In Episode 20 of VeeDads, Tena, aka @ArtByTena, discusses her upbringing and the important role her father played in her life. She talks about spending summers with her dad in Texas and the positive influence he had on her. Tena also mentions the challenges she faced with her stepfather and the strained relationship she had with her mother. Despite the difficulties, Tena emphasizes the importance of focusing on the blessings and opportunities that came from her experiences. Tena reflects on her childhood and the challenges she faced in understanding herself and fitting in. She describes herself as an extrovert introvert and struggled with social situations and group settings. Tena had a close bond with her father and found solace in the arts, including painting, acting, and singing. She felt misunderstood by others and often felt like the odd one out. Tena's father was her main source of understanding and support. Later in life, Tena was diagnosed with autism, which helped her make sense of her experiences and find a sense of belonging. In this conversation, Tena discusses the importance of self-advocacy and listening to oneself. She shares her experience of being diagnosed with autism and how it has brought validation and self-acceptance. Tena emphasizes the need to break free from societal expectations and be true to oneself. She also highlights the supportive and empathetic community of VeeFriends and the role it plays in providing a safe space for individuals to be themselves. Tena's journey of unmasking and finding her own voice is reflected in her art, where she breaks away from traditional rules and expresses her true self.

Find more of Tena's work and energy:

On her website! https://www.artbytena.biz

Instagram @licenseplategirl

X formally known as Twitter @ArtByTena

Key Takeaways from Episode 21:

• The influence of a father figure can have a significant impact on a person's life
• Divorce does not have to be seen as inherently negative, and there can be positive aspects to it
• Challenging relationships with parents can be improved and strengthened over time
• Focusing on the blessings and opportunities in difficult situations can lead to personal growth and resilience Tena struggled with fitting in and understanding herself during her childhood.
• Her close bond with her father provided her with a sense of understanding and support.
• Tena found solace in the arts, including painting, acting, and singing.
• She often felt misunderstood and like the odd one out.
• Later in life, Tena was diagnosed with autism, which helped her make sense of her experiences and find a sense of belonging. Self-advocacy is crucial in understanding oneself and finding validation.
• Being diagnosed with autism can bring a sense of self-acceptance and self-love.
• It is important to break free from societal expectations and be true to oneself.
• The VFRIENDS community provides a supportive and empathetic space for individuals to be themselves.
• Unmasking and finding one's own voice is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
• Art can be a powerful medium for expressing one's true self and breaking away from traditional rules.

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Join VeeDads every Tuesday on X Spaces at 3:00 pm est to discuss topics similar to the ones Tena has experienced and how they are impacting the life of Dads.

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Keywords: upbringing, father, Texas, Michigan, divorce, relationship, Hollywood, acting, stepfather, trauma, childhood, fitting in, extrovert introvert, social situations, close bond with father, Ryan Turner, solace in the arts, misunderstood, odd one out, autism diagnosis, autism, sense of belonging, self-advocacy, autism, validation, self-acceptance, societal expectations, Gary Vaynerchuck, VeeFriends, supportive community, unmasking, finding one's voice, art,

Broadcast on:

20 May 2024