Send us a text

After a short hiatus, Carolyn returns with a story about alignment. A classmate in her Corner to Corner Academy cohort (“Coach”) and her Toastmasters mentor offered two clear mirrors: “You’re a storyteller.” and “Stop running from who you are—an educator.” In this episode, Carolyn unpacks how those one-good-hello moments turned spinning wheels into traction—leading with story and teaching first, then inviting coaching when trust is built.

In this episode:

• Grace for the gap: life was life-ing—and we begin again
• Corner to Corner: the conversation that re-centered calling
• Mentor wisdom: self-leadership is alignment before action
• Traction map: story → speaking → coaching (in that order)
• Why “leadership” now: it’s how we show up for ourselves and others

Key Scriptures: Isaiah 60:1; Psalm 139:23–24; Romans 12:18; Philippians 3:13–14; Lamentations 3:22–23

Reflection Prompt
If people need to know, like, and trust you before going deeper, what is the most natural way for you to show up this week?

One Good Hello to Give
Message the person who has already named your gift: “I’m ready to lead from this.” Then take one aligned step.

Links & Next Steps
Website: https://www.onegoodhello.com

Newsletter: https://good-hello.kit.com

About the Show
Choosing to Rise: a podcast about faith, leadership, and transformation. Real stories. Small steps. Faithful leadership.

Send us a text

Episode 8: My Journey, My Pace

Have you ever felt like you were falling behind—like your healing, growth, or dreams weren’t happening fast enough? In this episode of Choosing to Rise, I share a personal story about being told I wasn’t “really a writer yet” and how that moment pushed me to wrestle with my own pace.

This is a conversation about releasing the internal pressure to measure up to other's expectations or even your own unrealistic expectations—and embracing the truth that your pace is your own.

I’ll touch on my Compass Seasons™ framework, which reminds me that we grow in rhythms, not straight lines, and that no season is wasted. Along the way, we’ll talk about:

• Breaking free from comparison
• Letting go of the myth of one pace fits all
• Understanding your own season of growth
• Slowing down to allow time to honor your pace with faith and grace

If you’ve ever wondered if you’re “too far behind,” this episode is for you. Remember: it’s not about where you’re going—it’s about where you’re growing.

🎙 Choosing to Rise: A Podcast About Growth, Faith, and Transformation

Send us a text

Episode 7: Rising with Grief
Grief is not something we “get over.” It’s something we learn to live with—and, when we’re ready, to rise with. In this heartfelt episode of Choosing to Rise, I’m joined by my good friend, fellow life coach, and public speaker Paula Nelson, as we talk about navigating grief in its many forms.

Together, we share personal reflections on the loss of our mothers—my mom, who passed away four years ago, and Paula’s mom, who passed away two years ago this month. We also explore other forms of grief: the end of relationships, changes in careers, and the many ways loss reshapes our lives.

This is an honest, compassionate conversation about the choice to keep moving forward, to honor who or what we’ve lost, and to find strength even in seasons of deep pain.

If you’re walking with grief—or love someone who is—we hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone and that your journey matters.

🎙 Choosing to Rise: A Podcast About Growth, Faith, and Transformation