The Teacher, the Doctor, and the Therapist: Three Men Who Found Unique Ways to Serve Others
Every so often, someone comes along in this life who is special — dedicated to serving others and figuring out new and better ways to do so. Here are three such men who have dedicated their lives to helping others find a deeper purpose, motivation, and desire to succeed.
Dan Blanchard: From Underdog to Champion of the Underprivileged
At the crossroads of inner-city classrooms and the pages of bestselling books, you’ll find Dan Blanchard: an educator, author, and speaker with a relentless drive to inspire the underdogs of the world.
The Making of a Champion
A Connecticut native, Dan’s journey began in an abusive and dysfunctional home. However, he rose above the challenges of his youth and vowed to become an encouraging example and source of hope for those in similar situations. He dedicated himself to transformation, both physical and mental, from setting bench press records to becoming a two-time state wrestling champion.
As an adult, Dan realized that records and championships alone wouldn’t help him further his cause. He soon found himself in New Britain, Connecticut, teaching special education to inner-city students with challenging backgrounds.
Dan didn’t treat his job as just a job; he saw every class as an opportunity to inspire and nurture. Over the years, the many students who looked up to him as a role model encouraged him to share his story with a broader audience. After ten years of this encouragement, Dan wrote his first book in 2010. Today, he’s a prolific author of 38 books and a coveted TEDx speaker.
Overcoming Challenges to Build a Brand
Dan’s journey wasn’t without its challenges as he juggled multiple roles, from teaching to writing, leading the Connecticut Authors Association, and even becoming the president-elect of the National Speakers Association. Needless to say, he often found himself sleep-deprived, but his mission of championing the underdog never wavered.
The adversity and rough start that Dan faced as a child didn’t hold him back from his goals. The Army honed his discipline and determination, transforming him from a ‘C’ grade high school student to a college graduate with multiple degrees and certifications. Dan’s life is proof of his message: consistent effort can transform anyone.
The Road Ahead
This is just the beginning of Dan’s journey as his deep-seated desire to reach more people with his message drives him to make an even more significant impact on the world. “Figure out what you want to do and keep putting one foot in front of the other,” Dan says. “Through consistency and self-discipline, move toward something, and momentum will follow.
Follow Dan On LinkedIn for more information about his work.
Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks: A Lifetime Dedicated to Serving Soldiers and Veterans
Dr. Daniel Middlebrooks joined the US military as a physical therapist in 1987 but quickly discovered that his “true mission was beyond the physical; it was spiritual.” He recalls hearing the pastor of Westford Baptist Church preaching about surrender and feeling God’s call on his life. Now he serves as Founder and President of Heroes’ Heart in addition to heading up several first responder geared initiatives ranging from counseling, chaplaincy services, legal endeavors, and more. Her is the beginning of his remarkable journey.
Lending an Ear and a Hand
Dr. Middlebrooks’ dedication to soldiers extended beyond physical therapy. His work with PTSD sufferers stands as a testament to his deep empathy. One memory stands out to him: “A young man from the 101st walked into my office. Despite his initial reluctance to speak about God, our conversation took a spiritual turn. Weeks later, he smiled and said he was returning to church. Sometimes, we just need someone to listen, to understand. This was the impact that he was able to make thorugh over twenty years in the Army. “I wanted to give people hope…”
Legacy Beyond the Battlefield
After a successful career in the Army, Dr. Middlebrooks turned his attentions to other work. For many years he served, until tragedy struck he suffered from a major heart issue. Despite being sidelined for a few months, he didn’t let health challenges sway him from his mission.
Through initiatives like First Responders Church and Heroes Heart, he continued to serve the veterans and their families. He built his outreach on the foundations of strength, love, and community. He often says, “The hand of power is our community. Through unity, we find strength.”
Dr. Middlebrooks measures his success by the lives he’s touched. “In a society that doesn’t always appreciate our sacrifices, it’s crucial to remember that service is still a gift. And I’ve been blessed to offer and receive it.”
At the end of the day, his goal is simple. He wants to serve those that have given their life to serving others. Through service, understanding, and faith, he has illuminated many soldiers’, first responder’s, and veteran’s paths to show them that there are those that care immensely for them and what they do.
Follow Dr. Middlebrooks on LinkedIn for more information.
LJ Lumpkin: Bridging Sports, Trauma, and Coaching for Holistic Healing
Now more than ever, mental health is a crucial issue and discussion in our society. LJ Lumpkin is making positive changes in the mental health landscape through innovative therapeutic and coaching practices. Blending his diverse experiences as a DI athlete and seasoned mental health professional, Lumpkin has created a niche that addresses the mind, body, and spirit connection.
Originally from Salinas, CA, Lumpkin found solace and discipline in sports. For him, sports wasn’t just about competition; it was an emotional and psychological outlet. However, the end of his athletic journey brought forth unforeseen challenges. At just 22, he faced retirement from the sport that defined him, which led to grappling with depression and substance abuse. It was this personal battle and the influence of his coach, Danny Williams, that spurred his interest in psychology and ultimately began his life’s mission.
A Unique Blend of Therapy and Coaching
Lumpkin’s approach to therapy extends beyond the traditional approach of delving into one’s past to address traumas. He integrates coaching into his work, emphasizing the future and leveraging the ‘here and now.’ His unique ‘Psycho-Theory’ allows individuals to understand themselves beyond clinical labels, encouraging them to recognize and navigate the various seasons of their life.
Lumpkin recommends the book, “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk, which emphasizes how unprocessed emotions are stored in and remembered by our bodies. This concept is particularly relevant to athletes and first responders who often suppress their feelings. By first recognizing these stored emotions, Lumpkin’s clients can then address them and healing can become a holistic process.
Defining Success: It’s Personal
For his clients, success is about more than overcoming trauma. It’s about establishing an identity, setting rituals, and learning to control their emotional switches — knowing when to ‘turn it on’ and when to ‘turn it off’.
In his personal life, Lumpkin’s definition of success extends to incorporating indigenous practices and psychedelics. This, however, is approached with caution, emphasizing the right mindset, preparation, and integration. The use of psychedelics is not viewed as a cure but as a tool that, when combined with mindfulness and breathwork, can lead to profound healing.
In a world where many seek shortcuts to wellness, Lumpkin’s holistic approach — rooted in personal experience, academic knowledge, and a genuine passion for healing — offers a profound and effective path to true well-being. “If it feels right, reach out,” Lumpkin says. “If you’re ready to do the work, I’m ready to work with you. It’s not for the faint of heart; it takes time and energy.”
The Future is Bright and Expansive
Lumpkin isn’t satisfied with staying still; his vision for the future expands beyond where he is now. He aims to scale his practice, instill his unique therapeutic approach and coaching style to others, and promote his ‘Nomadic healing practices.’ Having written two books on his method, the world can expect more groundbreaking insights from this pioneer.
You can follow LJ Lumpkin for more information on LinkedIn.
