Step into Your Truest Self & Impact Others | Interview with Christine Chen
Christine Chen needs no introduction. When I reached out to her regarding this interview, she was so kind and so willing! I first came across Christine when she was working at Wong Fu Productions and have been following her journey since then. Her passions and her journey has inspired me in many ways. I can’t wait to share to this interview with you.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m a life coach who also hosts two podcasts (xoxo christine and Perfectly Imperfect with my co-host Regina Fang). I’ve been through twists and turns throughout my life to end up here, helping others show up as their best selves to live their best lives. I’ve been an event planner, producer, and content creator. The common thread being that I want to help elevate my community (women and Asian Americans) in terms of self growth, development and conscious living.
Why did you start your Perfectly Imperfect podcast?
It came from a place of wanting to just tell my story and share my thoughts. I had bottled them up for a long time and shut down my opinions because they didn’t fit with the people around me. Looking back now, it was the desire to connect on a deeper level with others. Because my beautiful friend, Regina Fang who is also my co-host for PIP, and I shared that relationship with each other, we decided to just start a podcast and hopefully connect with others who feel the same way!
Our intention is to continue to connect and elevate authentic stories everywhere by being the sisters we’ve never had. And we plan to expand beyond the podcast and do that through live events, in person workshops, and discussions!
I know that you also started life coaching, can you describe what that is and why you pursued that?
Life coaching is all about helping you live your best life and show up as your best self. It’s a partnership between you and I to help sift through the noise in our heads that show up as fear, insecurity, doubt, limited beliefs, assumptions and draining energies. All of that holds you back from your self truth and manifesting what you really want in your life. I help you dig through what’s really happening inside yourself for you to consciously make choices that serve you and your goals. We get you from feeling stuck, a lack of confidence, not being good enough, rejected, lost and all the normal feelings of a transitional period to fully stepping into your infinite greatness!
What makes you feel most empowered?
Knowing I always have a choice. When I’m able to fully tap into being self aware and observe with curiosity why these thoughts are forming and then NOT judge myself in the process, I feel empowered. I feel like I can come back to my self truth (spoiler alert it always stems from love), and make decisions that serve me. And I know without a single doubt that that is what I’m meant to do and be. I detach myself from the outcome and trust in the process and timing of life. All I have to do is show up with love, compassion, and the desire to fully connect with others.
Who has inspired you and how have they inspired you?
To be honest, everyone. Once I truly absorbed this quote that “Each person we meet is our teacher and student,” it just clicked. Everyone’s individual stories really open up the world to me. I see and learn things through a whole different lens.
People who have overcome so much yet are still growing inspire me. People who are struggling inspire me. People who take time out to go to the beach and take full advantage of the beauties of life inspire me. People who are professionals in their field and have used that discipline to really hone their craft inspire me. People hugging others and showing true empathy and compassion for their friends inspire me. We’re all connected and that’s what fuels my soul.
How can someone start building more confidence?
Learn to trust your truth. It’s there. It’s always been there. It’s just sifting through the noise that we’ve internalized along the way. Stay curious. And remember it’s a process! It’s like building a mental muscle. It only gets stronger the more you practice and use it.
Also knowing fully that you are here for a reason and you can cause a ripple of affect of love or triggers. It’s up to you. Empowerment comes when you can stand in your self truth and detach from whatever happens. As you realize how powerful, valuable, and extremely needed your voice is to create change in the world that only YOU can do, that burning flame inside you will only grow stronger and stronger within. With that mindset, you’ll step into your truest self and impact others around you on a level that creates visible shifts in their lives.
What would you say to someone who is struggling to find their career path, passion, and/or vocation?
I actually have quite a few episodes on my podcasts about this topic. It’s a true struggle to find what your purpose is. There’s a lot of questions and doubts because the bigger your desire to find THE answer, the more elusive it seems to be. And that’s because I’ve learned that it truly doesn't matter WHAT it is that you do, it always comes back to your self truth. I would spend real time asking yourself what has been the core to who you are as a person since you were a child. That answer has always been within you.
For me, it was always about building deeper connections through vulnerability and honesty. And I can do that in whatever field I want. The more you’re able to hone in on what you’re feeling when you feel it (and trusting it), the more you can adjust your path accordingly. So just go out and try! You won’t get it right the first time, maybe the second and still totally ok if you don’t get it like 15th time! But if you go into every experience asking yourself how you can learn and grow through this journey, you’ll pick up key cookie crumbs that will lead you to what fulfills you as well as being a service to others.
What would you say to someone who wants to have a career change but is feeling uncertain or hesitant?
Trust the evolution of your life. It all serves a purpose for you to be who you already are and strip away what you’re not. That way you can show up effortlessly and create as well as impact the world in a truly empowering way.
As you evolve, it’s completely normal to feel the most unstable and uncertain. They serve as signs for you that a breakthrough is coming. If you’re open to learning, then no step you take will be the “wrong” one. Whatever is happening and will happen is a path meant for you. So either path you choose, it’s meant for you to learn something about yourself and the world.
What are tangible ways someone can do to start their self-discovery journey?
Reading, watching videos from people you admire, listening to podcasts, traveling, pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, investing in your mental health whether that be seeing a therapist, life coach or counselor, spending alone time, journaling your thoughts, meditating, taking a moment to just breathe and soak in how beautiful your surroundings are…
Personally the BIGGEST and most significant change towards my self discovery journey is working with a life coach. That’s my own personal experience and it has been a game changer in developing my self awareness, making choices that serve me, and seeing things as opportunities versus challenges. All of these things and the self work I do in between help me stay grounded in who I am and make conscious decisions that reflect that truth.
What is a message you want all young women to know?
You are not alone. Never. Reach out and share your thoughts and feelings. It’s never bad to have feelings. It’s not weakness. In fact, it’s your strength. You don’t have to be someone else in order to be loved or accepted. You as you are … are beautiful. You may have a million reasons why you feel like you’re not good enough, but the sooner you can accept this universal fact that YOU are beautifully and wonderfully made, the sooner you can shine that outwards in all areas of your life. So communicate, share, and reach out to someone else.
What are 2 books (or articles) you recommend everyone to read?
I give this book to everyone. What I Know For Sure by Oprah Winfrey. It’s a fast read and so so so good! Omg so good. And A New Earth by Eckhard Tolle. That book CHANGED my life. It’s almost like my bible.
Where can people find you? (website/social handles)
IG: @xoxochristinechen
www.xoxochristine.com
Podcasts: Perfectly Imperfect with Christine and Regina & xoxoChristine
Thank you to Christine for doing this interview. Make sure to check out her podcast (which I love!) and her website to see all that she offers. I’m truly grateful to have Christine a part of this series!
Thank you for reading. Share below what were some of your takeaways from this interview!
~ Sincerely, Mainou
CONNECT WITH ME: Insta - @daysbymc | Email - click here
FTC: Not sponsored. Thank you to Christine.