190. Study That Which You Desire To Become with John Morris

FINE is a 4-Letter Word

Being an outsider can be challenging – but it can also be your absolute superpower!

We all come into the world as a blank slate with the opportunity to form and grow organically. Taking in the world as you find it before being tethered to a rigid or strongly defined set of predetermined beliefs set for you by others.

John Morris started out that way too, but unlike most people, he never took on the opinions of others. He began questioning fear-based systems, trusting inner knowing, and seeing the world through a wildly different lens than most. This approach has given him a unique ability to use a few simple tools to reinvent himself every time he finds the world not to his liking and decides he can have better and do better.

Growing up, while his mom chased the current popular thing, his dad didn’t really instill a structured set of beliefs – his motto was “as you see it, as you get it”. Not only that, but he was isolated as a child, which had the silver lining of sparing him from having his beliefs molded by others in a hundred silent ways. When he was a teenager, there was a big part of him that knew he was different, knew he didn't process the world in the way that other people did.

John’s grandmother instilled in him his strong religious beliefs, which contrary to some of the stories you’ve heard from others on our show, weren’t constricting to him at all. After 15 years as a youth minister and 20 years as an evangelist, he left the church because of what he saw as scaremongering and politics.

But John came to understand that Fine is a 4-Letter Word because of how the word “fine” was an acronym commonly used in his youth ministry: “feeling inadequate, needing encouragement” – and how this version of “fine” can be brought about by pressure to conform and not speak of anything others don’t want to hear. I love this!

You’re about to meet a man currently in a profound state of metamorphosis. In addition to being a preacher, he has also built up an international reputation as an artist – something that he may be limited doing in the future due to a recent onset of dyspraxia. So with the additional ailments of amaurosis (which affects vision) and dyslexia (which affects the ability to read), what is John doing? He’s on his way to becoming an acclaimed author and is working with some of the biggest publishing houses and powerhouse editors to make it happen.

In just the past couple years, he’s written 25 complete novels, of which there are only two original manuscripts. He has one and His Majesty the King has the other.

All of this is possible due to a few simple understandings and ways of being, which we’ll circle back to after we chat with John.

John’s hype song is "Art From The Heart" by John Morris.

Resources:

• John Morris’ website: https://thejohnmorris.co.uk/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnmorrisartfromtheheart/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnmorrisartfromtheheart/
• During the episode, we discussed Wayne Dyer’s “Everyday Wisdom” recording – watch it on YouTube or download the audio.

Claim your 10% off your first 3 mental health sessions with John Morris - limited to the first 10 persons who mention his appearance on our show, “Fine is a 4-Letter Word”, by visiting his website at https://thejohnmorris.co.uk/.

Invitation from Lori:

This episode is sponsored by Zen Rabbit.

Smart business leaders know trust is the foundation of every great workplace. And in today’s hybrid and fast-moving work culture, trust isn’t built in quarterly town halls or the occasional Slack message. It’s built through consistent, clear, and HUMAN communication.

Companies and leaders TALK about the importance of connection and community. And it’s easy to believe your organization is doing a great job of maintaining an awesome corporate culture. Because you’ve got an annual all-hands meeting and open door policies, and “fun" team-building events.

But let's be real. Leaders who are serious about building real trust are finding better ways to strengthen culture, create connection, and foster community.

That's where I come in. Forward thinking companies are hiring me to produce internal podcasts. To bring leadership and employees together through authentic stories, real conversations, and meaningful connections. Think of it as your old-school printed company newsletter - reinvented for the modern workforce. I KNOW, what a cool idea, right?!

If you run, work for, or know of a company that wants to upgrade communication, facilitate connections, build community, and maintain culture, let's chat. Message me at Lori@ZenRabbit dot com.

Because when people feel heard, they engage.

When they engage, they perform.

And when they perform, the business succeeds beyond projections.

And now, let’s head over to speak with John. He’s got a nice cozy little place here, festooned with the most awesome paintings of cats!