Finding Identity and Purpose After Leaving the Military with Garret Biss

The Mission After

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Today’s guest is Garret Biss, a retired Marine Corps Pilot, addiction recovery coach, and TEDx Speaker. After retiring in 2015, Garret faced anxiety, depression, and displacement, turning to alcohol until suicidal ideation spurred change. Mentoring helped him overcome addiction, rediscover his identity, and reignite his passion for life. He co-founded an addiction recovery residence, created a recovery program based on positive psychology, and developed ValiantPath™️, specifically for veterans. Garret will share his journey, work with veterans, and the role of coaching in mental health.

Summary

Garret Biss, a veteran and coach, shares his journey of personal development and helping other veterans reconnect with themselves. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the root causes of pain and addressing them, rather than relying on substances or behaviors as coping mechanisms. Garret highlights the difference between coaching and therapy, with coaching focusing on leveraging existing strengths to create positive outcomes. He also emphasizes the need for self-compassion and self-worth, as well as the importance of surrounding oneself with compassionate and supportive individuals. The conversation explores the challenges of transitioning out of the military and finding a new sense of purpose. The transition from military service can be traumatic, as veterans lose the connection, positive identity, and sense of meaning that the military provided. Many veterans struggle with mental health challenges, addiction, and a deflated self-worth. It is important to recognize the emotional, mental, and spiritual consequences of this transition and provide support to veterans. Personal development and self-improvement are crucial in rebuilding a better version of oneself and finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment in civilian life.

Takeaways

• Understanding the root causes of pain and addressing them is crucial for personal growth and healing.
• Coaching focuses on leveraging existing strengths to create positive outcomes, while therapy often focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health challenges.
• Self-compassion and self-worth are essential for personal growth and overcoming challenges.
• Surrounding oneself with compassionate and supportive individuals can greatly aid in the healing process.
• Transitioning out of the military can be challenging, and finding a new sense of purpose is important for veterans. The transition from military service can be traumatic, as veterans lose the connection, positive identity, and sense of meaning that the military provided.
• Many veterans struggle with mental health challenges, addiction, and a deflated self-worth.
• It is important to recognize the emotional, mental, and spiritual consequences of this transition and provide support to veterans.
• Personal development and self-improvement are crucial in rebuilding a better version of oneself and finding a sense of purpose and fulfillment in civilian life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
01:00 Garret's Work with Veterans
06:05 The Importance of Continuing the Journey of Recovery
08:10 Garret's Personal Journey and Purpose
11:30 Transitioning from the Military
13:56 The First Day Out of the Military
21:19 Taking Steps Towards Recovery
25:07 Pouring Ourselves into Work
28:02 The Importance of Personal Development
33:08 Garret's Experience with Addiction
36:20 The Importance of Support and Tools in Recovery
39:14 Recognizing Self-Worth and Moving Beyond Pain
41:12 Compassion and Self-Compassion in the Recovery Process
44:28 Moving from Toughness to Tenderness
47:34 Accepting Love and Developing Self-Love
52:37 Taking Ownership and Creating Meaning
01:01:35 The Challenges of Maintaining Sobriety and Mental Well-being
01:03:30 Supporting Veterans in Their Recovery Journey

Links

Website: https://garretbiss.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GarretBissFan/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garretbiss/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gbbiss/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thrivingrecovery