maximize your essence: how to live your highest story

The Cost of False Identity: "i love this game part II preview"

what is left when you give everything to be something you're not, convinced that thing will provide everything you've ever wanted and then it suddenly doesn't? in this episode, a preview for my poem video "i love this game part II" discusses the before and after situation and circumstances surrounding my second concussion in college at the University of Arkansas. during this time, I became so entrained in the belief that what was most valuable about me was my talent on field, that I forgot about who I was, the world at large full of infinite possibilities, and that success comes in many forms, that I did not need to destroy my body in order to have success, except I couldn't believe, didn't want to believe that to be true, in the middle of this addiction to the sport. I hope you enjoy. poem video out friday, 7/24. follow me on substack [davidbrooksellis.substack.com] to stay updated.

"i love this game: part I" official poem video

"i love this game: part I" poem video about david's first official concussion from american football. this video talks about the under the helmet mindset before, during, and following a concussion that increases the danger for football players unable to detect the long-term health consequences of an incredibly tragic injury that is often ignored due to the on-field allure of winning and success. follow on substack [davidbrooksellis.substack.com] for up to date notes, articles, and blogs. thanks for your support. we hope you enjoy "i love this game: part I"

when love for the game blinds love for self - "i love this game pt 1" conversation

what is it that leads american football players to want to continue playing after a critical injury? how could that lead to long term, unseen consequences? in this weeks poem video "i love this game part I," I write about my first concussion in high school football and the mindset around needing to get back on the field as soon as possible. this conversation goes through the mindset of a competitive athlete and how any injury would never limit the best of the best from achieving success in what they love most, leading to consequences they didn't want to admit in the midst of their intoxication. i hope you enjoy this weeks episode. in love, david

"light of the world" - official poem video - (where lies your identity?)

where does your identity lie--- in talent, how others perceive you? or in your inner character, self-development, and self-love? when one season comes to an end, do you take with you the fruits of the pursuit, or are you left dumbfounded that you haven't developed the self-awareness to know your value outside of your talent? this poem published by serotonin press [https://serotoninpress.com/2026/06/13/4-poems-by-david-brooks-ellis/] is about our tendency to believe our identity should lie in something other than ourselves because we feel incapable to become worthy of all that we can possibly become, instead choosing the most immediate, safe route that we can predict. in the process of becoming something that does not last forever, we lose out on the holistic version of ourselves, limited in our growth and overall success and happiness. when the season ends, what do you have left to stand on? are you imbalanced and reaching still? or standing tall and firm in self-awareness, your heart, light? this poem is a reminder of where the light begins for every one of us. i hope you enjoy. follow me on substack to stay updated with new poem videos, articles, notes, and more. in love, david

"light of the world" poem video conversation/intro

in a world of deceit and darkness, where should you look to find light? it's closer than you would ever think. in his next poem video release, "light of the world," published by serotonin press [https://serotoninpress.com/2026/06/13/4-poems-by-david-brooks-ellis/], david writes about the exceptionally overwhelming, stimulating, and nonetheless addicting experience of becoming a talented football player, after which leaves players reaching for more and uncertain about what makes them valued in society. in this world, you'll learn to associate your identity with your performance on the field, valuing the applause above what you feel is true for you, never really understanding how to listen to that voice. when the attention you learn to feed on comes to an end, what will you do to get it back? or how will you orient your life, and make decisions in order to maintain that social feedback? and who do you become in the process of following the voice of the crowd or what stimulates you, above what is true for you? this poem is a call for awakening, remembering, and revolution, from chasing lights set out for us to follow, causing confusion and desolation of inner character, to instead chase the cultivation of a peaceful inner world, listening to your heart above all else, and being solidified in your truth, therefore, light. this poem is a reminder about what makes every individual invaluable in this world, which is not what you have, what you've done, titles, belongings, or who you know, but instead, who you are, how you treat people, what you believe is most important about you, and where your light begins. you are the light, sacred and divine, which is to be protected and nourished at all costs. subscribe to david's channel on substack, spotify, youtube to stay notified about the poem video "light of the world," out friday, 7.10.26. follow on socials: instagram: @brooksellis51 [instagram.com/brooksellis51] x.com [http://x.com]: @ellis_davidb [x.com/ellis_davidb] substack: david's garden [davidbrooksellis.substack.com] thank you for the support.