Hi! I’m Chris. Welcome to the Rock Bottom Rising community, and thank you so much for being here. I’m truly glad you’ve joined us. My hope is that by sharing my experiences, the stories of others, and the tools and resources that have helped me, I can offer support and guidance during your time of need.

Table of Contents

• From Ashes to Awesome: Crafting a Spectacular Life …

• Resource Spotlight

• Community Spotlight

• Weekly Inspiration

• Crisis Resources

• Next Week

• Mental Break

• Last Word

The Phoenix Principle

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. One moment, you're cruising along your carefully plotted life path, and the next, you're standing amidst the smoldering ruins of your plans. But here's the secret that successful people know: it's not about avoiding the fire—it's about how you rise from the ashes.

I know this all too well. I once considered myself "successful" or as successful as you can be in the lower middle class. I owned a home in the suburbs, drove a brand-new car, and had an 800 credit score. I had multiple sources of income, a thriving DJ business, and even my own radio show. Life was good. But then, life happened. A few years later, I found myself with a broken marriage, living in my aunt's basement. I was unemployed, broke, and utterly broken. My credit tanked, and so did my mental health. Crippling depression left me unable to function in society.

Today, I’m doing much better—but it’s still a work in progress. And that’s okay. The important part is that I’ve started to rise from the ashes. And you can too.

Embracing the Plot Twist

When life veers off script, it's natural to feel lost, angry, or defeated. These emotions are valid, but they don't have to be your final destination. Instead, think of this unexpected turn as the exciting plot twist in your personal blockbuster movie. It's the moment where the hero (that's you) faces their greatest challenge and emerges stronger than ever.

During my lowest moments, it was hard to see the plot twist as anything but the end of the story. I’d gone from hosting events and running a successful business to barely getting out of bed. But looking back, I realize that this chapter was setting the stage for my comeback. The broken pieces of my life weren’t garbage—they were building blocks for something new.

The Art of Reinvention

Crafting a spectacular Life 2.0 isn't about erasing your past or pretending the setback never happened. It's about taking the lessons, the growth, and yes, even the scars, and using them to build something even more magnificent. Think of it as adding depth and character to your story—like a vintage wine that only gets better with time.

For me, reinvention meant letting go of the idea that my worth was tied to my possessions or my career. It meant rediscovering who I was beyond the titles and accolades. I had to learn to embrace my scars and understand that they were proof of my resilience, not my failures.

Steps to Your Spectacular Sequel

Acknowledge the Loss

Before moving forward, take time to process what's happened. It's okay to grieve for the plans that didn't work out. I’ll admit, I spent a lot of nights staring at the ceiling, mourning the life I’d lost. The house, the car, the sense of stability—it all felt like it had slipped through my fingers. But allowing myself to feel that loss was the first step toward healing.

Take Inventory

Even in the midst of setbacks, you've gained valuable experiences, insights, and strengths. What did you learn about yourself? What hidden reserves of resilience, creativity, or courage did you discover? Write these down. These are your tools for the next chapter of your life.

When I looked back, I realized that my years as a DJ had taught me how to read a room, adapt to challenges, and connect with people. My experience running a business gave me problem-solving skills and an entrepreneurial spirit. Even my struggles with depression taught me empathy and the importance of mental health. These were the building blocks for my comeback.

Dream Bigger

When one door closes, another opens—but sometimes it’s a massive sliding glass door to a breathtaking view you never knew existed. Ask yourself: What would I do if I knew I couldn't fail? Let go of limiting beliefs and envision the life that feels thrilling, even if it scares you a little.

After losing everything, I realized I had a chance to start fresh. I asked myself what kind of life I truly wanted to build. For me, that meant focusing on connection and purpose—helping others through my story and creating a personal brand that highlights resilience and mental health awareness.

Start Small, Think Big

Big dreams can feel overwhelming, so break them down into bite-sized steps. Want to start a new career? Begin with research or a course. Want to transform your health? Commit to one small habit, like drinking more water or a daily walk. Small wins build momentum, and momentum creates transformation.

When I started rebuilding my life, I began with the smallest steps: writing out a daily plan, applying for part-time jobs, and seeking therapy. Over time, those small actions added up to big changes.

Tools for Transformation

Now that we've outlined the basics, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of building your spectacular sequel. Here are some practical tools and mindset shifts to guide you:

• Adopt a Growth Mindset: See every challenge as an opportunity to learn. Replace “Why is this happening to me?” with “What is this teaching me?”

• Surround Yourself with Support: Build a network of people who inspire and uplift you. This could be friends, mentors, or even online communities.

• Celebrate Progress: Every step forward is a win, no matter how small. Reward yourself for showing up and doing the work.

• Stay Curious: Life 2.0 is about exploration. Try new hobbies, meet new people, and embrace experiences that push you out of your comfort zone.

The Power of Perspective

Remember, setbacks aren’t the end—they’re just the beginning of a new story. The ashes of your old plans fertilize the soil for something extraordinary to grow. Your spectacular Life 2.0 isn’t just a possibility; it’s your destiny, waiting to be written.

So, what will your sequel look like? Will it be bold, daring, and filled with joy? It’s your story to tell—make it unforgettable.

 -CP

What's your story?

Share your experience by emailing [email protected].

Your story can inspire others and remind them they're not alone.

Turning Pain into Strength: Lessons in Resilience

A wise man once said:

"Pain changes shape, but it never disappears. You can’t control what hurts or breaks you, but you can control how you choose to move forward. Fight for what you love, because no one else will do it for you. Every moment in your life is an opportunity to change who you are. Don’t define yourself by what you lost, but by what you do with what’s left."

These words resonate deeply, capturing the essence of resilience and the transformative power of adversity. They remind us that pain is inevitable, but our response to it defines who we are.

Think of it like the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold. The cracks are not hidden but highlighted, turning the once-shattered object into something more beautiful and unique. Our scars, like those golden seams, are not the end of our story—they’re a testament to our journey, proof of our strength, and a vital part of who we’ve become.

Pain doesn’t vanish, but it does evolve. It shapes us, challenges us, and ultimately gives us the chance to grow. Through the process of overcoming, we discover reserves of strength we didn’t know we had, and in doing so, we become stronger, more compassionate, and more radiant.

Life will break us at times—it’s unavoidable. But as this quote reminds us, we have the opportunity to decide how we move forward. We can choose to fight for what matters, to focus on what remains, and to transform our pain into something extraordinary.

So, when life leaves its marks, don’t hide them. Embrace your scars. They’re evidence of your resilience and a reminder that you are capable of incredible transformation.

-JR

This TEDx Talk by Glennon Doyle Melton, titled "Lessons from the Mental Hospital," explores the importance of vulnerability and authenticity. She shares her personal struggles with addiction and mental health, highlighting how societal pressures to conform and hide our true selves can lead to suffering. Glennon emphasizes the power of embracing our vulnerabilities and connecting with others on a deeper level. She encourages viewers to shed their "superhero capes" of perfectionism and pretense, and to instead embrace their true selves, flaws and all. This talk is a powerful reminder that true strength lies in vulnerability and authenticity.

To create a supportive community that provides hope, resources, and guidance for individuals recovering from life's lowest points, helping them rebuild and rediscover their strength through shared experiences and practical support.

Millions of people—of all ages and backgrounds, from all over the world—have experienced, are experiencing, or will experience hitting rock bottom at some point in their lives.

What does it mean to hit rock bottom? While some call it a midlife crisis, each person's experience is unique. It might be an overwhelming battle with depression or other mental health challenges. It might be severe financial hardship. It might be a marriage or relationship crumbling beyond repair. It might be an addiction that feels impossible to overcome. It may be the insurmountable grief from an unexpected loss. Often, it's a combination of these struggles.

Here’s what’s coming in next week’s newsletter.

• Why Self-Compassion is the Ultimate Superpower

Just chill.

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Thank you for making it this far—I truly appreciate it. I hope you found something valuable in what I shared. If you have feedback, suggestions, a story to share, or would like to contribute in any way, I’d love to hear from you! Feel free to reach out at [email protected].

Your support means the world to us and helps us grow and evolve. If you know a friend or loved one who might find this content valuable, please share this link: https://rockbottomrising.com/subscribe.

Until next time, keep rising.

-CP