S2-E13 | JD Faced Bullying And Rejection For Being An Albino yet Being Different Became His Strength
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"Growing up with albinism isn't easy. A lot of questions are asked... When I was very young in my childhood, doctors had basically told me that I would be completely blind by the age of eight or nine. They didn't think that I would even be alive at this point. I am now 34... it's an amazing story."
Summary
Born with albinism to Black parents, JD shares his journey through identity crisis, addiction, and mental health challenges that led him to multiple rock bottoms. Despite facing prejudice from both Black and White communities, surviving numerous suicide attempts, and battling severe addiction, he discovered his true strength lay in accepting his uniqueness.
Through raw honesty and vulnerability, this story shows how embracing our differences can become our greatest asset. His transformation from victim to victor proves that our deepest struggles often hide our greatest potential.
Where you can find JD
Website - https://deiszeilfitness.wixsite.com/coachshivers
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/javian-s-9b4540b7/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jd_shivers/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/30_daysstrong/
Takeaways
"Growing up with albinism isn't easy. A lot of questions are asked... When I was very young in my childhood, doctors had basically told me that I would be completely blind by the age of eight or nine. They didn't think that I would even be alive at this point. I am now 34... it's an amazing story."
Summary
Born with albinism to Black parents, JD shares his journey through identity crisis, addiction, and mental health challenges that led him to multiple rock bottoms. Despite facing prejudice from both Black and White communities, surviving numerous suicide attempts, and battling severe addiction, he discovered his true strength lay in accepting his uniqueness.
Through raw honesty and vulnerability, this story shows how embracing our differences can become our greatest asset. His transformation from victim to victor proves that our deepest struggles often hide our greatest potential.
Where you can find JD
Website - https://deiszeilfitness.wixsite.com/coachshivers
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/javian-s-9b4540b7/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jd_shivers/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/30_daysstrong/
Takeaways
- JD's early life was marked by challenges due to albinism.
- He struggled with substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
- College was a time of self-destruction and lost opportunities.
- A wake-up call came when he experienced jail time.
- Finding purpose in helping others became his mission.
- Acceptance of his past was crucial for his growth
Sound Bites
- "I just wanted to be normal."
- "Comparison is the thief of all joy. What's given for you is not meant for me."
- "You don't know what people carry with them unless you stop to ask."
- "Your reality becomes a bad dream. And I knew I would never have my childhood back."
- "We're all living, but very few of us are alive."
- "Acceptance is the foundation for growth, and when you do that, you allow yourself to open."
- "You are what you repeatedly do. Therefore, anything is not a choice, but a habit."
- "I had to stop being a victim. I had to give power back to myself."
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to JD's Journey
01:22 - Early Life and Challenges with Albinism
08:08 - The Turning Point: Loss of a Father
11:13 - Navigating Adolescence and Substance Abuse
20:24 - College Struggles and the Spiral Downward
26:58 - Confronting Consequences and Seeking Redemption
29:53 - Acceptance and the Path to Healing
33:21 - Struggles with Addiction and Darkness
40:16 - Turning Point: The Fight for Life
43:11 - Finding Purpose and Impacting Lives
46:26 - Addressing Deep-Seated Issues
52:55 - Embracing Uniqueness and Overcoming Challenges
01:02:07 - The Power of Acceptance and Growth
Creators and Guests
Host
Hamish Niven
Host of The Crucible Podcast 🎙 Guide & Mentor 💣 Challenging your Patterns Behaviours Stories
Guest
JD Shivers
I am a motivational life strategist and health accountability coach who specializes in guiding people through transformative self-discovery. Drawing from my experience as a college basketball trainer, I combine physical discipline with emotional and mental wellness strategies to help struggling individuals find their path to self-actualization. My holistic approach empowers clients to achieve sustainable growth and lasting positive change in all aspects of their lives.
