 As the year winds down, I’ve been reflecting on the things that fuel me—especially curiosity. Curiosity has always been a driving force in my life, leading me to chase fresh ideas, dive headfirst into opportunities, and explore “what ifs.” It keeps me engaged and inspired. But with that passion comes the reality that not every leap lands perfectly. Sometimes ideas fall flat. Plans don’t pan out. Projects miss the mark. And you know what? That’s okay. I’ve learned to embrace these moments, not as failures but as stepping stones. Each attempt—whether it soars or stumbles—teaches something valuable. Sometimes it’s clarity on timing or a reminder to trust my instincts. And sometimes, it’s simply knowing what doesn’t work, which is just as important as knowing what does. The Weight of the Season This time of year can feel overwhelming. December often collides with endless social gatherings, work deadlines, and the pressure to wrap up goals before the new year. It’s no wonder so many of us feel stretched thin. If you’re in that space right now, you’re not alone. (I recently came across this article from the NYT on fatigue and its causes, and it was like someone had peeked into my brain.) Here’s what I’ve realized: We can’t give our best to others if we’re running on empty. It’s okay to pause, take a breath, and allow ourselves to recharge. Word of the Month: Replenish As we close out the year, let’s focus on replenishing our energy, joy, and hopes for the future. Replenishment doesn’t have to be grand. It can be as simple as:
Thank You for Being Here As you reflect on the ideas we’ve explored this month, I encourage you to pause and consider:
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 As we approach Thanksgiving, it’s a perfect time to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. When life feels overwhelming, it can be easy to lose sight of the blessings that surround us each day. But by grounding ourselves in gratitude, we find perspective, strength, and even a renewed sense of joy.
Finding Thankfulness in the Midst of Overwhelm When life feels full—work demands, family obligations, personal goals—it’s easy to get caught in a cycle of stress. Yet, taking a moment to focus on what we’re grateful for can transform overwhelm into peace. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring challenges; it’s about acknowledging the beauty in the journey and the support we have along the way. This Thanksgiving, let’s reflect on a few things we might often take for granted but that add deep meaning to our lives:
This season, consider setting aside a few minutes each day to jot down three things you’re grateful for. This small act can make a big impact, helping you shift focus from stress to appreciation, even when life feels full. The Power of a Personal Challenge When my mom invited my siblings and me to tackle hiking 44 miles this past October, I’ll admit, my first reaction was filled with excuses. October is such a busy time, and like many of us, I felt the pull of work commitments. But then something shifted. I was reminded of how easy it is for work to take over, and before you know it, the fun and adventure disappear. It hit me that setting even small personal goals, like a hiking challenge, can be a powerful way to reclaim balance and prioritize joy in our lives. In leadership, I’ve learned that the energy we pour into our work needs to be balanced by moments that recharge and inspire us. Nature has always been a grounding force for me, helping to reset and reignite creativity. So, here’s to the reminder to set goals that not only push us professionally but also allow us to reconnect with ourselves and what we love. Let’s all remember to take a break, enjoy the beauty around us, and make space for fun—even in our busiest times. I’m now hooked and will continue to get outside as much as possible moving forward into the winter months. Embracing Change with Love, Awareness, and Community In a world that feels ever-shifting, it can be hard not to feel unsettled. But something I’ve come to believe deeply is that even in uncertain times, we have the power to choose how we respond. The only constant is change, so how do we focus on love, community, and self-awareness as the world continues to evolve? I would love for us to connect on this idea: to resist letting fear or hopelessness sink in. Instead, let’s find small, meaningful ways to build resilience and strengthen our communities. We can hold two timelines at once—taking steps to fortify ourselves and each other now, while also committing to the long work of creating a world that works for all. Here’s to a Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, connection, and a renewed appreciation for all that we have. Happy Thanksgiving!  A Journey to Unleashing CreativityThere'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. |
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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