Embracing True Self with Tia May
In the world of motor sports and mental health advocacy, few stories are as inspiring as that of Tia May—a woman unafraid to embrace her true self and share her journey with others. In a recent conversation with podcast host Mike Turbyfill, Tia shared her unique path from wearing a bear suit at car shows to becoming a mental health advocate for veterans through her passion for motorsports.
Finding Confidence in the Unconventional
Tia May's story begins with a desire to shed the masks she wore since childhood—a result of early bullying that led her to hide her true self. It was her forties when Tia decided she was tired of pretending. Her way of expressing this liberation? Donning a bear costume at car shows. What started as a quirky decision turned into a powerful statement. The bear suit became a symbol of shedding her mask and showing her "goofy self."
Empowering Self-Esteem
Despite initial doubts, Tia embraced the bear suit not just for herself, but to teach her children the importance of not succumbing to societal judgment. Her experiences at parades, where children ran to hug her and strangers gave her thumbs up, reinforced the idea that being true to oneself is what truly stands out. Tia's venture into authenticity is a lesson for us all—embracing what makes you happy over conforming to peer pressures.
A Journey through the Military and Mental Health Struggles
Tia's conversation highlights her time in the military and the subsequent challenges she faced upon returning to civilian life. After medically discharging due to health issues in her early twenties, Tia spent years trying to find her path. As she approached 40, it became clear that her unresolved PTSD and mental health challenges needed to be addressed. Tia's persistence led her to discover alternative therapies outside the VA system, such as the sessions offered by 22 Zero, which significantly improved her mental health. Sharing her experience, she emphasizes the need for effective mental health therapies that don't solely rely on medication.
Racing for Relief: The Power of Motor Sports
Passionate about cars since forever, Tia eventually found motor sports to be a critical outlet for her mental health. It wasn't just racing; it was the adrenaline and the community, providing the sense of belonging and vibrancy she'd been missing. Her involvement in motor sports shifted from personal therapy to a mission—sharing this healing with fellow veterans. Through outreach and partnerships with organizations promoting veterans' mental health, Tia works to bring veterans into the exhilarating world of motorsports, showing them the life-changing potential of such non-traditional therapies.
Harnessing Networks and Overcoming Challenges
Throughout her conversation with Mike, Tia talks candidly about the challenges of funding and marketing her ventures, but also the vast network she has cultivated in the motorsports and veteran communities. Networking, she insists, is key to achieving her dreams of establishing driving retreats and developing programs to benefit veterans.
Concluding with Hope and Purpose
Tia May’s journey reminds us of the power of authenticity and the importance of finding your path, however unconventional it might seem. Her work and aspirations serve as an inspiring beacon for veterans struggling with mental health, showing them that there is life beyond challenges, filled with purpose and passion. As Tia continues to advocate and work toward her dream of a mental health revolution through motor sports, her story stands as a testament to resilience—a true celebration of life, dreams, and the unyielding spirit of being unapologetically oneself. --- Tia May's story is a cornerstone for any veteran seeking inspiration and a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's true self. Her journey shows that with enough passion, drive, and community support, anything is possible—even when the road seems daunting. Keep an eye on Tia's endeavors; her story is one to watch, learn from, and celebrate.
