January 2026 Newsletter – How I repurposed my pain.
- Larry Carroll Jr.
- Jan 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 13
Two L's to a New Life: Embracing Transformation
At the start of 2025, I faced two significant losses. The brick-and-mortar job I relied on shut down. Simultaneously, my relationship ended. All of this unfolded while I was still attending college, grinding toward my degrees, and chasing clarity. I was desperately holding onto my identity as the world around me shifted.
I've been fighting all my life and, truth be told, I’ve faced my fair share of losses. This time was no different. I did what I do best: I kept my head in the game. I sought out mentors, something I had never done before. When you see me out, you might perceive me as an eccentric, confident extrovert. But like everyone else, I am human. Those losses made me question myself. I began to build narratives around my worthlessness and why she left me.
What anchored me was my determination to create a bright future for my daughter and my mother. I was fueled by the will to succeed despite the odds stacked against me. I decided to bet on myself. I chose legacy over loss. Instead of spiraling downward, I took control of my story.
I doubled down on my education and enrolled in six classes.
I focused entirely on building my business, Ryze Above.
I partnered with several individuals to spread love and support.
I traded pity for purpose. I let my pain be my proof.
What I Built in 2025
Here’s what that decision transformed into:
Facilitated trauma-informed workshops for youth and adults.
Established a strategic partnership with Making The Transition.
Delivered a presentation on the foundations of trauma for the Center of Male Engagement.
Co-facilitated workshops at MLK High School with the upcoming speaker Brian Gaines.
Created and presented my "Buy Back the Block" lecture for NABA CCP, which I repeated for the Mural Arts Guild program.
Provided recovery services, including stretching, cupping, and coaching to the community.
Participated in Emir Hope Healing Day and the NAACP From Coast To Coast.
Juggled six college courses while maintaining a GPA of 3.90, ultimately graduating with my A.A.S.
Spoke at events, sat on panels, mentored, and kept showing up.
Engaged with the Deloitte School District PD and the CCP BHHS Advisory Committee.
Became a peer coach for the Center For Male Engagement.
Launched healing-focused merchandise and lifestyle branding, including Ryze Essentials and healing necklaces.
Developed the “Ryze Recovery System” and the 8D Mastery Framework.
Served clients while continuing my own healing journey, both publicly and privately.
Completed several certifications:
- Holistic Health Practitioner
- Shadow Mastery Practitioner
- Body Healing Practitioner
- Sex Therapy Practitioner
- Mental Health First Aid
Every win was hard-earned. Every day was a choice. Throughout it all, Ryze Above wasn’t just a business; it was a lifeline.
2025 Taught Me: Lessons in Resilience
Healing isn’t a luxury; it’s a strategy.
Wellness isn’t just personal; it’s political.
Community isn’t just about survival; it’s about powerful alignment.
2026 Vision: Discipline. Devotion. Design.
This isn’t the year I perform. This is the year I build with reverence. This is the year we honor what we’ve been through and create what’s next.
The Ryze Above mission for 2026 is rooted in:
Discipline – Because structure is sacred.
Devotion – Because we’re not flirting with greatness—we’re married to it.
Design – Because this isn’t luck; it’s architecture.
Next Moves for the Family
Developing my 8D Mastery Course.
Launching the second edition of my memoir, Ryze.
Co-authoring the second edition of 48 Laws of Dating with my brother.
Creating the 48 Laws of Dating Game.
Thank you for rocking with me. Thank you for believing in this vision. Thank you for rising through your own setbacks.
We don’t heal by pretending to be perfect. We heal by being real. We Ryze… together.
Peace be upon you, family. Truly yours, the realest author you know.
Larry Carroll Jr.
Founder, Ryze Above Inc.
“Be Real. Be Relentless. Ryze Above.”
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