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Start for freeThe Legacy We Inherit
Eric Van Conover begins his story by reflecting on the power of journaling and the importance of understanding our ancestral legacy. He traces his family history back to 1579 in the Netherlands, emphasizing how 4,094 humans over 400 years lived so that he could exist today. This realization puts his own struggles into perspective and highlights the responsibility we have to honor our ancestors' sacrifices.
A Middle-Class Upbringing
Despite having a fascinating family history that includes the first recorded land deed in American history for Flatbush, Brooklyn, Eric grew up in a middle-class family in Absecon, New Jersey. He notes that alcoholism ran through both sides of his family, foreshadowing his own struggles later in life.
The Seeds of Addiction
Eric's journey with alcohol began in high school, though he initially avoided drinking due to his commitment to swimming. However, after his swimming dreams faded, he had his first drink at a party. The sensation was transformative, making him feel like "Superman" and helping him overcome his shyness.
College and Escalation
In college, Eric's drinking escalated, fueled by peer pressure and what he calls "mob mentality" from his fraternity. He shares a poignant story from his college orientation, where he chose drinking with new acquaintances over meeting his father for dinner, illustrating how alcohol began to interfere with his relationships and responsibilities.
The New York City Years
After college, Eric moved to New York City to pursue a career in film and acting. He initially struggled, working odd jobs and eventually landing a position as a lifeguard at a hotel. It was during this time that he discovered YouTube and began creating content.
YouTube Success and Internal Struggles
Eric's YouTube channel took off when he started doing home tours, quickly growing from 300,000 to over a million subscribers. However, this external success masked internal turmoil. He describes feeling "spiritually bankrupt" and severed from his true self, using alcohol to numb his emotions and cope with the pressure of maintaining his online persona.
The Breaking Point
Eric's drinking reached a crisis point during the COVID-19 pandemic. On December 8, 2020, he made a conscious decision to drink himself to death. He vividly describes walking through Little Italy, purchasing a handle of vodka, and sitting in the cold without a coat, determined to end his life.
A Near-Death Experience
As Eric drank to the point of unconsciousness, he experienced what he describes as a near-death experience (NDE). He saw himself from above and encountered a vision of his grandmother, who seemed to be guiding him. This profound experience was interrupted when his father, prompted by a premonition from Eric's mother, found him and saved his life.
The Journey to Sobriety
December 9, 2020, marked Eric's first day of sobriety. He details the challenging first 90 days, emphasizing the importance of taking things one day at a time. Eric shares several tools that helped him in early sobriety:
- Cold water therapy and Wim Hof breathing techniques
- Fitness focused on feeling good rather than looking good
- Caring for his dog, Theo, which gave him a reason to get out of bed each day
- Finding support through anonymous meetings and a mentor
The Role of Spirituality
Eric discusses the importance of surrendering to a higher power in his recovery process. He began noticing synchronicities and feeling more in flow with life, which he attributes to his newfound sobriety and spiritual awakening.
Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
With the support of his wife, Geraldine, Eric decided to pursue his long-held dream of studying acting. He enrolled in the William Esper Studio, where he worked with Terry Nickerbacher, a mentor who challenged him to confront his fears and insecurities.
Emotional Education
Through his acting training, Eric gained what he calls an "emotional education." He learned to identify and process his emotions, a skill he believes is crucial for overcoming trauma and addiction. This experience led him to advocate for the integration of emotional education in early schooling.
Jungian Analysis
Eric's journey of self-discovery deepened through work with a Jungian analyst he refers to as "Harry." This therapeutic relationship helped Eric understand the root causes of his behavior patterns and develop tools for managing his emotions and impulses.
Plant Medicine and Spiritual Exploration
Eric briefly touches on his experiences with plant medicine, particularly ayahuasca, which he credits with providing profound insights into his purpose and legacy. He also mentions exploring consciousness through practices like the Gateway Tapes, a series of binaural beats designed to induce altered states of consciousness.
Building a Legacy of Service
Through his recovery journey, Eric has come to understand his purpose as one of service. He sees this podcast, "Building Legacy," as a way to share the lessons he's learned and help others who may be struggling with similar issues.
Key Takeaways for Building Legacy
- Build strong habits: breath work, fitness, cold therapy, journaling
- Learn to love yourself
- Decide who you want to be and work towards becoming your highest self
- Find the root of undesirable behaviors through inner work
- Honor your ancestors and understand your family history
- Focus on building your legacy in the present moment through small, consistent actions
Eric concludes by emphasizing the power of choice in how we respond to our experiences. We can choose to use our pain as motivation to help others or to perpetuate harm. He encourages listeners to move in the direction of growth, healing, and service to others.
By sharing his story of transformation from addiction to purpose-driven sobriety, Eric Van Conover offers hope and practical guidance for those seeking to overcome their own struggles and build a meaningful legacy.
Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTfLxcFwbjs
