Brendan’s Jagged Journey - Embracing Adversity and Unleashing Resilience

Introduction:
Life has a unique way of throwing curveballs when we least expect them. Challenges, setbacks, and obstacles can often make us question our path and our abilities. However, there are individuals like Brendan Bornstein who have not only faced adversity head-on but have transformed it into a testament of resilience and personal growth. Brendan's remarkable journey from a hockey player to a yoga instructor showcases the power of determination, positive mindset, and unwavering belief in oneself. Join us as we delve into Brendan Bornstein's jagged journey, discovering the lessons he learned and the resilience he embodies.

Embracing Transition and Overcoming Challenges:
Brendan's journey was marked by a pivotal transition from a hockey player to a yoga instructor. Multiple injuries took a toll on his body, forcing him to shift his focus and find a new passion. This transition posed immense challenges as he sought to replace the passion, competition, and physical and mental well-being he experienced in hockey. However, Brendan's unwavering spirit led him to overcome these obstacles. He channeled his energy and drive into becoming a better instructor, constantly seeking ways to improve himself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Navigating Difficult Times and Staying Motivated:
During one of the most challenging periods, Brendan tore his hip flexor, rendering him unable to engage in the activities he loved. Rather than succumbing to negativity, he adapted his workout routine to focus on upper-body strength and honed his verbal teaching skills. Brendan's ability to maintain a positive mindset amidst adversity became his guiding light. By believing in himself, practicing self-talk, and viewing challenges as opportunities for personal growth, he discovered the resilience needed to navigate difficult times.

Lessons Learned from Adversity and Shaping the Journey:
Adversity served as a powerful teacher for Brendan. It taught him the importance of accepting difficult situations and finding ways to make the best out of them. This mindset not only helped him overcome specific challenges but also shaped his overall outlook on life. Brendan now approaches each day with a positive lens, making the most out of every situation and performing well in any circumstance. His journey reminds us that our reactions to challenges define our path, and resilience is the key to triumph.

The Role of Support Systems and Mentors:
No journey is complete without the support of others. Brendan acknowledges the significance of a strong support system. Experienced teachers played a crucial role in guiding him, helping him improve as a teacher and as an individual. Moreover, his mother has been a pillar of support, instilling unwavering belief and confidence in his abilities, no matter the challenges he faced. Their influence and guidance played a pivotal role in Brendan's journey.

Strategies for Maintaining a Positive Mindset and Moving Forward:
To maintain a positive mindset, Brendan embraced powerful practices such as breathwork, journaling, and meditation. These practices allowed him to reconnect with himself, find balance, and navigate the ups and downs of life. By incorporating discipline, organization, and self-awareness into his routine, Brendan stayed aligned with his mental, spiritual, and physical well-being. His dedication to these practices serves as a reminder that self-care and mindfulness can propel us forward, even in the face of adversity.

Conclusion:
Brendan Bornstein's journey is a testament to the human spirit's ability to conquer adversity and emerge stronger than before. Through his jagged journey from hockey player to yoga instructor, Brendan exemplifies resilience, determination, and the power of a positive mindset. His story inspires us to embrace challenges, stay true to ourselves, and find internal validation.

The Ride/Run for Pink hosted at Mount Allison University was impeccable. The Tantramar community located in New Brunswick, Canada was up for the challenge to run 5km, or bike 10km in their "Limited Edition Pink Jagged Journey Perseverance Tee's" to support the  a Tantramar Regional Breast Cancer Society. The fundraiser was very successful as we owe substantial gratitude to all attendees. #WhatsYourJourney

​Michael Stephen Jefferson, now known as Mike Danton, was born on October 21, 1980, in Brampton, Ontario. Many hockey heroes have interesting stories, Danton’s however is like no other. Danton’s father Steve Jefferson was extremely violent and abusive throughout Danton’s upbringing. “If I scored once, I’d come home and get beat because I should’ve scored twice. If I scored twice, I’d come home and get beat because I should’ve scored three times. It was never good enough.” Mike Danton explained. Quickly distancing himself from his father, the hockey star became very close with his coach ‘David Frost’. After spending augmented time together, Frost acted as a mentor to Danton and then became his agent. After an impressive junior hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL), Danton was drafted 135th overall in the NHL to the New Jersey Devils. After playing professional hockey for a few years, Danton felt the need to disassociate himself from the Jefferson’s. In 2002, he decided to change his name and soon after becoming a Danton, he was traded from New Jersey to St. Louis where he played through the 2003-2004 season. Progressively, the professional athlete began to hate hockey; his childhood stuck with him, and decisions were made that ultimately changed Danton’s life. On April 16, 2004, two days after the Blues were eliminated from the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Danton was arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder for hire. On July 16, 2004, Danton pleaded guilty to attempting to hire a hitman to kill whoever was in his apartment. The grey area remains as Danton served nearly six years in jail & after being released, he was fortunately accepted to Saint Mary’s University. Danton not only brought their hockey team to a CIS National Championship but also graduated with a 4.17 GPA majoring in Psychology and Criminology. Now, Danton is the father of 3 young children and lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia with his wife and travels to Fredericton, New Brunswick weekly to attend UNB for his Masters in Sports Psychology. Mike Danton is very courageous & has a purpose to help people who struggling mentally before they make a life altering decision. #WhatsYourJourney