Episode 19: Gen
*Content Warning: Heartbreak
Here’s the question that inspired this week’s episode (the message has been slightly altered to preserve anonymity): I recently broke up with my ex and I've been trying to love myself, and I have no idea how to do that. I've placed so much of my value in other people's opinions of me, and what hurts the most is that he lied to me about so many things and didn't care all that much about me. I'm tired of feeling unlovable and unable to move past hurtful life experiences. Honestly, I just feel unworthy of love.
We’ve all been there. Going through heartbreak is hard. And we don’t just mean break ups with romantic partners. There is heartbreak, or at least difficult make-or-break-it moments, with friends and even family. But we learn, grow, and even hold on to love through these moments. What can these challenging emotional processes teach us about relationships and about ourselves? How are we influenced by norms of heteronormativity and patriarchy without even realizing it? Join AY and Gen for some advice on heartbreak including what books to read and what podcasts and music to listen to. Gen is the illustrator at Lovestruck Prints, she recently illustrated a book about love entitled: “C’est quoi l'amour?” written by Lucile de Pesloüan, and she used to share a studio with Ambivalently Yours.
References:
- Sonya Renee Taylor on IG @sonyareneetaylor and @thebodyisnotanapology
- The episode "Freedom from the Prison of Limiting Beliefs” (September 25, 2020) on the Tara Brach podcast
- All About Love: New Visions, by bell hooks
- C’est quoi l’amour? written by Lucile de Pesloüan, illustrated by Geneviève Darling
A podcast by Ambivalently Yours
Co-produced by Hannah McCasland
Recorded at Oboro Artist-Run Center in Montreal
Technical support: Stéphane Claude
Music: Greg Barkley and Lizzy & the Fanatics