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

[@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.💯‼️👑

[@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.

[@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

[@shannonwalker2270]

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

[@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.

[@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"

[@daithiocinnsealach3173]

Man, those words cut deep.

[@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.

[@greaterishe7197]

People CAN change IF they CHOOSE to💓

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. 🙏🏽

[@TheHaratashi]

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

[@daithiocinnsealach3173]

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

[@nickandchrismom]

Amen, forgiveness is they key.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@monesma6950]

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

[@Onialove_]

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

[@NopeNotToday26]

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.

[@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.

[@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

[@Add_Account485]

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

[@robertapascal6962]

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

[@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.

[@fugurally]

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

[@stayclean7136]

Be Clean Stay Clean ❣

[@jamescason4569]

Thank you for sharing your story Billy!

[@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

[@alicelee8172]

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

[@MW-eb6uf]

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

[@yootoob1001001]

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

[@missfirenice1421]

That was BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@joycethompson7179]

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

[@emilygrace5397]

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

[@fallonrios9540]

Beautifully said.

[@wontaeklim9580]

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

[@CindyManit]

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

[@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!

[@zackmaxwell5084]

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

[@nigolt.4345]

So very very brilliant!!!! Just brilliant.

[@ylmonkeyU2]

Thank you for sharing your story, deeply moving.

[@nikkinikkis1122]

My brother Billy great speech😘 see u one day again

[@jmeditation]

Beautifully spoken, wise words. Change is possible.

[@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 ❤️

[@Wash894_]

Wow. Much respect to this man

[@GeekChicForever21]

Thank you Billy.

[@angelamossucco2190]

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.

[@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!

[@austintarantino322]

This is incredible.

[@jjeennnnnn]

Love this!!! Thank you for this speech.

[@jamesgoh3719]

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

[@nickandchrismom]

Impactful talk and honestly God bless him 😍

[@brittanyb5942]

Wow! Powerful testimony!!

[@staylor8883]

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

[@joanb12765]

Thank you because this is inspiring

[@Woundedhealer_]

Such a powerful message.

[@graceandmarvellouswonders6249]

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

[@fvckoff4ever561]

God bless this man

[@madiebarbosa2020]

Wow. This touched me...

[@pauln8815]

Wow - thank you brother - very inspiring-

[@mamtat7206]

Such a wonderful speech. All the best to him.

[@milutinvideo]

God bless him...

[@HolisticSoul123]

Thank you Billy Johnson x

[@shannonfountain7172]

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

[@Lakena2552]

So amazing!

[@ethnow1562]

Amen to what he said ♥️

[@FuelingCuriosity]

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

[@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

[@linnlunder9696]

Amazing speech. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@SHGames97]

You were exactly what I needed. Thank you.

[@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

[@karimabridges8537]

Wow, just wow! God Bless you 🙏🏽

[@mczensun8610]

Thank you for sharing your story Man

[@franciscobatres7991]

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

[@MaryJaneHancock]

Thank you for posting!!

[@cloo2937]

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

[@michaelsager5688]

Thank you for your heartfelt and inspiring talk!

[@odizaii1700]

God bless this guy

[@Vcb619]

Empowering...Very well said...

[@AlizeRocha]

God bless you!😭🥺

[@IndyColts30]

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

[@davos_b]

great speech!

[@missoopz6540]

Thank you so much.

[@rashadadawan2126]

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

[@user-lw3ri8us4w]

bless you dear billy

[@matthewbrown7806]

that's right homie, very good speech

[@michaelbrooks3228]

Very Touching story!

[@petersthriftstore8869]

Beautiful!

[@2OfficialFON]

Beautiful message.

[@shoshannafachima1306]

Bravo,that was a fabulous talk

[@VJNIKS]

Thank you man !!!

[@ShreyaJha0123]

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

[@druryzymo8195]

Great message, much respect 🙏 👏

[@paulward4395]

Amen brother

[@user-fl1zw4ul1w]

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,

[@conniegaby6275]

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