My Lighten Up Checklist

Mar 24, 2021

My Lighten Up Checklist

Has life felt heavy for awhile now?

Or on the flip side, are you feeling much lighter these days, but waiting for “the other shoe to drop”?

Do you want to know what you can do to create and sustain feelings of lightness in your life?

You’re in the right spot.

Welcome to my Lighten Up List, things you can regularly do to lighten your load and make navigating through the tough, uncontrollable parts of life feel smoother.

I’ve learned over the years that there are many parts of life that I can’t control and life doesn’t always go the way I intend or desire.

Instead of resisting it and letting the heaviness weigh me down, there are certain practices that, when I do them regularly, help me to navigate the good times AND the hard times with a greater sense of ease and confidence.

Even when I can’t control the circumstance and I’m struggling to feel good about it, I know I always have a choice as to how I will show up to it.

So do you.

When I make that choice with intention, I can stand tall in the moment, minimize regret and be far more present to what is happening.

Here are the things I have picked up along the way that have allowed me to bring more “light-ness” to everyday moments and times that are hard to navigate. 

My Lighten Up Checklist

  • A morning routine: this is a daily routine that kicks off my day and includes one or more of the following…
    • quiet reflection
    • prayer
    • reading
    • music
    • movement
    • and writing

Sound overwhelming? I started with 10 minutes and it’s grown to 1 hour plus. This sets the foundation for a solid day, everyday. Start small and reap the rewards of maintaining peace and confidence no matter what the day throws at you.

  • Release pressure, apply love: this is a great prescription when you feel overwhelmed
  • Set down the “heavy”: sometimes the only piece we can control is our thinking and perception
    • Do you struggle to let go? Click here to listen and learn how to let go of the thoughts that create heaviness and restore a sense of calm.
  • Prayer/Faith: the longer I live, the more I realize how faith is foundational to a peaceful life. While tools for living and a healthy mindset are vital, my relationship with God is the cornerstone of peace in my life.
  • Assume positive intent until you know otherwise: this is an antidote to worry and thinking for others
  • Listen to “The Sound of Sunshine” (trust me, you’ll love it!)
  • Move my body: always ‘in your head’? Regular physical movement makes everything look and feel better
  • Laugh at myself and with others: just like on this Differently episode with Holiday Manning
  • Sweep daily: but not the kind of sweeping you’re thinking of. Find out what kind of sweeping I’m talking about here
  • Forget myself and go have a good time: my mom’s infamous words :).

Comment below and tell me which element of the Lighten Up List you’re going to play with this month!

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“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.
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– 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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