We Can Do Hard Things Episode: Chanel Miller Promises: We Are Never Stuck (Best Of) Release Date: December 24, 2024
In this poignant and inspiring episode of We Can Do Hard Things, hosts Glennon Doyle and Abby Wambach sit down with Chanel Miller, the acclaimed author of Know My Name. This heartfelt conversation delves deep into Chanel's journey of healing, her artistic expressions, and the complexities of her identity as an Asian-American woman navigating a world rife with representation challenges.
Introducing Chanel Miller and Her Journey
[02:18] Abby Wambach:
Abby warmly introduces Chanel Miller, highlighting her memoir Know My Name, which chronicles her assault at Stanford University. Abby shares her personal connection to Chanel's work, emphasizing how Chanel's precise and heartfelt writing provided a pathway for collective healing.
Notable Quote:
"Chanel, I just wanted to let you know that your writing has been a beacon of hope for so many of us."
— Glennon Doyle [05:07]
Art as a Pathway to Healing
Chanel discusses how her therapist encouraged her to engage in pleasurable activities as part of her healing process. She recounts enrolling in a narrative illustration class in San Francisco, where creating daily comics helped her stay grounded and present amidst the overwhelming themes of her trauma.
Notable Quote:
"Art forces me to pay attention to these smaller changes. It convinces me that change is still happening, that the world is still spinning."
— Chanel Miller [10:48]
Chanel elaborates on how creating whimsical characters and landscapes serves as a sanctuary, allowing her to protect and respect her inner world. This artistic expression not only aids her personal healing but also fosters empathy and connection with others.
Identity and Representation
The conversation shifts to Chanel's experience as an Asian-American woman and the impact of the model minority myth. She reflects on the sudden surge in Asian representation in the media, juxtaposed with the rise in anti-Asian violence. Chanel emphasizes the importance of storytelling in breaking stereotypes and showcasing the complexity of Asian identities.
Notable Quote:
"Art is my job to keep telling these stories about me, about my mom, about what it means to move through the world as Asian women."
— Chanel Miller [39:48]
Chanel also shares heartfelt anecdotes about her mother's resilience and how her mother's strength inspires her own fight for justice and self-expression.
Navigating Mental Health and Depression
Chanel opens up about her ongoing struggles with depression, describing it as a "narrowed vision" that limits her perspective. She highlights the importance of viewing depression not just as a state of being stuck but as an altered way of seeing the world, complete with its own set of challenges and insights.
Notable Quote:
"Depression is just a different way of seeing. It's not a state that I'm stuck in indefinitely."
— Chanel Miller [43:35]
The hosts and Chanel discuss strategies for coping with depression, such as embracing curiosity, stepping outside oneself, and finding solace in small, everyday moments. Chanel recounts a transformative experience returning to Stanford, where she felt a profound sense of acceptance and release from her past trauma.
The Power of Presence and Community
Chanel shares her experience speaking at Stanford, where she was met with overwhelming support from students. This moment underscored the importance of community and presence in the healing process. She emphasizes that healing is a constant journey, requiring both internal resilience and external support.
Notable Quote:
"When the students clapped for me, it was like dissolving any doubt about my place in that space. It was a release and a new beginning."
— Chanel Miller [52:46]
The discussion also touches on the significance of being present, both in one's own life and in supporting others. The hosts encourage listeners to find their own moments of presence and to cultivate empathy through art and everyday interactions.
Closing Reflections and Encouragement
As the episode draws to a close, Chanel reflects on her ongoing journey and the challenges of aging into a new decade with uncertainty. She emphasizes the importance of showing up authentically and trusting in one's ability to navigate the unknown.
Notable Quote:
"I will continue showing up in my truest form, sailing into my 30s."
— Chanel Miller [59:17]
The hosts express their unwavering support and admiration for Chanel, celebrating her strength and the profound impact of her work on listeners.
Key Takeaways
- Art as Healing: Engaging in creative activities can provide a semblance of stability and self-expression amidst trauma.
- Representation Matters: Authentic storytelling is crucial in breaking down stereotypes and fostering empathy for marginalized communities.
- Navigating Mental Health: Viewing depression as an altered perspective rather than a static state can offer new avenues for coping and understanding.
- The Importance of Presence: Being present in the moment and within one's community can significantly contribute to the healing process.
Chanel Miller's candid and moving conversation with We Can Do Hard Things serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art and authentic connection.