A retired nurse from Brevard County whose symptoms of coronary heart disease were misdiagnosed as acid reflux, hopes that her experience will help to raise awareness of heart disease and how it may manifest differently in women. Heart disease is one the leading causes of fatalities in Florida and more than 47,000 adults were hospitalized in 2022 because of a heart attack. In response to the county’s health concerns, hospitals and healthcare facilities offer a range of treatments to protect the heart health of Brevard County residents including new and innovative cardiovascular procedures, support for families living with congenital heart defects and a preventive program to test student athletes for undiagnosed heart conditions.

Supporting Families Affected by Congenital Heart Defects

One of the most common heart conditions that can occur alongside other cardiovascular issues is ventricular septal defect, otherwise known as a hole in the heart. VSD repair addresses this structural problem and helps to protect future heart health. Patients are born with VSD but there are a number of statewide programs and services to support patients with this and other congenital heart defects. Little Hearts provides education and other resources concerning heart health while Mended Hearts, a volunteer-led program with chapters in Melbourne and Cocoa Beach, offers a network of peer-to-peer support to families affected by heart conditions.

Screening for Undiagnosed Heart Conditions in Young Athletes

The primary cause of death in student athletes is sudden cardiac arrest and, according to the national organization Parent Heart Watch, one in 300 have a heart condition of which they are unaware. To address this issue and protect their students, Brevard Public Schools (BPS) work in partnership with the organization Who We Play For to implement mandatory screening for heart disease. Although parents can opt out of the scheme, BPS asks all student athletes to undergo electrocardiogram (ECG) testing in order to identify if they are at risk from sudden death from cardiac arrest. An ECG can also pick up a number of different heart conditions that can then be properly diagnosed and treated. To further support this initiative, school coaches in K-12 are required to complete regular CPR and first aid training.

Supporting Dedicated Cardiovascular Treatments and Care

Other local health initiatives are supported by Brevard Heart Foundation in their aim to improve the healthcare of local communities. One of their roles has been to support medical professionals at the Health First Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit where dedicated staff provide exceptional care to their patients. Other services offered by Health First in Brevard County include the management of arrhythmia, non-invasive diagnostic tests to assess the risk of heart disease, and rehabilitation after a heart attack or cardiac surgery.

While heart conditions and congenital defects are common, many remain undiagnosed putting people’s future health at risk. Dedicated staff at healthcare facilities, specialized family networks and extensive testing in schools are all helping to diagnose, treat and manage cardiovascular issues in order to improve the heart health of communities in Brevard County.

How to Stop Seeking Approval and Find True Happiness?

In today’s world, it’s all too easy to feel tethered to the opinions of others. Social media, personal networks, and even our workplaces all seem to call for external validation. Yet, living life seeking approval from others can lead to a constant sense of inadequacy and dependence on feedback to feel whole. Instead, true contentment comes when we align our actions with genuine, internal values, rather than external affirmation. One powerful way to do this is by focusing on altruism, a path that some find spiritually fulfilling, bringing inner peace, and even a sense of reward from the universe or, in the case of Muslims, from their Creator.

Why Do We Seek Approval?

Seeking approval from others is a natural human tendency; it connects us to our need for acceptance and love. However, this need becomes problematic when we let it dictate our sense of self-worth. Relying on external validation creates a dependence on others’ opinions, making it difficult to stay grounded in who we are and what truly matters to us. Constantly looking for external gratification can lead to disappointment, stress, and anxiety, trapping us in a cycle of chasing something that, ultimately, will never provide lasting satisfaction.

Shifting Focus to Altruism

Rather than focusing on others’ approval, choosing to focus on altruism — helping others for the sake of kindness — brings a sense of fulfillment that is rooted in something deeper and more enduring. When we give of ourselves, we’re rewarded with a unique joy that can’t be matched by external praise or validation. This act of giving, whether it’s our time, resources, or talents, allows us to find meaning that originates from within and grows as we witness its impact on others.

Altruism doesn’t just help those around us; it helps us too. Studies show that helping others boosts our happiness, reduces stress, and creates a sense of purpose and contentment. Some believe that when we help others, we are rewarded by the universe, an idea that aligns with the principle that goodness begets goodness. For Muslims, this perspective takes on a spiritual dimension; they believe that acts of charity are rewarded by their Creator, with their good deeds recognized as acts of worship that ultimately lead to divine happiness.

Religions that Practice Giving

Muslims practice selfless giving in various forms, one of which is known as Lillah. So, what is Lillah? Lillah is a form of voluntary charity given purely for the sake of God, without seeking anything in return. Unlike Zakat, which is an obligatory form of charity, Lillah is voluntary and meant to be given at any time and to any cause the giver chooses. This act of giving isn’t about recognition or praise but is an act of faith, humility, and selflessness. Muslims believe that by giving in this way, they’re seeking divine approval rather than human validation.

The beauty of Lillah and similar acts of kindness is that they refocus our intent. When we give without expectation of anything in return, we’re no longer attached to what others think or how we’re perceived. Instead, we’re connected to a higher purpose, one that prioritizes the wellbeing of others and encourages us to cultivate a generous spirit. As a result, we find that we’re content and at peace, not because others have validated us, but because we have fulfilled a spiritual need to give and to do good.

Moving Beyond Approval to Inner Fulfillment

Breaking free from the need for external approval doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process of self-reflection, detaching from the idea that others’ opinions are what define us. One way to start is by recognizing the areas in our lives where we crave validation and gently refocusing these needs towards inner goals, like self-improvement, kindness, and empathy. For example, if we often look for compliments on our achievements, we can instead focus on how these achievements contribute to our growth or benefit others.

Ultimately, instead of striving for approval, try replacing it with acts of kindness — volunteer, help a friend, or even practice small daily acts of kindness that go unnoticed. When we shift our intent from seeking approval to helping others, we experience a deep-rooted happiness that doesn’t rely on others’ opinions but rather on the joy that comes from giving.

In life, our dreams often set the course for our future, but sometimes unexpected turns can lead us to places we never imagined. For Sabeer Nelli, CEO of Tyler Petroleum Inc. and Zil Money, this journey started with a passion for flying. With aspirations of becoming a commercial pilot, Sabeer was dedicated to the structured, disciplined world of aviation. However, an unforeseen medical condition cut his flight path short, forcing him to redefine his ambitions. Instead of letting this setback deter him, Sabeer chose to pivot, channeling his drive into a new goal—entrepreneurship. His journey from aspiring pilot to successful business leader is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the willingness to embrace change in the face of life’s challenges.

Sabeer’s fascination with aviation began at a young age. Drawn to the excitement of flying and the rigorous lifestyle of a pilot, he worked tirelessly to make his dream a reality. The prospect of taking to the skies captivated him, and he devoted himself to the path of becoming a commercial pilot. But just as he was on the verge of achieving his goal, a medical issue surfaced, preventing him from continuing with his aviation career. “Learning that I couldn’t pursue my dream of flying was a tough moment,” Sabeer reflects. “It was difficult to accept, but I knew I couldn’t let this setback define me.” Rather than letting disappointment stall his ambitions, Sabeer looked for a new direction, channeling his passion into the business world.

With his future in aviation grounded, Sabeer turned to another interest he’d long held: business. Entrepreneurship had always intrigued him, and he decided to redirect his focus to this field. Recognizing that education and networking would be essential to his success, he enrolled in the University of Texas at Tyler, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Business. This decision provided him with the foundational knowledge, skills, and connections he would need to make his mark in the entrepreneurial landscape. Armed with his degree and a renewed sense of purpose, Sabeer set his sights on building a career in business.

In the mid-2000s, Sabeer founded Tyler Petroleum Inc., marking his official entry into the oil and gas industry. His goal was to create a fuel and convenience store brand that prioritized quality and customer service, setting it apart from the competition. Sabeer envisioned Tyler Petroleum as more than just a fueling station; he wanted it to be a reliable destination where travelers could find fuel, food, and other essentials. His focus on customer satisfaction and high standards helped Tyler Petroleum stand out in a crowded market, and the business quickly gained a reputation for its dependable service and quality offerings.

Sabeer’s transition from aspiring pilot to CEO required a shift not only in career but in mindset as well. Moving from the structured responsibilities of a pilot to the multifaceted role of a CEO was challenging. “Being a pilot would have meant following specific procedures, but as a CEO, I had to learn to manage different aspects of the business,” Sabeer explains. “From overseeing a team of nearly 200 employees to managing finances and developing marketing strategies, I was stepping into unknown territory.” Initially, the responsibilities were overwhelming, but Sabeer’s determination to succeed kept him moving forward.

To navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship, Sabeer committed himself to continuous learning and self-improvement. He sought guidance from mentors, invested in professional development, and developed a strategic approach to decision-making. His adaptability and willingness to learn were crucial to the growth of Tyler Petroleum, helping the company become one of the fastest-growing private businesses in the United States. Sabeer’s dedication to quality and his focus on customer experience allowed him to build a strong foundation for the company, establishing Tyler Petroleum as a trusted name in the industry.

As Tyler Petroleum grew, Sabeer’s entrepreneurial spirit pushed him to explore new opportunities outside the oil and gas sector. In 2018, he ventured into fintech with the launch of Zil Money, a B2B payment platform designed to simplify business transactions. This move represented a significant shift from his previous experience, but Sabeer was ready to take on the challenge. Drawing on the skills he had developed at Tyler Petroleum, he approached fintech with the same commitment to customer satisfaction, focusing on creating a reliable and efficient solution for businesses. Zil Money quickly gained traction, becoming a valuable tool for companies seeking secure and convenient payment options.

Reflecting on his journey, Sabeer attributes his success to his adaptability and his willingness to embrace new challenges. His transition from aspiring pilot to business leader may not have been part of his original plan, but it allowed him to discover new passions and achieve remarkable success. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that setbacks can be opportunities in disguise,” he says. “Losing my dream of flying was hard, but it ultimately led me to a career that has been incredibly fulfilling.”

Sabeer’s story is an inspiring example for anyone facing unexpected changes in their career path. His journey highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability, and the ability to pivot when necessary. While his original career in aviation may have been grounded, his determination to succeed enabled him to achieve success in the business world. His experience serves as a reminder that the path to fulfillment often lies just beyond the challenges we face, and that by embracing change, we can find new and meaningful opportunities.

Today, Sabeer’s businesses continue to thrive, with Tyler Petroleum and Zil Money each playing a vital role in their respective industries. Tyler Petroleum remains a trusted brand in the fuel and convenience store market, while Zil Money has established itself as a leading solution in B2B payments. Together, these ventures reflect Sabeer’s commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. For aspiring entrepreneurs, his journey is a powerful reminder that success often comes from embracing change, taking risks, and remaining committed to growth.

Looking toward the future, Sabeer envisions continued expansion and new possibilities for both Tyler Petroleum and Zil Money. His dedication to providing value to his customers and his focus on innovative solutions position him well to navigate the evolving business landscape. From his early dreams of flying to his current role as a successful entrepreneur, Sabeer’s journey exemplifies the spirit of resilience and the power of embracing life’s unexpected turns.

Sabeer’s pivot from aviation to business showcases the importance of adaptability and perseverance. His story is a powerful testament to the fact that setbacks can lead to new paths, and that true success lies in the ability to embrace change. For those facing unexpected challenges or career shifts, Sabeer’s journey offers hope and inspiration, proving that with a clear vision, a willingness to learn, and an open mind, it’s possible to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Much like flying, entrepreneurship requires a steady hand, a clear vision, and the ability to adapt when circumstances change. Sabeer Nelli embodies these qualities, and his journey from aspiring pilot to business leader serves as an example of how resilience can lead to remarkable achievements. His experience is a reminder that while we may start our journey with one destination in mind, life has a way of guiding us to unexpected places. For Sabeer, his decision to redefine his career path has allowed him to reach new heights, inspiring others to remain open to change and explore the limitless possibilities ahead.