BRILLIANCEUNLEASHED
  • Home
  • About Carrie
  • Coaching
  • Consulting
  • Speaking
  • Client Love
  • Blog
  • Connect
  • Home
  • About Carrie
  • Coaching
  • Consulting
  • Speaking
  • Client Love
  • Blog
  • Connect
Search

Blog

April: Spring Energy Check-In

4/14/2025

0 Comments

 
As the days get longer and the earth starts to soften, spring reminds us that renewal isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing what matters.

But here’s the truth: renewal doesn’t happen automatically. It requires intention. It requires awareness. And sometimes, it means facing where we’re depleted before we can truly bloom.

I’ve felt this deeply myself. A few weeks ago, I found myself powering through—back-to-back meetings, late-night emails, juggling all the “shoulds.” On paper, everything looked fine. But inside? I felt disconnected from the very why that fuels me.

It wasn’t burnout exactly. It was that subtle, sneaky misalignment that creeps in when we’re so focused on doing that we forget to be.

One morning, I paused—just long enough to sit with a cup of coffee and a journal—and asked: Where is my energy actually going? And is it aligned with what I care about most? That simple moment of reflection gave me clarity. Not a full life overhaul, just a small shift: fewer yeses out of obligation, more space for quiet, for family, for creativity. And with that, my energy began to return—not from doing more, but from doing what mattered most to me.

So often, we push through exhaustion, overwhelm, or misalignment because it feels easier to keep going than to pause and ask the hard questions. But sustainable growth starts by checking in—with ourselves, our energy, and what we actually want to carry into this season.

3 Ways to Reset Your Energy  This Spring
Notice the Leaks: Where is your energy going lately? Are you saying yes when you mean no? Are you overthinking, people-pleasing, or staying quiet when your truth wants to speak? Awareness is the first step to change.

Shift the Story: Energy isn’t just physical—it’s emotional and mental. A limiting belief can drain you faster than a packed calendar. Try this reframe:

“What’s the opportunity here for me to grow, learn, or let go?”

Make One Powerful Shift: You don’t need a full reset—just one intentional pivot. That might mean taking something off your plate, asking for support, or returning to a habit that fuels you.

This Month’s Challenge: Reclaim Your Energy
Pick one area of your life—work, home, relationships, creativity—where your energy feels off. Then ask:
  • Where am I feeling drained?
  • What boundary, truth, or reset do I need?
  • What would it look like to protect my energy here?

Now, take one small, intentional step. You don’t need to bloom overnight—just root into your truth and start there.

Word of the Month: RENEWAL
​
Renewal isn’t just about starting over—it’s about coming back to yourself.
0 Comments

March: A Month of Transitions & Transformation

3/17/2025

0 Comments

 
Carrie Simmons holding a four leaf clover
As winter thaws into spring, we’re reminded that change isn’t always easy—it can be messy, uncomfortable, and even a little scary. But here’s the thing: discomfort is where growth lives.

So often, we hold ourselves back because it feels safer to stay where we are. But if you want to grow, evolve, and truly unleash your brilliance, you need to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Think about it—every major life shift, every transformative moment, is marked by discomfort. The awkward first step. The uneasy in-between. The moments of doubt. But what lies on the other side? Strength. Confidence. Fulfillment.

💡 3 Ways to Embrace Discomfort & Grow Through It:
  1. Reframe Fear as Fuel: Fear isn’t a stop sign—it’s a signal that you’re on the brink of something meaningful. Growth doesn’t come from what’s easy; it comes from pushing your boundaries.
  2. Celebrate Small Wins: Big changes are built on tiny, consistent steps. Whether it’s having a tough conversation, setting a boundary, or simply showing up when it’s hard—every step forward counts.
  3. Lean Into What’s Working: It’s easy to focus on what’s not going right, but growth thrives where energy flows. Notice what’s working in your life right now. Double down on it. Build momentum from your strengths.

🌟 This Month’s Challenge: Get Uncomfortable.Pick one area of your life—personal, professional, or emotional—where you’ve been playing it safe. Then ask yourself:
  • What’s the next brave step I can take here?
  • What am I avoiding because it feels uncomfortable?
  • What would it look like if I did it anyway?
Now, take that step. It doesn’t have to be huge—just intentional. Because small acts of courage create lasting transformation.

This March, let discomfort be your greatest teacher. 🌱✨

Word of the Month: BRAVERY
​
Bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the decision to move forward despite it.

0 Comments

Welcoming Nature's Canvas

3/29/2024

0 Comments

 
Carrie Simmons coaching a client with clarity and purpose outdoors

A Journey to Unleashing Creativity

There's something profoundly inspiring about the way nature unfolds through the seasons, each bringing its unique beauty, challenges, and opportunities for growth. In the same way, creativity is not static; it flows, evolves, and takes on different hues, mirroring the ever-changing world around us. As the seasons shift, so does the lens through which we view our creative endeavors. The lush verdancy of spring can inspire renewal and fresh starts, the abundant energy of summer may encourage boldness and experimentation, the reflective ambiance of autumn can lead to introspection and refinement, and the quiet serenity of winter might promote contemplation and the germination of new ideas.

Finding Inspiration in Every Leaf and Stone
Venturing into the great outdoors is akin to stepping into a living, breathing work of art. The vibrant colors of autumn leaves, the crisp air of a winter morning, the rejuvenating scent of rain on spring soil, and the warm embrace of summer sunlight—all these elements combine to create a multisensory experience that can ignite the creative spark within us. Each hike, each moment spent in nature, is an opportunity to connect, observe, and reflect. It's a chance to see the world through a different lens, to find beauty and inspiration in the simplicity of a leaf, the resilience of a flower, or the majesty of a mountain range.

Nature as a Catalyst for Creative Insights
The tranquility and vastness of natural landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for creative thought. Away from the noise and distractions of everyday life, the mind can wander freely, exploring new ideas, pondering solutions to challenges, or envisioning novel approaches to projects. Whether it's devising innovative branding strategies, reimagining business processes, or finding new ways to support and inspire teams, nature encourages us to think outside the box, to envision possibilities that lie beyond the confines of our usual settings.

Embracing the Seasons of Creativity
Just as nature transitions from one season to the next, our creativity too is in constant flux. Recognizing and embracing this seasonal shift in our creative process can lead to a deeper understanding of our own rhythms and cycles. By aligning ourselves with the natural flow of the seasons, we can harness their distinct energies and inspirations, allowing our creativity to evolve in harmony with the world around us.

The Call to Creative Exploration
Nature's endless tapestry of colors, textures, and sounds invites us to explore, experiment, and innovate. It challenges us to break free from the familiar and venture into the unknown, to take risks and embrace the beauty of discovery. 

I invite you to reflect on how nature inspires your own creative process. How do you find inspiration in the world around you? Whether it's through hiking, gardening, or simply taking a walk in the park, let's embrace the beauty of our surroundings and unleash our creativity in new and unexpected ways.
0 Comments
    Professional headshot of Carrie Simmons, founder of Brilliance Unleashed
    Unleash the life and leadership that light you up. Carrie Simmons, helps leaders reset, realign, and rise with purpose through coaching, strategy, and a spark of brilliance. Let’s create magic.
    Subscribe

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    December 2024
    November 2024
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    May 2024
    April 2024
    March 2024
    February 2024
    January 2024

    Categories

    All
    Balance & Boundaries
    Change & Adaptability
    Clarity & Confidence
    Creativity & Inspiration
    Culture Building
    Emotional Intelligence
    Empathy & Curiosity
    Energy Awareness
    Energy Leadership
    Free Tools & Resources
    Goal Setting
    Gratitude & Presence
    Growth Mindset
    Human Centered Leadership
    Human-Centered Leadership
    Innovation & Growth
    Leadership Development
    Mindset & Clarity
    Nature & Reflection
    Onboarding & Transitions
    Personal Development
    Personal Growth
    Resilience & Well Being
    Rest & Renewal
    Self Awareness
    Self Reflection
    Sustainable Leadership
    Unlocking Potential
    Values-Driven Leadership

    RSS Feed

  • Home
  • About Carrie
  • Coaching
  • Consulting
  • Speaking
  • Client Love
  • Blog
  • Connect