We recently had the chance to connect with Christina Fernández Guzmán and have shared our conversation below.
Christina, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I tend to lose myself in creative hobbies like writing, painting, and playing the piano. When I have the freedom to be creative without deadlines and with open space, I feel the most at peace. Creating simply for the sake of creating is cathartic and one of the quickest ways I’ve found to calm my mind on days when life feels chaotic.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an author, podcast host, and the founder of Self Love Tonic—a platform dedicated to helping others nurture their self-worth, reconnect with their inner voice, and realize that there’s nothing to prove. My debut book, Be The Tide: Soulful Wisdom to Find Peace and Purpose in Every Season, releases November 1st and is a deeply personal collection of reflections inspired by my own journey of healing, self-discovery, and transformation. My work is for anyone navigating the in-between spaces and wanting to embrace the ebb and flow of life with more grace and understanding for themselves.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I’m learning to release the version of me who constantly tried to blend in and mold herself into what she thought others needed her to be. For years, I masked parts of who I am because I thought they made me “too much”, when in fact, they are exactly what drives the gifts I’m inspired to share with the world. This new season for me is about honoring those traits instead of hiding them and letting go of the pressure to perform a version of myself that isn’t my truth.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell her that just because she struggles doesn’t mean she’s broken. That the way her brain works is different, not less, and her intelligence will show up in ways that can’t always be measured. I would tell her that she is a light, and the world desperately needs her perspective, her art, and her heart. I’d tell her it’s safe to take off the mask.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest misconceptions in my industry is that we are merely “projects” to be fixed or perfected. You may have heard the quote, “You are the greatest project you’ll ever work on.” While this might sound inspirational, it can carry the implication that we are something to be managed or controlled when in reality, we are evolving human beings, not something to be “completed”.
Yes, personal growth and healing are important, but they are part of an ongoing journey, not just a task or goal to be checked off a list. I prefer to replace language like this with a statement like, “You are a lifelong unfolding,” because it opens up space for more compassion rather than more pressure.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes, I’ve experienced that quite a few times throughout my life, and although it’s been heartbreaking at times, its taught me a valuable lesson. We’ve been conditioned to believe that accolades or big goals will bring us lasting satisfaction, but sometimes, they do the opposite. Because of that, I’ve learned to shift my focus from chasing external validation to tuning into how I want to feel on a regular basis. Once I understand those feelings, I can reverse engineer the choices and actions that nurture them sustainably. This has led to one of my biggest “aha” moments: We sometimes put so much pressure on ourselves to achieve the big goal, but it’s usually not the accolade or milestone that brings the most fulfillment. It’s often so much simpler than that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.selflovetonic.com/links
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selflovetonic
- Other: Pre-Order My Book: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/be-the-tide-christina-fernandez-guzman/1147716613
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
