Michael Mammina’s journey has been a long one. At 63 years old, he reflects on the many years it took for him to awaken to his true self.
For much of his life, Michael felt different—not in a special way, but in a way that made him feel like he didn’t belong. As a child, he hid himself in various ways, one of which was through his weight. By the age of eight, he was already 60 pounds overweight. Looking back, he now realizes that it was a form of protection, a shield against the bullying, shame, and physical abuse he endured from his peers. The self-hatred that grew inside him was immense, but he just kept moving forward, doing what kids do, without really understanding what was happening within him.
One of his greatest outlets was art. As a creative soul, expressing himself through art became a refuge. He eventually pursued a career in art, despite his family’s reservations. It was in art school that he experienced his first major awakening—he realized he was gay. However, his internalized homophobia made it difficult for him to accept himself, and it took two years before he finally came out. Even then, despite the friendships, adventures, and experiences that followed, something inside him still felt missing.
At 30, Michael was introduced to spirituality in an unexpected place—a gay bar. A conversation with a stranger led him to a spiritual center, and from there, his journey into self-discovery truly began. This path eventually led him to Peru and Machu Picchu, where he had an awakening so profound that he now considers it his spiritual home. He traveled there for eight years in a row, bringing others on their own spiritual journeys. But while he was helping others awaken, he had yet to confront the deeper wounds within himself.
Outwardly, Michael’s life looked great—he had a successful career as a creative director, a large circle of friends, and a seemingly fulfilling life. Yet, internally, he was still trapped in shame and self-hatred. That all changed when he attended a workshop led by the late Debbie Ford called The Shadow Process. It was there that he learned about limiting beliefs and the parts of ourselves that we hide in order to fit into the world. He finally began to understand the power of his own shadows and how they dictated his life. This realization led him to work with a life coach, which in turn deepened his connection to Spirit and helped him start breaking free from old patterns.
Over the years, Michael continued this deep inner work, eventually becoming a life coach himself. But it wasn’t until he joined the Levin Life Coach Academy under Nancy Levin that he truly began to transform. Nancy helped him dive deeper into his limiting beliefs, uncover his deepest unmet needs, and finally shift the way he viewed himself and his place in the world. This work allowed him to recognize that his lifelong struggle was rooted in his need for acceptance.
As a child, a simple moment shaped Michael’s need for acceptance—he proudly taped his socks up to look like knee-highs, only to be laughed at by his family. That moment of feeling unseen and unaccepted carried through his entire life. It dictated his choices, fears, and self-perception. But once he identified this unmet need, he could finally work to fulfill it in healthy ways. Today, he embraces self-love fully and helps others do the same.
Now, Michael takes people on spiritual journeys to places like Peru, guiding them through their own awakenings. He also became a certified alignment guide, helping others break through their own resistance and step into alignment with their highest selves. His mantra, FLY—First Love Yourself—guides his work and life. He believes that when people truly love themselves, they can impact the world in the most profound ways.
If he could offer one piece of advice, it would be this: Don’t wait. If you feel a stirring inside, an urge to heal or grow, take the first step now. It doesn’t have to be grand—small, consistent actions lead to life-changing transformations. Whether through meditation, journaling, or seeking support from a coach or community, know that you are not alone. There are people ready to support you on your journey, just as Michael has been blessed to find his own guides along the way.
Michael is grateful for every step of his journey—the struggles, awakenings, and lessons. They have all led him to where he is today, doing the work he loves, guiding others, and continuing to grow himself. He invites others to embark on their own journey of self-love, knowing that they are worthy of the life they desire.
