Why I Did What I Did and Continue To Do What I Do?

By John Henry Soto

I want to share a deeply personal story about discovering the power of my own voice. For a long time, I thought my purpose was tied to the things I created—the films I made, the podcast episodes I hosted, the connections I formed along the way. And while those things are a part of me, I’ve come to realize they aren’t the whole story. To truly make a difference, I had to go deeper. I had to reconnect with who I am at my core: a Puerto Rican kid from the Bronx, someone shaped by the vibrant culture, struggles, and resilience of my community. For years, I didn’t fully embrace that part of myself. Maybe I didn’t realize how much power it held. Maybe I thought I had to fit into a mold that wasn’t really me. But life has a way of calling us back to ourselves. You see, I grew up in a place where survival wasn’t just a skill—it was a mindset. The Bronx taught me grit, creativity, and how to dream big even when the odds were stacked against me. But it also taught me something deeper: that we all carry a spiritual force within us. And when we listen to that voice, it guides us to where we’re meant to be. 

 My journey wasn’t just about filmmaking or podcasting; it was about stepping into my truth. It was about realizing that to make a difference, I had to embrace everything I am—my roots, my voice, my spiritual connection to something greater than myself. There came a moment when I understood this fully. I was standing in a hurricane-stricken community, surrounded by people who had lost everything. They didn’t care about titles or achievements—they just needed someone to see them, to care, to show up. And as I worked alongside them, I felt a deep awakening: the realization that my purpose was never about impressing anyone. It was about showing up authentically, with my full heart and spirit, and letting that be enough. And here’s what I’ve learned: We can’t truly answer life’s call if we’re hiding parts of ourselves. The world doesn’t need a version of you that fits into a box. It needs you—the real you, with your unique story, your culture, your struggles, and your triumphs. For me, that meant honoring my heritage, speaking from my soul, and using my journey as a bridge to connect with others.

The spiritual path I’ve walked has taught me that we are all interconnected. Our stories, our struggles, our victories—they’re meant to inspire and uplift others. And when we embrace who we are, unapologetically, we give others permission to do the same. So to anyone out there holding back parts of yourself, I want to say this: You are enough. Your voice matters. Your story matters. Whether you’re from the Bronx, a small town, or anywhere in between, you carry something unique and powerful. Don’t silence it. Let it guide you. When you step into your truth, you align with a deeper purpose. You start to see that the challenges you’ve faced weren’t roadblocks—they were stepping stones, preparing you for this moment. You begin to understand that your voice, your authenticity, is exactly what the world needs right now. 

I’m here today as a filmmaker, a storyteller, and a proud Puerto Rican from the Bronx. But more importantly, I’m here as someone who’s learned that the most powerful thing we can do is honor who we are and use that to serve others. So myfriends, I invite you to listen to that inner voice, to trust it, and to let it guide you. Step into your truth, embrace your journey, and know that by doing so, you’re not just changing your own life—you’re making a difference in the lives of others. 

 Thank you for letting me share my story. 

May your journey be filled with authenticity, purpose, and light.

www.johnhenrysoto.com