At BILLWARDLIFE, we believe in the transformative power of recovery—not just from addiction but from the traumas, beliefs, and choices that hold us back from living our most authentic lives. Recently, Bill Ward hosted a deeply moving episode of the UDRCAST with TJ, an inspiring advocate who turned his darkest moments into a mission of hope and healing for others.
From Darkness to Purpose
TJ’s story is one of grit, resilience, and faith in the process of recovery. After years in gang life, addiction, and the high-stakes lifestyle that led him to a moment of ultimate despair—pulling the trigger on a gun that miraculously jammed—he found himself at a crossroads. From the brink of despair, TJ took the courageous first step toward sobriety and has since dedicated his life to helping others navigate their own paths to recovery.
From the brink of despair, TJ took the courageous first step toward sobriety and has since dedicated his life to helping others navigate their own paths to recovery. Through his nonprofit, Pivot Empowerment and Education Recovery Society (PEERS), and initiatives like "Gloves Not Guns," TJ is creating safe spaces for youth and families to heal, grow, and thrive.
The Power of Collaboration
One of the most inspiring parts of TJ’s story is his embrace of “collaboration over competition”—a value we at BILLWARDLIFE hold close to our hearts. Calgary’s recovery community exemplifies this spirit of cooperation, standing out as a leader in recovery with its open-minded and interconnected approach. While some regions face challenges of working in silos, Calgary demonstrates how fostering partnerships and shared efforts can amplify impact, and TJ’s work exemplifies this. Whether mentoring individuals in second-stage treatment or partnering with others to create new opportunities, he proves that true impact comes when we work together.
Healing Through Purpose
For TJ, recovery isn’t just about staying sober—it’s about living with purpose. Whether he’s helping youth find confidence and discipline through boxing programs or guiding families to healthier ways of supporting their loved ones, TJ’s work underscores an essential truth: healing is a collective journey.
Through Pivot, he’s not only addressing the roots of addiction but also helping to plant seeds of hope in the next generation. Programs like "Gloves Not Guns" offer mentorship and teach life skills, emotional regulation, and self-confidence, empowering youth to choose a path of growth over destruction. These tools empower young people to rewrite their stories before they reach a crisis point. As TJ puts it, “Investing in our youth now—through mentorship, love, and consistency—is how we create future leaders.”
A Message of Hope
The bottomline of TJ’s message: “You’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.” To those navigating their own recovery journey or seeking to make an impact: you’re not alone, and the work we do together—whether through service, mentorship, or collaboration—can create ripples of change far beyond what we can imagine.
Moving Forward Together
TJ’s story is a powerful reminder that when we align with our higher purpose, the universe has a way of clearing the path for us. At BILLWARDLIFE, we’re honored to walk alongside individuals like TJ, who are building community and offering tools to help people uncover their own unique brilliance. This is about healing not just individuals, but families, communities, and future generations.
Let’s Connect
If you’re ready to take the next step or want to learn more about how we’re working together to create change, visit pivotsociety.ca or follow TJ’s work on Instagram at @coastal_recoverycommunity. For more inspiring stories and insights, check out the UDRCAST, where Bill Ward brings the light of recovery to listeners everywhere.
Links to services and resources mentioned in this article:
@coastal_recoverycommunity
THE UDRCAST Episode 159: TJ Sheehan
Connect with Us
This article reflects the key themes from my conversation with TJ on the UDRCAST. If you’d like to explore more stories of recovery, mental health, and social change, subscribe to the UDRCAST (https://www.youtube.com/@Billwardlife) and join us on this journey of transformation. Together, we can uncover, discover, and recover.
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