Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Clawson.
Hi Jason, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
In 2018, my life was flipped upside down after my wife (Valerie) was diagnosed with stage 4 Colon Cancer. I was terrified for myself and my small family of four. This was devastating news that completely rocked our world. The Doctor in the hospital looked at me and said “Jason, Cancer has a way of enhancing your life”. At this point in my life, I did not want this. I wanted the life I had before to go back to normal.
You see, prior to this diagnosis life was good for us, and we were living an enjoyable and happy life.
During this time, I was clinical director of a recovery treatment program, building a beautiful home, my boys were thriving in sports and School. Valerie had just lost 100 lbs. and was beginning to get the light back on in her life. It was a life we could be proud of because we worked so very hard to achieve it.
After Valerie’s Initial diagnosis, we were given 2-3 hours for Valerie’s life expectancy. Fast Forward 9 months later, and we found ourselves saying goodbye at her funeral. No one or thing can fully prepare you for life’s challenges, trials, and pain.
After the funeral was complete and over, I remember my support from my family and friends quickly disappeared. I quickly found myself all alone trying to pick up the pieces of life. It was a hard and lonely time for me. “What happened to all the people that were here for me”. “Does anyone care anymore”? “Where is my Team”? “How will I get through this?”
I remember saying to myself “Will I Become Happier again”. Will I find love again”. “Will I feel Joy again”.
Life began to get more and more difficult as life continued after the passing of my wife. I found myself more and more depressed, isolating, lonely, anxious, and even struggling to sleep. Life quickly became overwhelming, and I was fearful of the future because I felt like I was going to do this all alone and this was a terrifying thought.
As a clinical therapist, no one taught me about these moments that I was currently experiencing. No one prepared me on how to deal with or cope with my emotions and what I was currently dealing with. I knew I could help others going through challenging times in their life, but I could not help myself at this time.
At a low point in my journey, I could not do this alone, and finally, I reached out by sending a text for help. I remember feeling so incredibly overwhelmed, and not wanting to feel like this any longer. I sent this “HAIL MARY” text to 14 of my friends, family, and neighbors asking them to come to my house so that I could tell them how I was feeling.
Later that day, all those people I texted showed up at my house in what I call my “HEALING TEAM”. At this point, I begging to find hope and happiness again.
Shortly after having my own healing team meeting, I decided to quit my job as a therapist and take the summer off to be with my boys. Up until this point me and my boys we operating on sad and unhappy memories.
That summer me and my boys decided to have a lemonade stand and raise money to create “SUNSHINE BASKETS” for people that had lost a spouse, dealing with cancer, or individuals that were struggling. We wanted to raise $100 but after the lemonade stand was over we had raised $1500. This was a shock and overwhelming. We decided to make 25 baskets and begin delivering them to people who needed help and support.
As we continued to create and deliver these sunshine baskets, a lady from Virginia asked if she could get one because she was struggling. From there we created a sunshine box and begin delivering it to this lady and several people across the United States. Currently, we have delivered to 45 states and are soon to be 50.
I and my Business partner (Wyatt Ernst) have created Giving Sunshine, and as of January 2022, I have stepped away from being a therapist to going full time at Giving Sunshine. We are now working hard to provide more help and healing to those that have lost loved ones, struggling with Cancer, and have mental health issues.
Our Boxes provide therapeutic tools that help others heal and become happier during challenging times of their life.
The opposite of grief, loss, addiction, and depression is “connection”, and we want to help others connect with their own “healing team” through these Sunshine Boxes.
Today, I have found joy and happiness again. I recently got married again to my sweetheart named Kirsten. It has been a joy and blessing to have her in my life, and continues to enhance our lives today.
I know get the chance and opportunity to help change lives by offering Sunshine Boxes to those in need after the loss of a loved one, cancer diagnosis, or others with mental health issues. “I love what I do and love to truly help others heal.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My road has not been smooth, but I have grown and learned a lot along my path. I have adopted two phrases to help with life. They are “Life doesn’t get easier, we get stronger and”, “Lean into the resistant”. Over the years, I have dealt with Losing my wife after battling cancer, losing a child at 18 weeks, supporting my wife during her stage 4 colon Cancer, Bankruptcy, loss of jobs, and taking my state licensure exam 4 times to get licensed.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Licensed Therapist that specializes in working with people with Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Trauma, and Addiction.
I am most proud of the connections and relationships I build that allows individual, couples, and families to open up and get the healing they need in their life.
What sets me apart ? is that I am able to think outside of the box when it comes to helping individuals heal. Talk therapy is great, but when it does work you need to be able to meet individuals on their level and find a therapy that helps them open up and heal.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
PODCAST: The School of Greatness: Lewis Howes BOOKS: Autonomy of Peace, The greatest Salesman, The butterfly effects: how your life matters.
Pricing:
- “Good” Sunshine Box- $29.99
- “Better” Sunshine Box- $49.99
- “Best” Sunshine Box- $99.99
Contact Info:
- Website: https://givingsunshine.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givingsunshinedaily/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GivingSunshineDaily | https://www.facebook.com/groups/3023180934630492
