327. Blooming in Adversity with Carrington Smith

Today, we are joined by Carrington Smith, the acclaimed author of “Blooming: Finding Gifts in the Shit of Life.” Carrington's journey, celebrated in platforms like Forbes and Fast Company, is a testimony to the indomitable spirit of human resilience. Born into the illustrious legacy of the founders of the International Paper Company, one might assume a life of privilege and ease awaited her. Yet, as family fortunes dwindled over generations, so did familial unity, leaving in its wake an undercurrent of resentment and an overbearing pressure to uphold revered family standards.While her family’s history boasts of prestigious alma maters like Miss Porter School in Farmington for her grandmother, mother, and sister, Carrington’s own educational journey was markedly different. She attended public schools and pursued higher studies at Washington State University. It was here that she faced one of the darkest episodes of her life, a harrowing sexual assault. This traumatic experience remained a silent burden for six years, until the corridors of law school gave her the sanctuary she needed to find her voice.Carrington's path to healing began when she broke her silence. She found a beacon of hope in “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de Becker, realizing that trauma could be worn not as a chain, but as a medal of courage. This wasn’t a tale of mere survival but of turning pain into power. Carrington's life philosophy, poignantly reflected in her book title, encourages embracing challenges as opportunities for growth. Her candid message emphasizes the importance of owning one’s story, processing every emotion - from anger and grief to euphoria, and especially amplifying the voices of women, who often navigate a world trying to mute them. For Carrington, life's adversities are not about recounting losses but about recognizing the gains that come with them—like the allure of starting afresh and the freedom to carve out a new narrative.
The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway“With adversity comes opportunity. That little piece of sage advice has been such an important piece of wisdom that absolutely has transformed my life. I people can just walk away with that and know that how they view an event is going to determine the outcome, and if they can always be on the lookout for growth and opportunity, they're gonna live a much happier life.”
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Resources:Learn more at carrington-smith.comRead: "Blooming: Finding Gifts in the Shit of Life"Follow Carrington on Instagram: @carringtonatx