Rediscovering Hope Through Self-Forgiveness | Billy Johnson | TEDxDonovanCorrectional

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Published 2017-06-30

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

All Comments (21)

@Somebody02594 4 years ago

What I learnt: prison only corrects those who are willing to be corrected. I admire this man’s courage. Thank you.
@DivineJesusPrayers 7 years ago

Wow... I am really touched... Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up... Epic!
@AngeloKevon 3 years ago

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.
@marvelaturraz5405 4 years ago

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.
@shannonwalker2270 4 years ago

If you can forgive yourself, than I can forgive myself. Thanks for the hope. Loved your story. God bless.
@megawatt3946 1 year ago

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.
@greaterishe7197 5 years ago

People CAN change IF they CHOOSE to💓
@brandonmorris1117 1 year ago

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.
@marciahale9766 6 years ago

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"
@somebody401 2 years ago

“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 5 years ago

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.
@TheHaratashi 5 years ago

A speech with street flavor, yet brilliantly delivered. I wonder if he realizes just how great of a speaker he actually is.
@JudionSmith 1 year ago

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
@ljj2779 3 years ago

I needed this video. I am struggling with self forgiveness and this made me feel better.
@daithiocinnsealach1982 5 years ago

This describes the last four years of my life. Different circumstances. Same feelings. Great message. Keep going brother.
@joisea9509 6 years ago

Amazing Talk. I need to work on my own self-forgiveness. This really is helpful.
@Onialove_ 2 years ago

“Never look down on anyone unless you’re helping them up”
@cheyennehernandez369 5 years ago

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 4 years ago

Amazing courage to tell a crowd of strangers this turbulent story. Good luck to the man.
@TYNOMITE2733 3 months ago

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🫶🏽