If you’ve never heard of James Donaldson, you should have. Not only is he an NBA All-Star, having played with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego / LA Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks and Utah Jazz, but he also operated The Donaldson Clinic in Seattle, providing physical therapy services. , for almost thirty years, and has been involved in Seattle politics.
But all his fame and fortune aside, Donaldson has recently had some severe struggles in his life. He has now written a new book Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy to raise awareness of mental health issues like depression and suicidal thoughts that can affect anyone in our hectic world and stressful. In recent years, Donaldson has experienced life-threatening health problems, a stressful divorce, the loss of his business and home due to bankruptcy, disagreements with former friends and colleagues, and ultimately close to suicide.
It’s understandable that Donaldson had a hard time coping with his world upside down. In this book, he shares his personal story as well as details on how many professional athletes struggle when their athletic careers end because they don’t always know how to manage their money, deal with the fame they had that has waned, or make the transition. in new careers. Anyone interested in the NBA and professional sports in general will find the book very revealing for those reasons.
But Donaldson is also writing for the average reader because he knows that everyone goes through difficult situations and could end up in his place. Not everyone can play professional basketball or measure 2.80 meters like James, but everyone can have financial problems, question their self-esteem, feel betrayed or simply have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning. Donaldson hopes that by sharing your story, you will provide reassurance and encouragement for others to get out of the mire or depression they are in and get the help they need.
Celebrating Your Gift of Life is divided into twenty-one chapters that not only highlight Donaldson’s story, but are packed with advice on how to overcome the tragedy. Topics include learning not to be a victim, finding a reason to live, developing a relationship with God or a Higher Power, maintaining agreements with yourself, resisting suicidal thoughts, and getting back on your feet after hitting rock bottom. Each chapter shares Donaldson’s personal experiences with the topic and provides practical advice for dealing with the situation.
Donaldson does not hold back any of the harsh truths of his situation, from acting needy with the professional athletic association staff he turned to for help to the details of his failed marriage and the loss of his business. His words are real and moving. He doesn’t wear masks and he doesn’t let stereotypes about how strong men should be keep him from being completely honest. For example, at one point he advises:
“Allow yourself to whimper like a baby. Allow yourself to fall asleep on a pillow soaked with tears. You will realize how much better you will feel after removing it from your system.”
“I was crying all the time when I was working my way back to my old self. I cried myself to sleep many times. Other times, I would pick up the phone and call someone who I knew cared about me and I was crying about everything. I also listened to other people who were going through similar things, and we cried together. I cried every time I heard the Teddy Pendergrass song “This Gift of Life.” It reminds me of how close I came to getting rid of this wonderful gift of life. I found crying is good for you. It helps ease the pain and you always feel better afterward. “
Each chapter also ends with reflection questions to help the reader think about their problems and find solutions to move forward with a positive attitude and a new faith in life and in themselves. For example, in the chapter “I am not a victim,” one of the exercises Donaldson offers is:
“Take some time to list everyone who is in some way to blame for your situation, including yourself. Then, next to your list, give percentage points to the share of the blame that is owed to each person. For example If he had a fight with mom, it could be 70% mom, me 30%. This will help you see your role in the situation and what you can change to improve it next time.
In the chapter “My fake marriage”, two of the questions / exercises offered are:
“Do you think it is true that people make plans but God’s plan overrides them? If so, when was that your experience and what did you learn from it?
“If you are struggling now, what would you ask God to do for you? Write your prayer below.”
Donaldson’s book also includes a foreword by Dr. Samuel Youssef, who treated him through his darkest moments and testifies to Donaldson’s difficult journey and the courage he displayed throughout it.
Ultimately, celebrating the gift of life is a celebration of the only life we can live and how to live it to the fullest. Just knowing that someone else has experienced the same pain can help tremendously. Donaldson’s book would be a wonderful gift for anyone who is struggling. It could change someone’s life, a gift that would be priceless.
