cross between futuristic medical equipment and mainframe computers. The scene was straight out of Star Wars.
(I’ve since researched medical equipment extensively, and nothing resembles those towers.)
A number of what I can best describe as “beings” surrounded me.
And I felt an overwhelming sense of LOVE (love like I have never known).
And I clearly understood that these beings were instilling vital lessons in me, and that I was to return to the physical reality we know as “life” and become a living embodiment of those lessons to the best of my ability.
When the medical staff resuscitated me, I sprang up and grappled with them. I clawed a tube from my mouth and wires from my chest.
You see, I didn’t want to leave that Love and serenity.
But I had work to do.
The surgeon later showed me a strip of electrocardiogram paper. A flat line stretched clear across it where there should’ve been peaks and valleys. “You’re a very lucky man, Mr. Straumietis.”
I am indeed.
And, though I’d survived, something was missing. Not something I could point to and say, “Look, my leg’s missing.”
But rather, an aspect of my psyche that had held me down for decades, blocking my spirit from fully emerging.
From that day on, I began living a little less in my mind and a little more in my heart. A burning desire to help humanity begin to stir within me.
For the past 22 years now, Advanced Nutrients has grown an average of 35% per year. Top growers in 107 countries rely on our nutrients to grow the biggest, sweetest, most potent buds possible.
And the more sales we make, the more we’re able to drive the science of cultivation forward and help make cannabis an acceptable and everyday part of healing humanity.
Now, Advanced Nutrients has engaged in philanthropy going all the way back to 1999.
During our early years, we donated nutrients and equipment to cancer patients so they could grow a safer, healthier, alternative to opioids.
And whenever a cause piqued my interest, I contributed. Doing so has ALWAYS made me feel good and I felt it was good karma for the company.
But after flatlining that day in the hospital, I knew I had to deepen my commitment to ongoing service and philanthropy.
Which is why I started the non-profit Humanity Heroes.
To date, we’ve supplied over 60,000 homeless people in Southern California with daily, life-giving essentials through our Humanity Pack campaign.
Each pack contains items most of us take for granted but make all the difference in the world when you’re living on the streets.
Every year, I get with our Humanity Heroes volunteer team and we head to Skid Row, where we distribute these Humanity Packs to the people who need them most.
And I am delighted to announce that Advanced Nutrients is running a donation match challenge with Humanity Heroes and I encourage you to participate.
Now through August 31, 2021, companies, local businesses, and individuals have the opportunity to double the impact of their donations and help put 7,000 Humanity Packs filled with life-giving essentials directly into the hands of the homeless.
Each Humanity Pack includes:
- First-Aid Kits, Facemask, Hand Sanitizer, Flashlight
- Beanie, Gloves, Socks & Wool Blankets
- Rain Poncho, Sunscreen & Lip Balm
- Feminine & Personal Hygiene Items & Toiletries
Advanced Nutrients is matching donations to this campaign dollar-for-dollar up to $150,000 through the end of August.
To donate to the Dollar-for-Dollar Campaign and double your impact, visit JoinHumanityHeroes.org/donate
Humanity Heroes is also always looking for volunteers to help make a difference.
Nobel Prize winner Albert Schweitzer said, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.”
In my life, these words have proven true time and again.
Talk soon,
BigMike
P.S. To donate to the Dollar-for-Dollar Campaign and double your impact, visit JoinHumanityHeroes.org/donate
