JRE #866 – Christine Hassler

10/25/2016

This podcast features Christine Hassler, an author, speaker, and life coach, as she shares her personal journey from Hollywood success to embracing a life of self-discovery and authentic happiness. Provocative topics include overcoming depression and anxiety, navigating the challenges of the Hollywood industry, and the transformative power of emotional processing. Underlying themes explore the importance of self-acceptance, the process of personal growth, and the value of finding purpose beyond external achievements.

Podcast Topics:

1. Christine Hassler’s Hollywood Journey:
   • Christine’s move to Hollywood fueled by insecurity and a desire to prove herself.
   • She worked as an agent, achieving success but experiencing a lack of fulfillment.
   • Her experience in Hollywood exposed her to the manipulation and power dynamics within the industry.
   • This period highlighted the emptiness of external validation and the importance of finding inner peace.
2. The Origins of Christine’s Depression:
   • Christine was diagnosed with depression and put on Prozac at age 10 due to bullying and a sense of not fitting in.
   • She struggled with internalizing anger and feeling alone, leading to a reliance on medication for 20 years.
   • Christine emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing emotions instead of suppressing them.
   • Her experience highlights the potential impact of childhood experiences on mental health and the long-term effects of medication.
3. Christine’s Turning Point and Embrace of Life Coaching:
   • A pivotal moment on her bathroom floor led Christine to realize her own role in her struggles.
   • She quit her job, experienced a significant emotional breakdown, and ultimately found solace in life coaching.
   • Christine discovered a passion for helping others navigate their own journeys, drawing on her personal experiences and extensive training.
   • Her story emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one’s life and embracing the power of personal transformation.
4. The Importance of Self-Acceptance and Belief:
   • Christine stresses the importance of accepting oneself, including flaws and imperfections, as a starting point for growth.
   • She emphasizes the power of believing in one’s ability to change, even when faced with challenges.
   • Christine suggests drawing on past experiences of overcoming obstacles to fuel this belief.
   • She encourages taking small steps and building momentum, rather than expecting overnight transformations.
5. The Role of Emotional Processing and Anger Release:
   • Christine believes in the importance of feeling and releasing emotions, particularly anger, in a healthy way.
   • She leads retreats for women that incorporate “anger burns,” a facilitated process for catharsis and emotional release.
   • Her approach challenges the idea that suppressing emotions is healthy, emphasizing the connection between emotional repression and mental and physical well-being.
   • This aspect highlights the transformative power of vulnerability and the importance of creating safe spaces for emotional exploration.
6. Weaning Off Antidepressants:
   • Christine’s experience weaning off antidepressants took two years, involving a gradual reduction and a process of recalibrating her brain chemistry.
   • She emphasizes the importance of consulting with a qualified professional and developing a personalized weaning plan.
   • Christine’s journey highlights the need for patience and support during this process.
   • She also emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes, including diet, exercise, and meditation, to support mental well-being.
7. The Power of Community and Tribe:
   • Christine stresses the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive and positive individuals who encourage growth.
   • She underscores the importance of having a “tribe” or community that provides belonging, acceptance, and accountability.
   • Christine encourages letting go of relationships that are detrimental to personal growth and seeking out connections that foster well-being.
   • This aspect emphasizes the crucial role of social support in personal development and the importance of choosing environments that promote well-being.
8. Addressing Unrealistic Expectations and the Law of Attraction:
   • Christine addresses the common misconception that simply visualizing or affirming desires will manifest them.
   • She emphasizes that personal growth and transformation require addressing core beliefs and patterns.
   • Christine cautions against falling into the trap of unrealistic expectations and the potential for disappointment.
   • Her perspective emphasizes the importance of aligning actions with intentions and taking responsibility for creating the desired outcomes.
9. The Importance of Finding Purpose and Meaningful Work:
   • Christine encourages listeners to question the current societal norms around work and career paths.
   • She highlights the importance of finding work that aligns with one’s passions and brings a sense of purpose.
   • Christine acknowledges the challenges of making career changes but emphasizes the potential for fulfillment and a more fulfilling life.
   • This aspect underscores the need for authenticity and alignment with values when pursuing a career and the potential for personal growth through meaningful work.
10. The Changing Landscape of Work and the Rise of the Millennial Generation:
    • Christine discusses the shift in workplace expectations and the rise of millennials who prioritize purpose and flexibility.
    • She argues that the traditional 9-to-5 model is outdated and doesn’t serve the needs of many individuals.
    • Christine believes that technological advancements and the increasing prevalence of remote work will continue to reshape the workplace.
    • This aspect highlights the evolving nature of work and the potential for greater autonomy and creativity in the future.
11. The Importance of Creativity and Nurturing One’s Childlike Spirit:
    • Christine emphasizes the importance of cultivating creativity and tapping into one’s innate curiosity and wonder.
    • She suggests engaging in activities that spark joy and bring a sense of purpose beyond the demands of work and daily life.
    • Christine encourages listeners to reconnect with their childlike spirit and embrace the joy of exploration and discovery.
    • This aspect highlights the transformative power of creativity and the importance of nurturing one’s inner child for personal growth and fulfillment.
12. The Power of Taking Risks and Embracing Uncertainty:
    • Christine encourages listeners to embrace risk and step outside of their comfort zones to create meaningful change.
    • She argues that regret is more painful than the potential for failure and that growth often occurs in the face of uncertainty.
    • Christine emphasizes the importance of taking action and committing to personal development, even when fear is present.
    • This aspect highlights the transformative power of taking risks and the potential for discovering hidden strengths and capabilities through challenging situations.
13. Developing a Daily Ritual for Personal Growth:
    • Christine encourages listeners to develop a daily ritual that includes setting intentions, writing down goals, and holding themselves accountable.
    • She emphasizes the importance of consistency and momentum in achieving personal growth goals.
    • Christine suggests incorporating activities that support well-being, such as exercise, meditation, and creative pursuits.
    • This aspect underscores the importance of establishing routines that promote self-care, motivation, and progress towards personal goals.
14. The Importance of Recognizing and Overcoming Old Patterns:
    • Christine emphasizes the need to be aware of old patterns that may hold us back, such as negative self-talk, unhealthy coping mechanisms, and limiting beliefs.
    • She encourages listeners to identify and challenge these patterns, replacing them with healthier alternatives that support growth and well-being.
    • Christine suggests seeking support from mentors, coaches, or therapists to assist in this process.
    • This aspect highlights the importance of self-awareness, resilience, and seeking support in breaking free from ingrained habits and limiting beliefs.

Memorable Quotes:

• “It’s not what happens to people. It’s not just luck. It’s truly, what are you gonna choose to believe about it?” – Christine underscores the power of perspective and the impact of our beliefs on our experiences.
• “People are terrified of the unknown.” – Christine acknowledges the common fear of change and the importance of facing uncertainty for growth.
• “I’ve had a lot of so-called failures in this day too.” – Christine challenges the traditional notion of success and failure, highlighting the importance of learning from setbacks and embracing a growth mindset.
• “I think that we’re so kind of narcissistic in our problems. That we forget the bigger perspective.” – Christine encourages a broader perspective and a shift from self-centeredness to a more compassionate and empathetic view of the world.
• “I think what is crazy, what makes people crazy, is suppressing it their whole life, and trying to manage it through their mind or through doing things or through whatever else versus actually like being willing to look at those parts of our self.” – Christine emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and processing emotions, rather than trying to suppress them.