Reclaiming Our Narratives: The Healing Ripples of Vulnerability on Stage | Susan Lieu

The power of storytelling is undeniable. It has the ability to heal, connect, and transform lives in ways we often can't imagine. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Susan Lieu, a remarkable Vietnamese American playwright, performer, and author whose journey of healing through storytelling left me in awe.

Susan's story begins with a profound loss. When she was just 11 years old, her mother tragically passed away due to complications from plastic surgery. In the aftermath, Susan's family chose silence, burying their grief and memories along with her mother. This collective decision to "move on" without processing their emotions left a deep wound in Susan's heart.

The Weight of Silence

Growing up in a household of 13 relatives, Susan learned early on that emotions were not to be expressed. The cultural expectation to respect elders and maintain harmony meant that her grief and questions about her mother went unaddressed for decades.

This silence shaped Susan's path in life. She threw herself into achievements, seeking approval and recognition to fill the void left by her mother's absence. From excelling in school to being accepted into Harvard, Susan's drive was fueled by an unquenchable need for validation.

Breaking the Silence

It wasn't until Susan was in her 30s, contemplating motherhood herself, that she realized the toll this unprocessed grief had taken on her life. In a moment of courage, she decided to share her story publicly for the first time in a solo performance class.

This act of vulnerability became a turning point. Susan describes it as "opening the floodgates." Suddenly, she found herself on a journey of discovery, uncovering truths about her mother's life and death that had been hidden for years.

The Healing Power of Performance

What began as a five-minute story evolved into a one-woman show where Susan played 15 characters over 65 minutes. Through her performances, she not only processed her own grief but also created a space for others to connect with their own unspoken pain.

Susan's story resonates deeply because it speaks to a universal human experience - the need to be seen, heard, and understood. By sharing her vulnerability on stage, she gave permission for others to explore their own buried emotions.

The Ripple Effect of Storytelling

The impact of Susan's bravery extends far beyond her personal healing. Her performances and memoir have touched thousands of lives, creating ripples of healing and connection:

• Audience members sharing stories they've never told anyone before
• Students finding inspiration to pursue their dreams
• Educators using her work to teach empathy and cultural understanding
• Families opening up conversations about long-buried grief

Susan's journey reminds us that our stories, even the painful ones, have the power to create profound change when shared authentically.

Embracing Our Full Humanity

What strikes me most about Susan's story is the courage it takes to embrace our full humanity - the beautiful and the broken parts alike. In a world that often encourages us to present only our highlight reels, there's immense power in showing up as our authentic selves.

Susan's work creates a space where people can feel seen and understood in their struggles. It's a reminder that we're not alone in our pain, and that sharing our stories can be a pathway to healing not just for ourselves, but for others as well.

The Ongoing Journey of Healing

Healing isn't a destination; it's an ongoing journey. Susan continues to navigate her relationship with her family, balancing love and boundaries as she honors her truth. Her story is a testament to the fact that it's never too late to start processing our pain and reclaiming our narratives.

As we reflect on Susan's journey, we're invited to consider our own stories:

• What parts of ourselves have we kept hidden out of fear or shame?
• How might sharing our truth, even in small ways, create healing for ourselves and others?
• What would it look like to embrace our full humanity, valleys and all?

Susan's advice to herself and to all of us is beautifully simple: "Every day, just take one more step." Healing, growth, and change happen one small effort at a time.

In a world that often feels disconnected, stories like Susan's remind us of our shared humanity. They invite us to be brave, to be vulnerable, and to trust that our stories matter. Because in sharing them, we not only heal ourselves but create space for others to do the same.

If you'd like to learn more about Susan Lieu and her work, you can visit her website at susanlieu.me or follow her on Instagram at @susanlieu.

Remember, your story matters. Your voice matters. And in sharing your truth, you never know whose life you might touch.