“What are you passionate about?”
The question was posed by a trusted mentor. We were midway through a pizza dinner, and I can still envision her sitting across from me, her face bright and expectant.
I imagine my face looked disconcerted. I was about 21 years old, and I was at a loss for words...
Read MoreIt's not always easy being ourselves. Every day, we’re peppered with messages about how we “should be.” Tossed upon a sea of opinions, we sometimes question ourselves or even feel badly about our core characteristics that define who we are on a deep level.
But when we muster our courage and decide to live from our authentic selves, there are some amazing benefits...
Read MoreHave you ever tried—and failed—to change your natural preferences to fit what someone else thought you should be?
When I started my counseling internship years ago, I was preoccupied with learning to dress professionally.
I watched hours of What Not to Wear, and like a marathoner guzzling Gatorade, I gulped down Clinton and Stacy’s advice on how to be fashionable and polished. I learned that bright colors and patterns were compelling; neutrals were boring. Well, I didn't want to be boring...
Read MoreMy favorite Valentines haven’t been cards with cuddly kittens on the front or boxes of chocolate (though I do enjoy those too!).
It might sound funny, but my favorite Valentines have been sunrises.
I received my first one—at least, the first one I actually realized was addressed to me—a few years ago...
Read MoreWhen I started working primarily from home several years ago, I had grand plans for all I was going to accomplish. And I did get a lot done—on any given day I could be found cleaning my office, doing loads of laundry, preparing healthy meals, answering emails...
There was just one problem.
Something very important to me wasn’t getting done...
Read MoreHave you ever wondered, Why can’t life just run smoothly?
A couple weeks ago, I sat in front of my computer having a pity party and stewing over this question.
The article I was working on just wasn’t coming together. On top of that, I was having computer problems...
Read MoreIn my last post, I shared about how science gives us a glimpse into what happens in our brains when we speak or think positive or negative words.
I am fascinated by the brain, and I love how science helps us understand how we function, giving us guideposts for living a more vibrant life.
But the power of words is no modern discovery...
Read MoreWe’re two weeks into the New Year, and you’ve set your goals, crafted a plan, and maybe even enlisted the help of a coach or signed up for a goal achievement course. These are all great steps, but you’re at risk of falling short of your goals if you don’t have a handle on one simple thing: your words...
Read MoreThere's something magical about opening a new planner.
I love the fresh, blank, creamy pages full of clean lines and empty boxes just waiting for me to fill in with appointments, projects, concerts, coffee dates...
Read MoreEach year, it seems I feel the magnitude of Christmas on a deeper level, and yet I am acutely aware that my understanding is but a drop in the bucket of eternity. The enormity of God’s gift and Christ’s sacrifice are truly beyond comprehension...
Read MoreDo you ever feel like what God is asking you to do just doesn’t make sense? You feel a nudge in your spirit or a prompting in your heart to do or say something, but you can see no earthly reason why?...
Read MoreAs women desiring vibrant lives, we’re drawn to good things—family gatherings, community events, volunteering for worthy causes…But sometimes, without realizing it, our commitments can get out of hand, potentially rendering us less effective, productive and joyful than we want to be...
Read MoreHave you ever had something you really wanted to do, but you were scared of doing? Maybe performing in a musical recital, applying for your dream job, or introducing yourself to someone new?
I remember how nervous I was to meet with my first client at my first full time counseling job...
Read MoreThanksgiving is over, and today Americans embark on the frenzy of shopping, wrapping, planning, and partying that comes with the Christmas season.
I sometimes think we view Thanksgiving as an appetizer that tickles our taste buds and prepares us...
Read MoreMy cat Fritz is the most expressive cat I’ve ever known, particularly when it comes to showing affection. Every morning, he jumps on the bed, trots up to my face, sits on my chest, scrubs my neck with his scratchy tongue, and nudges his whiskery head against my cheek...
Read MoreAbout a year ago, my husband started on a super heroes movie kick.
I’ve never been into comic books and their characters, but if you’re married or in a relationship, you know about the give and take that happens when it comes to entertainment. Let’s just say I now know more about Captain America, Batman, the Hulk and Iron Man than I ever expected to.
Read More“Auntie, why are you so good at finding me?”
It was an honest question from my four-year-old nephew.
We were on our umpteenth round of hide and seek, and Alder was baffled that I found him every time.
Read MoreI love everything about fall—the brilliant foliage, the crisp air, the smell of decomposing cranberries and damp earth, warm fires and the rich aroma of wood smoke, the haunting call of wild geese and the lullaby of rustling leaves...
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Hi! I'm Carina, and I'm here to help you connect with God and discover and share your unique gifts.
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