Book excerpt: This book is a lyrical journey through a pivotal part of my youth. It tells the story of my transformation from a product of my environment into the product of my own creation. It all starts with recognizing that my intense desire for love came from not receiving it at home from my parents and then trying to ­ find that love from someone else in the world. Through TV and media the narrative of ­ finding someone to love overtook my life. But through many experiences I learned that loving myself was my job to do. Yes, my environment raised me and instilled a lot into me both good and bad, but it is also my job as a responsible adult to address and change all the parts of me that no longer serve me. I tried on a lot of different hats and personalities to ­ find the kind of person that I wanted to be. When it was all said and done, the product of my creation is a new man that I can be proud of.