57: Chris Herren, Former Boston Celtic and Founder of The Herren Project - “Give yourself a chance.”

In this episode of Keep Moving Forward I interview former professional basketball player, recovering addict, and founder of The Herren Project, Chris Herren.

 

“Oftentimes we want to focus on the worst day when we need to focus on the first day.” Chris Herren, a man who almost died because of his substance abuse issues knows full well the importance of just focusing on that very first day. From the outside looking in, it seemed that he had it all. A professional basketball career playing for the illustrious Boston Celtics, a loving family...nothing could stop him. But to even function on a daily basis, Chris needed a combination of various drugs and alcohol. He justified that so long as he could play basketball, he was okay and that he had everything under control. But his lifestyle caught up with him in an earth shattering moment in 2008 where he almost lost his life, and he knew that he had to change for the sake of himself and the sake of his family.

 

Today, Chris is the founder of The Herren Project, aimed at providing assistance in taking the first steps toward recovery and a life of sobriety. The Herren Project offers resources including effective treatment, educational programs, and programs to increase awareness on the signs of addiction for the recovering addict as well as for their families. Through The Herren Project and his own experiences, Chris wants those trapped in their own battles to know it is okay to share their stories, and that there is always a way to make it right, so long as you give yourself a chance.

 

Speaking with Chris about his journey was an honor and I hope that you, too, are inspired by the incredible story of Chris Herren.

 

To learn more about him, you can visit http://www.theherrenproject.org/ and follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @ChrisHerren, @HerrenProject, @THPPurple, and @THPRuns. Furthermore, pick up a copy of his autobiography, Basketball Junkie, today, and watch the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary, Unguarded.

 

If you guys enjoy Keep Moving Forward and want to tell me so, I would love for you to leave me a review on iTunes. And if you really like my show and would like for me to give you a shout out at the beginning of my next episode, you can donate as little as $1 to my podcast and become a loyal patron at https://www.patreon.com/keepmovingforward.

 

Always remember, you can beat the odds and go the distance, if only you keep moving forward.