Turning Tragedy Into Purpose With Jeff Johnston
After losing both his son and wife, Jeff Johnston, founder of Brightn, transformed unimaginable pain into a mission to help others heal.
In this powerful conversation, Jeff and I explore the intersection of mental wellness, resilience, and purpose, diving into what it means to truly flourish as a human being. Jeff opens up about his journey through grief, addiction, and self-discovery, sharing how empathy, mindfulness, and love became his compass through loss. Together, we discuss the need to rethink mental health—moving beyond stigma toward a vision of human flourishing that values health, wealth, and purpose as essential “human asset classes.”
The episode also introduces Brightn, Jeff’s new app empowering users with AI-driven tools for mental wellness, and explores the challenges and possibilities of technology’s role in emotional healing. A story of hope, healing, and choosing love over despair, this conversation reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we can create light for others.
Takeaways
- I am the path, building it stone by stone.
- Grief can feel like a mental wellness workout.
- Navigating heavy days requires realistic expectations.
- The importance of being present in the moment.
- Finding meaning in suffering is a personal journey.
- Empathy can lead to healing and understanding.
-The system often fails those in need of help.
- Choosing love and hope over despair is a conscious decision.
- Alcoholism can mask deeper issues of grief and trauma.
- Creating change starts with personal experiences. Investing in human asset classes is crucial for personal growth.
- The term 'mental wellness' is evolving towards 'human flourishing'.
- Normalizing mental health discussions can reduce stigma.
- Personal experiences with loss can lead to profound insights.
- Mindfulness helps in appreciating the present moment.
- The Brighton app aims to provide preventative mental health resources.
- AI can enhance mental health support but must be used responsibly.
- Building a business from passion can lead to meaningful impact.
- It's important to acknowledge and accept destructive thoughts.
- Resilience is key; surviving past challenges prepares us for future ones.
