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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Things You Can Do To Make Your Life More Meaningful
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Many people experience down times in their lives. For some, it goes even lower. They begin to merely survive. A life that is about only surviving begins to feel empty and pointless. It happens for many reasons. For some people, they work eight hours or more at a job they’ve lost interest in. For others, they worried too much about the future and forgot about today. And there are some who experienced a tragic event and decided to retreat into themselves instead of walking through the hurt and anger.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Whatever the reason, getting through each day by rote, doing what we’re obligated to do, and the most excitement we have is a holiday once a year to look forward to. Is that really living?
No. It’s not.
Here are four simple changes that can make Life more meaningful:
Learning
Always be learning. It’s a great way to add meaning to Life. Our minds crave growth and when we’re challenged to learn something new, our minds are satisfied. This quickly trickles down to our emotions and gives us a sense of satisfaction with our lives.
Make it a point to learn new skills, to explore new hobbies. Think of what you can learn, now, related to the work you do or a hobby you’re involved in. Now, get started learning something new.
Relationships
Relationships with other people are vital to your health and well-being. Being able to share your experiences, your challenges, your triumphs with someone else and having them do the same with you brings a level of intimacy and connection that makes life more meaningful.
Begin with your current relationships. Reach out to someone close to you and be of service to them. Ask how they are doing. Listen to their experiences. Then begin to share yours when it’s appropriate. From there, you can gain momentum and begin starting new relationships.
Challenge
For a life to be meaningful there must be a triumph or victory. That comes from challenging yourself and experiencing the learning and overcoming of that challenge.
Whether you’ve experienced a life and death situation or you were very, very cost to accomplishing something amazing, it is these moments when we learn the most about who we are and we’re capable of doing.
Those who look for opportunities to be challenged, and learn from that challenge, are people who feel connected to others and a power greater themselves. This results in a having a life of meaning.
Travel
Travel, whether it’s across a state, a country, or an ocean, offers you an opportunity to experience new sights and new people. You can backpack a local trail or visit a museum in another state. You’ll meet new people who are doing the same thing, so you’ll have something to talk about. Share your thoughts, your experience. Ask questions of them and enjoy a conversation.
It’s these experiences, especially the experiences that can be shared with others, that offer the most intense and lasting sense of meaning to our lives.
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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