Most kids growing up in Northside Richmond knew there were only three ways to “make it out” – balling, rapping, or selling drugs. George Johnson went another way. With unwavering dedication, a little business savvy, and a lot of hard work, he found himself at the helm of several businesses and multiple six-figure income streams in his early twenties. He became a lighthouse for family and friends, providing both an example and a means for many to rise above the challenges of the inner city.
From a logo-sewing business in middle school to playing professional basketball, to becoming a serial entrepreneur, George excelled at everything he put his mind to. But along with lofty highs have come many crushing lows – backstabbing family members, future-crippling injuries, and being indicted by the U.S. government.
As George came to learn, making it out is the easy part. Staying out… that’s the real struggle.
along with lofty highs have come many crushing lows – backstabbing family members, future-crippling injuries, and being indicted by the U.S. government.
“Double Crossed” is George’s undeniable compelling story. His self-published memoir is closely based on the biblical story of Cain and Abel. Youngest of 5, George’s two oldest brothers ran into federal trouble, bringing him into their nightmares. His story tells the whole journey and the mental health effects of it all. Today, George is a mental health advocate. He has been through dark days and has come out on the other side, and now he’s speaking out about how others can come out too.
Being an athlete all his life, George had a competitive streak. Overcoming depression and mental health issues became a competition with himself. From opening up to vulnerability to seeing a therapist and journaling, George began to work on himself and heal. The culmination of opening up and his journaling exercises is “Double Crossed“, his memoir and story- a triumph in healing and growth!
It’s so important to reach out and get help if you’re struggling with mental health issues, but there are also so many great ways you can improve your mental wellbeing yourself, like George’s journaling.
George shares three things that help him cope…
“It’s so hard to get a black man to realize they are dealing with trauma….. Being an athlete masses things you have been dealing with because working out always makes you feel good…. What other things do you do to cope? “
These 3 things have helped me.
1. Working on breathing skills
2. Heated yoga
3. Weekly therapy sessions with a clinical therapist
Get “Double Crossed” on Amazon now, here.
