Phil Sullivan has always been a fav of ours since his debut to the world on America’s Next Top Model, Cycle 20. This bearded free spirit is loved by 90k+ Instagram followers and signed to Ford Models in New York City. Phil’s social media presence represent his love for life and carefree attitude.

Recently, we read a post on Facebook that really moved us. Phil’s transparency about his financial struggles and being a popular model is raw. He posted this mobile screenshot of his current bank account balance and the following text (we edited due to a few grammatical errors). It’s honest and powerful:

“This post is not for sympathy, this post is to inspire. I want all the people who have followed my post (I’ve had such a fortunate life these past few years) to know that anything is possible in any circumstance.

Create your value, be valued and allow it to manifest your dreams, Keep dreaming and be YOU. The best YOU every single day.”

Resources will always change, but your ability to keep moving forward will be your testament of character. I have had to play this game of smoke and mirrors as a “model” who’s high-profile due to social media. I have denied many employment opportunities to retain a value that doesn’t even exist. I have gone days without eating full meals, affording housing and transportation just to fulfill others expectations of my own dreams. I have been extremely fortunate to have friends and family help in every which way possible and I owe most of the people in my life money. What I don’t owe them is my ability to give everything I have in return, whether it be emotional, a listening ear, my time or a different perspective on life.

I am ever so lucky to have the opportunities every day and I will continue to push myself regardless of limitations that present themselves. Here’s to giving your best effort each and every day and knowing that everything in life is a choice. Create your value, be valued and allow it to manifest your dreams, Keep dreaming and be YOU. The best YOU every single day.”

Wow! Now that was honesty at its best.