Meet Cristina “Stina” Kusunoki Ishmael

We were lucky to catch up with Cristina “Stina” Kusunoki Ishmael recently and have shared our conversation below.

Cristina, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
Throughout my life journey, I have always held the unwavering belief that achieving personal growth and conquering challenges necessitates a deep reliance on self. Waiting for external encouragement was never an option; instead, I proactively pursued truth and wisdom. This quest for knowledge served as a beacon, illuminating the path ahead and imparting invaluable lessons essential for my evolution. Grounded in a firm sense of self-identity, I have consistently found solace in returning to my essence during times of uncertainty. From a tender age, a clear life vision had been bestowed upon me, guiding my steps with a sense of divine protection and assurance. This intrinsic alignment with my truth provides unwavering courage to persevere till the very end, no matter the obstacles faced.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I founded Hello Lovely Living in 2014 with the intention of self-discovery. Since then, it has evolved into a forum where I provide resources and guidance for cultivating conscious living. With a focus on holistic wellness, Hello Lovely Living stands as a safe haven where I advocate for self-care, healing, and transformation. Inspired by my personal journey of self-actualization, Hello Lovely Living blossomed, and my dream is for it to grow into a collective that assists people in exploring their individual journeys, delivering encouragement and guidance throughout.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Faith, self-discipline, and awareness are the cornerstone of my journey. Without these fundamental principles, reaching my current state would not have been possible–hindering my progress along this transformative path. These three pillars have significantly influenced various facets of my life, emphasizing the ongoing importance of nurturing them to remain aligned with both God and my inner self.

Cultivating these qualities demands unwavering self-discipline and a deep-rooted understanding that embracing this path necessitates resilience and a willingness to make choices divergent from the norm. It calls for the courage to swim against the currents, especially during challenging times, trusting that ultimately, these decisions will serve your greater good.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
I have encountered numerous profound awakenings throughout my lifetime; however, this particular moment stands out as the most significant of all. It is in this present season that I am truly grasping the value of self-love and realizing that many of the decisions I have made in the past have ultimately led me back to myself. Numerous lessons have been necessary for me to comprehend this core concept of self-love, as it serves as the foundation for everything else in life. I am continuing to harmonize with myself and deepen my journey of self-awareness, and the sense of fulfillment in witnessing everything falling into place is truly remarkable.

What I am presently engaging in to nurture this learning experience involves immersing myself in reading and listening to thought leaders. Through this, I am actively working to reframe my core beliefs and deeply understanding the lessons that will support me in the upcoming chapters of life. Witnessing the convergence of messages I am receiving to unveil the true barriers that were hindering my progress has significantly influenced me and my chosen path. I recognize that this stage is crucial for me to progress toward a heightened consciousness of both myself and the world around me.

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Hello Lovely Living

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