How to Find Meaning in Madness with Pierce J. Brooks - a podcast by Jessica Sun

Pierce was supposed to go to the NBA, but ended up resenting the game and quitting basketball. Here is a powerful story of taking ownership in one’s life and how gratitude can shift your relationship with the past. 

Pierce is an empowerment speaker, coach, and former Division I college basketball player. After losing scholarships and his father’s tragic suicide, he hit a personal rock-bottom before age 20. He has since found meaning and inspiration from trauma and now helps others do the same.

Quotes to remember: 

“Everything happens for a reason; we are in charge of that reason.” 

“There is good that has emerged from the bad that has happened.” 

“Gratitude doesn’t mean absent of pain… it’s just seeing a fuller picture.” 

Takeaways:

• When your expectations are wrapped up with your identity, not meeting those expectations can be very painful
• We can find meaning in madness when we can accept what is; avoidance is a missed opportunity to find the meaning
• #ThirtiesAndTherapy
• It’s important to have emotional safety with those you speak with
• It’s great to admit that you don’t have it figured out
• Why we need to be grateful for our hardships in some way
• We all desire significance 

What you’ll learn:

• How Pierce managed basketball as it became less and less fun and more about managing others’ opinions
• What he did when he father passed away and he lost his scholarship within the same week
• The effect of wearing a mask and appearing as if he loved playing basketball
• Pierce’s acceptance of being laid off during Covid and how he found meaning 
• Cultivating gratitude despite the pain

Mentioned on the podcast: 

• https://piercejbrooks.com/
• Playing the Game of Social Pressure TEDx
• The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey
• Loving What Is - Byron Katie

Link:

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