We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Nicole Hanhan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Nicole, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Self-care isn’t just a topic I discuss—it’s one of my passions. I believe in nurturing a balanced life that prioritizes both ambition and authenticity. For me, achieving this balance means consciously integrating practices like sleep, meditation, nourishing food, exercise, therapy, and time spent reconnecting with nature, friends, family, and animals. It’s about setting boundaries, stepping away from social media, and nurturing my community. This intentional lifestyle isn’t just about feeling good; it’s about resilience. By investing in self-care, we equip ourselves to better handle stress and challenges. It’s a radical act of self-love that allows us to show up more intentionally in our lives.
Unfortunately, there are myths about self-care, like it being selfish. In reality, self-care is about deepening our connection with ourselves on every level—mind, body, and spirit. It’s about developing awareness and balance, ensuring we’re not neglecting any aspect of our well-being.
When we neglect self-care, the consequences can be profound: burnout, lack of presence, irritability, creative stagnation, mental health struggles, and strained relationships. That’s why I’m a firm believer in work-life balance. If I’m not taking care of myself, it impacts every facet of my life, including my business and relationships.
Self-care isn’t just about surface-level activities; it’s about healing and growth. It helps us answer fundamental questions about ourselves and our purpose. It’s about embracing our true selves, beyond professional achievements or societal expectations.
Through my journey of self-care, I’ve discovered a deeper sense of confidence and creativity. It’s been a holistic process of self-discovery, encompassing physical fitness, mental well-being, emotional intelligence, and spiritual alignment. As I’ve become more attuned to myself, I’ve learned to trust my instincts and find validation from within.
Ultimately, self-care isn’t just a routine—it’s a journey towards self-awareness and fulfillment. It’s about honoring our worthiness and embracing the fullness of who we are, both in our personal lives and beyond.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a passionate mental health therapist, I am fueled by my love for what I do – it’s truly my dream job. Delving into the intricacies of human experiences, problem-solving, and guiding individuals to uncover their authentic selves is not just my profession, but my purpose. I firmly believe that each person holds invaluable potential, and through healing, we collectively rise. Being a first-generation Palestinian American therapist grants me a unique perspective, allowing me to understand the cultural nuances and challenges faced by first-generation adults. My own journey of self-discovery has equipped me with profound insights into issues of identity, belonging, and acculturation, enriching my ability to empathize with and support my clients. I approach therapy from a holistic viewpoint, acknowledging the intersections of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, and other identities.
I consider myself a lifelong learner, committed to continuously deepening my knowledge and enhancing my skills through ongoing advanced trainings. Through trauma-informed and attachment-focused therapy, I serve a diverse clientele, including first responders, teenagers, adults, couples, and families, across Arizona and California.
My niche lies in providing support to adult children of immigrants and addressing first-generation issues. Witnessing the transformation of my clients, as they navigate new territories of being and reclaim their truth, is both exhilarating and deeply fulfilling. Additionally, I am passionate about teaching emotional leadership, empowering individuals to navigate their emotions with resilience and authenticity.
In my practice, I am not just a therapist; I am a facilitator of growth, guiding individuals towards their goals and witnessing the profound elevation of their lives. It is a privilege to be part of their journey, and I am committed to fostering a space of healing, growth, and empowerment for all those I serve.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In my journey, I’ve found three qualities to be essential: passion, curiosity, and courage. Passion ignites the fire within, propelling us toward our goals. Courage empowers us to take bold action, while curiosity keeps us engaged in continuous learning and growth. For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: chill out and connect with yourself. Find joy in the present moment and begin to trust your intuition. This phase is about self-discovery—listening to your inner truth and embracing who you are.
Once grounded, tap into that burning passion within you. Follow the excitement and capture moments of inspiration as they arise. Take courageous steps forward, fueled by your why—the driving force behind your actions.
Remember, nothing happens if nothing happens. Shift your focus from what you’re doing to why you’re doing it. Let your purpose guide you and propel you toward meaningful action. With passion, curiosity, and courage as your allies, you can make your dreams a reality!
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
That’s an excellent question. I firmly believe in the importance of maintaining balance in all aspects of life, so I would encourage for a holistic approach that embraces both aspects of personal development. While it’s undoubtedly crucial to recognize and harness our strengths, solely fixating on them risks complacency and limits our potential for growth. On the other hand, investing effort in improving weaker areas not only fosters a more well-rounded skill set but also cultivates resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. I believe that true personal evolution stems from the willingness to challenge ourselves, confront our limitations, and continually strive for improvement. This mindset not only facilitates individual growth but also enriches our experiences, allowing us to navigate life’s complexities with greater confidence and insight. As we continue this journey of self-discovery, it’s the merging of our strengths and areas of improvement that shapes us into more resilient, adaptable, and ultimately fulfilled individuals. For example, my ten-year-old nephew, talented in various hobbies, initially felt discouraged when trying flag football for the first time. Despite his doubts, he will soon learn that consistent practice and teamwork will cultivate perseverance, confidence, and skill, ultimately shaping him into a stronger individual.
Another instance from my personal experience: Last year marked a turning point as I delved deeper into activism-based work, pushing the boundaries of personal growth and evolution. Engaging in activism goes far beyond participation; it demands unwavering commitment, a fearless confrontation with oppression and racism, and an unshakable spirit in the face of adversity. It’s about advocating not just for change, but for the fundamental dignity and human rights of those who have been oppressed. This work requires a deep sense of intentionality and presence, as we bear witness to the darkest aspects of humanity while also nurturing the unity and solidarity that emerge from collective action. Through the challenges and triumphs, I’ve emerged with a newfound sense of purpose, an array of newfound skills, and a deeper commitment to effecting positive change in my community and beyond.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hanhanwellness.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanhanwellness/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hanhanwellness
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-hanhan-lcsw-72713355/
Image Credits
Amanda Osborne
