“In the enchanting world of personal development, there exists a profound truth encapsulated in the words of author Bonnie Garmus: “Courage is the root of change, and change is what we’re chemically designed to do.” As a seasoned life coach, this has been the heartbeat of my career, echoing in the stories of transformation I’ve witnessed unfold within my own life and those I’ve coached.

Consider this: as human beings, we are innately wired to evolve, grow, and expand. Our intellectual capacity allows us to soar to new heights, whether strengthening our bodies through exercise, enriching our minds with knowledge, or expanding our consciousness through meditation. Yet, despite this natural trajectory for growth, many of us find ourselves stuck in the inertia of the Comfort Crisis.

Life throws curveballs that make us pause, reassess, and sometimes choose to settle for the comfort of what we know. We convince ourselves that we’ve been fortunate enough that asking for more is risky, so we stagnate. This very inertia gives birth to the Comfort Crisis—a barrier that prevents us from fully embracing the transformative power of change.

During my talks on change, I’ve noticed the automatic “no” that reverberates through the room, fueled by the fear of the unknown. The Comfort Crisis has become a familiar friend, and saying “yes” to change feels like stepping into uncharted territory. Yet, it’s precisely in that discomfort that the seeds of transformation are sown.

Change is not the enemy; it’s the catalyst for growth, the gateway to unlocking untapped potential. I’ve seen clients move from the stagnation of “no” to the liberation of “yes,” the metamorphosis is nothing short of magical.

So, here’s an intimate invitation for you — an opportunity to embark on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment at the What’s Next Women’s Retreat. This isn’t just an event; it’s a sacred space where authenticity reigns and transformation takes center stage.

Imagine a circle of women, each carrying their unique stories, vulnerabilities, and dreams. At the retreat, you’re not alone; you’re part of a community that understands the struggles, celebrates the victories, and holds space for your journey of change.

The What’s Next Women’s Retreat isn’t a distant promise—it’s a tangible opportunity to break free from the shackles of the Comfort Crisis. It’s a call to action, an embrace of the unknown, and a celebration of the courage to change.

Your journey begins now. Will you remain in the safety of the familiar, or will you step into the raw, real, and transformative experience waiting for you at the retreat? The choice is yours, and the magic of change is ready to unfold in ways you never thought possible.

Don’t let fear dictate your narrative. Embrace change and let the pages of your personal odyssey turn with the winds of transformation. The What’s Next Women’s Retreat is your invitation to step into the realness of change and emerge as your most authentic, empowered version.

Seize the Moment: Secure Your Spot Among 8 Remarkable Women!

Now is the perfect time to embrace change and join our intimate gathering of only 8 incredible women. Picture yourself immersed in a transformative experience, surrounded by like-minded individuals on the path to self-discovery and empowerment.

Act before December 15th, and you’ll unlock an exclusive bonus—an additional one-on-one session with me. This bonus time is tailored to help you clarify your “what’s next,” setting the stage for an even more profound and enriching experience during the retreat.

Your journey to personal growth and empowerment begins with a simple step—claiming your space at this unique gathering. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to delve into the magic of change alongside a supportive community.

Your time is now—don’t let it slip away.

Click here to learn more and claim your spot!

“An entire sea of water can’t sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. Similarly, the negativity of the world can’t put you down unless you allow it to get inside you” by Goi Nasu is a powerful reminder that our thoughts and beliefs are the most significant determinants of our well-being. The way we choose to respond to the world around us can make a significant impact on our lives.

Right now it seems as it the world is going to heck in a hand basket (if you know me well, heck is not the word I’d use –  #keeping it PG). What can you do if you find yourself being pulled down by all the chaos going on worldwide or just in your own world.

Remember your mind is like the sea. It can be relaxing and calming as well as stormy and turbulent. Just as a ship may encounter rough waters, you too can experience challenging situations and difficult times. It is during these times that you must remember you have control over your thoughts and emotions. It is your decision to allow negativity to get inside you or not.

The world can be a negative place, and you are bound to encounter negativity in your life. However, it is essential to understand that negativity is not something that can exist on its own. Negativity needs a host to survive and thrive, and you are that host. It is with choices of not to let negativity seep into your mind and take root that will change things.

When you allow negativity to take hold, you begin to experience negative emotions like fear, anger, and anxiety. These emotions can be all-consuming and can make it difficult to see the good in the world. This negativity can also cause physical harm to your body, leading to stress-related illnesses like high blood pressure, heart disease, and depression.

To protect yourself from negativity, learn to cultivate a positive mindset. Choose to focus on the good in the world and look for the silver linings in difficult situations. It is not always easy, but it is essential to try and maintain a positive outlook.

What can you do to cultivate a positive mindset?

1. Practice gratitude – by taking the time to appreciate the good things in your life, you can shift your focus away from negativity.
2. Surround yourself with positive people – being around positive, supportive individuals can help you stay motivated and uplifted.
3. Practice mindfulness – mindfulness can help you stay present in the moment, and not get caught up in negative thoughts and emotions.

Just remember, you have control over all thoughts and emotions. You can choose not to allow negativity to take root in your mind by focusing on cultivating a positive mindset. By doing so, you can lead happier, healthier lives and weather any storm that comes your way.

If you find yourself struggling to maintain a positive mindset or need guidance on how to shift your focus away from negativity, I encourage you to reach out to Denise. Denise is a trained professional who can help you work through your challenges and find ways to cultivate a positive mindset. Remember, we are all capable of overcoming negativity and living fulfilling lives. So, take that first step and schedule a call with Denise today!

Book your What’s Next call with Denise here

“Change can be difficult, and the prospect of transformation can often be daunting. Whether we are facing a major life transition, grappling with personal growth, or navigating a professional challenge, the journey of transformation can be fraught with uncertainty, fear, and self-doubt.

Despite its challenges, transformation is a necessary, needed for growth and a vital part of life. It is through transformation that we evolve and become the best versions of ourselves. For us to embrace transformation fully, it is important that we approach it with compassion.

I believe there are many ingredients in transformation. For me, compassion is an essential ingredient in the recipe for transformation. It is the understanding that we are all human, imperfect, and deserving of kindness and understanding. It is the recognition that change is not always easy, and that we are all doing the best we can with what we have.

So how can we embrace transformation with compassion? Here are a few key principles to keep in mind:

Start with self-compassion: The journey of transformation begins with ourselves. It’s important to treat ourselves with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness as we navigate the challenges and obstacles that come with change. Self-compassion means recognizing our own humanity, being gentle with ourselves in times of struggle, and celebrating our successes along the way. What I have found is that forgiveness is what trips people up when going through a transformation. Here’s a key to being able to forgive, to let go … first, embrace the anger and hurt that you feel. Don’t stuff it down. It will only come up to bite you repeatedly if you don’t acknowledge that someone has done your wrong. Once you’ve fully embraced these feelings and let them out, decide how long you want to feel this way. Is it hours, days, weeks? However long it is, allow that time. The last step is to let it go. Once you have decided how long your process will be to forgive (feeling all the feelings), you must move forward letting go of the hurt and anger. If you don’t, then you are keeping only yourself a prisoner in this pain.

Focus on progress, not perfection: Transformation is a process, not a destination. It is important to recognize that there will be setbacks, challenges, and moments of doubt along the way. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on progress. Celebrate small wins and keep moving forward one step at a time. As I always say, allow yourself to be perfectly imperfect. We are all human and we have faults. If you can recognize when you are trying too hard to be perfect in your growth, allow yourself to progress as best you can; even by making mistakes. You’re doing what you can do at this time.

Seek support: Transformation can be a lonely journey, but it doesn’t have to be. Seek out support from friends, family, mentor, coach, or a therapist to help you navigate the ups and downs of change. Surround yourself with people who believe in you, and who can offer a listening ear or a kind word when you need it most. When we attempt to go the solo route, things can become more difficult. They take longer than is needed. Sometimes, you just need a sounding board. When that is the case, be clear to the person you’re sharing things with that you need them to listen … that’s all.

Embrace vulnerability: Transformation requires us to be vulnerable, to take risks, and to step outside of our comfort zones. It can be scary to put ourselves out there, but it is through vulnerability that we open ourselves up to growth and new possibilities. Enough said on this.

Remember, transformation is not a one-size-fits-all process. Each of us will have our own unique journey, with our own unique challenges and triumphs. And, by approaching transformation with compassion, we can create a space of kindness and understanding, and allow ourselves to become the best versions of ourselves.

As we step into embracing transformation with compassion, we can create a world of growth, healing, and possibility. Isn’t that what we all want. I know I do.

I’m here for you.

Book your What’s Next call with me here

“You’re being let go … you and your whole team.”

Hearing these words gripped me by the throat. I felt my eyes burning holding back the tears. In a matter of seconds, a calm came over me. I looked at my soon to be ex-boss saying, “Thank You. This is a blessing in disguise.”

This moment was the moment that started my coaching career. Did I want to be left without a six-figure salary? Of course not! No one ever wants the rug to be pulled out from under them. Yet, the universe has a way of creating “opportunities” that takes our blankie away forcing us to do things differently.

As I was working on my certification for life coaching, I also interviewed for corporate jobs. My heart wasn’t in it and it still felt like what I needed to do. I got offers and said No, thanks. Again, it just wasn’t right for me. I’m going to be a coach. No need to have that comfy paycheck coming in paying the price of mind-numbing work that I hated.

Then, one day, my old boss contacted me. I loved working for him. In fact, I’d worked for him at two different companies in the past. When he offered me a position working with him again, I paused. Working with him would be great. I loved working with him! So, I started looking at the timing of starting my coaching business.

“I can work with him. Do my coaching on the side. And then as my coaching business gets established, say in five years, I can retire from corporate with a business in my back pocket. Yes, that’s what I’ll do.”

This is what I told myself. As the interviewing process got closer, just thinking about interviewing I felt sick to my stomach. And, interestingly, the interviews kept getting pushed out. It was then I realized the time for my new venture into coaching was now. Not one day or someday, but now.

That’s my story. Now, ten years later, I still love my coaching and am thriving in it. For me, listening to the universe, my instinct, my gut was what helped.

Now, this doesn’t have to be everyone’s story. Starting a side business while still working is not a bad thing. As a matter of fact, I encourage some of my clients to do just that if their reason and timing to do so is what’s best for them.

How do you know what timing is right for you? Ask yourself this one question to get you started?

Do I love what I’m doing today in my corporate work? At least, love it more than I hate it.

This question alone will help you to decide on your timing. If you’re still loving it, finding it satisfying majority of the time, then stay. And start work on that next step for you once your corporate work is no longer fulfilling you.

From there? Well, that’s another story and process.

Trying to decide on timing for what you want to do next is a big step. Figuring out what you want to do next is an even bigger step.

Book your What’s Next call with me here

Take one step at a time.

After spending 20 years in big business and feeling an intense wave of relief when I was let go from my most recent corporate position 10 years ago (yes, my anniversary of starting my business comes up in March), I realized that I needed a change. I wanted to feel free. Thankfully, my curious nature helped guide me to a place where I could ask myself difficult questions in order to find honest, helpful answers.

During my college years, I was always the person at the table who wanted to help people think differently. I was getting a behavioral science degree at the time, and during lunch I would ask my tablemates things I knew would shock them into a different way of thinking. Little did I know that honing that natural curiosity and desire to shake things up would be the foundation for my career as a life architect decades later.

When I found myself happily unemployed, I realized it was time to shake things up in my own life with a series of shocking questions. So, I asked myself “What do I really want?” and “What has made me the happiest in my life work-wise so far?” It didn’t take me long to notice a theme. All of my answers were shaped around helping others. My first thought was that I should go back to school to become a therapist, but I already had my master’s degree in counseling. Going back to school to further my education with yet another degree was not the answer. So, I got even more curious about my options, and found a life coaching certification program that felt like the perfect way to learn, grow, and move forward.

At this point, I also decided to be honest about the way my past had shaped my confidence. I realized that if I wanted to help others get their mojo back, I had to do it first myself. So, I traveled back in time and thought about how my grandmother had always told me I was the fat one and that’s why I didn’t have any friends. I thought about the friends who had told me I would never look the way I should. And I confronted it all in a systematic way that would go on to shape how I help clients confront their own lack of confidence.

When I confronted my past, I also realized that I had everything I needed within me and that I was free to believe in myself, but not just believe, also trust in my abilities and act from there. Along the path that led to my journey as a life architect, I realized I had always been a life coach. And now, over 10 years later, I still enjoy the liberty to embrace my unique intuition and experience to help transform the lives of others for good.

I’m an expert in transformation. Allow me to help you along that path of transformation. 

Please share this with others if you have found this helpful. 

This quote (photo given to me by niece) is my daily reminder for self-love.  

“You, yourself, as much as anybody else in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection” ~ Buddha.

This is such a powerful reminder that self-love and self-care are crucial for leading a fulfilling life. And yet, I see many people struggling with loving themselves and often prioritize the needs of others over their own.

What I know is it’s important to recognize that self-love is not selfishness. Taking care of your own needs and giving yourself the love and attention, you deserve is not only good for you but also for the people around you. When you feel happy, confident, and loved, you radiate positive energy and can inspire those around you to do the same. Now, isn’t that what we all need right now.

Self-love starts with accepting yourself for who you are, flaws and all. We all have imperfections, but it’s how we view them that matters. Instead of dwelling on what you don’t like about yourself, focus on your strengths and the things that make you unique. Treat yourself with the same kindness and compassion you would offer a close friend or loved one. A great example, if you make a mistake, don’t beat yourself up over it. Instead, acknowledge the error, learn from it, and move on. Trust me, it’s not worth holding on to.

Self-love also involves taking care of your physical and emotional well-being. Make time for activities that nourish your body and soul, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious foods, and drink plenty of water. Take breaks when you need them and don’t overload your schedule with too many responsibilities. Setting boundaries with others is also an important part of self-love. Saying “no” to something that doesn’t serve your best interests is not selfish, but rather a way to protect your time and energy. I know everyone knows these things and what I’m asking now is to make time to do these things for you.

Practicing self-love can be difficult, especially if you’re used to putting others first. However, the benefits of loving and accepting yourself are well worth the effort. When you prioritize your own needs, you’ll feel more confident, energized, and empowered to tackle whatever challenges come your way.

Let’s don’t forget that self-love also has a positive impact on relationships. When you love yourself, you attract people who treat you with respect and kindness. You set healthy boundaries and communicate your needs effectively, which creates more meaningful and fulfilling connections. Self-love also allows you to approach relationships from a place of abundance rather than lack, as you are not seeking external validation or love to fill a void within yourself. This can lead to more harmonious and authentic relationships, where both parties are able to show up as their true selves and support each other’s growth. So, prioritize your relationship with yourself and watch how it positively impacts all areas of your life, including your relationships with others.

Remember, practicing self-love is not a one-time event, it’s a continuous journey. Embrace your imperfections, celebrate your accomplishments, and prioritize your well-being. Treat yourself with kindness, compassion, and respect, and always remember that you are worthy of love and happiness. Start today and take small steps every day to cultivate a more loving and fulfilling relationship with yourself. You deserve it!

If you’re in the corporate world or just a listener of news, you have heard the term quiet quitter. A recent Gallup poll stated that 50% of the workforce qualify as quiet quitters.

What exactly is quiet quitting?

Quiet quitting refers to doing the minimum requirements of one’s job and putting in no more time, effort, or enthusiasm than necessary. As such, it is something of a misnomer since the worker doesn’t leave their position and continues to collect a salary.

My question on this …

Does this behavior of quiet quitting go beyond the work environment? How about in relationships? In goals or hobbies or projects?

Yes, it does. Examples: the relationship is harder than you want it or the expectations for the relationship are harder than what you want, so you only do what is absolutely necessary to keep it limping along. This is any relationship … partnership, parenting, and friendship.

Another example: You begin a project or start a new hobby. You love it but when you show your work to others, they dismiss it. Why continue if no one is going to appreciate what you’re doing. So, you continue as everyone expects you to, but you never finish.

What does this do to you?

Mentally, you feel defeated creating more exhaustion in your life. Physically, your behavior of giving up becomes a pattern creating feelings of failure.

There’s so much more I can talk about here and I believe you get it.

Awareness is key.

Where are you quietly quitting in your life?

Answer this one question and do what is needed to choose change.

The impact of choosing your behavior leads to a more fulfilling life.

They say a woman’s work is never done. A hectic work schedule, combined with trying to balance other areas of your life, may lead you to feeling like you are spinning too many plates in the air at once. 

With kids, family, work, chores, and the many responsibilities that we have to fulfill, there never seems to be enough time to let alone think about, never mind fulfill our own needs or desires.

This can lead to women experiencing depression, anxiety, or just a general feeling that you are worn out. Besides how it affects us personally, being worn out also means that your performance and attentiveness to all you have to do will suffer. Irritation becomes common, as we feel overwhelmed and unable to deal with the stressors of the day.

Everyone is different, and each individual has different ideas about how to find time for ‘me’. This is a guide to how to make some ‘me’ time. The solutions below are not the only ones but may give you some ideas of how to find space and time in your life. 

Utilize The Time You Have

If you have errands to run or appointments to keep but find yourself early or waiting around in your car, make use of the time. For example, read a book or practice meditation. These two activities require a certain amount of tranquility and peace, so why not use your window of opportunity to do this. Of course, you could just listen to some music and relax. 

Alternatively, if you were in a more productive mood you could just catch up on paperwork that you have to do. This is your time; you can do with it what you wish. By carrying out this task now, you are freeing up time at a later date. 

Make A Date With Yourself (And Keep It!)

Once a week, take time to do the things you like to do alone. To do this you need to learn to say no to the people in your life, or learn to delegate your duties to someone else (mainly talking childcare here people!). This will enable you to have some time to relax. 

Go and grab a drink somewhere, get some exercise, or even just disappear to another part of the house. Anything you can think of to do that would enable you to free up space in that busy head of yours. 

Treat Yourself   

This can simply be an extension of the previous where you make a date with yourself. Once a month, go treat yourself, this can be anything you wish, such as shopping, a spa day, a movie, or even just spending time with your friends, catching up on their lives. This is totally your choice. Go and see the great outdoors, spend a day cycling. The point is this is ‘me’ time.   

You would think that these tips on finding ‘me’ time would be obvious. However, this time can often be difficult to find. A 2014 UK study looking at working mothers found 51% of them went weeks without relaxing on their own. 

When further questioned, nearly 75% of the 2000 women felt they lived their whole lives for other people. Some women are lucky enough to have partners and family to rely on to take the strain; others are not so fortunate. However, there are still things you can do to make time in your life. 

Learn to Say No

No, means setting boundaries and limiting what you will or are willing to do in a single day or week. This may mean having to say no to some things, but considering how much your wellness matters, it may be well worth it.

The best tip you all need to know is…

Be Organized  

By planning your day and week you can identify opportunities for ‘me’ time. Making lists and looking at your week would help you to see those times where gaps appear in your schedule. Organization can be the key to doing this. 

The more you practice doing this the more you will learn where you can fit things in. It could be as simple as going for a walk for 20 minutes. 

On that walk, take a look at the world around you. We live in a beautiful world, whether it is a flower or a smile on a person’s face. It is all there for us, you just need to be able to see it. 

Now go get yourself some ‘me’ time.

The old saying “love heals all” has been used as a motivational mantra during difficult times. This elusive idea that love, one of the most powerful emotions of them all, can bring about a sense of peace is overwhelming; in the best way possible.

Unfortunately, it takes a deep understanding of yourself and the world around you to grasp the concept that love really can heal a majority of the things we go through. Let’s consider how.

Love Is Supportive

It seems that during our darkest moments, the outpouring of love can come in various forms. Whether it’s a friendly text from a loving family member or a nice greeting from an unknowing stranger, love is expressive. This seemingly small display of affection can be the light an individual needs during an overwhelming time. 

Love Is Patient

When a person truly loves someone, they exercise patience. This means they’re open to overlooking simple flaws with the hopes that one day they’ll continue working on themselves. They’ll get better. This is an essential quality to have when you’re in a romantic relationship. Sure, nobody is perfect. However, the more you continue to exercise patience, the more you’ll appreciate their growth and yours. 

Love is Unconditional

Much like a mother who loves her child, true love is unconditional. This means it’s able to overlook physical and emotional imperfections. This is especially healing for individuals who are going through transformative stages. They may be on a weight loss journey or even pursuing a new career or like me, starting a new portion of my life without my mom. Those in their circle who love them are able to overlook this momentary lapse of “perfection” and exercise unconditional love. 

When people are going through certain things, they need this unconditional love to help them endure, to make it through, to even bounce back. By having this unconditional support from the ones around them, they’re able to continue their journey with strength. 

Love is Understanding

When a person feels misunderstood, they’re missing a strong aspect of love from others. They may feel like those around them aren’t trying hard enough to see their point of view. This could easily come off as unloving. 

However, individuals who love one another will go above and beyond to understand – what’s going on for someone else – their counterparts. This means taking the time to listen and truly grasp the perspective of those around them. This is an essential characteristic for those in any intimate relationship. 

Understanding is one of the foundations of love. In fact, many people end relationships because they felt their partner simply didn’t understand them. Didn’t even want to take the time to understand them, understand their needs, and what they are going through. Since it’s so important, it’s vital for people to seek understanding as a means to showing love, even when that love is to yourself. Seek to understand your motivation. 

Love is Expressive & Expansive

When individuals are going through difficult times, it’s good for those around them to express their love and support. This little boost of motivational confidence is like medicine to a sick child. It just makes the pain tolerable and easy to endure. It also gives that person hope … hope that life will be ok. 

When an individual expresses their support, and also how they feel about a person, they’re letting them know that their life is real, that they matter. This is especially important for individuals going through self-esteem issues like losing the promotion they were seeking or not getting the assistance they requested, or just the slowing down of a goal they were hoping to achieve by a certain time. 

How Can You Show Love

Using love as a healing tool is an essential part of developing healthy relationships (most especially the relationship with you). One of the foremost ways you can implement this into your daily relationships is to let those around you know how you feel about them. Tell them, show them, or simply send the energy of love to them. 

Seek to practice understanding and patience as you deal with those going through difficult times. In addition, never be afraid to express your love and support for them or for that matter anyone. Your kind words and consistency may be just what they need to bounce back. 

As you continue to practice love as a healing tool, understand that karma is real. What you put out will surely come back. Notice how you feel when you express love to others. It will come back to you in some way or another. What do you have to lose? Today and every day continue to place love at the forefront as it truly heals all. 

Your mother says it, your teachers live it, your friends know it’s true, and so do your co-workers – there is no doubt that “positive energy brings positive results.” Having a positive attitude can have a chain reaction in the world. You don’t need to volunteer all your time or know the cure to cancer to make an impactful difference. All the world needs is more positivity and compassion.

Your smile can be enough to make someone’s day brighter. Holding a door open for a stranger or saying thank you can make the difference between them having a bad or good day. That positivity can inspire people to be kind to others and change the world to be a better place for everyone.

Improved Health and Wellbeing

Dwelling on the negative aspects of life can make you sick. This can happen when your mind continually goes over what you did wrong, in turn increasing your cortisol levels. However, staying positive can reduce it. Cortisol is a hormone that increases your stress response, as well as triggers other symptoms. Stress can lead to many illnesses and depression and anxiety.

Increased Happiness and Hope

When people are less stressed, productive, and feel valued, their happiness goes up. They become more hopeful of the world and want to continue to spread happiness and positivity. Increased happiness leads to improved health, productivity, life, and relationships with friends and family.

Positive Events and Outcomes

Spreading positivity can lead to festive events and outcomes that can change your society. It can lead to more local donations, volunteers, and overall compassion. Positivity is what brings the whole world together, even strangers. It’s what motivates each other to get along and work together to reduce pain and suffering in the world.

Improved and Increased Productivity

Less stress and increased happiness mean people know they are needed. Which ultimately leads to improved and increased productivity. Negative thoughts can cause people to dwell and dread doing things that lead to poor performance. Positivity, however, clears your brain and gets you inspired to want to do better and more for those who value you.

Ultimately, making the world a better place starts with positivity. Spread the positivity and make a difference in your life and in others’ lives. Inspiring happiness, hope, and health through positivity can make the world a better place.

What are you doing today to stay positive?