WHAT'S REAL WITH CHARISSA LEEUWIN
What’s your favourite color?
Green.
What’s your favourite ‘go-to’ recipe?
Probably ramen noodles because it's so easy and I'm not really a big fan of cooking, but I mean the good ramen not the ones out of a pack.
What self-care habits do you intertwine into your daily routine?
One thing I do daily is meditate every morning which helps me start the day with a clear mind.
What's your favourite book and what book had the largest impact on you?
My favourite book at the moment is called Being in Love by Osho and The Power of Now probably had the largest impact on me.
Who can you talk to when you need to get something off your chest?
Friends and family.
Where’s your safe place?
Anywhere in nature! Surrounded by trees or the sea.
Have you ever dealt with anxiety? If so, what triggers it and how do you calm your mind?
Yes, I’ve dealt with anxiety basically my whole life. I'm still figuring out what triggers it and what the best way is to get myself back to a calm place. Although I mostly try to take some deep breaths, listen to some music or go for a walk.
Have you or someone you love ever been in a dark place? If so, what were the steps taken to get out?
A few years ago I was at my lowest point and I was diagnosed with depression. Therapy helped but what really pulled me out of it was spiritually. I started to read more books and manifest the life that I wanted, act as if the things I wanted already happened and that's how I got myself out of a really bad place. I still have my bad days but now I know how to deal with it and just accept that it's there and it wont last forever.
Do you think social media affects your mental health or has any other negative impacts on you? If so, how do you best deal with it?
I think social media can definitely affect your mental health if you let it. But for me social media has helped me a lot with my career and I’ve met amazing people because of it. I think it's important to have a balance and also have a life outside of social media.
What’s the biggest change you can identify within yourself in the past year?
I’ve learned how to let people go. I always want to see the best in people, but I’ve been taken advantage of many times which made me realize that sometimes certain people are not for you and that letting them go is the best thing to do for your own well being. What is meant for you will always find you.
What changes do you want to see within yourself in the coming year?
Learn how to be more patient. I'm probably the most impatient person ever and I’ve learned that patience is key.
What’s one of the hardest things you’ve had to go through in life? How did you get through it?
Probably my depression. The feeling of being alone while surrounded by people is the worst. But I'm so proud of myself for staying strong and not giving up. There's times that I didn't see things getting better. Meditation is really the thing that helped me the most. It's something so simple but has so much affect!
What advice would you give to your 16-year-old self?
Don't compare yourself with anyone because you are beautiful, smart, loved and you will do great things in life. Don't listen too much to other people's opinions and do what YOU like because thats going to make you the happiest.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt?
To never judge anyone because you never know what people are going through!
If you could change one thing within society, what would that be?
Racism, sexism, homophobia and so much more!
