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Brilliance in Motion | Owning Your Confidence

5/21/2025

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I used to think confidence meant always having the answer. That I needed to be the most prepared, the most articulate, the most composed.

But the truth is, my most powerful moments as a leader, coach, and mom haven’t come from having it all figured out.

They’ve come from trusting myself when things were messy.

Confidence, I’ve learned, isn’t loud. It’s not flashy. It’s quiet. Grounded. Present. It’s the voice inside that says: “I can handle this, even if it’s hard.”

We don’t need to perform to be worthy. We just need to show up, with intention, courage, and a little breath at a time.

Brilliance Practice: Reclaiming Confidence

This month, try this:

Think of a time when you didn’t feel ready—but you took the step anyway.

Confidence doesn’t always look like certainty. Sometimes it looks like:
  • Asking the question no one else wants to ask.
  • Taking a break when your energy says, “enough.”
  • Saying, “I don’t know… but I’m willing to find out.”

Bonus: My Confidence Playlist

Here are three songs I return to when I want to feel grounded:
  • “Unstoppable” – Sia
  • “Good as Hell” – Lizzo
  • “Dog Days Are Over” – Florence + the Machine
(Dance it out, then go do the thing.)

Let’s Stay in Motion

Where are you being called to step forward with more confidence right now?

Ready to share what’s unfolding? → Let's Connect

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April: Spring Energy Check-In

4/14/2025

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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.
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March: A Month of Transitions & Transformation

3/17/2025

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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.

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Turning Self-Awareness into Success

6/26/2024

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Picture
​Ego, in its simplest form, is our sense of self. It’s the voice inside our heads that tells us who we are, what we believe in, and what we are capable of achieving. It can be a source of confidence, driving us to pursue our goals with vigor. However, unchecked, it can also lead to arrogance, blinding us to our flaws and alienating those around us.

Ego is a double-edged sword. On one side, it fuels our ambition, giving us the confidence to step out of our comfort zones and chase our dreams. On the other, it can create blind spots, making us resistant to feedback and growth. The key lies in striking a balance—harnessing the positive aspects of ego while keeping its negative tendencies in check.

Strategies for Balancing Ego
  • Cultivate Self-Awareness: Regular self-reflection helps you understand your motivations and behaviors. It allows you to recognize when your ego is getting out of hand and take corrective measures.
  • Seek Feedback: Constructive feedback from trusted peers and mentors is invaluable. It provides an external perspective on your actions and helps you stay grounded.
  • Practice Humility: Humility doesn’t mean undervaluing yourself; it’s about acknowledging your limitations and appreciating others’ contributions. It creates a healthy balance between self-confidence and respect for others.
  • Focus on Growth: Adopt a growth mindset where you view challenges and criticisms as opportunities for development rather than threats to your ego. This shift in perspective encourages continuous learning and improvement.
  • Build Resilience: Resilience allows you to bounce back from setbacks without letting your ego take a hit. It helps you maintain a positive outlook and stay motivated even in the face of adversity.

​If we let our ego determine what we see, what we hear, and what we believe, we’ve allowed our past achievements to jeopardize our future potential. By understanding its dual nature and implementing strategies to balance it, we can harness its power for personal and professional growth.
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Strategies for Resilience and Balance

5/29/2024

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Navigating Stress
Stress, often a silent companion, can quietly settle in both mind and body, sometimes going unnoticed until physical tension, like tight shoulders, makes its presence felt. Here are strategies to navigate the intricate dance of stress, fostering resilience and balance:

Cultivating Awareness
The first step in managing stress is cultivating awareness. Tune into your body's whispers to comprehend stress. Recognize its physical cues—such as muscle tension, headaches, or fatigue—as valuable insights into the roots of your stressors. By identifying these early signals, you can take proactive steps to address and alleviate stress before it escalates.

Mindset Mastery
Embracing a growth-oriented mindset is crucial. See challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for learning and personal evolution. This perspective shift can transform stress into a motivator, driving you to adapt and grow. A positive mindset fosters resilience, enabling you to navigate stress more effectively.

Holistic Practices
Mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises are powerful tools for managing stress. These holistic practices serve as grounding anchors amid life's storms, fostering inner peace. Regular practice can help you stay centered and calm, even in the face of significant stressors. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you and make them a part of your daily routine.

Active Load Management
Acknowledging the inevitability of stress is essential. Instead of resisting, learn to manage your load actively. Delegate tasks, prioritize self-care, and set boundaries. Striving for a harmonious balance between work and personal life allows you not just to survive but to thrive. Make time for activities that rejuvenate you, whether it's a hobby, exercise, or simply relaxing with loved ones.

Share Your Wisdom
Stress management is a journey, and sharing your experiences can benefit others. By building a community where shared insights become powerful tools for collective resilience, we can all learn from each other. How do you navigate the complex terrain of stress? Sharing your strategies can help create a supportive network, providing a rich resource for everyone involved.

Building a Supportive Community
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, stress can easily become overwhelming. By implementing these strategies and fostering a supportive community, we can navigate stress with resilience and find balance amidst life's challenges. Let's come together to share our wisdom, support one another, and create an environment where collective resilience thrives.

Through awareness, a positive mindset, holistic practices, active management, and community support, we can transform our approach to stress. By doing so, we not only enhance our own well-being but also contribute to a culture of resilience and balance for those around us.
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Welcoming Nature's Canvas

3/29/2024

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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.
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    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.
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