Living On The Other Side - Jason Holzer

Today I had the pleasure of speaking with the military, and program manager at Veritiv Corporation, Eric Owens.

Let’s dive into Eric’s story of how important acceptance is in your process of healing.

Things you will learn in this episode:

[00:01 – 04:14] Opening Segment

• Eric talks about his background
  • Went to West Point Academy
  • Served in the military
  • Now works in corporate America

[04:15 – 27:23] Dealing with Trauma and Grief

• Growing up, were you taught how to deal with trauma and grief?
  • Eric talks about what it was like growing up in their household
• Learning coping skills from his parents
• Eric talks about all the trauma and grief he had to deal with
  • Shares stories from his deployments.
• Quick shoutout to our Facebook Page
• Accepting that something is wrong with him psychologically.

[27:24 – 36:15] Taking Some Time Off

• I reflect on Eric’s story and share some of the relatable experiences I had
• Eric weighs in on experiencing things on the battlefield that you were not taught how to deal with
  • We just had to keep going

[36:16 – 43:15] Coping with Trauma and Grief

• What coping skills or techniques did you learn and use, both healthy and unhealthy?
  • Eric shares how he coped with his trauma and grief
• What caused you to correct your destructive behaviors?
• Eric shares advice on how you can deal with your trauma and grief or help someone.
• Seeking professional help, did it matter what their background was?
  • “No. I didn’t really care what they look like.”

[43:16 - 50:06] Closing Segment

• What advice would you give your younger self or someone going through the same things you did?
  • “You don’t have to try to pick up the whole world and carry it yourself.”
  • “Have somebody you can talk to.”
  • “Do something that is positive.”
• Eric shares some resources that helped him in his journey
  • Veterans Affairs Centers
• Final words of encouragement from Eric

Tweetable Quotes:

“As long as you are doing the right thing, you can’t go wrong.” – Greg Washington

“If you allow yourself to be vulnerable and let people help you identify the problems that are going on. That’s the only path to anything getting better and finding a resolution for the long term. You can always solve things in the short term, but if you truly let yourself be vulnerable and be honest to others about the problems that you’re having, things will start to get better.” – Eric Owens

You can connect with Eric online, follow him on LinkedIn.

LEAVE A REVIEW + help someone who wants to explode their business growth by sharing this episode or click here to listen to our previous episodes. Support our show, follow us on Facebook.

Guards Down Create a safe, culturally aware community for people of diverse backgrounds to find resources and support about living with PTSD and complicated grief. Many of us have dealt with it. Some are doing better than others. Let's share stories. Let's share tips and techniques that have helped. Let's inspire. Let's join together and help each other. Visit our Facebook Page to learn more.

Support the show