One good breath deserves another

Posted byJohn EliPosted inBlog, videoTags:, , , , , ,

“One good breath deserves another,” the young man said as spoke into the microphone shaking nervously.

I couldn’t help but feel admiration for him. How does one stand up and make such a bold statement at the heals of your best friend ending his own life? Yet he spoke as eloquently as he could despite his pain. Little did he know that those words would echo in my mind for days to come.

I recently made a decision.  The decision is a bold response to an epidemic that is robbing this world of one person every 40 seconds. In the United States alone there are more than 129 suicide attempts each day*. Out of those who attempt suicide, men are 3.54 times more likely to succeed in their attempt. In fact, the rate is highest in middle-aged white men.

Although the statistics grieve me, I am not surprised by them. Society, as a whole, doesn’t provide much of a space for men to express their emotions freely. It is difficult to find places where men can share their struggles openly without being looked down upon. Many times, an expression of feelings is considered to be a sign of weakness and defeat.

Honestly, I’m tired. I’m tired of seeing men giving up. I’m tired of losing loved ones to darkness when there is so much light to be had. So, I’m changing things up a bit… In 2020, I’ll be creating a conversation that will empower men to build resilience in the face of adversity.  I’m starting a conversation that must be had…… and it is my hope and prayer that you would join me.

Stay tuned……

Unapologetically yours,

John Eli

* https://afsp.org/about-suicide/suicide-statistics/

Published by John Eli

I am a self-awareness coach (coach for humans), life strategist, blogger and speaker. I’ve spent over 21 years mentoring individuals in life skills, career transitions, relationships, and life recovery. My resume includes pastoral care, behavioral health, and higher education. From an early age, I realized that God created me to bring hope, healing and encouragement to others. I am currently living out my purpose by creating a space where people can rediscover and become all that they were created to be. I currently live in the beautiful state of Arizona with my wife, two dogs, and an antique piano whom I call, “Betty.”

12 thoughts on “One good breath deserves another”

      2. I was praying for this new direction you are going to begin yesterday, and was moved to tears. We just had another college student in our town take his own life. I am committing to praying for this and you every day. Bless you brother and I’m excited to see how God leads you in this conversation.

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  3. I am looking forward to seeing what you have to share in the coming months. You are right: We men can so easily find ourselves lost in the current culture. We need to learn how to live out our God-given identity as men without losing our unique individuality, while being able to find healthy ways to face our challenges.

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    1. Thank you. I appreciate your encouragement. I’ve spent this entire weekend receiving training to help me move forward with this. I’m excited to have you join me on this journey. Blessings.

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