We had the good fortune of connecting with Christina Micklish and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Christina, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balance was never a choice growing up. My calendar from a very early age has been packed with mandatory classes, practice, competitions, and commitments. The focus was, proving myself worthy to parents, teachers, coaches, bosses, peers, and community. The stress of trying to be good enough for others actually did me a lot of good until my mid-twenties. By then, my mind and body showed me something had to shift as I experienced heightened anxiety attacks, depression, and self-induced vertigo. From that point on it’s been a process of letting everything go, cutting out the performance for others, and defining space for my own path. I had to combat the unfulfilling repetition of others taking advantage of my willingness to give and prove value. Today prioritizing an inward reflection, setting boundaries, and defending my strengths elevates a belief system that feels the personal responsibility to make change for my own growth. Recently I interviewed a psychologist that broke life and balance down most simply. “It is a perpetual journey aimed at balancing not only pleasure and mastery, but also meaning.” – Dr. Lydia Hansell, Psy.D. Balance feels like freedom and privilege today. Having a choice to make changes is a unique opportunity. Although routine is not comfortable for me, practicing daily rituals reveals my need for mental health, physical health, relationships, connection, creativity, good food, equality, justice, play, and personal space. My balance would graph like an amusement park rollercoaster, and that feels good to me.
What should our readers know about your business?
I have a talent for making people feel comfortable, comfortable enough to do the things they thought they couldn’t do. Starting mollismollis built flexible creative direction into my work. From branding and marketing mental health treatment centers to shooting and editing short films for the design community, I dig the spectrum of personal and digital connection. Acquiring the local guide URBANIST was the next step to investing time into our beloved urban neighborhoods. This publication has gifted a backstage pass to interview and film some of the brightest minds that continue to be the heartbeat of our city. It’s an honor to be close to talent and ambition, especially as many of our creative leaders struggle in times of crisis to fight for the spirit of local San Diego. What I’ve learned along the way is to listen first, make an effort to find the truth, and treat all the interesting people you’ve collected in your life with respect. The greatest opportunities in my life have often stemmed from having a friend that believed in me, so I try to keep paying the opportunity forward.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When you run a publication that features San Diego’s best locally owned shops, restaurants, bars, and events your text feed starts to populate with this question daily. For me, it all comes down to weather and cravings. During this pandemic era though, my sanity and happiness brighten from bike rides through our urban neighborhoods with a phoned in lunch order to dine out at one of our many parks. These rides connect me with the growth and loss within our urban landscape while reminding me of the connection and gratitude I have for my community. To plan your best path, please visit urbanistguide.com and click on the neighborhood GUIDE to discover the creativity of our local leaders. If you want to support virtually, click on “LUC” Local Urban Convenience, to shop online. SD’s shops, restaurants, bars, and galleries are in a fight for survival, your support is appreciated.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without a doubt, my character is the sum of all of my life’s relationships. I do my best to personalize gratitude following moments shared with those who have impacted my life positively. As for The Shoutout series, I have to recognize the support and encouragement of my husband Curtis Micklish. Fifteen years ago, sitting on our busted brown and cream plaid couch in University Heights, he bluntly stated that in order for us to grow as individuals and as a couple, I needed to prioritize myself. No one was coming to save me or do the work. Holding one another accountable for personal growth remains the foundation in our relationship.
Website: mollismollis.com / urbanistguide.com
Instagram: @christinamicklish @urbanistguide
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-micklish
Youtube: URBANIST GUIDE SAN DIEGO
Image Credits
Kim Egel / kimegel.com Curtis Micklish / micklish.com