Sunday Stories: A conversation with L&F board member Nick Maddock
Back To AllQ: Lost&Found’s mission is based on resilience. What does the word “resilience” mean to you?
A: To me, resilience is the ability to not only overcome the difficult obstacles in your life, but have built the appropriate mindset to grow from them as well.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.4.2″ column_structure=”2_3,1_3″][et_pb_column _builder_version=”4.4.2″ type=”2_3″][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.4.2″ hover_enabled=”0″]Q: If you’re willing to share, could you tell us about your mental health journey or connection with suicide?
A: My journey began 5 years ago when I lost my Dad to suicide. I was 2,000 miles away, all alone, in the jungle of Costa Rica when I got the call. Looking back at that experience, it was undoubtedly one of the most difficult times of my life, but also a time in which I experienced the most personal growth of my life. That event has made me a more empathetic person and sparked my passion to improve mental health and reduce suicide nationwide. (June 7) also just so happens to be my Dads 61’st Birthday. Happy Birthday, Dad 🙂
Q: If you could be like anyone else in the world, who would you want to be more like?
A: If I could be more like anyone in the world, it would probably be my friend Amber Crossen. Amber is an individual who just simply has a heart of gold. She is passionate, driven, caring, and wants to create change throughout the world. And she will. I don’t think we need to strive to be more like folks who are famous to noteworthy, I think we can find the true beauty and sincerely of people even within our closest circles.
Q: What issue in the world is most important to you right now?
A: Suicide prevention has actually taken the forefront at the moment. Given the recent events with COVID-19, it is more important than ever to be there for one another and ensure that individuals across the country have the resources and help they need to stay resilient.
Q: What’s something that brings joy and happiness? Can be simple or complex! Please send a picture of what brings you joy.
A: Meeting and talking to people who have entirely different life perspectives as me. In the past few years, I have traveled to almost 70 countries. In doing so, I have met individuals from all walks of life. I have heard their stories, been welcomed into their homes, and so much more. It has helped paint this picture in my mind of what commonalities we all share as citizens of the world. We all laugh, we all love, and we all start out inherently good.
Q: Why do you support Lost&Found?
A: I support Lost&Found because I want to see suicide eliminated from the face of this Earth. In the meantime, I want to do my part to help others have the same reflective and growth experience that I had when I lost my Dad 5 years ago.
Q: What is something you want individuals to know who are looking for help with their mental health?
A: They are not alone. There is an army of people out there throughout hundreds of different organizations who stand ready to help you, as they have helped countless others.
Q: Share a favorite affirmation or quote.
A: Be the change you want to see in the world. In times like these, it’s important that we are not only being vocal about initiatives we support, but utilizing our time, energy, and effort to further these causes.
Q: What are you doing to improve the mental health of yourself or others?
A: For me, a healthy body leads to a healthy mind. My mental health always improves when I am in the gym, focusing on my health and wellness. Therefore, I make that a priority each and every day.
