Super Soul Special: Paul Williams and Tracey Jackson: A Better You Through Trust and Gratitude
Jul 31, 2024
auto_awesome
Paul Williams, a songwriting legend known for classics like 'Evergreen,' shares his journey from addiction to true happiness. He's joined by Tracey Jackson, a writer and filmmaker focused on personal transformation. They discuss the power of gratitude and trust, revealing how six affirmations can help overcome fear-based habits. Their insights on embracing mistakes, fostering kindness, and the importance of community highlight the transformative potential inherent in personal struggles, emphasizing that we can change our lives at any moment.
Paul Williams emphasizes that recovery and connection to oneself are essential for finding true happiness after addiction.
The book 'Gratitude and Trust' presents six affirmations to encourage individuals to confront harmful behaviors and foster personal growth.
Deep dives
The Journey of Paul Williams
Paul Williams reflects on his illustrious career as a songwriter, having created hits for artists like Barbara Streisand and the Carpenters. Despite his success, he faced a significant challenge with substance abuse, which nearly derailed his life and career. It wasn't until hitting rock bottom that he found the inspiration for his new book, 'Gratitude and Trust,' which outlines his personal journey to sobriety. His experience demonstrates that true happiness comes from recovery and connection with oneself and others.
Exploring Recovery Beyond Addiction
Williams emphasizes that recovery principles can be beneficial to everyone, not just those with severe addictions. He and co-author Tracy Jackson argue that all individuals face some form of addiction or life-limiting behavior and could benefit from rigorous honesty and self-reflection. Their collaboration presents six affirmations designed to empower change in those stuck in harmful patterns. This inclusive approach encourages readers to recognize areas in their lives that require transformation, fostering a sense of communal support.
Empowerment Through Change
One key affirmation from the book asserts that acknowledging the need for change is a powerful first step towards improvement. By embracing the role of change in their lives, individuals can begin to alter their circumstances and relationships positively. Williams notes how this empowerment allows people to take control of their own narratives, emphasizing that change often comes from within. He shares that many can learn valuable lessons from their mistakes if they approach failures with humility and a willingness to grow.
Living with Gratitude and Trust
In their book, Williams and Jackson highlight the importance of gratitude and trust as foundational components of a fulfilling life. Gratitude fosters a positive outlook that diminishes fear, while trust connects individuals to a higher power greater than themselves. They argue that embracing these values enhances personal relationships and promotes emotional well-being. This philosophy encourages individuals to appreciate every aspect of life, including challenges, facilitating a deeper connection with both self and community.
Paul Williams is the songwriting legend behind hits such as Barbra Streisand's Oscar-winning song, "Evergreen," Kermit the Frog's beloved "Rainbow Connection" and the Carpenters classic "We've Only Just Begun." Paul says that, at the height of his fame, an addiction to alcohol and drugs nearly destroyed him. After hitting rock bottom in a harrowing public meltdown, Paul got sober and started a difficult journey to discovering the true happiness he feels today. Together with author, director and screenwriter Tracey Jackson, Paul has written a book, "Gratitude and Trust," outlining six affirmations they say can help people become better versions of themselves. The co-authors claim that the affirmations work for fear-based habits like perfectionism, overeating, fear of intimacy and even smartphone obsession. Paul says, "When getting help was important enough for me to let go of ego and do it, I began to connect. And that connection, that brought me to life."
Want more podcasts from OWN? Visit https://bit.ly/OWNPods
You can also watch Oprah’s Super Soul, The Oprah Winfrey Show and more of your favorite OWN shows on your TV! Visit https://bit.ly/find_OWN
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode