Trauma's Lasting Impact and Resilience's Triumph: Tyler West's Journey

Key Quotes

"when i was 14 i witnessed a murder my brother screaming i had the police let me up let me up my brother thought it was me so it was me my mum and my brother growing up it's it's just pure working class but what was going on in your world my mum she'd cry her eyes out all night because that's all she could afford now i've got a big reason to keep on going because i owe it to her"

Tyler West describes the profound impact of witnessing a murder at age 14, highlighting how this traumatic event, coupled with his mother's financial struggles, instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility and a drive to succeed for her. This quote reveals the foundational motivations that shaped his ambition and resilience from a young age.

"but who would have thought from where i started i would ever end up in buckingham palace but i'm still working it out everybody always looks at you and goes oh yeah tai you're the confident one oh he was on street be swear down but i've still got that 14 year old self that's like i absolutely should i went through like two years of pain which led into some of the best accomplishments in my life i've met love of my life i'd count my lucky stars"

Tyler West reflects on the contrast between his public persona and his internal experience, acknowledging that despite his achievements and perceived confidence, the trauma of his past still lingers. This quote underscores his ongoing journey of processing that trauma and finding gratitude for the positive outcomes that have emerged from his difficult experiences.

"i couldn't open my blinds every single morning i'd get out of bed i had to make my bed because of like something i was convinced something bad would happen to me i would couldn't use a knife and fork i couldn't if if anything sort of happened in an action movie and it was like anything to do with a knife absolutely not even to this day like molly my partner molly she she hides my eyes because she's like you okay and she checks in on me and i'm like it's still so raw even like i've just come to the conclusion that i will never i will never get that image out of my head i live with it every single day"

Tyler West details the persistent and debilitating effects of his trauma, illustrating how the witnessing of violence led to severe phobias and anxieties that impacted his daily life for years. This quote emphasizes the long-lasting psychological toll of traumatic events and the ongoing process of managing their impact, even with the support of loved ones.

"i went through like two years of pain which led into some of the best accomplishments and achievements in my life for off the back of that off the back of feeling like that yes yes all right so i want to talk about this but one area that i i think we have to talk about and it's interesting because uh when you came in you you talked about jordan stevens' book and how brilliant it was right absolutely brilliant book"

Tyler West connects his past suffering directly to his subsequent successes, framing the difficult period as a catalyst for personal growth and achievement. This quote highlights his perspective that overcoming adversity, even through significant pain, can ultimately lead to profound accomplishments and a deeper appreciation for life.

"i was trying to look like the person that i thought people might want me to be i was trying to you got to remember like growing up watching telly there was not a lot of people that looked like me and sound like me that that i could look up to but then the problem that i found is when i started doing this kind of work they'd be like oh no yeah but you're like reggie yates and they'd be putting us in the same category like we're we're now becoming one person and i'm going right okay so i actually have no choice but to be my whole authentic self"

Tyler West explains his early career struggle with authenticity, detailing how he initially tried to emulate others due to a lack of representation in media, only to realize the importance of embracing his own identity. This quote reveals his journey toward self-acceptance and the realization that his unique voice and perspective are his greatest assets.

"the true measure of a great partnership of love is safety yeah that's it i think it's that it's it's black and white it's cut and dry right it is do you feel safe emotionally and physically with your partner if the answer is no bounce bounce yeah i'm not doing that man no way"

Tyler West articulates his core belief about relationships, defining safety as the paramount element of love and partnership. This quote emphasizes his clear and direct approach to evaluating relationships, suggesting that emotional and physical security are non-negotiable foundations for a healthy connection.