A brave new chapter - will you join me?

No more hiding, let's start blooming with our gifts this summer!

It’s 18:37, and I have less than an hour to write to you before I need to jump on a call. This isn’t just any call, it marks the beginning of a new chapter. And let me tell you, I’m feeling ALL the feeeeeels.

With an eye on the clock, I’m sitting on the balcony, admiring my new hydrangeas/hortensias and pondering which pots they should call home. It’s one of those reflection moments where you jump from thought to thought without lingering on any particularly long. I’m simply observing what’s going on internally, in my head, heart and body... know what I mean?

How do YOU typically feel during times of change?

Are you team “Let’s go, nothing can stop me” or more of the “Will this really work out?” kind, anxiously hiding away?

There’s no right or wrong, of course and maybe you land somewhere in the middle.

When we understand that our reactions are never meant to harm us, but only to protect us, we can be so much kinder to ourselves, don’t you think?

Right now, I’m mostly excited, but I can’t completely ignore the little voice in my head asking, “Are you sure you’re… [insert doubt]?”

Until my late 20s, I constantly danced between excitement and fast-paced growth (my strong willpower would push me far), and then, at other times, the gripping fear and anxiety (from taking it all too seriously) would hold me back.

Thankfully, over the years, I’ve learned to be more observant and aware of when I’m internally expanding or contracting. Most times, I can now lovingly acknowledge the nagging doubt and then appreciatively set it aside.

These conscious reflections also ensure that when we say yes to new opportunities, we’re coming from a place of rest and capacity, not from a place of not-enoughness or fear of missing out. No more thinking in terms of time and tasks but pure spaciousness instead.

Remember: when one seemingly great opportunity comes your way, you can be certain that it will likely not be the last. That’s just how life works. 🤷‍♀️

Quick side note before I reveal what the new chapter is and its connection to hiding and blooming...

When

Mansi Kwatra

asked me recently to share what I’d tell my 24-year-old self, I had the opportunity to reflect on what has shifted the most since. One of my thoughts you can read in her birthday post here.

The second thing I’d tell my overthinking younger self: “Worry less about other people’s opinions because, no matter how much they love you, they don’t live YOUR life.” If I had listened to the naysayers, I wouldn’t be jumping on this call in roughly 23 minutes.

Time flies when you’re reflecting. So without further ado…

WHAT is the brave new chapter?

On paper, it’s an executive coaching program - coaching leaders in times of change and crisis.

For me, it’s so much more though. It’s a commitment to myself, my passion and my gifts. It’s about blooming more and hiding less! Another significant step in elevating my women's well-being and empowerment work that I have been passionately doing for years.

I’ve chosen this new chapter consciously as an accountability measure while I take baby steps not in “the right” but in MY direction. Yes, mine, where I can fully share my passion and gifts with the world.

Picasso beautifully said what I’m trying to bring across:

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” 

Thank you

Marie Vandoorne

for sharing that quote recently.

So, what is YOUR gift and how can YOU share it with the world?

I’ve not been sharing my gifts on here as much as I would have sometimes liked. However, I remind myself that many flowers take years to grow roots before they bloom. Ultimately, we each move at our own pace, and I’m all for finding our own rhythms.

And yet, I had to ask myself a hard question to be honest: is my hiding at times a form of procrastination to avoid discomfort and vulnerability or is it true awareness of my capacity? There’s nuance, and there’s balance (and sometimes too much contemplation) 😂

What I can tell you is this: Lots is happening behind closed doors and I realised that I need to open the doors, and let you peek into my process more. It won’t always be all roses and rainbows, and frankly, I haven’t figured it all out yet.

When we’re not sharing what we do, it’s almost as if we're not really doing it at all, I feel. What’s the point if we keep everything to ourselves? Shared joy is double the joy, right?

So, as we’re approaching the peak of the year, the fiery season of summer - it’s our time. Yours and mine - to shine!

and it rhymes… Love that. haha

Let’s ask ourselves the following questions, perfect for this time of the year:

Will you join me in sharing your sparks, your gifts and your joy?

Should you seek some form of accountability and step out of hiding, what would be most helpful?

Part 2 coming soon where I’ll share what I’ve been brewing and let you in to have a taste. 🙂 If you’d like to support my work, consider buying me a coffee or pledging a paid membership. You get a big thank you and karma points and in the future potentially some fun extras. 🫶

Now, I’ll need to do a few quick stretches and head back inside to my desk for the call in… 6 minutes. In the meantime,...

I’d love to hear your plans for the summer, big dreams and small ideas, all are so welcome. See you in the comments. Sending love, Carmen
(if you’re new here, check out my slightly outdated About page) 👋

What you may have missed / what I recommend:

The longer we wait, the more difficult it gets...

Why less is always more: Things I quit to reignite joy in my life

This post on wanting to live slower and how that means potentially risking getting too comfortable by

Jodie Melissa Rogers

resonated hugely!

P.S. I almost forgot to add that this post is part of

Claire Venus

Essay Club - this is my 4th piece thanks to the accountability I’m not stopping anytime soon 😇