Rediscovering Hope Through Self-Forgiveness | Billy Johnson | TEDxDonovanCorrectional

Even as a high school football star, Billy fell into a dark tunnel. Within a 9-month period, Billy’s two most important people were killed and he felt responsible for both deaths. He found his light switch after 20 years of incarceration, which led him to rediscover hope through self-forgiveness.
"I see myself as caring, earnest, loyal and full of life. I want to bring happiness to a person’s day. If I notice someone isn’t happy or feeling well, I want to make him smile. I find joy and passion in team settings; I love to work with others. What got us where we’re at does not need to define us. I love sports and working out."
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

Пікірлер: 179

  • @Somebody02594
    @Somebody025944 жыл бұрын

    What I learnt: prison only corrects those who are willing to be corrected. I admire this man’s courage. Thank you.

  • @DivineJesusPrayers
    @DivineJesusPrayers6 жыл бұрын

    Wow... I am really touched... Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up... Epic!

  • @jocosesonata

    @jocosesonata

    6 жыл бұрын

    "Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up." That's a really a good line.

  • @TMGettingMoney

    @TMGettingMoney

    4 жыл бұрын

    That’s real. Well stated and true. Salute.💯‼️👑

  • @AngeloKevon
    @AngeloKevon3 жыл бұрын

    I feel guilty for my past, I’m 21 and I have high dreams of influencing others and inspiring with my creativity. But I’m having so much trouble forgiving myself and pursuing anything because there are negative perceptions of me that I feel will literally destroy my life. And the amount of people who think I’m a terrible person is a small one but I identify with this constant past version of me. So I’ve been stuck for months not trying anything.

  • @waladali4312

    @waladali4312

    2 жыл бұрын

    I’m actually 21 as well and have been suffering through the same recently, But don’t let that past perception of yourself identify you. Dont romanticize the past as being perfect or wish you could go back to correct your mistakes, your self awareness and willingness to dream is all you’ll need. Now just take the first step and watch the rest fall into place. Stay up.

  • @sweetbudgie5829

    @sweetbudgie5829

    2 жыл бұрын

    You know if You start from today , you can do 3 good things starting from today , in a year's time you will have a year's worth of good memories to keep you warm . It can be very small, like helping an old lady carray her groceries , keeping a bird feeder , giving someone a helping hand without any expectation of a return . Keep your silence , work on yourself .

  • @Blasianpower2

    @Blasianpower2

    2 жыл бұрын

    It doesn’t matter what you have done but what you will do now I am going through the same thing as many others are too keep pursing your dreams ❤️ People can change

  • @Prodigious1One

    @Prodigious1One

    Жыл бұрын

    I have a similar thought pattern. I took care of my mother for eight years and she died last year. I became depressed while taking care of her and I lost passion, joy, and hope. :-( I am still learning how to be positive for the future. I regret taking care of my mom, but she and I did have good times despite the difficult ones. I'm doing my best to continue. I pray that you and I both focus on the positive and believe in achieving the best for ourselves.

  • @JudionSmith

    @JudionSmith

    Жыл бұрын

    I used to think and feel that way, but what about the future version of you? Surely he/she deserves a chance. The past cannot be undone. Let's give the future a chance to experience what is left inside of us. We are still the rarest of gems. Still unique and phenomenal. Still irreplaceable. The healed version of you will be amazing. It's time to forgive and heal. With love. x

  • @marvelaturraz5405
    @marvelaturraz54054 жыл бұрын

    It's not who you've "become". Brother, it's your innate, true self coming out. It's rediscovering who you really are. Like a sunflower which has to break thru layers of adversity. You're coming thru, and it's a beautiful thing, Man. Thank you.

  • @annmarieknapp2480

    @annmarieknapp2480

    8 ай бұрын

    That was lovely. I think the sunflower analogy is beautiful. Thank you. Wishing you hugs,peace, and love.

  • @shannonwalker2270
    @shannonwalker22703 жыл бұрын

    If you can forgive yourself, than I can forgive myself. Thanks for the hope. Loved your story. God bless.

  • @brandonmorris1117
    @brandonmorris111711 ай бұрын

    We are all locked in the prison of our minds ...the thing is we forget we hold the keys to the doors to be unlocked.

  • @megawatt3946
    @megawatt3946 Жыл бұрын

    Powerful story and message. "Death isn't the greatest tragedy. It's what dies in us while we are still alive." Thank you Billy. You touched my heart by your courageous message and story of redemption and healing.

  • @marciahale9766
    @marciahale97666 жыл бұрын

    What positivity and light really looks like - transformation shining from “an empty shell, buried in a coffin alive” . . . "where people want people to hurt, because they hurt"

  • @daithiocinnsealach3173

    @daithiocinnsealach3173

    5 жыл бұрын

    Man, those words cut deep.

  • @greaterishe7197
    @greaterishe71975 жыл бұрын

    People CAN change IF they CHOOSE to💓

  • @TYNOMITE2733
    @TYNOMITE2733Ай бұрын

    Billy- I cried tears of JOY watching your passionate light and hearing your story. Self Forgiveness & LOVE is The Master KEY…🩵🙏🏾 May you continue to BE the Most Wonderful YOU! Infinite Thxx for your inspiration! -T🫶🏽

  • @somebody401
    @somebody4012 жыл бұрын

    “Death isn’t the greatest tragedy in life, the greatest tragedy in life, what dies in us while we still alive”. It’s as you’re holding your cadaver on your shoulders that no one can see it except you. You’re drowning in yourself… in a sea of questions, guilt and bitterness….. Thank you for sharing. It’s so hard.. the most challenging thing ever is to try to revive what already died inside us. But I'll keep trying.

  • @JudionSmith
    @JudionSmith Жыл бұрын

    The breath that we are still breathing is a sign of hope, but we keep holding on to what was as if it can be undone. Yes, we are guilty of whatever chaos we caused but it cannot be undone. We cannot live our whole in regret. There is a future version of us to experience. It is time we let the shame go. Don't let shame cripple you and and hold you hostage. Forgive your past self and give your future self a chance. We are becoming. We are not a finished product. Take the lessons forward and let's go. With love.x

  • @77Creation

    @77Creation

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you. 🙏🏽

  • @TheHaratashi
    @TheHaratashi4 жыл бұрын

    A speech with street flavor, yet brilliantly delivered. I wonder if he realizes just how great of a speaker he actually is.

  • @daithiocinnsealach3173
    @daithiocinnsealach31735 жыл бұрын

    This describes the last four years of my life. Different circumstances. Same feelings. Great message. Keep going brother.

  • @nickandchrismom

    @nickandchrismom

    5 жыл бұрын

    Amen, forgiveness is they key.

  • @haleighspeaks2115
    @haleighspeaks21155 жыл бұрын

    I was teary-eyed through the entire speech, but the sobs just FLOWED when I saw his standing ovation. I hope he feels the true power and inspiration that he deserves to feel for what he has learned and shared with this journey. I hope that standing ovation, these comments, and the many beautiful effects he likely sees in his life as a result of those changes impact him and show him how incredible and powerful he is. I hope he is so proud of himself for how worthy he is and how far he's come. I LOVED THIS TALK.

  • @ljj2779
    @ljj27793 жыл бұрын

    I needed this video. I am struggling with self forgiveness and this made me feel better.

  • @joisea9509
    @joisea95096 жыл бұрын

    Amazing Talk. I need to work on my own self-forgiveness. This really is helpful.

  • @marianantonettepereyra6665
    @marianantonettepereyra66652 жыл бұрын

    I don't know how to forgive myself, before pandemic I didn't respect myself and now that I got a boyfriend all sinks in and I'm drowning. I wish I can turn back the time and never did those things. I'm so ashamed.

  • @EveKreatorr

    @EveKreatorr

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hello, if you wish to talk with someone about the past, i'll be here, and maybe we can help eachother forgive ourselves

  • @barrypeterson6725

    @barrypeterson6725

    2 жыл бұрын

    God will absolutely forgive you..just open your heart and reach out. Blessings.

  • @conniegaby6275
    @conniegaby62752 ай бұрын

    🙏 you continue always to follow your key helper. God Thank you for witnessing.

  • @legalservices8856
    @legalservices88566 жыл бұрын

    Wow what a great talk! Thank you brother and wish you the best and much love in your life!! There is a huge need for positive male role models and father figures in our culture; both for boys and girls who don't have that~ sounds like you found a way to give back and it is healing.

  • @cheyennehernandez369
    @cheyennehernandez3695 жыл бұрын

    That was so beautiful. I am so happy for you that you found self-forgiveness. I was feeling sad about something I did in the past and it was pulling me down, but after seeing your talk I feel better. Thank you for sharing. Much love!

  • @lilnarm_smoothblaze
    @lilnarm_smoothblaze7 ай бұрын

    I’m happy for you brotha, I really am

  • @Onialove_
    @Onialove_2 жыл бұрын

    “Never look down on anyone unless you’re helping them up”

  • @robertapascal6962
    @robertapascal69623 жыл бұрын

    If he can forgive himself, I can forgive my 10 year old self for saying a really mean thing to a friend.

  • @stayclean7136
    @stayclean7136 Жыл бұрын

    Be Clean Stay Clean ❣

  • @monesma6950
    @monesma69506 жыл бұрын

    Wow! This really touch me. For a change is a great idea to listen to people that are not the typical divas.

  • @morningandafternoonsun
    @morningandafternoonsun7 ай бұрын

    These are the type of people who deserve a second chance.

  • @MaryJaneHancock
    @MaryJaneHancock4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for posting!!

  • @Wash894_
    @Wash894_3 жыл бұрын

    Wow. Much respect to this man

  • @fallonrios9540
    @fallonrios95406 жыл бұрын

    Beautifully said.

  • @joycethompson7179
    @joycethompson71793 жыл бұрын

    I’m in awe! Thank you for sharing your story. I’m very touched and inspired.

  • @restoredtoroyalty7960
    @restoredtoroyalty79603 жыл бұрын

    This Is a BLESSINGS God Is Amazing I am so Proud of You Man Of GOD! I was searching for a Video on Self FORGIVENESS and came across this Video Thank You so much for sharing your LIFE With the World. I Pray that you continue Give Yourself God! Blessings To You

  • @jmeditation
    @jmeditation4 жыл бұрын

    Beautifully spoken, wise words. Change is possible.

  • @GeekChicForever21
    @GeekChicForever213 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Billy.

  • @NopeNotToday26
    @NopeNotToday262 жыл бұрын

    I'm in tears right now. I never could grasp the concept of hurting people hurt other people...until now. I still got a long way to go, but this gave me hope man.

  • @ylmonkeyU2
    @ylmonkeyU24 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your story, deeply moving.

  • @jamescason4569
    @jamescason45696 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your story Billy!

  • @mczensun8610
    @mczensun86103 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your story Man

  • @Woundedhealer_
    @Woundedhealer_2 жыл бұрын

    Such a powerful message.

  • @Lakena2552
    @Lakena25526 жыл бұрын

    So amazing!

  • @IndyColts30
    @IndyColts303 жыл бұрын

    Great message. I needed to see this. Thanks for sharing your story

  • @mamtat7206
    @mamtat72063 жыл бұрын

    Such a wonderful speech. All the best to him.

  • @gtneal
    @gtneal4 жыл бұрын

    Amazing courage to tell a crowd of strangers this turbulent story. Good luck to the man.

  • @SHGames97
    @SHGames973 жыл бұрын

    You were exactly what I needed. Thank you.

  • @jjeennnnnn
    @jjeennnnnn6 жыл бұрын

    Love this!!! Thank you for this speech.

  • @fugurally
    @fugurally5 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. You touch the hearts and lives of so many.

  • @Vcb619
    @Vcb6194 жыл бұрын

    Empowering...Very well said...

  • @joanb12765
    @joanb127655 жыл бұрын

    Thank you because this is inspiring

  • @petersthriftstore8869
    @petersthriftstore88693 жыл бұрын

    Beautiful!

  • @mississippiboii1783
    @mississippiboii17839 ай бұрын

    I really needed to hear this

  • @missoopz6540
    @missoopz65402 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much.

  • @HolisticSoul123
    @HolisticSoul1232 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Billy Johnson x

  • @franciscobatres7991
    @franciscobatres79912 жыл бұрын

    Very powerful. I've listened to tgis many times and it still moves me.

  • @pauln8815
    @pauln88155 жыл бұрын

    Wow - thank you brother - very inspiring-

  • @cloo2937
    @cloo29374 жыл бұрын

    Great story bro. U are a positive role model for everyone who hasn't forgiving are selves.

  • @ethnow1562
    @ethnow15623 жыл бұрын

    Amen to what he said ♥️

  • @odizaii1700
    @odizaii17003 жыл бұрын

    God bless this guy

  • @michaelsager5688
    @michaelsager5688 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your heartfelt and inspiring talk!

  • @rashadadawan2126
    @rashadadawan2126 Жыл бұрын

    Wow. So powerful! Thank you for your story and for forgiving.

  • @emilygrace5397
    @emilygrace53978 ай бұрын

    I admire this man’s courage, I’m sure this is helping so many others

  • @2OfficialFON
    @2OfficialFON Жыл бұрын

    Beautiful message.

  • @AlizeRocha
    @AlizeRocha2 жыл бұрын

    God bless you!😭🥺

  • @druryzymo8195
    @druryzymo8195 Жыл бұрын

    Great message, much respect 🙏 👏

  • @MW-eb6uf
    @MW-eb6uf5 жыл бұрын

    This made me cry! THIS IS EXCELLENT !!!!!

  • @karimabridges8537
    @karimabridges85372 жыл бұрын

    Wow, just wow! God Bless you 🙏🏽

  • @shannonfountain7172
    @shannonfountain7172 Жыл бұрын

    This is so inspiring to me.. bless this man for opening up to the world❤

  • @alicelee8172
    @alicelee81725 жыл бұрын

    Exactly what I needed to hear today and everyday. Thank you Mr. Billy Johnson

  • @jamesgoh3719
    @jamesgoh37193 жыл бұрын

    thank you for the talk brother. learning to forgive others starts with you first

  • @milutinvideo
    @milutinvideo3 жыл бұрын

    God bless him...

  • @Add_Account485
    @Add_Account4859 ай бұрын

    " The greatest tragedy in life is what does in us while we are still alive " .. WOW!

  • @michaelbrooks3228
    @michaelbrooks32282 жыл бұрын

    Very Touching story!

  • @davos_b
    @davos_b6 жыл бұрын

    great speech!

  • @linnlunder9696
    @linnlunder96962 жыл бұрын

    Amazing speech. Thank you for sharing your experience.

  • @angelamossucco2190
    @angelamossucco2190 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for sharing your story and advice to us all. Vulnerability is so difficult. We have different stories different lives very different mistakes but what you shared about the greatest tragedy is universal.

  • @FuelingCuriosity
    @FuelingCuriosity3 жыл бұрын

    what a story!! it would be a very inspiring movie about what a man can endure. amazing!

  • @nigolt.4345
    @nigolt.43456 жыл бұрын

    So very very brilliant!!!! Just brilliant.

  • @brittanyb5942
    @brittanyb59422 жыл бұрын

    Wow! Powerful testimony!!

  • @nikkinikkis1122
    @nikkinikkis11226 жыл бұрын

    My brother Billy great speech😘 see u one day again

  • @graceandmarvellouswonders6249
    @graceandmarvellouswonders6249 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you, you are inspiring millions in the right direction. ✌🏾

  • @austintarantino322
    @austintarantino322 Жыл бұрын

    This is incredible.

  • @user-lw3ri8us4w
    @user-lw3ri8us4w2 жыл бұрын

    bless you dear billy

  • @caitlinlafferty
    @caitlinlafferty4 жыл бұрын

    Different circumstances but the feelings are the same...Such a powerful speech that hopefully can continue to help others struggling with their own pain.

  • @wontaeklim9580
    @wontaeklim95802 жыл бұрын

    Billy Johnson, thanks for sharing your painful and inspiring story. God bless you.

  • @missfirenice1421
    @missfirenice14215 жыл бұрын

    That was BEAUTIFUL!!!

  • @VJNIKS
    @VJNIKS2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you man !!!

  • @ThePhoenix937
    @ThePhoenix9372 жыл бұрын

    Wow! That was really powerful and something i really needed to hear during my time of darkness with...fear, guilt and sadness. Thank you for your inspiring words!

  • @zackmaxwell5084
    @zackmaxwell50844 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for your courage and strength to be positive and share your wisdom with us. God bless

  • @JessicaGarcia-hc9xv
    @JessicaGarcia-hc9xv2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @CindyManit
    @CindyManit6 жыл бұрын

    wow......... I'm kind of speechless....

  • @karla8662
    @karla86622 жыл бұрын

    This was a great speech, I understood him being nervous in front of the crowd and probably was something different for him. Awesome job! I was teary eyed at the beginning and the end they started flowing too, when he received the standing ovation and I saw some other inmates there for support also ❤️

  • @jemicabond3916
    @jemicabond39162 жыл бұрын

    So emotional great job brother

  • @fvckoff4ever561
    @fvckoff4ever5616 ай бұрын

    God bless this man

  • @matthewbrown7806
    @matthewbrown78066 жыл бұрын

    that's right homie, very good speech

  • @yootoob1001001
    @yootoob10010015 жыл бұрын

    Many thanks to Mr. Johnson for a great talk. 💚

  • @kirkb2286
    @kirkb22862 жыл бұрын

    Awesome on every level.❤️

  • @amyhohman6592
    @amyhohman65922 жыл бұрын

    God bless you. 👃

  • @nickandchrismom
    @nickandchrismom5 жыл бұрын

    Impactful talk and honestly God bless him 😍

  • @jenebyrd2011
    @jenebyrd20115 жыл бұрын

    great motivational speaker!!!

  • @paulward4395
    @paulward43954 жыл бұрын

    Amen brother

  • @shoshannafachima1306
    @shoshannafachima1306 Жыл бұрын

    Bravo,that was a fabulous talk

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