288. "Your calling, won't stop calling" ft. Victoria Hutchins
Apr 1, 2025
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Victoria Hutchins, a poet and mental health advocate, shares her insights on finding one's calling and the challenges of career choices in your 20s. She emphasizes the significance of risk-taking and vulnerability in personal growth. The conversation dives into navigating anxiety and the power of hope as a driving force for purpose. Victoria also offers practical self-care tips and encourages listeners to embrace authenticity while pursuing their passions, reminding everyone that our paths can be beautifully unpredictable.
Victoria Hutchins illustrates the significance of embracing one's true calling by adapting to change rather than conforming to societal career expectations.
The podcast emphasizes the crucial role of vulnerability in fostering authentic connections and overcoming mental health challenges within communities.
Listeners are encouraged to prioritize genuine self-care practices that promote mindfulness and emotional well-being, rather than succumbing to commercialized wellness trends.
Deep dives
Gabrielle Union's Impactful Conversation
The discussion highlights the pivotal roles played by actress Gabrielle Union and her approach to parenting amidst adversity. Union shares insights on navigating parenthood while facing societal backlash against Black and queer communities. She emphasizes that external judgments should not dictate personal values or parenting choices. The conversation reinforces the notion that being authentic to oneself and one's family is crucial, especially in tumultuous times.
Navigating Career Changes and Passion
The insights revolve around making significant career shifts, as exemplified by Victoria Hutchins, who transitioned from a corporate lawyer to a poet and mental health advocate. She reflects on the pressures faced in early adulthood to choose a lifelong career path and the societal expectation to conform to conventional success. Hutchins stresses the importance of recognizing when a calling persists and being open to change, emphasizing that life is too long to stay stuck in an unfulfilling career. The discussion encourages listeners to embrace their passions and allow room for reinvention throughout their lives.
The Value of Vulnerability and Authenticity
A critical focus is placed on the power of vulnerability in forming connections and fostering mental health. The conversation critiques conventional narratives surrounding optimism and purpose, advocating instead for a realistic portrayal of struggles. Sharing genuine experiences helps dismantle the stigma surrounding mental health challenges, making it easier for others to relate and find hope. Emphasizing the need for community, the speakers highlight how vulnerability can bridge gaps and create supportive networks.
The Role of Community in Well-being
The importance of community as a counterbalance to isolation is a central theme, especially given contemporary societal trends towards individualism. Engaging in social activities can provide a vital support system that enhances mental health. The conversation suggests that even during tough times, seeking out connections can mitigate feelings of anxiety and detachment. Building community through regular interactions in familiar spaces, like yoga classes or book clubs, is shared as a practical strategy for enhancing social ties.
Rethinking Self-Care Practices
The discussion on self-care challenges the commercialization of wellness, stressing that genuine self-care is not about buying products but rather about being present and engaged. Authentic self-care entails recognizing personal needs and prioritizing what truly brings joy without the pressure of societal expectations. Participants argue for the importance of slowing down and cultivating habits that foster mindfulness and emotional well-being. Reflecting on practices that promote simplicity and presence leads to a more fulfilling self-care approach.
So many of us worry about finding a purpose and progressing in our career from an early age, but sometimes our path through life looks different to how we imagine it. The poet Victoria Hutchins is one example of this being the case. In today's episode we break down:
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.