A Dive Within Ourselves

In times of extremes, when external opinions hold so much power, why not focus on getting to know ourselves better? I have the feeling that the more I understand myself—my desires, needs, past, fears, and anxieties—the more connected I become to what truly matters, even as the chaos rages on outside.

No, this is not about escaping unpleasant situations or opposing opinions, but rather about building a strong shield to protect my essence. When you dive deep into yourself, there is no room for doubt about who you truly are.

The journey toward authenticity is a process. A process that can be long, challenging, and sometimes even painful, but I see no other way to live than by facing it head-on, being fully yourself—from the tip of your hair to the tip of your toes.

Being true to yourself and embracing who you are is so difficult for some that they reach the end of their lives without ever having had an honest relationship with the most important person in their journey: themselves. There is no one-size-fits-all formula. Each person follows a unique path. The tools for this inner dive also vary. What truly matters is that once you start down the road to self-discovery, you don’t look back or get distracted by outside noise—because it will always be there.

It’s challenging, but the rewards of looking within are worth it. Take the plunge today!

Finding Resilience Through Storytelling: My Experience on the All About Us Podcast

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to join Carl Allen on the All About Us Podcast, where I shared my journey as a Brazilian-born storyteller, writer, filmmaker, and breast cancer survivor. This powerful conversation delved into themes of resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of authentic storytelling. It was a truly humbling experience to reflect on my path and discuss how our stories, no matter how personal, can inspire and empower others.

From Rio to Resilience

Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, I learned early on how resilience is deeply tied to adaptability. My journey took me from the vibrant streets of Rio to building a creative life in Indianapolis, USA. Moving across cultures shaped my perspective, not just as a storyteller but as a human being navigating life’s transitions. On the podcast, I reflected on how these cultural experiences fueled my creativity and taught me to remain true to myself while embracing change.

The Power of Storytelling

Storytelling has always been my passion, and it became even more vital during my journey through breast cancer. In the episode, I opened up about how storytelling became a healing tool—both for me and for those I’ve shared my story with. The experience of creating my short film, The Fat Lady, was a culmination of this passion, and I shared behind-the-scenes insights into how this project allowed me to weave personal themes of identity, judgment, and resilience into art.

Key Takeaways

During the podcast, we explored some vital lessons I’ve learned along the way:

• Resilience is rooted in adaptability. Moving through different cultures and facing life-altering challenges like cancer has taught me to adapt while staying authentic.

  
  

• Storytelling is a healing process. Sharing my journey, whether through film or personal narrative, has been a powerful way to find strength and connect with others.

  
  

• Authenticity is everything. Whether in personal life or professional projects, being true to your story is the key to meaningful work and relationships.

  
  

“Resilience is rooted in adaptability and staying true to yourself in new environments.”“Your story matters. Sharing it can heal you and inspire others.”

Listen to the Full Episode

In this episode, I also discussed my creative process, the importance of community in filmmaking, and how embracing vulnerability can empower others. To hear the full conversation and learn more about my journey and my work, check out the All About Us Podcast: Finding Resilience Through Storytelling with Rita Avellar.