Life Lessons:
Christine Hassler
*Are you happy at the moment?
I would say I am content and grateful. Being happy all the time is an unrealistic expectation, we are humans and have a range of emotions.
*If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
Stop being so hard on yourself, you are enough just as you are!
*What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
That surrendering is often way more powerful and effective than attempting to control a situation. Things have a miraculous way of working out when I get out of the way so this way I have really learned the art of practicing when to take action and when to let go. I would also say making self-honoring choices has been a big – yet challenging – lesson. Often I have had to say no to other people’s demands/expectations of me in order to say yes to taking care of myself. I have learned that being self-honoring is not selfish.
*What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
Helping as many people as I can treat their Expectation Hangovers and get out of the suffering that comes from disappointment.
*What’s your secret to happiness?
Practicing what I call the “secret sauce” to preventing expectation hangovers: I live my life with high intention and involvement but low attachment. Meaning, I go after what I desire with enthusiasm but I do not make my happiness or sense of self-worth dependent on it.
*What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Daily mediation. I spend at least 10 minutes everyday being quiet, listening to my breath, and connecting to a higher power. ON days I don’t do it, I feel it!! My stress level is higher and I find myself more irritable.
*What’s your biggest regret?
In my college and twenty-something years, I was always living for the future. I wish I would have been in the moment to enjoy those times more.
*What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
Checking my email way to often!! There have been times when I only checked it twice a day and I was WAY more productive and focused.
*Aside from motherhood/fatherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
Having created friendships in my life that feel like family.
*When were you happiest?
Now
*What ten words best describe you
Compassionate, intuitive, seeker, loyal, healthy, witty, honest, savvy, loving, creative
Christine Hassler is a Life Coach, inspirational speaker and author known for catalyzing radical self-reflection while offering practical direction. She is passionate about busting the myth that life is about living by a checklist and having it all figured out. Her third book: Expectation Hangover: Overcoming Disappointment in Work, Love and Life is the guidebook for how to treat disappointment on the emotional, mental, behavioral and spiritual levels. Christine has appeared as an expert on The Today Show, CNN, ABC, CBS, FOX, E!, Style and PBS, is a frequent contributor to The Huffington Post and Cosmo. She leads transformational retreats for women all over the world in beautiful places like Tulum, Mexico and Costa Rica. You can find more info on her website, and follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
