036: Overcoming Hardship and Building A New Life with Running and Photography - Joe Greer
Oct 23, 2023
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Renowned photographer and 2:36 marathoner Joe Greer shares his complex background and lessons on finding forgiveness, cultivating relationships, and how photography and running influence his outlook. They also discuss the transformative power of fatherhood and the importance of curiosity in pursuing passions.
Forgiving others and letting go of resentment can lead to a sense of lightness and freedom.
The speaker's strong spiritual foundation played a crucial role in his approach to forgiveness.
Establishing personal boundaries is essential in the forgiveness process to protect one's well-being and prioritize healthy connections.
Intentionally directing energy towards positive aspects of life, such as relationships and personal growth, can bring peace and fulfillment.
Deep dives
The Power of Forgiveness and Freedom
Forgiving others and letting go of resentment can lead to a sense of lightness and freedom. The speaker shares his personal journey of forgiveness, starting with his parents who allegedly misused the money he was supposed to receive from a settlement. Despite the betrayal, he chose to forgive them, understanding that holding onto anger and seeking revenge would only perpetuate the cycle of greed. This decision brought him a sense of peace and allowed him to focus on his own growth and well-being.
Finding Forgiveness through Spiritual Foundation
The speaker's strong spiritual foundation played a crucial role in his approach to forgiveness. Being a student of the Bible and studying the life and teachings of Jesus, he recognized the essence and significance of forgiveness in the Christian faith. This understanding led him to extend forgiveness to his parents, even in the absence of an apology or acknowledgement of their actions. He believed that forgiveness was an opportunity for them to encounter the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and reconsider their actions.
Exploring Forgiveness Within Personal Boundaries
While forgiveness was a central aspect of the speaker's journey, he also acknowledged the importance of personal boundaries. Forgiveness did not equate to re-establishing close relationships or continuously investing energy into toxic dynamics. Instead, he chose to create distance and set boundaries to protect his own well-being and focus on healthy connections and personal growth. By forgiving and establishing boundaries, the speaker experienced a sense of liberation and freedom from the weight of resentment.
Investing Energy Intentionally
The speaker emphasized the significance of intentionally investing energy and choosing where to direct one's focus. Rather than exhausting energy seeking revenge or answers from those who caused harm, he decided to prioritize his time and energy on positive aspects of his life, such as his relationships, personal endeavors, and spiritual growth. This intentional approach allowed him to find peace and move forward in a healthier and more fulfilling way.
The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a complex and individual process that depends on the situation and the person. Some people are passionate about revenge, while others prioritize reconciliation or cutting people out of their lives. Forgiveness can bring a sense of freedom and healing, but the approach varies based on personality and circumstances.
The Role of Light in Photography and Life
Light plays a significant role in both photography and life. In photography, capturing the right light is essential, and a photograph cannot be created without it. Similarly, in life, being a light in a dark and noisy world can bring about positive change and impact others. Embracing the concept of being a light in darkness can lead to personal growth and contribute to changing behaviors and thoughts.
The Journey of Becoming a Photographer
The journey of becoming a photographer can start unexpectedly, as in the case of the podcast speaker, who began taking photos with an iPhone out of curiosity and the desire to share images on social media. Gradually, the passion for photography grew, leading to the exploration of landscapes and various photography trends. Working at a photography company, attending art school, and embracing film photography further shaped the speaker's love for the craft. This journey involved learning, unlearning toxic practices, and finding one's style while constantly growing as a photographer.
Today I'm sitting down with renowned photographer and 2:36 marathoner Joe Greer. Joe has dedicated his career to capturing life in its purest form, and his ability to communicate his complex experiences through photos is breathtaking. Joe tragically lost his mother at a young age, creating a life of trials and hardship but also one of courage and overcoming, bringing so much wisdom that he openly shares with us today.
We unpack Joe's complex background and reveal lessons on finding forgiveness, cultivating deep relationships, and how his passions for photography and running influence how he views the world. We also dive into how fatherhood is affecting our ambitions and perspectives on what we value most. Enjoy the episode!
