Women of Impact What to Do When Everything Falls Apart—How to Move Forward & Rebuild | Dr. Maya Shankar (Fan Fav)
May 14, 2025
Dr. Maya Shankar, a cognitive scientist and former White House advisor, joins the conversation to explore the intricacies of identity and change. She discusses how unfulfilled expectations can reshape one's sense of self and the importance of embracing adaptability during life's transitions. Through compelling personal stories, Maya unpacks the significance of gratitude in processing grief and finding joy amidst challenges. Listeners are encouraged to redefine their identities and discover strength in unexpected places.
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Maya's Violinist Identity Loss
- Maya Shankar lost her dream of becoming a professional violinist due to a sudden hand injury.
- She realized her identity was deeply tied to the violin and grieved losing a part of herself.
Avoid Identity Foreclosure
- Identity foreclosure traps us in fixed self-concepts, limiting exploration of new identities.
- Focusing on core features that bring joy, rather than specific roles, supports identity stability during change.
Grieving Lost Identities
- Lisa Bilyeu and Maya both experienced grieving identities; Lisa with motherhood and Maya with pregnancy loss.
- Grieving these identities is a crucial and often underestimated part of embracing change.