"The insidious thing about drug addiction is that drugs absolutely work as a solution. They take us out of our current situations. They give us a means to tamper down our problems. They are a means of escape. They absolutely work for a long time - almost 20 years in my case. But when drugs fail as a solution, they often fail catastrophically..."
Episode #40 of The Hope Initiative with Ed Kressy
Ed Kressy may be the only person who was once arrested by the FBI, yet went on to turn his life around and receive a community service award from the director of the FBI. He transformed his past from a liability, into an asset.
From the depths of despair and heights of paranoia, Ed shares candid stories from believing he was in a relationship with a girl who worked at strip club, to missing out on attending the weddings of 5 close friends due to being addicted to methamphetamine, as well as why he didn't take his own life through suicide.
This conversation is so rich, I could've clipped a dozen sections for the opener, but had to settle on one. I'm sure you'll enjoy this conversation and be inspired by Ed's message, which is pointed, positive, and powerful: Redemption is possible, despite the most hopeless-seeming circumstances. Never give up on a human being…kindness is never wasted. Second chances benefit the giver (society), as well as the receiver.
Book Recommendations
Long Walk to Freedom - Nelson Mandela
The Book of Joy - Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu
Bhagavad Gita - Hindu Scriptures
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Music by Jess Fairlie - jessfairlie.com
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