Why I Chose to Build Instead of Break | Jason Pedersen

In loving memory of my father.
 

Nothing triggered this decision for me—it’s how I was raised.

As a toddler, I was weak and sick. Chronic asthma put me in the hospital more times than I can count. My parents could have coddled me, but they didn’t. They taught me to fight for my life. They made me believe that I am not defined by my illnesses, my past, or even my mistakes. Me—and only me—determines who I am. My life is worth fighting for, no matter the challenges, the hate, or the attacks.

And I’ve had plenty of those. Lies, negativity, people trying to pull me down—it happens. But I refuse to let that define me. I refuse to give up.

As a sick kid, I learned that strength doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built. That’s why I spent my summers in the backcountry with my dad, riding horses, living among grizzly bears, and sleeping in a tent for three months out of the year. That’s why I became the captain of my high school swim team—not because it was easy, but because I knew swimming would make my lungs stronger. I wanted asthma to know it didn’t own me.

Even now, as a middle-aged man, I run. Not because I have to, but because I refuse to become weak. Running is how I honor my father—it’s my reminder that grit matters.

So why do I build? Why do I create? Because fabricating steel isn’t that different from life. When I’m in the shop, it’s just me and the sound of tools cutting through silence. There are days when the challenges seem impossible—when nothing lines up, when a project feels like it’s fighting me every step of the way. But I love that. I love the problem-solving. I love turning what looks like chaos into something strong, something lasting.

In those quiet moments, I sometimes feel like my dad is there with me, reminding me not to quit. Reminding me that the fight is worth it.

I chose to build because breaking was never an option.

And no matter what life throws my way—hate, lies, setbacks—I’ll keep building. Because that’s who I am.

Your Turn

We all face moments where breaking feels easier than building. The question is: What will you choose? Will you let the weight of life crush you—or will you use it to forge something stronger?

Drop a comment and tell me: What’s one challenge you’ve faced that made you stronger?

Location: Springville, UT, USA

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