How Trauma Can Impact Who You Become as a Creative
Welcome to another episode of the Scaling Creator podcast, where we explore the power of creativity as a tool for overcoming adversity. Join us as we delve into the personal experiences of two brothers who have turned their struggles into fuel for their creative endeavors. From their teenage years of turmoil to their present-day successes, they share how they channeled their pain into artistic expression and found purpose and meaning in the process.
Navigating the pressure to win as a creative
In this episode, we’re going to talk about a topic that is often overlooked but significant – the impact of trauma on creativity.
As creatives, we understand that our experiences shape us and influence our work. Many of us have dark shadows looming over us, and we channel our pain into our art.
We want to get vulnerable and talk about our own lives, the challenges we faced as kids, and how they impacted us as creatives.
We’ll explore how adversity can shape us and how we channel that pain into our creativity.
Understanding expectations was one of the most impactful things growing up and as a creative, especially the expectations we had. Let’s dive deeper into this topic and dissect it together.
Coping with tragedy through swimming and the unpredictability of life
The brothers delved deeper into their shared experiences of coping with tragedy, particularly the loss of their father and their mother’s subsequent battle with cancer.
One of the brothers reflected on his past, recalling how he clung to swimming during that difficult time. He noted how expectations played a role in his dedication to the sport, as he felt a sense of obligation to excel regardless of the obstacles that came his way.
Swimming provided a sense of normalcy in an otherwise tumultuous period of his life, allowing him to channel his emotions and grief into a productive outlet.
This resulted in the best years of his swimming career, a testament to the power of perseverance and determination.
However, life had more curveballs in store for the family. Their mother’s diagnosis of cancer was a double whammy, coming less than a year after their father’s death.
The brothers vividly recalled the trauma of watching their mother go through chemotherapy, radiation, and a double mastectomy, all while still reeling from their father’s passing.
They lamented the unpredictability of life, acknowledging that their expectations had been shattered and that survival was their primary goal.
They expressed frustration at the platitudes people often offered during times of crisis, such as “it’s all happening for a reason” or “it’s part of the plan,” as these sentiments failed to capture the rawness and complexity of their experiences.
Ultimately, the brothers recognized that while life can be unpredictable and uncontrollable, they could still find strength in each other and their shared experiences.
Challenges of Childhood Trauma
It is interesting to note that the brothers’ experience of a catastrophic event at a young age has had a profound impact on their life.
Before the event, the brothers had a certain idea of what success meant, but after the event, their expectations and perspective shifted.
They realized that they needed to adjust their path and re-evaluate their goals.
As a result, they felt like an outsider among their peers and community and even went as far as leaving their high school to swim at another program.
They reflect on how their family was once known as the “Dickens family,” but after the event, they were now defined by their loss and brokenness.
Despite the statistics suggesting that the brothers may have ended up in prison given their upbringing, they see it as a miracle that they did not.
Their experience shows how a catastrophic event can alter one’s perception of the world and impact their path in life.
Building Resilience through Adversity
As children, our family dynamic and societal norms set certain expectations for us. However, experiencing extreme adversity at a young age made us question why we should conform to these norms when life is so unpredictable.
This mentality has carried over into our careers, where we are hungry for success but realistic about the obstacles we may encounter.
With over 200 flights and numerous production projects under our belt, we have developed resiliency that allows us to keep going no matter what challenges come our way.
While the saying “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” may be a cliche, we believe that adversity can make you sad, and angry, and perceive things differently. It’s how you channel those emotions that make all the difference.
We wish there was more education and guidance for those who have experienced trauma as children, as many fall through the cracks despite their potential.
Statistics show that losing a parent as a child increases the likelihood of negative outcomes such as substance abuse, difficulty maintaining employment, and ending up in jail.
However, we believe that overcoming adversity can give you an edge in life, as it provides a unique perspective that others may not have. It’s either you make it through or fall flat on your face, but either way, there will always be someone there to pick you up.
Turning Adversity into Art
The two brothers delved into their experiences growing up in a tumultuous household and how they channeled their emotions into creative outlets.
They discussed the two options people face when dealing with difficult situations: either let it destroy you or turn it into a source of strength.
For them, the latter option was the path they chose. Despite the instability of their upbringing, they found solace in their respective passions.
One brother turned to writing and spent a significant amount of time at his aunt’s house, surrounded by orchards, which eventually led to the creation of his novel, “The Orchards Offspring”.
The other brother discovered a love for music and began writing songs as a way to express his emotions.
Through their artistic pursuits, they were able to transform their hardships into something beautiful and meaningful. Their story serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, creativity can be a powerful tool for healing and growth.
Harnessing Trauma to Become a Creator
The two brothers discussed the power of creativity in their latest podcast episode. They agreed that being a creator means taking experiences, both positive and negative, and using them as fuel to create something for the inner creator inside all of us to experience.
Whether it’s adversity, sadness, or success, every experience is an opportunity to create something that the creator within us can appreciate.
Reflecting on their teenage years, the brothers noted that the only good that came out of those times was the experiences they shared with their Creator.
Through their creations, they have been able to touch the lives of others, providing sentimental or even monetary benefits.
All of it stemmed from the trauma they faced, which they were able to channel into their art. Ultimately, they agreed that creativity has the power to turn adversity into art and inspire others along the way.
How to connect with us
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