Jocelyn Tiner MSW, PMP shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Jocelyn, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
My self-esteem – what I believe I’m worth, what my time is worth, what I am worthy of. I’ve been building this up slowly for a few decades now, and I am extremely proud of what I’ve built so far.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jocelyn Tiner and I am happiest when I’m being creative and nurturing creativity in others. I am the creator and producer of The JIM Experiment, which is an annual improv event, beginning with a series of intensive workshops and culminating in several live shows over the summer. Since 2012 I have worked with more than 40 performers of varying comedy and acting backgrounds in DFW, and it is so exciting to watch what they come up with for our audiences in every performance. We have a fun generational mix as well – from Gen Z to Millennials, to Baby Boomers – and I’m continuously impressed with them. They truly put on a show that is fun for all ages.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
Every therapist I have ever had.
I feel like I should say more than that, but that’s the answer.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
One in particular comes to mind. It was when I was first experiencing PTSD in my early 20s, and I had this moment where I thought everything I had lost was lost forever. I remember sitting on my bed, tears drying on my face, numb, thinking this was it. I should just let go of the idea of ever getting it back. I should just accept it and mourn the loss. Having innocence yanked away is something that definitely feels gone for good.
It wasn’t until my third therapist that I realized there were ways to give myself the personal-growth experiences I didn’t get to have when I was young.
That step was really crucial for me. I have found so much joy in those moments: Playing pretend with my nephew and being monsters or zombies and really committing to it like a kid would. Trying something new and creative like building things out of LEGO with no instructions, or sketch writing, or video editing. Being open to new challenges that will let me discover how much I can try and fail and succeed at. Knowing that every time I give myself a ‘first’ experience, I am healing something. Resolving an old trauma. Finding a piece of me that had been lost.
People say it all the time, but we really should learn something new every day. And how cool would it be if on some of those days, we were learning something new about ourselves?
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
Oh yes. And I’m getting better at sharing when I’m stressed out. I used to keep that hidden, but I don’t see the point now.
Everybody experiences stress. Everybody gets sad sometimes. Everybody poops.
I feel lighter when I can openly acknowledge the times when life is life-ing hard and I am struggling. I used to keep a lot of that to myself, but seriously, no one can help if they don’t know you need it.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
A kind, empathetic person who sees the endless potential in others and supports them as they find their way through life.
A silly person who will attempt karaoke she can’t sing well because she simply enjoys the song.
Someone who is really calm in a crisis.
A giant cup of coffee.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thejimexperiment.weebly.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejimexperiment/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-tiner/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/thejimexperiment
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JIMExperimentImprov
