Mental Health & Addiction Podcast: Mind Matters by Gordon Bruin
The Power of Simple Beginnings
Dec 02, 2025, Season 3, Episode 35
Gordon Bruin
Episode Summary

Show Notes: Endurance, Showing Up, and Accepting Our "Thorns"
Episode Highlights

Book Spotlight:
Host revisits The Impossible First by Colin O’Brady—an inspiring true story of crossing Antarctica alone. The book’s core message? Endurance is a vital part of life’s journey.

Endurance as Life’s Schooling:
True problems in life aren’t always solved; it’s the persistent effort that gives meaning to our existence.

Wisdom from Heraclitus:
“No man ever steps into the same river twice…” Change is constant—for both us and our challenges.

Des Linden’s Mantra:
Boston Marathon winner Des Linden shares: “Every day I make the choice to show up.” This idea becomes central for O’Brady during his trek—and for anyone facing adversity.

Mental Health Insights

ADHD & Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD):
Many with ADHD experience hypersensitivity to rejection—a genetic trait that can feel overwhelming but isn’t easily erased. Therapy helps manage beliefs, but some struggles remain lifelong companions.

Therapeutic Tools Mentioned:

Rational Emotive Therapy (RET)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Key Takeaways
Everyone Has Their “Thorn”:
Whether it’s RSD or another challenge, we all have something tough built into our journey.
Acceptance Over Perfection:
Progress matters more than perfection; sometimes things don’t go your way—and that’s okay.
Daily Mantra for Success:
Get up, suit up, show up—do your best today! Celebrate small victories when they come.
Quotes Worth Remembering

“The good fight itself was the victory.”

“Some days it just flows… Other days it feels like I'm trudging through hell.”

Actionable Advice:

This week:

Look inside yourself and accept who you are—including your thorns.
Don’t demand perfection from yourself or others.
When moments go right—rejoice!
Otherwise: get up, suit up, show up—see what you’ve got today!

Thanks for listening! Have an amazing week ahead. ```

SHARE EPISODE
SUBSCRIBE
Episode Chapters
Mental Health & Addiction Podcast: Mind Matters by Gordon Bruin
The Power of Simple Beginnings
Please wait...
00:00:00 |
Sort By:
Newest
  • The Power of Simple Beginnings
    00:08:14
  • Setting Healthy Boundaries and Fostering Connection During the Holidays
    00:19:08
  • Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities: Lessons From Marcus Aurelius and Modern Therapy
    00:14:04
  • The Power of Projecting Our Thoughts: How Internal Dialogue Shapes Reality
    00:07:44
  • Rediscovering Honor, Integrity, and Fidelity in Marriage
    00:18:02
  • Hitting the Reset Button – Embracing Resilience in Stressful Times
    00:00:01
  • Reflect, Inspire, and Grow — Lessons from Your Favorite Teacher Workshop
    00:13:10
  • The Power of Now: Breaking Free from the Past and Taking Action in the Present
    00:07:11
  • Facing Fear, Finding Action: Lessons from Jeremy Renner’s “My Next Breath”
    00:19:43
  • Breaking the Brain Clog: Wisdom on Marijuana and Mental Health
    00:18:45
  • The Art of Lasting Change: How Mindful Agency Transforms Our Lives
    00:17:58
  • Exploring Free Will, Neuroplasticity, and Personal Transformation
    00:17:05
  • Harnessing Agency, Mindfulness, and Attention to Transform Your Life
    00:20:55
  • Addiction, Trauma, Recovery, and Embracing Discomfort
    00:16:32
  • Life Changing Power of Positive Internal Dialogue
    00:17:48