Brené with Viola Davis on Being Brave, Speaking Truth, and Finding Me
May 11, 2022
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Viola Davis, an Academy Award-winning actress and author of 'Finding Me,' joins for a profound conversation. She reflects on her turbulent childhood and the power of overcoming trauma in the entertainment industry. Viola emphasizes the significance of authenticity and the struggle against societal pressures. She discusses the role of therapy in healing and the courage it takes to own one’s story. With moments of joy and musical flair, this dialogue is a heartfelt exploration of vulnerability and personal growth.
Viola Davis highlights the importance of embracing authenticity and confronting societal expectations to achieve personal growth and acceptance.
She emphasizes the strength found in vulnerability, using her own experiences to advocate for open dialogue around difficult choices like abortion.
Deep dives
Viola Davis's Journey of Self-Discovery
Viola Davis shares a profound reflection on her childhood and the struggles she faced growing up, including trauma and the challenge of finding her true voice in a demanding industry. She emphasizes the importance of embracing one's authentic self rather than conforming to societal expectations. Davis recounts moments of negotiation with her 'representative,' the version of herself that she felt needed to fit into predefined molds, which often led to anxiety and self-doubt. The narrative serves as a testament to her bravery in confronting her past and celebrating her journey toward self-acceptance.
Understanding the Complexity of Choices
Davis delves into the complexities of personal choices, using the example of her experience with abortion to illustrate the stigma surrounding such decisions. She discusses the emotional turmoil that accompanied her choice, highlighting the absence of open dialogue on the topic within society. By sharing her experience, she aims to foster understanding and reduce the feelings of isolation many women face when dealing with similar situations. Davis reinforces the notion that life is filled with difficult choices and the importance of owning one's story without shame.
The Role of Vulnerability and Accountability
Davis argues that vulnerability is a source of strength rather than a weakness, allowing individuals to connect with their true selves and others. She compares her evolution as an artist and person to the journey of Orestes from Greek tragedy, emphasizing that accountability leads to personal growth. Sharing her vulnerabilities fuels her resilience, echoing her belief that transparency can foster deeper connections with both audiences and personal relationships. This philosophy of embracing vulnerability resonates as a vital element of her life and artistry.
Moments of Reflection and Gratitude
Throughout the conversation, Davis expresses gratitude for her family and the lessons learned from her struggles and triumphs. She reflects on her role as a mother, emphasizing the importance of providing her daughter with the tools to navigate life's complexities, including the realities of trauma and resilience. The discussion underscores the significance of holding space for personal stories and experiences, both for herself and for future generations. Ultimately, Davis conveys a message of hope and the importance of embracing one's journey with honesty and courage.
I’m talking with none other than the amazing, singular Viola Davis about her new memoir, Finding Me. This book, and this conversation, are gifts — deep reflections on a turbulent childhood, the journey to overcoming trauma, and how she found her voice in the often brutal entertainment industry. She shares some extraordinary experiences that have changed her, and because of who she is, they’ve in turn changed us.