In The Stories We Tell podcast, Joanna Gaines explains that she struggled growing up, both being half-Korean and taking on her mom’s feelings of being an outsider.
“I never sensed you were not strong enough to carry it, but I just felt like we could have two people hurt here or one, which is why I opted to silence my pain,” said to her mother in the fourth episode of the podcast.
The TV reality star opened up about how she was teased as a child for being half-Korean and that she wanted to protect her mother from knowing about her experiences.
But when she moved to New York, her perspective began to change and she started to develop a pride for her heritage.
The star posted to Instagram about a pivotal moment in her identity development as a Korean American.
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On her first visit to Koreatown in New York City, Joanna wrote that “It was the first time I can remember truly feeling connected to a culture I grew up believing I needed to hide.”
And in her conversation with her mother on the memoir podcast, Joanna Gaines said to her mother, “I always wanted to say I was sorry, for living in halfness, and not fully embracing the most beautiful thing about myself which was you.
Breaking down in tears, Joanna continued on, “The culture that was half of me as a Korean little girl, as a Korean teenager, as a Korean woman. That I felt that guilt and that regret.”
After that change in thinking, Joanna said she intentionally started to love and cherish her culture. On the podcast, she said, “That’s the richest part of who I am. And walking in the fullness of that really changed the narrative for me.”
Not surprisingly, Joanna’s vulnerable disclosure has rendered plenty of support and encouragement from followers.
One listener share, “I just finished the podcast. You all make me feel whole. Thank you for sharing your stories. Now off to read your book!”
Another said, “I just listened to your momma’s story and hearing the both of you sharing your vulnerability and sacred moment with the world was just so inspiring.”
And Joanna’s experience as an Asian American touched others with similar experiences.
One first generation American said, “You definitely saved the best for last. I cried along with you both! Being a first gen American as well, her story hit very close to home.”
Joanna Gaines used her story of vulnerability to impact others, and whatever your story is, you can use it to empower others, too!
