Carlow Library a Valuable Resource for Creativity & Wellbeing

Carlow town and county has a great resource in the form of it’s County Library (Tullow Street, Carlow). Formerly a Presentation Convent school, the building has been adapted to combine with the County Musuem and Tourist Office.

While the main library is bright, airy and modern, it has also retained a room of special character from the buildings original use as convent school. This room is known as The Shaw Room in acknowledgement of Carlow’s connection with acclaimed writer George Bernard Shaw who bequeathed part of his legacy to Carlow town enabling the beginnings of Carlow Library.

The Shaw Room is a valuable asset of the library and may be provided for use by local community groups and individuals for the purposes of education, exhibition and demonstration (this requires advance booking and consultation with the library).

As a creative Carlovian, I have been very fortunate to have had use of the Library’s Shaw Room on a number of occasions. I have used it to launch my art collection ‘The Sacred Lives of Trees’ and two self-published books and to present a well-being workshop and a singing performance (all within a 12 month period).

During these events, I have had the full support of the library staff. I am sincerely grateful for their warm welcome and assistance on every occasion. Although they tell me I am no trouble to them at all, they always made sure I had everything I needed.

Through Carlow County Library, I made very useful connections with other groups such as ‘Glor Ceatharlach’ (promoting Irish Language) and Carlow Mental Health association (Mensana).

When RTE’s 'Nationwide' reporter, Helen Mc Inerney invited me to be featured as an author on topic of anxiety, I was delighted to share that limelight with my friends at Carlow County Library.

An atmosphere of mutual support and promotion is something to be encouraged and it is especially welcomed by those of us in the arts, who provide inspiration and well-being benefits in our wider community.

Visit Carlow Library on Facebook Page or via their Website or simply drop in to their fine building on Tullow Street, Carlow to find out about their range of services and events which includes genealogy and learning supports.

And the good news is that my books are on their shelves too:

Purchase a copy of Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self

Purchase your copy of The Whisperings of Nature (Calming Poetry)

Be Authentic! My article in Womans Way Magazine

Huge thanks to Woman’s Way Magazine for granting me my first paid writer’s commission!

This is my published article which tells you why I am passionate about encouraging people to BE AUTHTENTIC!

"Have you ever told someone you love to ‘just be yourself’? Maybe you were trying to help an adult or a child to be at ease in a situation they were anxious about, like starting a new school or job.

When I was growing up, there were times when I wished someone could have handed an instruction book on ‘How to be Yourself’! Looking back, I realise it had a lot to do with understanding the world around me and getting to grips with how I could play my part, with an optimistic outlook.

But for many years I didn’t have this insight, I was plodding along, ignoring signs that all was not well. Eventually stress, anxiety and tension led to distress and emotional turmoil. I was forced to stop and examine how I had ended up in this situation. I call it my moment of ‘Break True’, it is also the title of one of my subsequent paintings.

The year was 1999. I left a teaching career in the countryside and headed to the city to find employment that would allow me the space and time to change my ways. I have never regretted this decision.

It was a time when access to online information was not as apparent and our society was still coy about addressing self-care and mental health awareness. The idea of someone ‘following their dreams’ would have seemed ‘whimsical’ to many. I quietly got on with my studies in the arts and at the same time developed a curiosity in the area of healing.

Here I was finally, discovering the instruction book I craved as a teenager. I call it my ‘Authentic Path’ and for my current work as a visual artist, writer and reflexology therapist, I use the tag-line ‘Inspiring your Authentic Path’ as my goal.

I want to share with you what being authentic means to me and why I believe it’s important for our wellbeing and happiness. I used to be full of anxiety, lacking in assertiveness, with unhelpful negative beliefs. I was no stranger to mental anguish and physical pain from time to time. I was spending my valuable energy hiding my true nature and gifts from everyone, including myself.

Finding my purpose had a huge part to play in my recovery from this ‘lack-lustre’ way of living. I sought out the best teachers, mentors, holistic therapists and business professionals to help me on my way. I discovered that putting my heart and soul into what truly ignites my spirit, led me to feeling stronger in myself. I was more motivated and willing to learn.

Over time, my physical pain was eliminated completely, I worked on developing a more positive attitude, suspending judgement and letting go of tension. I took courses to help me to become more assertive and to learn how to deal better with conflict. I moved my body through yoga and dance and I learned how to practice self-care and healing.

Overall I became more grounded, confident and capable, not because I faked it, but because I spent time acquiring knowledge in the topics that are essential to my work. When you learn from sources that can trace their origins more assuredly this too leads to a more authenticity in all you do.

In recent years the word ‘authentic’ has become a buzz word, as marketing and sales professionals realise that customers respond better to something that has a more ‘authentic’ feel about it. It’s nothing new, but when a thing is repeated over and over, we tend to pay less attention. That’s why I believe it is more important to inspire authenticity by our presence and actions.

Every person has something very special and unique to offer to the world. By being more present and exhibiting the best of ourselves we can have a very positive effect on others. Give yourself a moment to think about this in relation to your own life.

Today is the best day to make a start on your ‘Authentic Path’. We are all capable of learning and adjusting. Nobody can tell you who is the real you, that part is yours to discover more fully but you can seek inspiration and support on that journey.

I am aware that self-expression can be dangerous in some situations where people are bound by rules of their society or cultural beliefs. It takes courage to ‘Break True’. There are people far more courageous and inspiring than me but I do what I can in this moment in time and if one person can be inspired by my actions then that’s a fantastic result.

I help people to make their lives amazing by guiding them on their paths to authenticity, wellbeing and success. If you seek a more meaningful life take action by choosing from my range of books, and courses and coaching programmes.

Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success

Focus for Success

Kick Starter Guide

(e-Book)

Focus for Success

6 Week Programme

(on-line course)

Personalised

Wellness Coaching

Becoming an Indie - Self Published Author

Do you have a dream? Is there some idea or inkling that beckons you at various times, making you wonder if there is another pathway you should be exploring? What stories or inventions lurk inside you that could make life better for us all?

In 2017, I officially became a self-published author and that gives me a great sense of achievement. I’m proud to be a self-published, ‘Indie’ author of a book of nature poems and a self-care book to help people who suffer with anxiety.

The way I see it, life is incredibly short. I had a close call with death as a pedestrian one year. While I was crossing the road, the driver of a stopped car decided at the last minute, to turn the corner. In that moment as the car accelerated towards me, I screamed one word. ‘NO!’ I had not completed the work I was sent to do. I knew instantly that my life had changed forever.

"I knew instantly that my life had changed forever."

Listen to Your Heart & Get on With the Show:

From that moment, I paid more attention to my heart’s desires and instincts. I increased my momentum of learning, making decisions and taking action. In the years that followed:

I qualified as a therapist of reflexology.
I started to paint and exhibit my art-work and honoured trees as a source of my well-being.
I paid heed to an instinct that told me I should travel to Peru. Going there was hugely inspiring and caused me to start writing about my journey there and sharing it with others in my first blog Wild Star Landing. I didn’t even know what a blog was before then and I had never let people see into my world like that before.
My confidence as a writer grew after my blog became a finalist in the Ireland Blog Awards. I started blogging for my therapy business too, these posts also reached the finals in the business sections for a few years in row.
I went from being quite reserved and in-ward looking to being more open and wanting to inspire others to experience the joys of life.

What being Self-Published Means to Me

Being self-published means, I can publish my books when I choose and I get to keep all the profits of my hard earned work. I’m certainly open to the traditional publishing route of agents and editors, but not at the expense of waiting forever, to know if my work is going to be accepted or rejected.

The fact is, there are people out there who love what I do. Some of them have even taken time to review my books in their blogs or by leaving helpful comments on various sites like Amazon or social media platforms. My books have been purchased by people from all over Ireland and the world.

I’m grateful to have discovered this gift even though the truth is I suspected it was there but always told myself I was too busy to explore the ideas. Time is precious but I was too busy doing menial things and told myself things like ‘it doesn’t pay the bills.’ Regardless of what bills it pays it puts my sense of wellbeing in a very strong place. Our mental health is especially important, I wouldn’t put a price on it. I want to do it all! Live, love and be the best I can be so that others will be inspired to do the same.

"I want to do it all! Live, love and be the best I can be so that others will be inspired to do the same."

Take Action While You Can.

Miraculously, I survived that accident with the car. I was thrown through the air and landed in a heap on the road. It was a wake-up call. I’ve had a few of them in my life. If you’re reading this far perhaps you’ve had some similar experiences. Do you have a dream too? Are you ready to explore them more?

I work with people who want to find expression for their authenticity, to realise their goals and dreams. I provide books, courses and personalised coaching programmes to help you get started or back on track. Check out the options below or join my newsletter for Authentic Path Inspiration.

Check out my Selection of Calming Books

Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success

Focus for Success

Kick Starter Guide

(e-Book)

Focus for Success

6 Week Programme

(on-line course)

Personalised

Wellness Coaching

The Tension of Anxiety - Seven Cs to Calm

Imagine for a moment that you're holding the delicate stem of a flowering plant between your thumb and index finger. What will happen as you apply pressure to the stem, squeezing it slowly between your fingers?

As you apply more pressure (tension), you will notice the crushing of the parts and the wilting of the flower itself as the entire stem loses its structure and strength.

Tension is a symptom I associate with anxiety and have experienced it in parts of my body at times when anxiety was at large. There were times when I just accepted this unease and carried on with my everyday business but deep down I knew this was not something I should be accommodating.

We all experience anxiety from time to time, there are a wide range of symptoms which I will address in additional articles but just for now I am touching on the symptom of tension.

Tension is a Symptom of Anxiety

Like the flowering plant, the human body is made up of delicate cells. Each of these cells have their individual and collective roles of carrying out functions in our body, such as generating energy, eliminating waste, protecting us from infection, transporting nutrients and so much more.

Each part is vital to our well-being. When we feel anxious we sometimes tense or feel un-edge, as we consciously or unconsciously perceive a threat or a situation that we are not entirely comfortable with.

The energy that goes into applying this tension can leave us feeling tired or restless, unable to let go, relax and unwind. In the long-term, like the wilting flower, we render our body to a less efficient state of carrying out its functions. Some may experience what is termed as ‘irritable bowel syndrome’, digestive issues, difficulty breathing or perhaps endure headaches and migraine.

Relieving anxiety has a lot to do with knowledge, understanding what’s really going on and the ways in which you can gain control.

It is largely the business of getting to know yourself completely and addressing the issues that have caused you to succumb to such unease.

The practice of allowing calm to reign is highly recommended and it is certainly advised to seek support if you find it difficult to make a start or get stuck along the way.

Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your Anxiety-Free Self offers encouragement and support for people who no longer want to live their lives in a limited way. I've written the book from my own perspective of what it took to free myself. It's a great starting point and the strategies shared in the book can be applied to other areas of your personal development too.

I want more calm in my life

Seven C's to Calm - Book - Self Care in Anxiety

Many people are struggling on a daily basis (often in silence) with the torment and discomfort of anxiety. Anxiety robs us of our energy and joy. I know because I used to be affected by anxiety and I’ve even experienced panic attacks.

Keeping quiet about anxiety means that you’re less likely to discover that recovery is possible. Once I opened up about it I was able to explore options for restoring calm. Doing this has given me the confidence and freedom to do the work I do today.

About Seven C’s to Calm

I wrote 'Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your anxiety-free self' to provide support and encouragement for people who are suffering with anxiety and especially for those of you who do not know where to start.

In this little book, I share insights and tips that I’ve learned from my 20 years+ of personal experience and study, which have empowered me to live with greater authenticity and wellbeing.

Designed with Purpose

The book is intentionally small and simple because we tend to feel over-whelmed when anxious.
Seven C’s to Calm can be discreetly carried in your handbag or satchel and can act as a powerful anchor as you go about your day to day business.
A workbook is provided to make it easy for you to implement the suggestions in the Seven C's plan.

Reader Reviews

My readers have given Seven C’s to Calm a resounding thumbs up for its effectiveness and no-nonsense approach.

"Anxiety is often overwhelming but the practical ideas in this book make it seem manageable. Some people think it's an overnight fix and that there’s something wrong when not feeling better straight away. The suggestions for the daily and weekly plan is are great as sometimes even wondering what to do for that can cause anxiety so I found that really helpful."
Margaret, Dublin, Ireland

Read What Readers Say about Seven C’s to Calm

Seven Cs to Calm it a good investment for people who want to restore calm and experience life with more purpose and joy.

Purchase Seven C’s to Calm Today

5 Steps To Becoming A Robot - Is this happening to you?

Human Check-In

Imagine a mechanical society with no thinking or feeling, everyone rushing about on auto-pilot, elbowing out of the way anything that appears on the horizon that doesn't match in with their preferred mode of existence. Would you be happy with this? Do you think it’s already happening on our streets? How can keep you in touch with your human side and does being authentic even matter?

The following questions may help to determine if you are in danger of becoming a robot.

Q1. Is your life running completely on schedule, every minute accounted for, your targets maxed out to the last with someone reminding you that you could achieve a little more if you try harder (that someone could even be you).

Q2. Do you only read articles that start with headings such as '5 Steps To This' and '3 Ways To Do That' because you don't have time to read real life stories of personal interest which aim to impart wisdom in a more meaningful way?

Q3. Do the important people in your life have the opportunity to connect with the flesh and blood version of your true self? Are you around long enough and present for that to happen?

Q4. Does your food taste really good? Does it interest you at all? Can you smell the subtlety of flowers and does colour have any impact on your being? What about birds, are they just for birds?

Q5. Can you feel your toes? Are you becoming numb to what's inside and outside of yourself? Do you expect to be repaired like a machine when part of you stops working, without your input or without any change from your current mode of being?

"Assuming you are still human, use your intuition to decide if you are in danger of becoming a robot."
Caroline Cunningham
Authentic Path Coach

What do you need to do to keep robot life at bay?

A healthy mind and body is one that is nurtured from the inside out. Without proper attention to both you’re in danger of neglecting signs that your health may be deteriorating. Developing self-care strategies that lead to resilience, stand to us in times of challenge such as when there are upheavals in your work or personal life or both. It’s not just about eating the right food and getting the right amount of exercise. We need strategies for managing the effects of stress and better coping mechanisms in general.

In addition, touch therapies such as reflexology help to keep us in touch with our human side by alleviating us of the tensions that build up over time. By developing the senses, absorbing colour, smell, taste and sounds, we have the ability to be more present to ourselves and others.

Knowing is Not Enough

Even when people know what they need to do to maintain their wellness, studies show that knowing is simply not enough. The biggest obstacle to putting self-care strategies into place and implementing them is actually due to a default feature of the human brain. In my coaching programmes I show my clients how to deal with these obstacles in order to stay on track for successful living.

"Aim to enrich your life. Show your human side. You deserve the best of care."
Caroline Cunningham
Authentic Path Coach

On behalf of actual robots, I apologize for implying that you are not appreciated in our society. The first robot I ever learned of was Hal (of Arthur C. Clarke fame), he paved the way for all robots and raised a lot of sympathies. As for us human’s, it’s better for us to remember that we are in fact human.

This article was finalist in the business category of Ireland Blog Awards in 2015.

Are You Becoming an Endangered Human?

Developing self-awareness is crucial for success in all aspects of life. Modern living offers us many paths to neglecting ourselves, leading to burn-out. I help people to move towards being more authentic and I believe this is the key to our wellness, happiness and success. I believe it's never too late to change, to develop new out-looks and by doing so we make it possible for others to do the same. Join me for Authentic Path Inspiration or check out my range of books, courses and coaching services.

Care for Authentic Humans