Brandon Warren

How did you first get introduced to LITE?
I was first introduced to LITE while I was participating in the Kosciusko County Reentry
Court program.

What do you do as a CPSP and Recovery Coach for LITE?
I walk along beside participants who are working on setting and achieving goals to
make positive improvements in their lives and to make a positive impact with their loved
ones and in the community. We accomplish this by helping connect the participant with
resources available to them and assist in goal setting, developing recovery plans for
those with substance use challenges and providing safe, positive spaces to be set up
for success
 
What do you like to do for fun?
I love the outdoors. I enjoy hunting, fishing and camping. Also hiking and kayaking. Lots
of campfires and cookouts… I am also a sports fan. All Chicago for me. Bears, Bulls,
Blackhawks and the Cubs.

What does it mean to you to work at LITE?
LITE is an organization that is continuously making a positive impact in individuals’ lives
as well as in the surrounding communities. It is a joy and honor to be part of that impact.
 
How do you use your story to help those with who you work with?
There are some things in life that you can only fully understand by going through them
yourself. When I can work with participants that have gone through similar situations as
I have, we are able to engage in conversation that is more transparent and
understanding. “You can make it through. Here are some ways to help.”
 
Reflection Question: Your Three Truths
Imagine yourself far in the future, looking back on a full and meaningful life. You’ve built
the life you hoped for, reached your goals, and created the family and impact you
wanted. Everything you’ve worked toward has come together.
Now imagine that none of the details of your life remain. No social media, no journals,
no stories or records. All of it is gone.
You are allowed to leave behind just three truths about your life.
These are the lessons you know to be true. The beliefs or values that guided you. The
wisdom you would want others to carry forward.

Questions to answer:

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 What are the three truths you would leave behind?
1) The people you allow in your life matter. Surround yourself with individuals
that make a positive impact on your life. Those who have similar goals as
yourself and are there for you when you need support.

2) Do your best to be positive or have a positive outlook in all situations. Life
is about how we react to situations and less about the situations that
happen to us. Everything is temporary. So, when times are good
remember to stop and enjoy those moments. And during times of struggle,
remember that it is also temporary and it will pass.

3) It is impossible not to have an impact on other lives. Even if you move to
the mountains and isolate yourself, your absence will have an impact. The
good news is that you get to decide what kind of impact you will make.
Whether that is a positive one or a negative one. That impact you have will
also have an impact on you as well. Positive or negative.

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 What lessons would you want people to remember and learn from your life?
The most practical way to get out of most situations is through hard work,
focus and determination.

Treat others with the same respect, kindness and compassion that you
would want. Even if that other person does not have the same approach.
God is real. He will challenge you, not to break you but to make you
stronger. Have faith that God has a plan and then do your best to walk the
path that He has set for you. There is purpose in everything even if you
don’t know what that purpose is.

Everything will work out so do your best to not overreact to situations and
remember three key things. One, show up! Sometimes the biggest
challenge is to simply be present. Two, Do your best. Always give your
best effort and you will be rewarded. Three, Be positive. Maintaining a
positive attitude in all situations will be returned with positive results.