Hi friends! Can’t believe my last podcast episode was August 2021, oh how fast time flies! And now it’s May 2022 which is perfect because we get to remember, recognize, acknowledge, appreciate and celebrate AAPI heritage AND mental health awareness month… with a brand new episode!!! This time, I was joined by my lovely friend and art therapist @jennieyuart to discuss our journey of Asian and Christian identities as well as the importance of mental health and art therapy in our communities. Moreover, how our many identities can complement and conflict each other, and why support systems are necessary. It’s gonna be an amazing conversation ;)
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I love the woman that I am because I fought to become her.
I am the person that I am today because of my faith.
Check out this episode with my beautiful friend, Joy (@joyling.quality) as we talk about how our identity as Asian-American-Christian women influence the way we live all the uglies and beauties of life.
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To me, growing up in an immigrant home has been both a blessing and a curse. Born and bred in the melting pot of NYC, my upbringing and experiences have molded so much of what it takes to be a modern day immigrant woman. Navigating through life as a child with countless roles/responsibilities at home and school. Achieving in school and career as a first-generation Asian-American. Figuring out all these past, present and future relationships.
This episode breaks down all these ideas and concepts in a really raw, organic way between me and my friend, Whitney. These are the stories of the modern day immigrant woman, through the lens of Asian and Latina women.
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Sustainability? Skincare? How to Build a Brand?
My Women‘s History Month feature: the very intelligent and kind human being, Ms. Melanie Bender! As the President of Versed Skincare (aka the cleanest drugstore skincare brand), she has built a team and brand that strongly emphasize on clean, sustainable and quality products for every person and skin type. I simply adore their concept of formulas that are 100% people and planet-minded. We also chat about our skincare journeys and routines as well as what it means to build a business/brand for yourself.
And of course as a PROUD Asian American, I took some time to not only rep my culture (Disney's fabulous Raya and the Last Dragon), but also to address the ongoing AAPI hate crimes and xenophobia (i.e. Atlanta shooting and fear). Never in my 24 years do I recall this kind of fear feeling so vulnerable in the outside world, but thank you to those standing with us. Here are some useful resources :)
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"Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you."
24 years old and many times, I still find myself trying to figure out what exactly drives and motivates me, what makes me ecstatic to spring out of bed 5AM in the morning and pour all of my heart, mind, body and strength into. A lesson I learned - instead of waiting for the "right" moment, NOW is the right time to pursue your passion whether it's a career, business plan, life project, relationship, family or movement. Dare to dream big, and don't stop chasing and embracing the process no matter what the world throws at you.
Join Ian and I as we speak about our passion projects during this pandemic/throughout life, and how we say no to doubts and rejections that prevent us from doing the things we love.
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Fill your journal with the breathings of your mind and beatings of your heart.
Life is short, so so short. Treasure all the small sparks and moments that make life so grand and worth living (movie reference to Soul, iykyk). I believe journaling is one of the best ways to express your experiences, memories, and emotions and remember how strong you truly are. Treat it as your bff and therapist with whom you don't ever have to be pretentious or embarrassed with what you love and fear. Join Mackenzie and me while we dive into intentional and quality journaling as we revisit our moments in life through college, work and relationships.
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Find your REST & MEANING. Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life and enjoy the little things.
I gotta say, covid vaccine dose 2 really put me out of commission, but few days of rest and numerous ibuprofens later... This week’s conversation covers - my Lunar New Year, thoughts on the recent hate crimes against Asian Americans/Pacific Islanders, focus on rest by unplugging, refreshing and rebooting, and a chat with my friend Dan on cars, recreational shooting, jobs, and relationships… So what’s the meaning?
Featured #smileoutloudpod question: Hawaiian pizza?
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It’s okay to not be okay... Your feelings are valid.
One of the things I struggled with growing up was worrying about what others thought of me. I strived to be the perfect daughter, sister, friend, student, Christian and role model. I always put others ahead of myself, couldn’t make mistakes and didn’t know how to really cope with sad, angry, lonely and painful emotions. As I got older, it only became overwhelming and suffocating... until I learned to let go. This conversation is very much like a therapy session for me and my friend, Cindy where we chat about growing up as Asian-Christian-females.
You and your mental health matter! Healing takes time, but you’re strong enough to overcome it. In the process, don’t be too hard and doubt yourself. You are imperfectly perfect so choose to BE and LOVE yourself today. Things always get better when you do :)
Featured #smileoutloudpod question: What cookie flavor would you be?
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NYC Well - Speak to a counselor confidentially via phone, text, or chat and get access to mental health and substance use services, in more than 200 languages, 24/7/365.
“Self-care is not selfish. You cannot love and serve from an empty vessel.”
You are enough, beautiful, and loved. As we go through this pandemic and life overall, it’s so crucial to remember to take care of yourself emotionally, physically, spiritually as well as socially. Really be mindful of and replenish your body, mind and soul, and you’ll be able to blossom in the direction you want and that allows you to love yourself and serve others better. Set a goal this year to love the work-in-progress that you are.
Join Shiv, Dhatri and me as we share our journey in self-care during quarantine!
Featured #smileoutloudpod question: Milk or cereal first?
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"Self-reflection is a humbling process... it opens your mind to reprogramming, change, success and freedom.”
Before we start New Year's resolutions, remember last year's reflections. Wrapping up 2020 with a big gold sequin ribbon (I looove sparkles), I decided to do a bold and honest reflection of my year going through a journey of mental healing, uncovering the next big chapter of career and school, first love and heartbreak, and ultimately learning the concept of surrender.
Super stoked and thankful to hear some of my favorites share their 2020 reflections so that we can all embrace the diversity and adversity together. I hope these conversations will help encourage and build your hope and confidence for 2021 as well as remind you that you are not alone! I promise you can relate ;)
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Dear friend :)
Welcome to my FIRST. PODCAST. EPISODE. EVER! Just an average Asian American girl in her 20s pursuing a creative outlet to reach out and connect with peeps going through all sorts of life, emotions and feelings ranging from happy, sad, lonely, anger, anxious and many more. Through this passion project, I aspire to create positive conversations with beautiful messages so that you know that you’re never ever alone in life. Excited for you to join these convos!
Love,
Mags
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