The video clip that changed my life…
Around the time I was diagnosed with PTSD, I was mindlessly scrolling through social media when I stumbled upon a short video clip from the popular TV series The West Wing.
That video clip changed my life.
In the video, Josh Lyman, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff, is going through a difficult recovery of his own after being shot in an assassination attempt. Leo McGarry, the White House Chief of Staff, tells Josh a story that goes something like this:
A man walks down a street when he falls into a deep hole and can’t get out.
Soon, a doctor walks by and the man shouts out for help. The doctor writes a prescription, drops it in the hole, and walks away.
Next, a priest passes by. Once again, the man shouts out for help. The priest writes a prayer, tosses it in the hole, and walks away.
Just then, a friend comes along. Desperate, the man in the hole shouts, “Hey, Joe—can you help me out?”
The friend jumps down in the hole.
Astonished, the man in the hole says, “Joe—are you STUPID? Now we’re BOTH down here!”
The friend says, “Yeah, but I’ve been down here before, and I know the way out.”
(The West Wing, Season 2, Episode 10)
Here’s why this video was so life-changing.
I came to grips with the fact that I was trapped in a hole. DEEP in a hole.
I realized that there were other people who’ve been trapped—just like me. And some of them have learned the way out.
I knew that if I could learn the way out, I could help other people do the same.
That’s why I wrote LIVE AGAIN!—to show people who are trapped in holes that they’re not alone. And to give them a ladder out.
It’s incredibly empowering to know it’s possible to turn your sticky, messy, complicated problems into help and hope you can offer to someone else.
Maybe it’s more than possible. Maybe it’s YOUR purpose!
I believe in you.
I especially believe it’s possible for you to turn your struggles into growth and transform your pain into purpose—starting today.
Thanks, my friend.
Until next time—go and make a difference.
John Alan
P.S. Here are some handy links to use and share.
Free email version of the introduction and first chapter of LIVE AGAIN! FREE PREVIEW
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