Health Tips Based on Experience

14 hours and 14years journey

If someone told me years ago that diabetes would lead me to create my first online video, I would have laughed. I was never good with computers. I had no idea how to edit, upload, or even record properly. But life has a strange way of teaching us lessons. Sometimes, the hardest moments become the doorway to new opportunities.

My diabetes journey didn’t just change my health it opened my mind, my discipline, and eventually my online dreams. This is the story of how I created my very first YouTube short video, how it took me 14 hours to finish, and how that struggle became the beginning of my online journey.

The Beginning: Zero Knowledge, Zero Skills

When I decided to make my first YouTube short video, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I wasn’t just a beginner I was completely clueless. I didn’t grow up with computers. I didn’t know editing apps. I didn’t know how to trim, cut, or add music.

But I had a dream.

And that dream started after my diabetes diagnosis. My sickness forced me to slow down, to think, and to look for new opportunities. I realized that if I wanted a better future, I needed to learn something new even if it scared me.

The 14‑Hour Struggle

I remember the day clearly. I started working on my first video around 1600 hours. I sat at a small table beside a noisy water station. The jetmatic pump kept making loud sounds, but I had no choice that was the only place I could work.

I watched tutorial videos for two hours. Then I tried to copy the process.

It didn’t work.

My video looked terrible. I felt disappointed. I felt hopeless. I couldn’t move forward. I didn’t know what button to press, what app to use, or how to fix my mistakes.

Midnight came, and I was still stuck.

But I refused to give up.

Around 3:00 AM, I finally finished one short video. I felt relieved until I uploaded it.

A copyright warning appeared.

My heart dropped. I panicked. I didn’t know how to delete it. I didn’t know what copyright meant. I was scared that YouTube would ban me forever.

After hours of searching, I finally figured out how to remove it.

By the time my brother woke up at 6:30 AM, he thought I woke up early.

The truth? I never slept.

I spent 14 hours creating one short video and it still failed.

But that failure became my first step.

My Kids’ Reaction: “Silly Pa!”

The next day, I told my son and daughter what happened. They laughed and said:

“Silly Pa, 14 hours for one short video?”

But that moment became a blessing. It was the first time I asked them for help with my online dream. I told them I wanted to earn even just $1 online. That was my dream my $1 dream.

At that time, I didn’t know anything about TikTok. I didn’t know how to edit. I didn’t know how to upload properly. But I knew I needed to learn.

Joining Dean Holland’s Program

Before TikTok, I joined an online program by Dean Holland. I paid for a 6‑month membership. The information was good — very good — but overwhelming.

I learned about:

• niche
• autoresponders
• WordPress
• funnels
• email marketing

Ask me if I understood any of it?

Zero.

It was my first time hearing those words. I tried to follow the lessons, but when I was alone, I couldn’t remember anything. I was lost. After one year of studying, I still felt like I had zero knowledge.

But I didn’t regret it. Every information I learned became a seed planted in my mind. I just didn’t know how to use it yet.

Discovering TikTok: A New Beginning

After a year of struggling with online lessons, I discovered TikTok. It looked easier. It felt more natural. So I downloaded the app and started practicing.

My first TikTok upload?

A black screen with music.

No picture. No content. Just music.

I laughed at myself but I didn’t stop.

I practiced daily. After one month, I slowly learned the basics. My early videos were terrible. My voice was shaky. My speaking was boring. My views were low.

But I kept going.

After six months, I finally understood how to upload properly. But then I faced a new challenge:

How do I become an affiliate?

I didn’t know how to add a basket. I didn’t know how to link products. I didn’t know how to qualify.

I watched tutorials. I tried different methods. But I always had one problem:

I didn’t have enough followers.

It took me one full year to finally qualify for the TikTok shop basket. When I saw the basket appear on my profile, I felt like crying. It was the fulfillment of another dream.

Imagine If I Stopped Dreaming

If I stopped dreaming after my diabetes diagnosis… If I stopped dreaming after my 14‑hour failed video… If I stopped dreaming after my black TikTok upload… If I stopped dreaming after one year of confusion…

I would not be earning today.

My income is small right now like raindrops but it is real. It is mine. And it is growing.

This journey is not just about money. It is about discipline, patience, and faith.

How Diabetes Changed Everything

My diabetes didn’t just affect my health. It changed my mindset. It forced me to discipline myself. It opened my eyes to new opportunities. It pushed me to learn new skills.

Everything changed because of my sickness.

And now, I understand why.

Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God…

James 1:4 (KJV) But let patience have her perfect work…

My sickness became my teacher. My weakness became my strength. My struggle became my opportunity.

Conclusion: My Dream Now

Today, my dream is simple:

To focus on God while building my online business.

I want to grow. I want to learn. I want to inspire. I want to earn.

But most of all, I want to honor God with my journey.

Thank you for reading my story. I hope it inspires you to keep going, even when you feel lost. If I can learn video editing at age 50+ with zero computer skills, you can learn anything too.

Your dream is waiting. Don’t stop.

Ones again thank you for your time

Reynaldo M. Oliva