Meet Chelsea Mooney | Meditation Guide & Host of the Guide Next Door Podcast

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chelsea Mooney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chelsea, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
My favorite quote is “what you’re not changing, you’re also choosing” by Bruce Lee. When I first heard this quote, introduced to me by one of my meditation teachers while I was going through my training, something clicked in me, and it was as if I had taken all of my power back. I felt so in control of my life at that moment. A few years prior to this, I had gone through extreme burnout, complete with constant anxiety and panic attacks, and I had finally had enough, and I made a change. I started putting my health above everything, and that one choice, that one change, saved my life. So hearing this quote affirmed that change I decided to make in that moment, and I felt so justified and empowered.

Now, whenever I feel stuck or drained, I take a breath, I take a moment to dig in to what I’m feeling, find out why, and if I decide that the situation, habit, or whatever led to that feeling doesn’t serve my goals or align with my values, I change it. I get to choose how to live, and I choose to live as authentically as possible.

This quote led me to personal freedom.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a fashion designer. While my friends in high school were getting excited about picking a college, joining sororities and going to football games, I just wanted to fast forward to living in New York City and working in the fashion industry. There was absolutely no doubt in my mind that that was my path. I attended FIT where I could go to school and intern at the same time to gain experience, build my resume, and honestly just do what I loved.

Over the next decade, I built a successful career as a Technical Designer and Product Developer, working for brands ranging from $15M to $500M+ in revenue across New York and LA, following opportunities to grow and learn in this industry I had dreamt of being a part of for so long.

Then, in 2020 everything changed. My role at the time was as Senior Technical Designer for Cut &Sew Knits, Lounge and Athleisure – so sales of this product boomed while everyone was quarantined. Add this to all of the supply chain issues, my team’s calendar was cut in half and our workload doubled, leading to major burnout. For months I tried to manage it all, and the solution in my mind was to work nonstop – telling myself I didn’t have time to exercise or eat healthy because the work wouldn’t get done. I put this career that I loved so much, and was so dedicated to, ahead of myself.

One week, about 8 months into the pandemic, I had two panic attacks. And I mean debilitating panic attacks, one that actually led to an asthma attack. I remember telling my boss, asking for support, and what I got was “Well, everyone is feeling this way.” That’s when it all clicked – why was this job on the top of my priority list, when I was nowhere on theirs?

The next day I stopped working from the time I woke up til I went to bed – I only worked 9-5. I started going to my local yoga studio, which had just opened back up. I started making time for me. And what I found was that I still got the same amount of work done, I still hit my deadlines. But I was more calm, I was happier and felt better, I wasn’t burntout.

Through my practice I got to know myself, my values, and I’ve built this self love and self compassion that no longer tolerates mistreatment. So if I’m in a situation that goes against my values, or leaves me unhappy or drained, I leave, I change it. I ended up leaving that job and moving back to California in the summer of 2021. I continued to develop this side of me, and through this self discovery I found a new passion and purpose in wellness. Now, I’m building my company, The Guide Next Door, to help people connect with their intentions, values and authenticity and cultivate the lives they dream of. I want everyone to know, that you have the power to choose the life you live. This is your path, your journey.

Earlier this year I lauched my podcast, The Guide Next Door Podcast, as a way to connect with others and share the resources that helped me, what I’ve learned, and inspire them to unlock their authenticity and infinite potential. One of the aspects of this journey that has been most important for me is the connection, the community, and knowing that I’m not alone in this. Which is why I’m really excited to be building a membership community that will help overwhelmed, burntout employees create the life of ease, harmony and happiness that they deserve!

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.
I would definitely take them to Malibu for a few days – take a few classes at the Mindry, eat at Broad Street Oyster Co, their smash burgers are AMAZING. I’d head up the mountains to the Malibu Cafe at Calamigos Ranch.

I’d also spend some time in the South Bay, this is where I first lived when I moved to California so it has a special place in my soul! I’d take them to Palmilla’s in Hermosa and then for some spa time at The Ease Spa, it’s a new scalp spa that offers the full spa experience, and you can end your treatment with the most amazing blow out by the owner, Syd Rose. Definitely a must see!

And then I’d end the trip down in Palos Verdes, with a great ocean hike and lunch at Terranea Resort. I feel like PV is an unknown LA gem, just 30 minutes from the airport but it feels as if you’re in a secluded paradise.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh, wow, so many!! The first to come to mind are the truly wonderful people at The Mindry in Malibu. This is where I attended my Meditation Teacher Training, words can’t even describe how incredibly influential this experience was and still is for me, and it was made that way by Chrissy MJ Anderson, Michelle Boback, and Alexandra Jones. The owners, Willow and Jen, have cultivated this beautiful oasis in Malibu and this supportive, loving community there. I finished my MTT a year ago, but still visit a few times a month to take a class and catch up with the friends I made.

While going through MTT, I became so in love with learning and growth, and began reading a ton of books by Dr. Deepak Chopra, Jon Kabat-Zinn, and other leaders in the meditation space. A few of my favorites are “Mindfulness is Better than Chocolate” by David Michie, “Buddha’s Brain” by Rick Hanson, and I’m currently reading Rick Rubin’s book “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” which is so beautiful and inspiring.

Another medium that has been crucial to my journey is podcasts. I love “On Purpose” by Jay Shetty and “The Mel Robbins Podcast” by Mel Robbins. I also listen to a lot of entrepreneurial podcasts like “Hello Seven” by Rachel Rodgers and “CEO School” by Suneera Madhani. The growth, learning and inspiration I’ve gained from podcasts actually inspired me to launch my own!

Website: www.the-guidenextdoor.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/theguidenextdoor

Other: Check out the Guide Next Door Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!