The World's Strongest Librarian

1. Tourette's Syndrome: A Lifelong Companion and Challenge

When I have a tic, whether it's a noise or a movement, it's similar to the urge to sneeze.

Understanding Tourette's: Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. For Josh Hanagarne, these tics manifested as:

• Vocal tics: shouting, barking, and making various noises
• Motor tics: jerking movements, self-hitting, and facial contortions

The condition significantly impacted Josh's life, affecting his:

• Social interactions
• Education
• Career prospects
• Mental health and self-esteem

Despite numerous treatments and medications, Josh struggled to find effective long-term relief, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and unconventional approaches to managing his symptoms.

2. The Power of Libraries: Sanctuaries of Knowledge and Human Connection

A library is a miracle. A place where you can learn just about anything, for free. A place where your mind can come alive.

Libraries as community hubs: Beyond being repositories of books, libraries serve as:

• Safe spaces for diverse communities
• Centers for lifelong learning and personal growth
• Equalizers of access to information and technology

Josh's experiences as a librarian revealed:

• The challenges of serving a diverse public
• The importance of libraries in fostering community connections
• The transformative power of knowledge and storytelling

Libraries continue to evolve, adapting to technological changes while maintaining their core mission of providing free access to information and fostering intellectual curiosity.

3. Faith, Family, and the Mormon Church: Navigating Belief and Doubt

If you're married, or you've ever been married, and you went into it with the hope that it would somehow fix your problems or bridge the gaps in your personal failings, you're a sucker.

Questioning faith: Josh's journey with the Mormon Church illustrates the complex relationship between:

• Personal beliefs and family expectations
• Tradition and individual growth
• Faith and rational inquiry

Key aspects of Josh's religious experience:

• Raised in a devout Mormon family
• Served a mission for the church
• Gradually developed doubts about church teachings
• Struggled with balancing personal beliefs and family relationships

The process of questioning one's faith can be challenging and isolating, especially within tight-knit religious communities. Josh's experience highlights the importance of intellectual honesty and the courage to confront difficult questions about belief and identity.

4. The Pursuit of Strength: Physical and Mental Fortitude

Nothing rivals this library for its sheer variety of humanity.

Strength as a multifaceted concept: Josh's pursuit of physical strength through weightlifting and kettlebell training became a metaphor for his broader life struggles:

• Physical strength as a way to combat Tourette's symptoms
• Mental resilience developed through consistent training
• The discipline of strength training as a tool for personal growth

Key elements of Josh's strength journey:

• Experimentation with various training methods
• Mentorship from unconventional figures like Adam T. Glass
• The application of strength principles to other areas of life

The pursuit of strength became more than just a physical endeavor; it represented Josh's determination to overcome his challenges and take control of his life.

5. Adoption Journey: Heartbreak and Hope in Building a Family

There's nothing relevant about this place. It's so much more. A community that doesn't think it needs a library isn't a community for whom a library is irrelevant. It's a community that's ill.

The emotional rollercoaster of adoption: Josh and Janette's journey to parenthood through adoption revealed:

• The challenges of infertility and the desire for children
• The complexities of the adoption process
• The emotional toll of rejection and disappointment

Key moments in their adoption journey:

• Multiple miscarriages and failed fertility treatments
• Rejection by the LDS Family Services adoption agency
• The unexpected joy of a successful pregnancy

Their experience highlights the resilience required in the face of setbacks and the unpredictable nature of building a family. It also underscores the importance of support systems and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

6. Breathing as Therapy: A Breakthrough in Managing Tourette's

I wanted to feel what a minute was worth. What it was like for everyone else. What it felt like to live without feeling as if whatever room you were in was a waiting room where nothing but bad news would be announced, whenever it came.

The power of focused breathing: Josh's discovery of breathing techniques as a way to manage his Tourette's symptoms represented a significant breakthrough:

• Deep, controlled breathing helped reduce the frequency and intensity of tics
• The practice of mindful breathing fostered a greater sense of bodily awareness
• Breathing exercises became a tool for regaining control during difficult moments

Key aspects of the breathing technique:

• Focus on slow, deep breaths
• Practice in a relaxed, tic-free state
• Gradual increase in duration of tic-free periods

This approach demonstrated the potential for non-pharmaceutical interventions in managing Tourette's and highlighted the importance of exploring alternative therapies.

7. The Transformative Power of Questioning and Self-Discovery

Test everything that can be tested. As soon as you think you know something, that's when you stop questioning it. Understanding kills curiosity.

Embracing curiosity: Josh's journey of self-discovery was characterized by:

• A willingness to question established beliefs and practices
• An openness to unconventional ideas and approaches
• A commitment to personal growth through experimentation and reflection

Key lessons from Josh's experience:

• The importance of challenging assumptions
• The value of seeking diverse perspectives
• The power of persistence in the face of setbacks

By embracing a questioning mindset and remaining open to new ideas, Josh was able to make significant progress in managing his Tourette's and improving his overall quality of life. His story serves as an inspiration for others facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, demonstrating the potential for transformation through curiosity, perseverance, and self-discovery.

Last updated: November 19, 2024