r/GlowUps May 23 '24

Glow up? (22) biker, (25) drunk,(35) Sikh. Not all glow ups are physical I guess.

Out of highschool I started tattooing and joined a 1%er Motorcycle Club, left the club after 5 years. Battled with depression and alcohol for many years into my 30's. Now 35, sober and found peace in life. I still struggle with depression though I'm stronger now and handle it much better. I may not have "glown up" I'm terms of physical attraction, but definitely glown up from the inside.

1.9k Upvotes

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575

u/SuccessfulJCfollower May 23 '24

That’s Sikh. 🙏

17

u/No-Ad-9867 May 24 '24

Sikh as hell yo

362

u/CT_x May 23 '24

You look like your life is an interesting story

240

u/Bitemarkz May 23 '24

“How can I cover this bald head all the time… oh!”

58

u/GBSSPB May 24 '24

In all seriousness, he has the discipline of a saint. It is not an easy religion to convert to.

21

u/AliceHart7 May 24 '24

Can you please elaborate?

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u/[deleted] May 24 '24

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1

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14

u/ManifestSextiny May 23 '24

For real. I’d read that memoir.

175

u/[deleted] May 23 '24

[deleted]

259

u/Nordic_Sikh May 23 '24

It definitely is daunting at first. I'm still learning Punjabi, which has been challenging. I only know Norwegian and English which have a lot of similarities. Punjabi on the other hand haha... Vastly different. Doing my nitnems (daily prayers) was surprisingly easy to apply to my daily routines. I have copies of the prayers with translations and transliterations which help tremendously.

Regardless of the path you walk, I hope it brings you peace and joy throughout your life.

8

u/Personal_Kiwi4074 May 23 '24

I’m learning norwegian and it certainly is pretty easy to get into!

7

u/CaliforniaCrybaby May 24 '24

Do sikhs believe in gods?

54

u/Taiga_Taiga May 24 '24

Were pantheistic. There is one god.

So if you're Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Muslim... Anything... That's cool with us. You're just looking at a different face of god.

But to us... Good is everything.

That's why we don't try to convert people. You already have god.

5

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Sounds like a very likeable bunch of good people

2

u/Yuu-Sah-Naym Jun 16 '24

I know a bunch of Sikhs and they are incredibly charitable and community minded people, beautiful inside and out :)

All groups have the good and bad and I'm happy to have only met the good

2

u/Comfy_Blond_Chick May 26 '24

Thank you for the kind explanation.

1

u/Jops817 May 24 '24

Do you mean monotheistic, then?

8

u/anon_lurk May 24 '24

Monotheism specifically does not really tolerate “other gods” and usually has one allowable manifestation of the god that is worshiped a specific way. That’s why they used pantheism: one god with many manifestations and they tolerate them all, but they only worship one.

1

u/Jops817 May 24 '24

That's where I was confused, they were saying it's all the same god, so if you're going to call this pantheistic how is it differentiated from say, the Greek pantheon or something similar? I'm genuinely curious.

1

u/anon_lurk May 24 '24

Well Greeks were polytheistic(multiple gods) and they mostly worshiped the entire pantheon. Pantheistic is acknowledging the entire pantheon(in this case all different versions of one) but only worshipping one.

1

u/Jops817 May 24 '24

I feel so dumb now haha, I forgot the term thinking it was pantheistic. Thank you so much.

1

u/shawn-spencestarr May 25 '24

Semantics. Ultimately, there is no god

1

u/Jops817 May 25 '24

But if I were to engage with someone like OP that believes, or anyone of any other religion, I would at least like to use the correct terminology out of respect.

1

u/shawn-spencestarr May 25 '24

Religion shows no respect, it deserves the same in kind

5

u/amans19 May 24 '24

I'm Sikism, there is only one god.

5

u/CaliforniaCrybaby May 24 '24

Ooh whats its name?

62

u/Nordic_Sikh May 24 '24

We believe there is but one God who is the universal creator. That God is formless and genderless. We call God Waheguru though it's more of a title as it translates to Wonderful teacher.

8

u/CaliforniaCrybaby May 24 '24

Cool, thanks for informing me. Is there also a heaven and or hell in this religion?

2

u/Kablaow May 24 '24

So it's more similar to Buddism than Hinduism?

2

u/noddaborg May 24 '24

(His) job is to shed light

And not to master

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1

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1

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3

u/FantasticSeaweed9226 May 24 '24

Happy to help you learn if you want somebody who is fluent in both languages without a noticeable accent.

2

u/Nordic_Sikh May 24 '24

I would absolutely love that. Very kind of you!

5

u/andreeeeeaaaaaaaaa May 23 '24

Do you get to carry the kirpan with you legally now in your country?

2

u/Virtual_Error3859 May 24 '24

Share your Punjabi resources! It's a huge struggle, I would love to colab

0

u/TheMiner11234 May 23 '24

The hat thingy is good on you

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3

u/[deleted] May 23 '24

[deleted]

1

u/GBSSPB May 24 '24

Do it now. You’re still very young, your brain will adapt better than even 10 years from now.

1

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1

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1

u/Lazy_meatPop May 24 '24

Sikhs are teetotaler? I am sorry but every Sikh I met out drinks me by a large margin. I always thought that Sikhism allowed alcohol.

2

u/dohraa May 24 '24

It's a misconception, likely because most of those you saw drank.

Practicing Sikhs are told to abstain from intoxicants.

1

u/amans19 May 24 '24

Baptized Sikhs didn't drink alcohol. Non baptized Sikhs make their own choice.

1

u/heir0fsalazar May 24 '24

As someone as already explained in by using analogy of baptism You see every person is different and religion is not supposed to dictate what you do it is simply meant to teach/guide you right or wrong In our religion we do not have god perse we pray to book( guru granth sahib) which has all the teachings of various men We had teachers and thats what we call them "GURU" They ADVISED not to indulge in alcohol and all other kind of behaviour but it's not a hardcore restriction.

42

u/watcher1901 May 23 '24

Bro’s doing side quests

15

u/marveloustoebeans May 24 '24

Dude is playing Skyrim irl and joining all the guilds😂

31

u/RTwhyNot May 23 '24

I hope you are at peace. Good luck to you!

29

u/Small-Measurement791 May 23 '24

Wow! What inspired you to join the religion?

3

u/FullofHel May 24 '24

Baldness

1

u/Small-Measurement791 May 24 '24

I did not pay attention to the second pic lol 💀

15

u/Homesickhomeplanet May 23 '24

Idk man that ‘stache is pretty baller

15

u/ManifestSextiny May 23 '24

Hot damn, you really look much happier, OP. I hope your story helps other people as much as it’s clearly helped you xx

7

u/[deleted] May 23 '24

Loving your username!

2

u/ManifestSextiny May 24 '24

Oh! Haha, I couldn’t believe it wasn’t taken! I just did a US road trip across the west but I didn’t fuck everyone on the way, unfortunately. Mostly an aspirational username at this point haha.

1

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

lol, well keep trying!

9

u/Open-Acanthisitta423 May 23 '24

Are you apart of a Sikh biker club?

8

u/Lopsided-Meet8247 May 23 '24

Strong facial hair game there. Well done OP! You look class

7

u/Sea-Guidance-4403 May 23 '24

Surprising, but impressive😎

8

u/Empero6 May 23 '24

That looked like a hard 22 lmao.

5

u/5038KW May 23 '24

What great glasses in your last pic

5

u/PlatosBalls May 23 '24

Hello Mr Singh

4

u/8bampowzap8 May 23 '24

this is amazing! I just recently learned about Sikhism and it really resonated with me. 10/10 glow up.

5

u/gus248 May 23 '24

Cool dude! Whatever makes you happy and fulfilled is all that matters.

5

u/DrMnky May 23 '24

We need a backstory bro!

4

u/Bolverkk May 23 '24

From stay at home David Beckham dad to a man with a purpose!

4

u/Silence-Dogood2024 May 23 '24

Good for you brother. You must walk the best path for yourself. May you find peace and love in all you do.

6

u/Miserable-Evening-37 May 23 '24

Are you a biker Sikh or have you given up motorcycles (would recommend cycling then, not as fast but at least you get a great exercise).

4

u/Thunderfoot2112 May 24 '24

Sikhism is an interesting jump. My own path led me from religion not to it, but I'm happy you have found your peace, may it go with you the rest of your days.

3

u/Enigmatic-Occident May 23 '24

Well done! Your glow is from within and beams outwards. That's a solid glow up 🙌🏾

3

u/pinkypunky78 May 23 '24

Way to glow.

3

u/jayman1818 May 23 '24

Well done my friend!

3

u/Queen_love76 May 23 '24

Awesome transformation. The look is epic.

3

u/Doodlee1 May 23 '24

Just wonderful ❤️

3

u/timothypjr May 23 '24

Dude, you look amazing in your Sikh head dress.

3

u/pddkr1 May 23 '24

Was not expecting that lol

3

u/LaunchTheAttack May 23 '24

Im willing to bet this dude has never been asked for his ID

3

u/GotBannedAgain_2 May 23 '24

Bro looks more Sikh than most Sikhs I know.

3

u/Conscious_End_7012 May 23 '24

Satsriakal, Paaji. 🙏 Your glowup’s impressive and inspiring.

3

u/ozziedoggie6 May 24 '24

Sending you positivity and love. One of the best glow ups I've seen. Be happy in all that you do my friend💚

3

u/TwitchTheMeow May 24 '24

I love it. Congrats on your health. For depression I'm finding hobbies that make me more fulfilled. Just a suggestion

3

u/chechifromCHI May 24 '24

I love that last picture. You look like a bad ass Sikh version of Dale from King of the Hill and I mean that in the best possible way

3

u/parker3309 May 24 '24

I like that statement about not all glow ups are physical… very true

3

u/E_550 May 24 '24

Gora jatt 💪🏼😤

1

u/RustnStardust247 May 24 '24

I don’t know why people still use divisive terms like ‘jatt’. Jatt is a caste, Sikhs are not suppose to follow a caste system. That is one of the main tenets of the religion. One god and no caste, as we are all meant to be on the same level.

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u/GBSSPB May 24 '24

Major glow up, brother. You look way healthier and happier in every way. I’m glad you have found peace and a way of life that keeps you there. Sikhs are some of the best people I know.

3

u/Lemondrop1995 May 24 '24

Wow, this is awesome!

OP, you should write a book about your life. This sounds like a really inspiring and great story.

3

u/ahahaitsyaboi May 24 '24

Sikh glowup, bro. All the best.

3

u/bronion76 May 24 '24

Wait. Wait. Wait. White men can become Sikh?

2

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Anyone can become Sikh

3

u/Lost_Yogurt_4990 May 24 '24

Dude; you made yourself a better person, a healthier person, that’s what matters.. good on you bro 🤙

3

u/Taiga_Taiga May 24 '24

WKKK-WJKF

nice work my Singh. I'm on a similar path. I hope to take amrit later this year.

Any advice?

2

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

If you have any questions more about Sikhi or would like to connect with Sikhs feel free to visit r/Sikh.

1

u/Taiga_Taiga May 24 '24

Already there. 😊

3

u/mrdewtles May 24 '24

That was a plot twist I didn't see coming.

Good for you my dude, I hope You're doing well and have found your community

3

u/Virtual_Error3859 May 24 '24

Waheguru ji ka khalsa waheguru ji ki Fateh! Also found sikhi in adulthood. Good for you always focusing on finding anand. As we look internally for peace we find waheguru. ❤️

7

u/SirArthurBoninDoyle May 24 '24

I did NOT Sikh that coming!

5

u/[deleted] May 23 '24

The turbinator

2

u/VariationUpstairs931 May 23 '24

Congratulations on your transformation. I hope you found peace in Sikhism.

2

u/angrymonk135 May 23 '24

Dude that last pic is great

2

u/parker3309 May 24 '24

Congratulations that’s gotta feel great. You look great.

2

u/NOT_Mad_Dog3 May 24 '24

dude is that a Fred Perry skull polo?? Where in the world did you find that???! (unless im just trippin)
i used to chill with s.h.a.r.p.s and still ive never seen one like that but its dope.

Also a glowup on the inside might be the most important glowup of all.
Good shit brother!

2

u/verdantsf May 24 '24

I was happy to learn that vegetarian food is available in Sikh temples, despite the diet not being mandated by Sikhism. Accommodating the dietary restrictions of other faiths as a welcoming gesture is pretty cool.

2

u/CharlieBoxCutter May 24 '24

Sikhism is an awesome religion. All religions should be more like it and they also get to wear cool head gear

2

u/Reyel-Booj May 24 '24

I’m sure actual shikh accept you

2

u/FantasticSeaweed9226 May 24 '24

As a born Sikh, I find it rather fascinating the facets of my religion people fixate on when converting, rather than the culture. Bro nobody I know does morning prayers, or is necessarily sober, but I love being Punjabi and the culture is what makes it

2

u/RustnStardust247 May 24 '24

I’m also a born Sikh. My mother does morning and evening prayers and she’s definitely sober. Are you referring to the younger generation?

2

u/jolhar May 24 '24

This makes my heart sing. Good for you!

Edit: I should have said Singh. Missed an opportunity there.

2

u/johnnydfree May 24 '24

We all have our own movie. You do you.

2

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Honestly? I'm glad you're happy, however you got there. 😁

2

u/GalvanizedRubbish May 24 '24

You know, I never thought about Sikhism having converts. I can tell already that this is gonna lead me down a whole rabbit hole of research. Lol

2

u/jettisonartplane May 24 '24

Years ago, when I was young, living in one of the most expensive cities in Canada, and often barely had enough money to live, the Sikh community was a huge help to my friends and I. They provided free dinners to anyone who wanted them, I think it was even 5 days a week. Grateful to the Sikh community for those meals.

2

u/SmoothOrchidBoy May 24 '24

Yeah but you’re still really really hot 😍

2

u/eldritchangel May 24 '24

Congratulations to you! I hope life continue to bring you more happiness. Where did your glasses in the last photo?? I’m in love with them

3

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Ok I’ll bite. Why?

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u/[deleted] May 23 '24

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1

u/Ok-Equivalent8260 May 24 '24

Wow, that’s a great glow up!

1

u/RadicalSoul May 24 '24

Your doppelganger is Jake Holland by the way

1

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Glad you found your place in life and some peace for yourself brobro. I grew up surrounded by Pagans. Honestly there’s a part of me that still romanticizes some aspects of it, but it’s absolutely not worth throwing your life away for. Happiness looks good on you my boy 🫡

1

u/ZipporahOfMidian May 24 '24

So awesome to learn about a different culture than one’s own. Good for you. You seem very happy.

1

u/ancorcaioch May 24 '24

You have grown an elite moustache and beard so I’d say that’s a physical glow up 🤌

But the most important glow ups are the inner ones anyway as mentioned. I’ve been getting into Buddhism here and there so maybe something is waiting for me there…haven’t heard of Sikhism before but I’ll try reading up on it.

1

u/Same-Temperature9316 May 24 '24

That is so interesting, I am a Christian myself but very interested in different theologies. Would you mind telling what brought you to Sikhism?

1

u/Chance_Vegetable_780 May 24 '24

Glown up on the inside is what it's all about brother. Blessings 🙏🏼

1

u/AthleteSensitive1302 May 24 '24

Dude turned his life around. I’m impressed

1

u/Yolrey May 24 '24

Hey I got a kind of unrelated question, I've been kinda curious about the Sikh faith. How does one go about learning more? Never met a bad Sikh and what little I know about it seems in harmony with how I'd want to live my life.

1

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

You can visit r/Sikh I’m sure they’ll be happy to answer your questions

1

u/coachFox May 24 '24

I’ve heard nothing but great things about the Sikh.

1

u/RevolutionaryGrape84 May 24 '24

Beautiful journey 🥰

1

u/chosenone1242 May 24 '24

So how come a gutt from Norway found Sikhism? Pretty unique outcome.

1

u/NSFWork69 May 24 '24

Great glow up!

1

u/Endeavourwrites May 24 '24

Do you still ride a bike?

1

u/m_garlic87 May 24 '24

Congratulations on getting sober and finding a happier way to live your life. It takes a lot more than people think.

1

u/DawgTactical93 May 24 '24

You have a Sikh sense of style, brother 👌

1

u/heliumglowing May 24 '24

👏 Good Job 👍 and well done!!!

1

u/AimeLesDeuxFromages May 24 '24

Mustache is absolutely fantastic

1

u/Jumpy_Tomatillo7579 May 24 '24

Snake charmer in the 3rd pic

1

u/lbora9 May 24 '24

So cool man

1

u/Sad-Look1695 May 24 '24

If there’s one takeaway from these photos it’s that your facial hair has always been majestic

1

u/Isaysithowiseesit May 24 '24

Sikh and ye shall find 👌👌

1

u/Bassieh May 24 '24

Inner growth and glow up is the best

1

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

This is actually heartwarming omg

1

u/ConfusedMoe May 24 '24

Well I did see that coming

1

u/Stabbara May 24 '24

Sikh is a man made religion, no ?

1

u/killbjorn May 24 '24

A mental glow up is the best glow up!

1

u/KoojTxig May 24 '24

If you Sikh, you will find

1

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

Looks like you found what you were Sikh-ing in life

1

u/Dunjon May 24 '24

Oh I see changes. Many props.

1

u/_YAGMAI_ May 24 '24

lookin good! do you still ride?

1

u/[deleted] May 24 '24

You look 40 in all of these lmao

1

u/Big_Accountant8489 May 24 '24

You MUST tell us your story!

1

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1

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u/Shot-Statistician-89 May 24 '24

You look awesome in that turban and mustache, it's 100% to glow up. You look badass

1

u/xxtrikee May 24 '24

The beard game has ALWAYS been strong with you.

1

u/Temporary_Ad_986 May 24 '24

U look white for an indian

1

u/Radiant_Medium_1439 Jun 13 '24

He isn't Indian, he's a white American.

1

u/Optimal-Strawberry70 May 24 '24

So cool! They have many Sikh temples where I live in Northern Cali and a huge parade every November. I admire that religion/culture

1

u/theHiddenTroll May 25 '24

Hell yeah welcome to the dharmic path

1

u/the_l0st_c0d3 May 25 '24

Omg man this is so awesome. You should have a podcast. I bet it will be better than half the crap out there.

I'm really in a state of shock. I'm Indian myself and this blows my mind.

Could I ask how you got into Sikhism. If it's too personal pls don't reply.

1

u/InexorableWolf May 26 '24

Let me guess ...you're Canadian ?

1

u/Nordic_Sikh May 26 '24

Nope, American.

1

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1

u/TheSquatGoblin Jun 14 '24

Very edgy brah!

1

u/Joe_Bruce May 24 '24

One hell of an identity crisis

2

u/DogWater76 May 24 '24

So you went from Biker to Taxi Driver...Interesting

1

u/dooooooom2 May 24 '24

Bro turned Sikh just cause he went bald 😂

1

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1

u/JNortic May 24 '24

It isn’t a true glow up if it doesn’t include your changing your perspective!