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Let Life Nudge You

Mar 06, 2020

Let Life Nudge You

I was sitting at dinner with a client back in early November when she shared that she’d said yes to hiking the Grand Canyon with her husband. “Oh, by the way, we have two extra tickets if by chance you want them,” she added.

Funny enough, I don’t think I even acknowledged out loud the mention of the tickets at the time. I just quickly shared in her excitement and anticipation at the adventure that awaited her. But the idea got lodged in my brain and I couldn’t stop thinking about it on the drive home. I woke up suddenly that night with the idea, “Tom and I could go!” It was as if a light bulb had gone off in my head.

A little context: Tom is my oldest son who is getting ready to graduate high school this May. I’ve been freaking out that his time living in our home is coming to a close, so the idea of taking a mom-son trip felt like the greatest thing ever. The thought of having 4 days with my son to get to know him all over again, share something we will never forget, and have hours on end to just be together —filled me with joy. The crazy thing is that I had imagined taking a backpacking trip with him from the time he was a little boy. And now we were going to make it happen.

So, it happened. Two weeks ago we took the hike to Havasupai Falls at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. It’s a 4-day trek. This photo was taken after our 10 mile hike in when we arrived at the falls. It was the hardest thing I have ever done physically. The sights were stunning. It took me way outside my comfort zone. And, the best thing about it was the time with my son – doing everything and nothing.

This is what I call an Inspired Action: an idea that appears to come out of thin air and sends a surge of excitement, thrill, and energy through your being.

Inspired actions can lead to remarkable things. Sometimes they call you out of your comfort zone, other times they require loads of trust. Frequently they benefit others, and quite often they’re like breadcrumbs that lead you to something important that you were meant to do.

What I didn’t know when we planned this adventure was that my son would soon share and take the steps to join the Navy and he will be heading to boot camp this August. This is exactly what I mean by how powerful these nudges can be. I’m so grateful to have had this time with him before he spreads his wing and begins a new chapter of his life.

For me, inspired nudges come from God – they stem from something far greater than our own knowledge and wisdom and following them can lead to some amazing places.

Doing so requires:

• Listening & catching the idea
• Mustering the courage to act on it
• Noticing the ripple impact of the action
• Savoring the experience

Let life nudge you. Something far bigger and grander than we can even imagine is available to guide your life. Will you let it?

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Testimonials

“Carla and I had an instant connection. On the surface, I had everything going for me. I was doing well in my career, I had recently come out to my family and was welcomed with open arms, I was in a healthy relationship, and I had just finished an Ironman triathlon. But internally, I was in a constant state of angst. Was I in the right career? Was this one the right one? Carla helped equip me with the tools I needed to understand not only why I felt a certain way but also why I act the way I do. We then created a better version of myself to navigate life.”

– Will B.
“From professional discussions to personal development, the tools I learned throughout my work with Carla has helped me deepen relationships, let go of stress and find presence and energy. Coaching from Carla has allowed me to see situations in a clear light due to the thought process I’m practicing regularly. I would suggest Carla and her coaching to anyone that is looking to stretch his or her mindset, abilities and wants to better him or herself.”

– Cara L.
“Before coaching with Carla, I was stuck in a rut- telling myself old stories that were holding me back- spiraling in negative self-talk. I believed that my worth was tied to my vocation.
Over the course of 3 months, I gained a renewed confidence in myself, my work, and my relationships. I learned how to change my steps, unravel old stories and be honest about what I want to shift and now I’m experiencing a wave of growth like never before. I’m sticking up for myself and showing others how I’d like to be treated. I’m genuinely able to help friends and family again-not because I want something in return, but because I truly want them to succeed. I’m showing up for myself and others and it feels good. That’s probably the biggest take-away. I feel good.”

– Frances K.
“This work is like having a constant hand on your back supporting you. Carla is nurturing, kind and caring. More importantly she has a way of simplifying things that feel big and heavy and helping you see them in a way that is light and empowering. She has so many tools in her arsenal and really caters her guidance based on your needs.

Prior to working with Carla I felt like my life was slipping away and I was on the sidelines watching it. After re-framing old thinking and creating my commitments, I feel connected to others and have deeper relationships with husband, kids and friends. I am experiencing my life and living intentionally. It’s something that I have to work on daily, but it’s getting easier and more natural.”

– Lyndsay C.
“I have had my eyes opened to an entirely new way of thinking. Carla helped me uncover what was causing many of the challenges in my professional and personal life. With Carla’s insight, coaching framework and ongoing guidance we worked toward a new solution that helped me overcome these challenges and let go of the guilt, frustration and disappointment I was constantly feeling. We got to the root of these deeper feelings and I took actionable steps to take back control. As a result, I was able to nearly immediately increase two client retainers, strengthen my relationships with clients and most importantly be happier in my daily routines.”

– Karen C.
“Carla has been a tremendous blessing in my life. She provides the words of wisdom that I know I need but sometimes have trouble finding within myself. Our multi-year journey has brought me order, direction, vision, and happiness. From running a company to improving important relationships, Carla has been a steadfast sage and source of comfort. I recommend her to anyone I can.”

– Teddy Jones
“Working with Carla is like going on vacation. I can see things more clearly and think outside myself. She brings out these good thoughts in me and helps me move my life forward.”

– Heather L.
“Even after working w/ Carla for 2 years, I still feel like each session I have with her results in a positive shift in my perspective. The tools she has taught me have become indispensable in my efforts to build a truly unique life.”

– William Crouse, Producer
“My life before coaching was unbalanced, out of control and I felt overwhelmed. I have always been positive and focused and in control so these feelings were very challenging. I went through some life changing events and was struggling to move forward. I worked through old pain, to think differently, and relieve myself of unnecessary pressures that were weighing me down and holding me back. My relationships grew stronger. I became happier and more focused, balanced and content. I feel like a better version of myself.”

– Stacy M.
“Carla’s coaching increased my professional productivity and enhanced my personal awareness enormously. Our sessions provide me with clarity about the most important things in my life and how to achieve them. Carla is a phenomenal and passionate coach who brings a unique perspective to every eye-opening encounter — the way you think about your life, changes your life!”

– Judith M., Sculptor
“Carla is helping me to quiet the internal dialogue that has been holding me back in my career and relationships. Working with her has helped me to embrace my strengths which, in 10 weeks dramatically shifted my role as a leader, my relationship with my business partner, husband, and clients. I know that this is JUST the beginning!”

– Heather W.
“Meeting Carla was like divine serendipity – she and I met just prior to one of the most challenging and life-changing years of my life. Carla assisted me with tools and meaningful conversations that helped me make my chaotic life manageable. She provided tools to allow me to keep the truth of situations center and my feelings in check. Carla helped me get out of my own way to see the bigger vision for my life. Her tools and techniques are always with me.”

– Kim P.
“Before coaching, I paid little attention to how much my thinking can change my reactions, emotions, and ultimately my decisions. Working with Carla has given me a whole new perspective on how powerful my own thinking and actions can be towards my happiness and success in all aspects of my life.”

– Christine Johnson
“The one thing I need to make sure I feel aligned and connected to myself.”

– Carolyn Crouse

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