Ep. 106: Richard Hsung on the healing power of storytelling.
What happens when your story overwhelms you?
This is what happened to Richard. In this conversation, Raleigh Sadler and Richard Hsung, author of Spring Flower, explore the profound challenges of writing a memoir, particularly the emotional toll of reliving painful memories. Richard shares his journey of completing his mother's memoir, discussing the mental paralysis he faced, the role of therapy, and the inspiration he drew from the story of Iris Chang. They delve into the complexities of identity, the importance of community, and the healing power of storytelling, ultimately emphasizing the significance of acknowledging one's past and the journey of self-discovery.
Highlights and takeaways from the conversation:
Mental paralysis can hinder creativity and productivity.
Reliving painful memories can be detrimental to mental health.
Therapy can provide essential support during the writing process.
Inspiration can come from unexpected sources, like Iris Chang.
Dredging up the past can be both painful and necessary.
Community support is crucial in overcoming creative blocks.
Writing can be a redemptive and healing process.
Identity is complex and can evolve.
It's okay to live with ambiguity regarding one's identity.
Acknowledging one's past is the first step towards healing.
Listen to the full episode:
For more conversations like this one, check out my book, Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking.