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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
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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
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Bravery isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the decision to move forward despite it.

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Finding Rest in the Season of Rush

12/17/2024

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Carrie Simmons hiking in winter in Vermont with her dog

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.
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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:
  • Savoring a quiet cup of coffee in the morning.
  • Taking a brisk walk in the crisp winter air.
  • Saying “no” to one more commitment.
For me, replenishment has meant creating boundaries and carving out time to rest—even when it means skipping something that sounds fun. It’s about remembering that this season is about connection, not perfection.
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Thank You for Being Here
As you reflect on the ideas we’ve explored this month, I encourage you to pause and consider:
  • Where can you infuse gratitude into your day, even in small ways?
  • How can you manage your energy to show up as the leader you want to be?
Leadership is a journey, and it’s one we’re on together. Thank you for taking the time to read this month’s blog. Your brilliance inspires me every day.


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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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Our Focus for 2024: Prioritizing Health and Happiness

1/5/2024

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Happy First Week into the New Year!

We are thrilled to share our focus for the year ahead: the pursuit of health and happiness. In a world that often moves at a fast pace, we recognize the importance of taking a moment to prioritize our well-being. With this in mind, we have set our sights on creating a lifestyle that nourishes both our bodies and souls.

Fitness & Wellness: Incorporating regular exercise and making mindful choices about what we put into our bodies has become a daily commitment for us. We've discovered that small changes can lead to significant results, and we're excited to continue this journey toward better health.

Mindfulness & Self-Care: Taking time for self-care activities has been transformative for us. Whether it's meditation, spending time in nature, or indulging in a good book, these moments of mindfulness contribute to our overall happiness and well-being.

Building a Support System: Surrounding ourselves with a supportive network has been instrumental in our journey. From friends who join us in workouts to family members offering encouragement, having a support system makes the journey even more rewarding.

Celebrating Milestones: We believe that every step, no matter how small, deserves celebration. Whether it's reaching a fitness milestone or simply taking a day to relax, recognizing these achievements reinforces our commitment to this path.

We share this not as a declaration of perfection but as a reminder that we're all works in progress. Let's inspire each other to make positive choices and cultivate lives that bring us joy and fulfillment.

What are some of your health and happiness goals? We'd love to hear about your journey and connect on this incredible path to well-being! Share your goals in the comments below or feel free to connect with us.
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    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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