Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Otto
Hi Spencer, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Most of my adult life I spent addicted to heroin/meth, which resulted in seven stints in rehab, jails, hospitals, as well as ultimately over a year homeless on the streets. I was subconsciously self-medicating from childhood trauma, as well as mental health crisis that I have experienced most of my life.
April 6th 2023 I woke up on my bathroom floor from an overdose of fentanyl, and for the first time throughout my addiction I realized that I was no longer afraid of dying or going in and out of prison/living on the streets- things that used to scare the hell out of me. That day, I became immensely more afraid of living until I was 80, just as miserable as the day before. The thought of wasting my life and living to experience the regret was what it took to wake me up. I entered recovery that day.
Nearly 2 years later, I am in a completely different place. I am thoroughly involved recovery programs as well as trauma therapy, which have given me the freedom to become who I truly am.
I have a large social media following which I use to spread hope to those suffering, as well as a homeless ministry that gives much needed items to the local homeless community. In addition to this, I have become fortunate enough to rekindle my love for acting, fitness, and modeling, which is what I have begun to chase full time. I am fortunate enough to earn my SAG-AFTRA union eligibility in acting, have begun fitness modeling, and I am also personal trainer. I am currently submitting for acting/modeling representation, which has been a huge goal of mine in sobriety. I am truly grateful and blessed!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been anything but smooth. Reacclimating to “normal” life has been incredibly difficult. When you spend 13 years addicted to drugs, coupled with the agony of being homeless, you forget how to function. It becomes a challenge to complete even the smallest task such as showering or brushing your teeth. I felt so debilitated initially. In addition to this, therapy has uncovered so many old wounds, it has added even more emotional and mental pressure which, at times, feels like too much to carry. I have stuck with it though and am so much stronger than I even imagined.
The biggest challenge has been learning how to be comfortable in my own skin. Learning how to love myself on a daily basis, how to be kind to myself, how to stand up for myself, etc. have all been incredibly challenging because I never learned that earlier in life, which is part of the reason I went down the road I did. But each day is a step in the right direction, and I have learned to look at my life not in terms of “good or bad” but as seasons, all of which work for my greater good.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a SAG-AFTRA eligible actor, fitness model, singer, piano player, personal trainer, author, and influencer. I love the arts, as well as fitness, and they are a major part of my life. I am currently in the process of publishing my book, “Diaries of a Homeless Junkie” which details my life on the streets, and the challenges that I faced because of it.
I am very proud of earning my SAG-AFTRA union eligibility, which is a big milestone for any actor. I am equally proud of my book, which has become a major part of my healing as well.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
In life, it’s human nature to look outside of ourselves for solutions. It’s easy to blame the world/others for our problems, emotions, feelings, and misfortunes. However, I have learned that this is the worst way to live life, not only because it gives others power of you, but also because it keeps us stuck. When I live without personal accountability in all areas of my life, I have a ceiling on my growth and potential. I will never succeed in the things I want to succeed in if I can’t accept responsibility for my life.
I would encourage every reader to get brutally honest with yourselves, get uncomfortable, and identify areas of your life where you are avoiding responsibility, and blaming others for your problems. I would also encourage the readers to seek out some form of therapy, and or spiritual work. People think that therapy is only for “crazy people” or people who are really messed up. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Therapy can work wonders for your life, regardless of where you’re at, and will help you become the strongest person you can possibly be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://spenceotto3.wixsite.com/hard-knock-gospel
- Instagram: @hardknockgospel
- Other: https://hard-knock-gospel.myspreadshop.com
