Epi 38: Redefining the Definition of Beauty with Model & Breast Cancer Survivor Christine Handy
“To wrap my brain around all that trauma is a daily struggle. It’s not easy. And I don’t want anyone to think trauma, that you can heal in a simple way, or that there is a prescription for how each person should heal. There’s not prescription—everyone heals differently, on different time zones, in a different way. I still have to help myself each day.”
Christine Handy
What is the most authentic definition of beauty—not the definition we’ve been told we should and must subscribe to, but the actual depth-filled meaning of inner and outer beauty? In a world that thrives on perfectionism, flawless looks, and materialism, one fashion model is flipping that faked-out image of beauty on its head. Yet, doing so has not been an easy task.
In this week’s episode, Christine Handy walks us through her harrowing battle with breast cancer, how it challenged her perceived self-value, her standard and definition of beauty, the journey to self-worth, healing the inner child, and how each of us must create a “courage net” in our lives. Then, Christine takes us inside her newest journey—walking in New York Fashion Week as a fifty-one-year-old breast cancer survivor with a concave chest. Standards are being shattered as she blazes a new trail on and off the runway. Be prepared to have your mindset pushed as Christine delivers truths every woman needs to hear. This is one life revolution that turns pain into purpose.
Key Takeaways:
00:00 Introduction
01:44 Christine’s story begins
03:30 How “ideal beauty” handed down from the modeling industry can define each of us. Christine’s self-value and worth have been tied to her modeling career since she was a small child, and how this required her to examine the desire always to be more.
04:39 Breast cancer pushes Christine’s value to the edge
05:30 The journey to self-worth and how a little help from your friends goes a long way
07:15 Healing the inner child through the visual form
09:30 How Christine’s biggest fear motivated her in her fight for her life
10:32 There’s no prescription for healing, and how each of us must do the work at our own pace
11:05 Redefining what comes into your awareness. The obsession with materialism doesn’t fulfill the soul
12:38 Self-work takes daily time, dedication, and determination – Christine’s playbook for success
14:39 How pain turned to purpose and Christine’s work with www.ebeauty.com, an organization that supplies free wigs to breast cancer patients. The importance of normalcy while battling illness
18:05 Relationships change in our battles, and how fear is often transformed into anger
19:00 Releasing co-dependency and the necessity to do so at any stage
20:21 Diving headfirst into the hustle and learning that we do need other people in our lives
25:09 The most important question any of us can ask ourselves: How may I serve? The small ways to engage in service that cost you nothing more than a simple effort
27:39 How to be a good friend
31:33 New York Fashion Week is calling, and how Christine is breaking the standard
37:55 Ragged pain turns to inspiration – Christine eyes fashion designing to serve women like her
39:52 The power of the collective uplifting of women
40:52 Pushing the envelope on the runway
42:55 Spanning the definition of beauty and rewriting your definition
45:16 Even with chronic pain, you can find authentic, grounded joy
46:11 Christine’s vision for women
48:11 How badass courage is developed and the need for a “courage net.”
49:55 Christine’s three things:
#1 Self-esteem work is critical
#2 You must be your own biggest cheerleader
#3 There is no U-Haul behind the hearse. People matter, not things
If you would like to follow Christine’s journey back to the runway, follow her on Instagram and Facebook @Christinehandy1 as she posts daily about the physical preparation and the mental and emotional journey. In addition, you can visit her website christinehandy.com to learn more about her involvement in her various charities, her book, and the upcoming film.
Ultimately, as Christine said, each of us must be our own cheerleaders.
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