Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn Livingston.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Shawn Livingston, a combat veteran, battled heroin addiction after serving his country, as seen in the film “100 Miles to Redemption.” Now, he’s a symbol of hope and strength, excelling as an ultra-runner and in fitness. He hosts the “I Am Redemption” podcast, providing a platform for stories of triumph and fostering community. Shawn also inspires through motivational speaking, spreading the message of resilience and redemption. His journey proves that no matter how far one falls, they can always rise again.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
While training to deploy to Iraq, I experienced a back injury that would leave me with two herniated disks pinching my sciatic nerve. Severe pain would leave me in painkillers for multiple years. I would find myself addicted to opiates, which would eventually lead to heroin. Upon discharge from my military career, I was diagnosed with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and a host of others; my downward spiral would continue until I found myself serving two years in prison for heroin possession.
My sobriety date is April 18, 2017, and I had no idea the incredible recovery journey that lay ahead. Looking back at my past, the things I was most ashamed of have now become the things I am most proud to stand in front of people and say today! I now have a profound understanding that I had to go through everything I have to be who I am today, and I wouldn’t change that for anything. Another tremendous lesson I have learned is the importance of the people we choose to surround ourselves with. At the end of the day, it is a choice! I now surround myself with the best team of people possible. I want people around me at all times who cause me to raise my game, push me out of my comfort zone, and inspire me to continue to get better in whatever I do.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Motivational speaking utilizes my personal experience and journey with a message to help motivate and inspire others. I have a message that resonates and can touch any audience, as we all have lived unique experiences that have given us the ability to use that experience to help others.
The podcast’s focus is putting positivity into the world with stories of lived experiences of overcoming adversity and personal redemption.
I Am Redemption is a platform for everyone to share stories of redemption and triumph, fostering a sense of community and understanding among those who have faced similar struggles.â
our ethos emphasizes that “all it takes is a minute for something to happen, good or bad,” highlighting the power of pivotal moments in shaping our lives. Join us in celebrating the resilience and strength found in every story shared.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The qualities I’d say most important in doing everything I do are authenticity and the willingness to be vulnerable. It was when I began opening up and sharing my story that I realized the power of helping people. My willingness to open up, in turn, helped others to do the same. It gave people a safe place where they felt more comfortable and began to unburden themselves of so many experiences that have weighed them down throughout life. It gives power to individuals to not only confront these issues but to Bevin to process and heal. In this world, we have stigmas around issues because of our unwillingness to open up and talk sometimes, as if it’s a big dark secret, yet one that almost everyone carries. We don’t realize how commonplace these issues really are, such as addiction, alcoholism, and mental health. I’m willing to bet most anyone who reads this is related to or has someone close to them who experiences these issues. My goal is to share my story with as many people as possible in hopes that it helps others to begin to break those chains and open up!
Contact Info:
- Website: iamredemption.com
- Instagram: @iam.redemption @iam.shawnlivingston
- Facebook: @shawn.livingston.556
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@IAm.Redemption?si=ttqLaI64MckUkC1Q
Image Credits
Jason Martinez
Andrew Shebay
