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Walking in Calm

Mar 14, 2020

Walking in Calm

This week I’ve had a flurry of thoughts and feelings floating through my mind and felt compelled to reach out and share what’s happening over here in hopes that it might support you in some way with what’s happening over there with you during this time.

There’s much uncertainty today about what’s happening, what the future holds, how long this will last, challenges dealing with the reactions of loved ones who may be reacting differently than you are, how to love people amidst tension, whether to be around people or to isolate at home, how to stay focused on my work and other commitments and on and on.
While there are many things that are uncertain and it can be easy to get swept away in the rush of fear and feelings that are around us, I’ve been reminding myself that I get to choose. I am choosing to cling to that which I know and can control.

Peace.

It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. I
t means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.” – Unknown

While in the shower this morning, I was reminded of the message my Dad shared shortly before he passed.

SLOW DOWN.

If and when you find yourself focused on all that is or could go wrong – pause to ask yourself – what if there is something inside of all this that is going right?
What if we have in front of us an opportunity for a big reset.

To come back to basics.
To focus on what matters most.
To put kind care into the things you already have vs. striving for more.
To love on your people.
To calm everything for the sake of seeing more clearly.

What if it’s an opportunity and a gift of time to come back to basics and practice the things that keep us grounded and centered – this will have a positive ripple impact on everyone around you.

I’m choosing to focus on…

Faith: I’m relying on my faith. This is grounding and I am reminded that there is something much larger and bigger at play. I choose to trust there is ultimate good inside of what feels otherwise.

Love: Feelings of fear and uncertainty can sweep me away and cause me to behave in ways that are not loving to my closest people. I choose to come back to love again and again….resisting the urge to allow fear to create a wedge here. Loving on my people is always an aligned choice for me.

Mindset: It’s one thing we can control. Keep roping in your mind to the here and now. Ask yourself and listen closely – who am I called to be in this moment? In this situation? with this person? Listen and be obedient to this knowing. It’s helped me to remember that I don’t have to make a blanket choice in this moment- I can trust to know in each and every individual moment.

Choice: I am staying informed (with limits for my sanity) and making choices that align for me. I am choosing to observe what others are doing and then coming back to choosing what aligns for my unique compass.

Body: I am reminding myself to care for my body even when my emotions might cause me to take misaligned actions out of a desire for comfort. Look to comfort in ways that align with who you want to be now.

This Moment: When I allow my mind to fly into imagining the worst – I miss the moment at hand when my son walks in the room to talk to me, or my husband walks up to kiss me, or an opportunity to be loving and grounding to someone else who’s imagination has taken over. When I rope it in and root in this moment – I have what I need.

Together, we will walk step by step.

Sending peace, calm and love your way.

– Carla

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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.
“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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