Hi, I’m Carie. I write for myself, and others, about navigating these times.
Seek love.
If you’d asked me even a month ago what advice I’d give to someone who wanted to heal, I’d have given you a list of tricks, tools, mantras, and a bunch of hippie stuff I made up on my own.
After this experience, I can sum up the advice I’d give in just two words: Seek love. That’s it. That’s the secret sauce.
Spending an honest day with my petty weaknesses
Coco Chanel said, “A woman who cuts her hair is about to change her life.” I’ve been deep in a healing cycle that’s ready for me to take more leaps. I took one with the haircut, and yesterday I felt scared, weak, and vulnerable.
Writing about it today has reminded me of my strength.
When leaping into uncomfortable and unexpected places, stay flexible about the landing
This message is a reminder to anyone who wishes to make changes in their lives. A reminder that the other side of the leap isn’t necessarily the immediate, amazing moment you’d hope for.
In fact, leaping may leave you feeling disoriented.
Or disappointed.
But it doesn't mean it was a "bad" choice.
It's not a sign you’ve done something wrong.
It's simply a reminder to stay flexible. And that flexibility can, in time, lead you to amazing places and wonderful spaces.
Are limiting beliefs blocking your magic?
The summer my daughter turned 9, she set off to find 4-leaf clover.
I said OK.
I didn't share my thoughts: how I've looked for 40 YEARS & NEVER found one so GOOD LUCK.
10 minutes later, skipped back with this in hand.
☘️ Beware the beliefs you hold. They may dim the magic.☘️
#WhyIWrite
#WhyIWrite My grandma always lets me cry. Not a few tears and a midwest “there, there” pat on the back. Full on melt downs, measured by wetness on her shoulder. If her shoulder wasn't soaked, then I wasn't done crying. It was that simple.
A note I sent to my mindfulness students this morning
I woke up this morning feeling unusually anxious. Worried about the day, about the week, about this life and how I'll get through it (maybe you can relate!).
On my morning walk, which I normally enjoy, I noticed that I kept checking my phone. I'd placed it in a zippered pocket, and I must have zipped and unzipped it four times in the first five minutes of my walk. After noticing it, I realized it's a way I manage anxiety. Distracting myself with notifications and apps and all the things.
Then I remembered some advice I overheard yesterday. A trusted friend gave someone I love a practice for managing worry….
On Moving Through Fear, for Anonymous
The other night I opened up Facebook to a group message from “anonymous” seeking advice. Her husband travels a lot, and she doesn’t feel safe at home when he’s gone.
I could relate. I used to feel unsafe. A lot.
I felt compelled to leave this comment, which is my Truth.
“…For me, it was an internal job to feel safe…”
“Anonymous” reached out to me via private message soon after. It resonated with her, and she asked me how. I’ve given it some thought, and this post represents my best answer.
What’s the point?
My friend had just explained to me that he wanted to meditate more, but every time he does, this is the question he ends up facing.
I, the meditation evangelist, paused. In part due to being stuffed with nachos and tequila. In part due to…
Three observations from my social media break
I’m on day 30-something of a 100 day break from Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Three thoughts…
Without privilege, how would your story be different?
The first time I wrote about my own struggles with mental health was just after Robin Williams died by suicide.* It was written before I started to (Capital H) Heal.
I could have never started my journey to (Capital H) Heal without the loving, untiring support of family, friends, doctors, and therapists. Which is to say, I could have never started my journey to (Capital H) Heal without the many, MANY privileges I’ve been afforded in this lifetime.
If you read one story today, I hope it’s this one, and I hope it opens your heart to your own struggles and those of people who live in your community.
It’s not JUST magical thinking
60 second clip on why being “open to the highest outcome” isn’t just magical thinking.
Another example of being open to the highest & best for all
It’s amazing how much easier life becomes when you’re open.
90 second mindfulness tip for those post-vaca blues
90 second mindfulness tip to bring more joy to your “real” life
A secret I’ve never told anyone
I share this secret today because I know at least one of you needs to hear this message. I know at least one of you is choosing a path your logical human brain is telling you is unsafe but your heart is asking you to follow.
You, my friend, are protected. You’re protected by an energy of unfathomable love. You can trust where your heart is leading you.
Presence Doesn’t Equal Zen
Becoming more present doesn’t mean you’ll feel zen. Some thoughts from a 100 day social media break.
For Those Who Need a Real Life Example of Being “Open”
Being open to the "highest possible outcome" can lead you place you may never expect. Had my ego been in charge that morning, my "highest possible outcome" would have been winning the lottery so I can have a "quite painful" surgery that messed up my face and "most likely" would fix my issue.
Instead, I received so much more.
Including the gift of telling you this story today. Happy, healthy, and living miracle to miracle.
A Little Something for Us Anxious Types
Yesterday my daughter faced a challenge at school and was stressing and ruminating. This is a natural state for many of us—our thoughts run through every possible scenario of embarrassment and horror, trying to anticipate what might happen when faced with situations that feel outside of our control.
I made a suggestion that years ago changed my own life.
To redirect the voice in her mind to say— to herself and the universe—these words:
I am open to the highest possible outcome.
When Life Asks You To Navigate in Unfamiliar, Undesired Territory
I’m addicted to my favorite creative practice, Twitter. And I’ve been guided to take a 100 day break. Meanwhile, many of you are also stepping into a new version of life—one you may not have chosen. This offers some things to consider as you walk the scary path and learn how to be radically honest with yourself.