After 12 years, at 34 years old, I think this is the best shape of my life.
I used to think that change was something other people did—something for the driven, the disciplined, the naturally talented. I wasn’t any of those things. Or so I thought. Smoking was my crutch, a habit that stuck to me like a shadow. It was comforting, familiar, and a constant companion through late nights and long days. But it was also holding me back, clouding my mind and draining my energy.
The turning point came when I realized I wasn’t just sabotaging my health; I was holding myself back from becoming the person I wanted to be. The doubts were always there, whispering that I wasn’t good enough, that I’d never be more than just another guy with a camera. But something inside me snapped—enough was enough. I decided to quit smoking.
Quitting wasn’t easy. It was a battle, one where I had to face my demons head-on. But as the smoke cleared, I saw things differently. I started working out, pushing my body and mind to places they hadn’t been in years. Boxing became my outlet—a way to channel the frustration, the energy, and the drive that had been buried under layers of fat, doubt, and nicotine.
I was a smoker since 2006. This is the last photo of me smoking a stick before calling it quits.
As I fought to reclaim my health, I found something else—my passion for video content creation. I’d always been a photographer and a researcher, but now, with a clear head and renewed focus, I began to see the potential in storytelling through video. I honed my craft, learning the ins and outs of editing, and started creating content that mattered.
Tobacco control advocacy became my mission. I saw firsthand how powerful video could be in changing perspectives. The harmful effects of smoking weren’t just facts and figures—they were stories, real and raw, that needed to be told. And I was determined to tell them. Through video, I could reach people in ways that words on a page couldn’t. I could show them the impact, the consequences, and the reality of smoking, and in doing so, I was helping to change lives.
His name was Clipol. He’s one of the subjects that I covered for a tobacco control advocacy project a couple of years ago. He died several months after the interview. You can watch his story here: https://youtu.be/I5L_vxSXXxc
But it wasn’t just about the content. It was about the habits I was building—the commitment to being better every day, to pushing myself beyond my comfort zone, and to believing that I had something valuable to offer. Working out, boxing, reading, and constantly learning—they weren’t just activities; they were the foundation of who I was becoming.
While shooting an episode of HealthJustice Talks Podcast. (2024)
Now, as a content strategist and video creator, I bring that same drive and passion to my work. I help others tell their stories, just as I’ve told mine. Whether it’s producing videos or crafting content strategies, I’m committed to helping people share their message with the world. Because I know what it’s like to feel stuck, to doubt yourself, and to think that change is out of reach. But I also know what it’s like to overcome those doubts, to break free from old habits, and to become the person you were always meant to be.
So if you’re ready to make a change, to tell your story, or to simply connect with someone who’s been there, I’m here. Let’s create something powerful together.
That’s my story—what’s yours?
Juan Cano
2024
Juan Sinag Cano 
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