How many times have you told yourself you'd do something, sat down to do it, but inspiration wasn't there?
And because nobody was watching, because it was just between you and you, you distracted yourself and didn't do it. You reorganized your desk, checked emails, found a million other things to do instead of the one thing you promised yourself you'd do.
Here I am, sitting down to write despite having zero inspiration.
We took a week off to attend an incredible event, and while it was amazing, getting back into our rhythm is proving challenging. Between business catch-up and household responsibilities, that creative flow feels miles away.
But here's the thing - we have weekly commitments. To ourselves, to our business, to our subscribers. And these don't pause just because we don't feel like it.
I can hear one version of myself saying, "Oh, just go with the flow. If there's no inspiration, take a walk, meditate, and it will come naturally."
I tried that yesterday. I meditated before bed, intentionally asking for newsletter inspiration. Nothing came.
Right now, I'm excited about implementing new ideas from the event that will grow our business. But honestly? I don't want to be writing this newsletter. I have no downloads, no brilliant insights, and a tight deadline with no other time available.
Yet here I am. Writing anyway.
As I sit with these feelings of resistance, another voice emerges - the one that says, "Do what you need to do." There's real power in this pressure, in showing up despite how we feel.
This internal dialogue is teaching me something important about the promises we make to ourselves versus others.
Research shows we feel tremendous pressure to keep commitments to other people. But what about the promises we make when nobody's watching? Why is it acceptable to break commitments to ourselves while feeling terrible about disappointing others?
What kind of relationship am I building with myself when I consistently choose everyone else's needs over my own promises?
Sitting in this resistance and asking these questions is actually sparking inspiration—not because I have something groundbreaking to share, but because I want to become someone who honors her word, especially to herself.
We don't realize how much our small choices reveal about who we are, particularly in those private moments when no one else is watching.
Dr. Kristin Neff's research shows that self-compassion motivates us more powerfully than self-criticism, but most of us default to harsh judgment when we break our own promises. I do this constantly - with business goals, personal projects, things that matter only to me.
But I rarely break commitments to others. If I tell you I'll do something, you can count on me. I meet deadlines and honor my word when someone else depends on me.
The difference? '
We've normalized breaking promises to ourselves. We've made it so common that it's become our default way of being—and this erodes our self-trust one broken commitment at a time.
Here's what I'm discovering as I write through this resistance: this newsletter, born from zero inspiration, is inspiring me to examine my relationship with self-commitment more deeply.
What matters to me that I don't create space for? What do I consistently let slip away, only to remember months later that I abandoned what I said I'd do?
The truth is this: It won't always feel good. Inspiration won't always strike. Excitement won't always be there. But if you said you would do it, then do it.
This doesn't mean you can never change your mind. But when you do, have a clear, honest conversation with yourself—like calling someone to reschedule an important meeting. Don't just ghost yourself without explanation.
When you honor your commitments to yourself, you build unshakeable self-trust. You prove you're capable of creating something meaningful because you're committed to yourself, regardless of how you feel in the moment.
I'm grateful I chose to write this without inspiration. Sitting through the resistance until something emerged has left me feeling empowered. And I hope it inspires you to show up for yourself when nobody's watching.
Life keeps proving that feeling good alone won't take us anywhere extraordinary. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is move forward despite the resistance.
What's one commitment you've been breaking with yourself? Have that honest conversation today.
With love,
Carolina
Happenings
Creative Sprint for Sacred Growth Club members
We just launched our 6-week Creative Sprint intensive this Friday - a container created within our Sacred Growth Club community - and I'm genuinely excited about this group of amazing humans who stepped in ready to move into real action.
It's a hands-on experience that addresses the whole human - coaching calls for mindset shifts, writing circles for creative flow, embodiment work for the inner storms that rise when you step outside your comfort zone.
Because the real blocks aren't just about strategy. They're about what happens inside when you decide to let your heart guide.
Just a reminder If you're feeling stuck, tired of yourself overthinking, not doing what you're supposed to be doing, having thoughts of "this is not for you," or just stuck in fear - the only thing between you and what you want is you.
So what are you going to do about it? List your excuses - yes, they are excuses - and do something about it. Take messy action. But don’t let your unhelpful thoughts prevent you from being more you.
Here is what I want to share this week …
Essential Oil Blend Blend for Commitment to Self
I love essential oils and how much they support me in so many situations. They’re my go-to at home — my natural pharmacy — especially when my kids are sick. Beyond my energy work, they help me return to my center. For those who are new to essential oils, it’s worth knowing that their aromatic compounds can interact with the limbic system in the brain, which plays a key role in emotion, behavior, and memory. That’s why they can be so powerful for emotional grounding and intentional living.
Here’s a blend I’m preparing to deepen commitment to self, in a roll-on format:
🌿 Roll-On Blend for Commitment to Self
Grounding • Emotional Alignment • Inner Clarity
Carrier Oil Base (10 ml total):
– 7 ml fractionated coconut oil
– 3 ml castor oil – adds depth and anchoring energy
Essential Oils (8–10 drops total):
– 3 drops Frankincense – spiritual clarity + connection to purpose
– 2 drops Geranium – emotional harmony + balance
– 2 drops Ylang Ylang – heart connection + self-worth
– 2 drops Motivate – encourages action + positive drive
– (optional) 1 drop Turmeric – courage + clarity to act
Instructions:
Add the essential oils to a 10 ml roll-on bottle.
Fill with the carrier oils (7 ml coconut + 3 ml castor).
Shake gently before each use.
Apply to wrists, heart center, or behind the ears during moments of reconnection or intention-setting.
Affirmation:
“I return to myself with love, clarity, and courage. I am committed to walking in alignment.”
Even if you haven’t used essential oils before, I invite you to stay open. When chosen with intention, they can become beautiful allies in supporting your energy, emotions, and presence in everyday life.
Share with me if you decide to try this blend :)
Sacred Business Stories with Elena Brower
I want to bring back this beautiful conversation we had with
a couple of months ago. The insights about money and service were so powerful. Her grounded presence is incredibly inspiring. When you overflow with abundance, you practice real generosity. :)The Meaningful Exchange: Elena Brower on Sacred Business, Authentic Pricing, and Finding Balance
In this illuminating conversation with Elena Brower, we dive into what it truly means to build a business that aligns with your deepest truth. Elena - a mother, mentor, poet, artist, bestselling author, and dedicated volunteer - shares her journey of creating multiple streams of work that all reflect her authentic self without forcing anything that doesn't feel nat…
Who We Are Celebrating
- and her fast aligned action :)
I'm celebrating Sonia Singh today - someone who embodies the kind of fast, aligned action that creates real change in this world.
I met Sonia over a year ago at a mastermind in Texas, and had the pleasure of getting to know her better on our recent trip to Colombia at another mastermind.
We had inspiring conversations about business, growth, and how Substack has contributed to our authentic expression and business development.
Literally the day we got back, she had her account set up and was moving.
This is what I love about people like Sonia - no hesitation, no overthinking, just pure aligned action when something resonates.
Sonia works with leaders who are burning out and losing their power without even realizing it. She focuses on something most people miss - how you show up energetically before you even speak. Because here's the thing: you can have all the technical skills in the world, but if you can't connect with people, influence with authenticity, or lead without draining yourself, you're fighting an uphill battle.
She gets that leadership isn't just about what you know - it's about how you make people feel and how you hold your own energy in the process.
If you want to follow her work, this is her Substack account.
P.S. You can read all previous editions of the newsletter here, and you can upgrade your subscription here.
What’s next?
Phil and I are ready to support you in creating a business that aligns with your heart's calling. Here's how we can help:
Click to Find Your Hidden Business Pattern (Free): The Harmony Map Assessment reveals which inner pattern is blocking your next level - and why strategy alone hasn't fixed it. For entrepreneurs ready to address both the inner patterns AND outer strategies for breakthrough results.
Read the Sacred Business Manifesto (Free): Learn the core principles of building a Sacred Business through our founding story and framework. See how we transformed our approach to business by understanding that everything is connected.
First, thanks for the shout out. You totally rock, and inspired me to write on Substack! It’s been a fun and creative first week here. 🙌🏽
Second, I loved what you wrote about showing up even when you don’t feel like it. “When you honor your commitments to yourself, you build unshakeable self-trust.” ➡️ So powerful.