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:
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
![]() 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:
🌟 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:
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. In leadership, as in life, I’ve learned that the journey is just as important—if not more so—than the outcome. Outcomes can feel like milestones, but the real growth, the deeper connection, happens in the in-between: the challenges we navigate, the relationships we build, and the lessons we learn along the way.
My own leadership journey has been one of twists and turns, triumphs and challenges. I’ve had to stretch in ways I didn’t anticipate, pivot when things felt uncertain, and trust that each step was leading me toward something meaningful. Along the way, I’ve discovered that leading with heart—embracing authenticity, vulnerability, and purpose—has made all the difference. As I reflect on this journey, I feel immense gratitude for the people and experiences that have shaped it. Whether you're leading a team, building a dream, or navigating personal growth, I encourage you to embrace the journey, not just the destination. Ten years ago, I was fully immersed in my creative agency, New Ground Creative. It was a time of passion and dedication, where I poured my heart into every design, every client relationship, and every project. But in 2015, my world changed in the most beautiful way—I became a mother. Balancing a business I loved with the new journey of motherhood brought challenges and joys alike. Those early years taught me how following your heart fuels resilience and how embracing transitions can lead to deeper connections and a clearer purpose. Today, heart is at the core of everything I do. As Executive Director of Go Stowe, I share my love for Vermont—its breathtaking beauty, its authenticity, and its sense of belonging. Through Brilliance Unleashed, I help others reconnect with their heart—their passions, their potential, and their unique magic. These roles are more than jobs—they’re my way of creating meaningful connections and inspiring others to follow their path with heart. When I made the leap to Go Stowe in 2019, it was fueled by heart—a desire for growth, impact, and alignment with what truly matters. My daughter was four, and I wanted her to see her mom taking on new challenges and finding joy in meaningful work. The transition from agency life to nonprofit leadership stretched me in new ways. It was a chance to align my heart’s purpose with the work I do every day, contributing to a broader community and leaving a lasting impact. One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is to lead with heart. Whether it’s creating space for others to shine, showing up with compassion, or staying true to your purpose, heart-centered leadership has the power to inspire and transform. I’ve come to believe that even the hardest transitions can offer opportunities to grow, connect, and create meaningful impact when approached with intention and heart. Word of the Month: Heart This February, let heart guide you. Put your heart into the work you love, the relationships you nurture, and the dreams you’re chasing. Heart-centered living isn’t about perfection; it’s about leading with care, authenticity, and the courage to follow what lights you up. 🎧 Listen In: I recently shared more about my journey and insights on leadership. Tune in here: Spotify Episode. ![]() Word of the Month: Intention - Focus your thoughts and actions with purpose to set the tone for a successful year. Happy New Year! As we step into 2025, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and set intentions that empower growth and success. Whether you’re looking to advance your career, strengthen relationships, or create more balance in your life, intentional planning is key. To help you start strong, I’m thrilled to share my FREE Mini-Workbook: 'Design Your Best Year Yet.' This guided workbook is designed to help you:
What’s Inside: ✅ Reflective prompts to clarify your vision. ✅ Exercises to align your goals with your values. ✅ Tools to track progress and stay motivated. Why This Matters: It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and lose sight of what really matters. This workbook is your space to slow down, dream big, and make a plan that works for YOU. Download Your Free Copy Today! 👉 Mini-Workbook: 'Design Your Best Year Yet.' 👈 ![]() 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:
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! |
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.
Archives
May 2025
Categories
All
|