If you’ve never heard of James Donaldson, you should have. Not only is he an NBA All-Star, having played with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/LA Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz, but he also operated the Donaldson Clinic in Seattle, providing physical therapy, for nearly thirty years, and has been involved in Seattle politics.
But aside from all his fame and fortune, Donaldson has had some severe struggles in his life recently. Now he has written a new book Celebrating Your Gift of Life: From the Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy to raise awareness of mental health issues like depression and suicidal thoughts that can affect anyone in our hectic and stressful world. world. In recent years, Donaldson has experienced life-threatening health problems, a stressful divorce, the loss of his business and home due to bankruptcy, disagreements with former friends and colleagues, and ultimately the near suicide. .
Understandably, Donaldson had a hard time coping with his upside-down world. In this book, he shares his personal story, as well as details about how many professional athletes struggle when their sports careers end because they don’t always know how to manage their money, cope with fading fame, or make the transition. in new careers. Anyone interested in the NBA and professional sports in general will find the book very insightful for those reasons.
But Donaldson also writes for the average reader because he knows that everyone goes through difficult situations and could end up in their place. Not everyone can play professional basketball or be 7’2″ like James, but everyone can struggle financially, question their self-esteem, feel betrayed, or simply have a hard time getting out of bed in the morning. Donaldson hopes that by sharing his story, he will provide reassurance and motivation to others to get out of the quagmire or depression in which they find themselves and get the help they need.
Celebrating Your Gift of Life is divided into twenty-one chapters that not only highlight Donaldson’s story, but are also packed with advice on how to overcome tragedy. Topics include learning not to be a victim, finding a reason to live, developing a relationship with God or a Higher Power, keeping agreements with yourself, resisting suicidal thoughts, and getting back on your feet after hitting rock bottom. Each chapter shares Donaldson’s personal experiences with the issue and provides practical advice for coping with the situation.
Donaldson hides none of the hard truths about his situation, from acting needy around other staff members at the professional athletic association he turned to for help to the details of his failed marriage and the loss of his business. His words are real and moving. He doesn’t wear masks and doesn’t let stereotypes about how strong men should be keep him from being completely honest. For example, at one point he advises:
“Allow yourself to cry like a baby. Allow yourself to fall asleep on a tear-soaked pillow. You’ll realize how much better you feel after you get it out of your system.
“I was crying all the time when I was working on getting back to my old self. I cried myself to sleep many times. Other times, I’d pick up the phone and call someone I knew cared about me and cry about everything. I was going through. Too I would be a listening ear to other people who were going through similar things, and we would cry together, I cried every time I heard the Teddy Pendergrass song “This Gift of Life.” I realize how close I came to throwing away this wonderful gift of life. I found out that crying is good for you. It helps ease the pain and you always feel better afterwards.”
Each chapter also ends with reflection questions to help the reader think through their problems and find solutions to move forward with a positive attitude and a new faith in life and in themselves. For example, in the “I’m Not a Victim” chapter, one of the exercises Donaldson offers is:
“Take some time to list everyone who is to blame for your situation, including yourself. Then, next to your list, give percentage points to each person’s share of blame. For example, if you had a fight with his mom, it could be 70% mom, me 30%. This will help you see your role in the situation and what you can change to make it better next time.”
In the chapter “My Fake Marriage”, two of the questions/exercises he offers are:
“Do you think it’s true that people make plans but God’s plan overrides them? If so, when was that your experience and what did you learn from it?
“If you are struggling right now, what would you ask God to do for you? Write your prayer below.”
Donaldson’s book also includes a foreword by Dr. Samuel Youssef, who treated him through his darkest moments and bears witness to Donaldson’s difficult journey and the courage he displayed throughout it.
Ultimately, Celebrating Your Gift of Life is a celebration of the only life we have to live and how to live it to the fullest. Just knowing that someone else has felt the same pain can be a big help. Donaldson’s book would make a wonderful gift for anyone going through a rough time. It could change someone’s life, a gift that would be priceless.
