Episode 16: NHL Success, Addiction, and How to Let Go of an Identity that No Longer Serves You | Sheldon Souray
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What happens when the identity that brought you to the pinnacle of success no longer serves you?
One of my best friends and former NHL defenseman, Sheldon Souray has gone toe-to-toe with this exact demon. In this podcast he goes full kimono open to show us his innermost scars from his brutal battle with injury, addiction, and loss.
Sheldon was a force to be reckoned with on the ice. He was a protector. He would bury his own fear, pain, and trauma to make sure his teammates won. He would fight whoever he had to at the moment and would worry about the consequences later. At the time, “later” seemed off in a distant land and the rewards he was reaping were imminent. There were private planes, big contracts, beautiful women.
One day, Sheldon got injured. That injury proved to not only be fatal to his career, but it almost cost him his life.
Sheldon is honest and vulnerable as he shares his tale. It is one of addiction, reality show marriages, loss, and ultimately one of hope. Sheldon is a testament to a lot of the learnings shared on The Great Unlearn. His transformation has been difficult and I know his story will help many who face the same demons.
Please enjoy this powerful podcast with my brother Sheldon Souray.
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We Discuss:
3:40 - From a town of 300 to NHL All-Star
7:20 - “If I have a son, he is going to play hockey” - Sheldon’s Father
10:23 - Sheldon wanted to be a hockey player his entire life
14:07 - The role as the protector
17:56 - Drafted to the NHL at 17
27:19 - Career ending injury and addiction
34:03 - $21 Million contract
50:46 - The blessing of being bought out
57:19 - How does your career end?
1:01:07 - Losing your tribe
1:15:09 - Transitioning after a long career
1:22:32 - Slipping into addiction
1:34:20 - Reality TV Marriage
1:44:49 - “God has a crush on me”
1:56:25 - Realizing reality
2:07:35 - Every single day has work
2:14:00 - Reality isn’t all sunshine
2:21:45 - Love yourself first
2:25:42 - Act now, worry about the consequences later
2:41:22 - The path to healing is unique to the individual
2:47:35 - Gratitude for the whole process
2:49:00 - Feedback
Resources:
Sheldon’s NHL History - Sheldon Souray
Reality Show Wedding - WAGS' Barbie Blank & Hockey Player Sheldon Souray's Mexico Wedding
Connect with Sheldon Souray:
Twitter | Sheldon Souray @SSouray
Instagram | Sheldon Souray @SheldonSouray44
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