My Trauma is Not My Identity

My Trauma is Not My Identity

What if the hardest part of healing isn't surviving your past… What if it's letting go of the identity your past created? In this episode of Through the Sh#t host Jen McDowell talks with Anna, a consultant who works alongside young people and communities fighting for racial and social justice to build movements and drive youth-led systems change. Anna shares how the death of her mother at a young age and her experience navigating the juvenile justice system created deeply ingrained narratives about her worth and the safety of the world around her. These narratives led to a years-long addiction and a belief that she was fundamentally broken. But this isn't a story about addiction or Anna's sobriety. It's a story about identity. Anna shares how grief shaped the way she saw herself and the world, why getting sober wasn't the end of her healing journey, and a pivotal realization: trauma is something she's lived through—not who she is. Together, Jen and Anna explore what it means to rewrite deeply ingrained narratives, rebuild trust, take risks before you feel ready, and discover that joy can sometimes feel more uncomfortable than pain. If you've ever wondered who you might become without the stories you've carried for years, this conversation will challenge you to imagine something different. In this episode, you'll discover: Why trauma often becomes mistaken for identity How community helps us heal what isolation cannot Why happiness isn't the goal—but purpose can be What "learning to tolerate joy" really means How one small step can completely change the direction of your life If this conversation resonates with you, subscribe to Through the Sh#t, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it, and visit ThroughTheShit.com [http://ThroughTheShit.com] to learn more about working with Jen.

11 Stories, One Truth: What Going TTS Teaches Us About Losing Ourselves and Finding a Truer Version

In this episode of Through the Sh#t, host Jen McDowell, reflects on the episodes that have aired to-date, drawing on an unexpected theme that's emerged from every guest's story. Jen discusses the idea of reinvention and how "going through the sh#t" often leads to a reconstruction of one's identity. In each guest's story, there is a natural arc, where lives of certainty and careful planning are disrupted by a rupture or significant life experience. What follows are periods of disorientation and self-preservation while recovering from the event. Eventually, the guests begin wrestling with self-doubt and the difficult questions: Who am I? How has this experience changed me? To what extent did I contribute to this mess? And, who do I want to become now? Guests talk about destruction as a necessary precursor to transformation, and how time facilitates healing and growth. To conclude, guests offer perspective on how they have been shaped by their experiences and the ways in which it has changed their relationships with themselves and with others.

Bryan White | Breaking the Stigma of Addiction

In this episode of "Through the Sh#t," Jen McDowell and Bryan White explore the complexities of addiction, recovery, and the stigma surrounding mental health. Bryan shares his personal journey through addiction, the challenges he faced as an HR professional, and the importance of spirituality and community in his recovery process. For Bryan, the phrase "going through the shit" represents a journey of introspection and truth. He emphasizes the importance of disrupting the narratives we've been told, and those we tell ourselves. Following one's truth serves as a pathway toward healing and clarity. As a gay man in the 80s and 90s, Bryan navigated a world that often felt isolating. His desire to fit into the gay community led him to clubs where he unwittingly began experimenting with drugs. What started as a quest for connection quickly spiraled into a struggle with addiction that would define a significant part of his life. He reveals the shame that accompanied his hidden addiction, especially as an HR professional who preached against substance use. Jen and Bryan discuss the stigma surrounding mental health and substance use. Brian shares his fears about revealing his struggles, expressing a hope that by sharing his story, he can help others understand the complexities of addiction. He urges leaders in the workplace to recognize that addiction can touch anyone, regardless of their professional success, and that compassion is key to addressing these challenges. Bryan also reflects on his suicide attempt as his darkest hour that ultimately forced him to confront the reality of his situation. After this harrowing experience, he began to explore spirituality and seek a deeper meaning in life, demonstrating his resilience and the human capacity for growth amidst adversity. Bryan's journey through the shit serves as a powerful reminder that vulnerability is a strength, and sharing our stories can lead to healing. By breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health, we can create a more compassionate world where individuals feel empowered to seek help, embrace their truth, and refrain from imposing expectations on themselves and others. The key takeaways from Brian's story are clear: introspection, authenticity, and the courage to confront our struggles are vital in the journey of self-discovery. https://na.org/ [https://na.org/] https://www.calm.com/blog/the-feelings-wheel [https://www.calm.com/blog/the-feelings-wheel] https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanlwhitehr/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryanlwhitehr/]

Sue Eyres | Life and Death Sh#t

In this episode of 'Through the Shit', host Jen McDowell speaks with Susan Eyres about her harrowing journey through a life-threatening health crisis. Susan shares her experience of battling a mysterious illness that left her unable to breathe, the emotional toll it took on her and her family, and the eventual diagnosis of a rare liver condition that required a transplant. Susan's story begins at the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic when she woke up on her couch, disoriented and unable to recognize her surroundings. After being rushed to the emergency room and treated for the flu, she is discharged from the hospital, only to have her health continue to deteoriate over the course of several months, leaving her in a state of fear and confusion. She faced the harsh reality of being isolated from loved ones and missing significant family events, while doctors all across the country were unable to find a cause for her illness. For months, Susan navigated the labyrinth of medical opinions and tests, seeking explanations for her declining health, yet answers eluded her. Finally a breakthrough: doctors diagnosed her with a rare liver condition that hindered oxygenation to her lungs and required a transplant. This revelation brought both relief and uncertainty about her future because diagnosis was merely the first step. Susan then faced the daunting task of getting on the transplant list and preparing for surgery, which involved numerous medical procedures while managing the emotional toll of waiting for a donor. With a story that highlights resilience, connection, and the beauty of human spirit, Susan takes us through her challenging experiences and the lessons learned along the way. Throughout her journey, Susan emphasizes the importance of community support, resilience, and finding joy in small moments, even in the face of adversity. She offers valuable insights and advice for others going through similar struggles, highlighting the power of connection and the necessity of asking for help.

Lessons Learned So Far...

In this episode of "Through the Sh#t," host Jen McDowell reflects on the stories shared by recent guests and distills their experiences into ten key lessons that can help others navigate their own difficult times. Topics include: * The inescapable truth that everyone will go through sh#t. * The cumulative effect of multiple sh#tty circumstances. * The paradox of both loneliness and connection that can occur when going through the sh#t. * The importance of finding support and comforting resources. * The benefits of getting clarity after going through the sh#t. * Ways to feel more empowered. * The blessing of impermanence. To conclude the episode, Jen reflects on her own growth and offers a teaser for upcoming episodes.