Finding your coping mechanism | Joseph Lewis | TEDxFoggyBottom

Summary

In a heartfelt narrative, a police officer recounts his journey from a traumatic childhood in Liberia to finding purpose in service. Facing separation, poverty, and civil war, he learned to cope with fear through the simple act of smiling, which transformed his interactions and fostered gratitude. His story illustrates the power of resilience and connection, encouraging others to embrace their experiences and discover their own coping mechanisms. Ultimately, he emphasizes that fear can drive individuals toward greater callings, inspiring hope and a deeper appreciation for humanity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker reflects on a transformative encounter with a young man named Lamar, who made assumptions about him based on appearance.
• 😀 His childhood in Liberia was marked by trauma, including parental separation and the impact of civil war.
• 😀 The speaker experienced significant hardships, including homelessness and the pressure to support his family at a young age.
• 😀 A pivotal moment occurred when someone encouraged him to smile, which he initially found strange but later embraced.
• 😀 Smiling became a coping mechanism that allowed him to confront fear and adversity positively.
• 😀 He learned to greet people and spread positivity through simple acts of smiling, fostering connections with others.
• 😀 His supervisor recognized his resilience and noted that he didn't complain in tough situations, further reinforcing the power of a positive attitude.
• 😀 Through his journey, the speaker discovered a deeper appreciation for humanity and the importance of gratitude.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that fear is a natural part of life and should not hinder one's goals.
• 😀 He encourages others to find their own coping mechanisms and suggests that fear can lead to greater purpose and calling.

Q & A

What significant life event did the speaker experience at age five?

The speaker experienced his parents' separation, which led his mother to move into a small house in a swampy area.

How did the speaker's childhood experiences affect his view of fear?

His childhood experiences, including living in fear of violence during the civil war and feeling ridicule at school, shaped his understanding of fear as a constant presence in life.

What traumatic event did the speaker witness involving his mother during the civil war?

He witnessed rebel forces taking his mother away multiple times, which deepened his fear and helplessness.

What coping mechanism did the speaker develop to deal with adversity?

The speaker developed a coping mechanism of smiling, which helped him confront fear and connect with others.

How did the act of smiling change the speaker's life?

Smiling led the speaker to engage with others positively, helping him build connections and embrace humanity, ultimately changing his outlook on life.

What role did the speaker's supervisor play in his journey?

The speaker's supervisor recognized his ability to cope with adversity through smiling, reinforcing the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.

What message does the speaker convey about fear?

The speaker conveys that while fear is a real and persistent challenge, it can be faced and embraced, leading to personal growth and a greater calling.

What is the speaker's perspective on humanity after his experiences?

After his experiences, the speaker developed a deep appreciation for humanity, viewing it as interconnected and essential to overcoming personal struggles.

Why did the speaker decide to become a police officer?

The speaker became a police officer to serve the community and embody the lessons learned from his past, particularly regarding resilience, compassion, and gratitude.

What does the speaker hope for others based on his story?

The speaker hopes others can find their own coping mechanisms and embrace fear, just as he did, to uncover their purpose and drive.