Hey, Bob here!
Today, I’m bringing you the story of Brandon Reid.
A tale of strength, survival, and redemption that hit me hard.
On the surface, Brandon seemed to have it all:
A top hockey player living out his dream.
But beneath that image, he was battling demons that few knew about.
His story defines what it means to Get Comfortable Being Uncomfortable.
Brandon grew up in Montreal, immersed in hockey.
By the time he was nine, he was earning praise from legends like Mark Messier.
But behind his success on the ice was a childhood scarred by sexual abuse.
Between ages 12 and 14, Brandon experienced trauma that left him emotionally shattered.
Unable to process the pain, he turned to alcohol and drugs as a way to numb himself.
What started as an escape became an addiction that followed him through his career.
While his personal life unraveled, hockey was his sanctuary.
The rink was the one place where he felt in control, where the pain couldn’t reach him.
But as his career advanced, his addiction grew alongside it.
Brandon was caught between two worlds.
On the ice, he was the “small but mighty” player defying expectations.
Off the ice, he was spiraling deeper into substance abuse.
His addiction to drugs and alcohol became a way to silence his inner turmoil.
He tried rehab—both outpatient and inpatient—but nothing worked.
He was doing it for the wrong reasons, whether to save his career or please his family.
Real change didn’t come until he faced the truth:
He needed to fight for himself.
Brandon’s breaking point came when his addiction fully took over.
He hit a six-month binge, losing his job, relationships, and any sense of stability.
After a particularly destructive night, he woke up in a field under a tarp, drenched from the rain.
He had tried to end his life, mixing a cocktail of drugs and alcohol, believing there was no way out.
But fate had other plans.
That morning, something clicked.
Brandon realized he could no longer run from his pain.
He turned to therapy, recovery programs, and prayer.
This time, not just asking for a way out but for real guidance.
Day by day, he began rebuilding his life.
His recovery wasn’t just about sobriety—it was about healing.
Now, Brandon uses his story to help others battling the same demons.
Guiding them through their dark times.
Lessons from Brandon’s Journey:
1. You Can’t Outrun Pain—You Have to Face It
For years, Brandon tried to escape his trauma through addiction.
But it wasn’t until he confronted it head-on that real healing began.
2. Recovery is a Personal Choice
Brandon’s attempts at rehab failed because he wasn’t doing it for himself.
Real change only happens when you decide to fight for your own life.
3. Asking for Help is Strength, Not Weakness
In his darkest moment, Brandon realized he couldn’t do it alone.
Asking for help saved his life—and it can save yours, too.
4. Your Story Can Save Others
By sharing his story, Brandon has become a lifeline for others struggling with addiction.
There’s power in vulnerability.
Sharing your journey can help someone else find the courage to keep going.
Brandon’s story is a reminder that no matter how far you fall, there’s always a way back.
It’s not easy, but it’s possible.
So here’s my question: What battle are you ready to face?
Until next time,
Bob
