473: A Bigger Purpose With Abby Asistio

Abby Asistio is a singer/songwriter and Alopecia Awareness Advocate in the Philippines. She was diagnosed with Alopecia (hair-

loss condition which usually affects the scalp) at the age of four and it has been a huge part of her journey. Abby was chosen to share her journey to over 1.7 billion Facebook users in the historic Facebook Friends Day in February 2016 where got the chance to meet and engage with Mark Zuckerberg. She was also one of Philippines’ representatives in the South Asian music festival called Music Matters 2016. The music she creates not only inspires the Philippines but all over the world.

Abby shares how she is able embrace her true self, have a bigger purpose in life, create a positive impact in the world despite being diagnosed with Alopecia as a child. Tune into her episode to listen to her amazing and inspiring story.

Bio

Abby Asistio is a Singer / Songwriter and Alopecia Awareness Advocate.

Cultural Background

Abby is of Filipina and American descent.

Favorite Self Confidence Quote

Be bold enough to use your voice, brave enough to listen to your heart and strong enough to live the life you’ve always imagined.

Definition of Self Confidence

Self confidence is being able to accept who you are, both the good and the bad, your strengths and your weaknesses. Embrace your uniqueness and have the courage to shine, regardless of what other people think.

Her Life Before the Discovery of Self Confidence

Abby was insecure, in hiding and ashamed of herself and her condition. She has been living with Alopecia, a hair loss condition that has left her bald for years and it was only in 2012 that she realised that she could rise above her weaknesses and “preconceived” limitations to help others.

The “AHA” Moment

Abby came across videos of women with Alopecia in different parts of the world and saw how courageous they were about having the condition. She saw how they chose to be strong, brave and happy even without hair. There were even movements, awareness campaigns, foundations, support groups and other activities to help those with Alopecia. This challenged Abby and made her realise that perhaps there was a reason and a bigger purpose to her having this disease. She could use her voice, her story and her platform as an artist to touch and inspire other people like her especially here in the Philippines.

Her Life After the Discovery of Self Confidence

Everything changed the moment Abby decided to step out of my comfort zone and face all her fears. It felt liberating to finally be herself, be accepted and loved for her true self, after she began to give herself the love and acceptance it deserves. Abby now has an Alopecia Philippines support group of hundreds when she grew up thinking that she was alone. She has also traveled abroad to give talks and share her story of embracing her uniqueness, and continue to use her music to encourage and uplift others.

The One Self Confidence Tip For the Listener

Faith over fear. Always be brave. Feed your mind and fuel your heart with wisdom, positivity and good energy. Be mindful of what you allow to enter your soul and spirit. Self confidence starts with a decision.