Rediscovering Hope Through Self-Forgiveness | Billy Johnson | TEDxDonovanCorrectional

[@Somebody02594]

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

[@DivineJesusPrayers]

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

[@jocosesonata]

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

[@TMGettingMoney]

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

[@AngeloKevon]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@brandonmorris1117]

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.

[@jamesashe6413]

Exactly 💯

[@marvelaturraz5405]

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]

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

[@megawatt3946]

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.

[@shannonwalker2270]

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

[@JudionSmith]

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]

Thank you. 🙏🏽

[@marciahale9766]

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"

[@daithiocinnsealach1982]

Man, those words cut deep.

[@haleighspeaks2115]

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.

[@Onialovee]

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

[@TheHaratashi]

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

[@ashleyashton9471]

Thank you Billy Johnson.

[@daithiocinnsealach1982]

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

[@nickandchrismom]

Amen, forgiveness is they key.

[@somebody401]

“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.

[@Add_Account485]

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

[@Catherine-i1u]

Just seeing this now after it was posted 7 yrs. ago. Thank You Holy Spirit for guiding me to Billy Johnson's honest and courageous speech about his journey. May it inspire me and all those who've come to see this in search of self-forgiveness to shine 'the truth, the way and the life' in Jesus' name, Amen

[@ljj2779]

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

[@joisea9509]

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

[@greaterishe7197]

People CAN change IF they CHOOSE to💓

[@sagenblade]

what an awesome story, thank you for sharing this so eloquently!

[@cheyennehernandez369]

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!

[@gtneal]

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

[@monesma6950]

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

[@nsantos953]

I will be sharing this video with my students/inmates that I teach remotely to give them a message of forgiveness to themselves because they're great men with an inner power of resilience

[@legalservices8856]

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.

[@staylor8883]

What courage through love looks like We must learn to love ourselves to find the courage to forgive ourselves

[@TYNOMITE2733]

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🫶🏽

[@restoredtoroyalty7960]

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

[@pollypierce352]

Awesome, my brother! Super proud of you!

[@Hope4Life26]

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.

[@jackvazquez-solis4840]

I agree. I always thought I was incapable of hurting someone else but unfortunately I did because I didn't love my self. I have a long way to go as well but I hope you're better and have peace !

[@austintarantino322]

This is incredible.

[@thelaughingeyes6686]

God bless this man

[@caitlinlafferty]

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

[@CindyManit]

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

[@alicelee8172]

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

[@emilygrace5397]

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

[@askariel.chicago2897]

I needed this today. I hope I can find this kind of faith one day

[@Brian_85683]

We will one day man, god bless

[@MegsCarpentry-lovedogs]

Mr. Billy Johnson! Your bravery, kindness and courage is inspirational. Tough lessons learned in your journey. You pointed out the power of how kindness from a few can change a persons life for the better good. The power of the "switch!" Thank you kind Sir from Atlantic Canada during the pandemic. You are doing fine work Sir Johnson!

[@yootoob1001001]

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

[@nikkinikkis1122]

My brother Billy great speech😘 see u one day again

[@madiebarbosa2020]

Wow. This touched me...

[@morningandafternoonsun]

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

[@angelmossucco]

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.

[@graceandmarvellouswonders6249]

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

[@MW-eb6uf]

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

[@fugurally]

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

[@conniegaby6275]

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

[@jamesgoh3719]

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

[@stayclean7136]

Be Clean Stay Clean ❣

[@Prodigious1One]

Wow, I'm sorry that he killed, but I'm grateful that he changed for the better.

[@missfirenice1421]

That was BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@shannonfountain7172]

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

[@ThePhoenix937]

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!

[@Cornerstoneworks]

I’m having trouble forgiving myself. I’ve destroyed two of my marriages. And burnt many bridges in my life. The unforgiving spirit can cause thoughts of self harm. Pray for me

[@wontaeklim9580]

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

[@marianantonettepereyra6665]

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]

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

[@barrypeterson6725]

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

[@nigolt.4345]

So very very brilliant!!!! Just brilliant.

[@nickandchrismom]

Impactful talk and honestly God bless him 😍

[@jamescason4569]

Thank you for sharing your story Billy!

[@karla8662]

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 ❤️

[@milutinvideo]

God bless him...

[@ElenaArranz-o9u]

Many many thanks, your story is a the story of a REAL HERO, incredible, such a difficult journey!! this is what i do really need right now, very different circumstances but unable to self-forgive me and go on. I was 3 days watching desespartly a tedX looking for something that allow me to FORGIVE mysel... and this video will me my amulet, you teaxhed me a lot with your words about my soul and my geart, right now. big hug Billy,

[@fallonrios9540]

Beautifully said.

[@BeOutstanding]

dig deep, help people save lives deeper meaning and deeper calling self forgiveness smile

[@brittanyb5942]

Wow! Powerful testimony!!

[@joycethompson7179]

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

[@GeekChicForever21]

Thank you Billy.

[@ShreyaJha0123]

This is the best I've heard in a while.

[@FrancisArjonPatiag]

iam really touch by this powerful story. thank you brother! keep going.🔥❤️

[@karimabridges8537]

Wow, just wow! God Bless you 🙏🏽

[@FuelingCuriosity]

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

[@jmeditation]

Beautifully spoken, wise words. Change is possible.

[@shoshannafachima1306]

Bravo,that was a fabulous talk

[@AlizeRocha]

God bless you!😭🥺

[@michaelsager5688]

Thank you for your heartfelt and inspiring talk!

[@2OfficialFON]

Beautiful message.

[@HolisticSoul123]

Thank you Billy Johnson x

[@ylmonkeyU2]

Thank you for sharing your story, deeply moving.

[@Wash894_]

Wow. Much respect to this man

[@cloo2937]

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

[@pauln8815]

Wow - thank you brother - very inspiring-

[@linnlunder9696]

Amazing speech. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@49ersfoldem]

I’m happy for you brotha, I really am

[@Lyfislit]

love his Tedtalk

[@franciscobatres7991]

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

[@mamtat7206]

Such a wonderful speech. All the best to him.

[@Woundedhealer_]

Such a powerful message.

[@odizaii1700]

God bless this guy

[@こなた-m1o]

bless you dear billy

[@mczensun8610]

Thank you for sharing your story Man

[@ethnow1562]

Amen to what he said ♥️

[@matthewbrown7806]

that's right homie, very good speech

[@SHGames97]

You were exactly what I needed. Thank you.

[@britecleansolutionsservice596]

I need to work on my self forgiveness on the wrong things I did thanks for your sharing

[@amyhohman6592]

God bless you. 👃

[@joanb12765]

Thank you because this is inspiring

[@paulward4395]

Amen brother

[@robertapascal6962]

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

[@missoopz6540]

Thank you so much.