My Childhood Suitcase

Have you ever wondered whether the life you're living is aligned with your passions and dreams? Whether you're being true to yourself, or you're merely pleasing others or societal expectations? Are you truly connected with your creative self?I have a celebrity of sorts joining me in this episode and she has her own suitcase to share. She is a well-known acting coach, storyteller, and founder of Creating a Passionate Life in the north Seattle area! She also hosts her own podcast, The Creative Connection, and she has many stories to share including how a once in a lifetime catastrophic event pivoted her to her current business.So sit back, have a cup of tea, and please welcome Coach Cyndi Thomsen!Get in touch with me on Instagram and Threads: @mychildhoodsuitcaseLinks:Cyndi Thomsen: https://www.cyndithomsen.net/The Creative Connection Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@cyndithomsen

In this episode, I have invited another Seattleite and well-known, prolific actor, Mr. Eric Wu. He is known for his work in American Immersive Theater as well as some stage productions. After a bit of prodding, I managed to help him unpack his own suitcase. This interview gave me some profound insight on what it's like to be an actor around the Pacific Northwest and in the time of COVID, as well as an ABC child (American-born Chinese).Please follow him on Instagram @ericwu0617 and check out the video of Friends Across the Wires featuring him! Please note that the camp referenced in this episode is ironically named Camp Harmony.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRwotM7FJewSo sit back, grab a beer, and enjoy! Let's go!

In this episode, Cindy relates to you her overall love-hate relationship, mostly hate, with money (aka the Almighty Dollar), why she has found it hard to make and keep the money she deserves to obtain, and how she has finally reframed her perspective on the Almighty Dollar. Over time, it was a toxic relationship based on her overall limiting belief -- "I have to work hard to get money". Spoiler alert: A bunch of falderal. Find out why.Shout out to Jenn for her wise counsel! Please follow her podcast Receive, as well as her Instagram @alignmentwithjenn.

In this episode, Cindy dives into how she has handled the many changes including:Change in seasonChange in living accommodationsChange in friendshipsChange in mindset (mind her stream of consciousness, but that's how she thinks out loud)Get ready as she unleashes herself unto your ears!

Hi Suitcase listeners! Thank you for listening!In this episode, Cindy works to process her terrible bout of imposter syndrome. The questions she asks herself:What am I doing in this production?Am I supposed to be in this play that won laughs and awards?Am I good or worthy enough to win over the audience?What am I bringing to the table, or should I say, to the stage?So brace yourself, grab a paper bag and a cup of tea, and here we go!

*Note: Originally recorded on February 10, 2025.In this episode, Cindy dives into the world of acting, where rejections are more common than you think, and so is spiraling and imposter syndrome after snagging a role. She shares her experiences as an actress, good and bad, in a heavily saturated industry that favors competition over collaboration, as well as some pieces of advice from a very well known actor.Remember, I hear you and I see you. xoxoxo.

*Note: previously recorded on January 29, 2025, Lunar New Year.This episode explores the intricacies and complications of having a social media profile, particularly Facebook and Instagram. Cindy provides insights on what it really means to have a social media. Shout out to Dr. Sonia Chand, please check out her Instagram @chand_sonia!

Trigger warning: Bullying, traumaIn this episode, Cindy continues talking about bullying, particularly that one incident from her elementary school days. Buckle up!If you or someone you know is a victim of bullying, please refer to the following resources:https://www.schoolsafety.gov/bullying-and-cyberbullyingText CONNECT to 741741 to chat with a live volunteer Crisis CounselorOr tell someone you know and trust such as a teacher or a relative and please don't be afraid to stand up for that person.Please know that you are not alone.

Welcome to My Childhood Suitcase, with yours truly, Cindy Chen. In her very first episode, she shares her family history, her first (and hopefully last) experience with COVID and subsequent quarantine, and her life-changing holiday in Boston. Oh, and a shout-out to Gabrielle Stone, author of Eat Pray #FML!Follow Cindy on Instagram: @mychildhoodsuitcaseWatch the podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mychildhoodsuitcaseCheck out Gabrielle Stone's podcast, FML Talk, and her two-part memoir, Eat Pray #FML, and Ridiculous Misadventures of a Single Girl.