Reclaiming Calm in a Busy World - Easons Carlow Event
Anxiety affects many people throughout life, it can feel like a perpetual unease or it can have more serious consequences, described by anxiety disorders. It robs your energy, hides your true identity, while lots of life's opportunities pass you by.
In my book Seven C's to Calm, I outline what has made a difference in my own life. This month I'll share some of these insights with you during the launch of an initiative for Carlow authors sponsored by Easons. Join us on October 19th for the first of these local author events, which coincides with National Book Week.
Click the image to reserve your place.
Event Details:
Have a cuppa and reconnect on Thursday at 7.30pm at Easons, Fairgreen Shopping Centre. There's limited seating so come early. I'll be speaking about reclaiming calm in a busy world. Full details are available via the event link - reserve your place so we know to expect you.
This event is also about creating a space for local authors to show-case their work in a nationwide store that is now fully owned by Easons.
Thanks to the management of Easons for engaging with me throughout the year with the view to making this initiative a reality.
A Better Life:
Even if you're not currently affected by anxiety, chances are it's affecting someone your know. Having a better understanding of the challenges and solutions means you'll be more empowered to help others. Both of my books are available in Carlow Easons so check them out when you pop in, also available online: The Whisperings of Nature (Poetry) and Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self.
Join our Authentic Path Explorers newsletter for additional invites, inspiration and occasional offers by adding your name and email to the sign up page.
Anxiety as a focus-robber & what to do about it - Access to Webinar
Anxiety is a massive saboteur of mental focus and clarity. The implications for your career and quality of life are significant and there are financial implications too.
In November 2018 the Irish Times journal reported a cost of over € 8.2 billion a year to the Irish economy due to mental health issues, with 6.3% of people being affected by anxiety disorder. Anxiety is not particular to the Irish population, so it's safe to say that the impact to the global economy is surely immense.
Anxiety can manifest in lots of ways, affecting people at various stages throughout their lives. You might experience it as a perpetual nagging unease or it can have more serious consequences, described by anxiety disorders.
Ultimately, it's a grand sneaky robber of focus, eroding your energy, creativity and productivity. Not only do people fail to achieve their goals, they miss out on a life that could have been theirs.
Isn't it time to do something more about the impact anxiety is having on your career and quality of life?
Caroline Cunningham Author of Seven C's to Calm
A Step Towards a Better Life:
Problems rarely get solved all by themselves. By openly discussing anxiety, sharing experience and knowledge, we create the awareness that leads to positive change. Here's an invitation to take a step to a better life that requires only 20 mintues of your time while logged into your LinkedIn account.
Join myself and Catherine Mattice, the inspirational founder of award winning Civility Partners in this episode of Catherine's Corner (webinar) as we address the topic of focus robbing anxiety.
Take another step towards a better life and discover a more authentic you. Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self is purposely simple to get you started without overwhelm. My book is based on my own experience of what has worked in my life. It has helped many readers to take action in restoring calm. And there's a workbook included so you can start implementing the strategy straight away!
A Better Life for All:
Anxiety is a topic that is often goes unmentioned so even if you're not currently affected by anxiety, chances are someone you know is having this experience. Having a better understanding of the challenges and solutions means you'll be more empowered to help others to take steps towards a better life for themselves.
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Another Small Step:
Would you like inspiration for making your life more amazing? Join our Authentic Path Explorers newsletter for the latest insights, tips, event invites and offers by adding your name and email to the sign up page.
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Top 3 tips for resilience in pandemic - KCLR Podcast
Many business owners I know, agree that running your own business is challenging, rewarding and character-building. Running your own business in a pandemic that seems un-ending is quite a different matter.
Regardless of the type of business you own, your bottom line now heavily depends on your ability to function with a clear and focussed mind, two things that are greatly threatened by constant and rapidly changing circumstances due to COVID-19 preventative measures.
The pandemic has brought added pressures and stresses of protecting customers and employees, finding new ways to pivot business to on-line services, learning new systems and technology while trying to retain customer loyalty and brand identity with shop doors closed.
Without proper stress-management strategies in place many people are likely to experience burn-out due to pro-longed periods of poor sleep, fatigue, brain fog and feeling agitated and irritable. Weight-gain is another side-effect of un-managed stress and this does not always work favourbly for our self-image.
"Never before has it been so apparent that our health is our wealth. You simple cannot keep running on an empty tank. So, how do you avoid burn out in a pandemic that seems un-ending?"
I spoke to John Purcell on KCLR98FM business show The Bottom Line to give my six-minutes worth of my three top tips for building resilience to stay focused in order to successfully reach your business goals.
How I Changed my Life through Authentic Path Personalised Wellness Programme
In challenging times, people are at more risk of sliding into danger zones that result in brain fog, crippling anxiety, depression, lost sense of purpose and even burn out.
This is one woman’s story of how she succeeded despite many obstacles. The COVID-19 lockdown had forced her into solitary isolation in the countryside a few months after her husband and best friend died. She had put her career on hold to take care of him throughout his debilitating illness which he bravely endured. Sarah Jane found it difficult to get back on track after so much sudden change which felt more like a nightmare.
Contact Caroline for Personalised Wellbeing Coaching
Coaching had always been part of my therapy service, ensuring added value for my clients. In-person therapy work was not possible during lockdowns so I proposed a six week (online) wellness coaching programme to Sarah-Jane and she agreed to give it a go. Through my coaching skills I empower clients in creating effective self-care strategies to make a difference in their lives. This is an account of how we worked together to make this happen and Sarah Jane has kindly allowed me to share her experience after completing the personalised programme.
"Coaching has always been part of my therapy service, ensuring added value for my clients."
Our first session was by WhatsApp video call, with me sitting in my car to get some privacy and space. By our next session we were both using Zoom and I had found some headphones. At first it was hard for Sarah Jane to see any signs of progress despite her best intentions and efforts. Luckily for her, I had the benefit of seeing the bigger picture and was able to guide her towards feeling that she could tackle anything, including anxiety, brain fog and grief.
After six sessions, weekly progress reports and two months later, we were still in lockdown but circumstances had improved considerably. Sarah Jane had reclaimed her mental focus, lots of calm and a zest for life.
"I had the benefit of seeing the bigger picture and was able to guide her towards feeling that she could tackle anything, including anxiety, brain fog and grief."
Authentic Path Coach & Wellbeing Sherpa
The corner-stone of our work together was that Sarah Jane learned how to curb her anxiety, with the added assistance of my book ‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self’. I offered gentle encouragement & suggestions and within a few weeks Sarah Jane had devised a self-care routine suited completely to her own needs and she even found a way to manage her time effectively.
She achieved many of her goals, such as participating in on-line courses for both business skills and personal interest. She engaged in on-line networking events and sought support from her local enterprise office for developing her business. She took up gardening and experimented with cooking.
"When Sarah Jane chatted with her friends through video-call, they noticed a significant change in her mood and appearance. Sarah Jane was feeling a lot more in charge of her life, all this within two months and still living through lockdown."
Authentic Path Coach & Wellbeing Sherpa
I was thrilled for her success and it was exciting to discover that I could use video call technology to help clients to turn their lives around, through focusing on their selfcare.
Find out what Sarah Jane has to say about Authentic Path Wellness Coaching
Interview:
Coach Caroline: How beneficial has the personalised coaching programme been for you?
Sarah Jane:Extremely beneficial. I was really struggling and stuck in a rut. I had no idea how to get myself out of it. The coaching sessions came at just the right time for me, when I needed it the most.
Coach Caroline: What have been the most significant benefits for you of taking part in these sessions?
Sarah Jane:I'd say having the opportuntiy to 'talk-it-out' and having someone to listen to me, who can 'get' what is going on with me and helping me to put in place a step by step self-care routine. Also, I am more aware of the signs of anxiety and stress and am able to do things that reduce their effects. these would be the biggest benefits.
Coach Caroline: How has your life improved as a result of taking part in our coaching sessions:
Sarah Jane:I now have much better quality of life, having introduced regular yoga and mediation and other self-care routines and I feel so much better for it. My anxiety and stress levels are radically reduced. I also have steps I can follow if at any time I feel anxious.
Coach Caroline: In your opinion, who can benefit the most from Authentic Path Sessions?
Sarah Jane:Anyone and everyone. My circumstance was that I was suffering from anxiety and stress following my husband’s death. I was going through a complete life transition and needed help to see a way forward. I think these sessions are perfect for someone who is looking for a change of job or career or starting a new business or for someone who is caring for a loved one during their illness. These are times when we need to take care of ourselves most and probably need some extra support.
Coach Caroline: In our weekly sessions we touched on areas such as empowerment, restoration of calm, professional identity and life purpose, positive mindset, acknowledgement of achievements and we discussed the process of grief. Is there anything else you would add to this list of what was addressed in our sessions?
Sarah Jane:Building confidence and self-esteem
Coach Caroline: What rating would you give for the level of support you received in each of these areas we addressed in our Authentic Path Wellness sessions (Rating of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest level of support).
Sarah Jane:Definitely a 5
Coach Caroline: Did you feel weekly sessions were the right level of spacing for checking in with you and to allow for progress to take place?
Sarah Jane:For me a block of 6 weekly sessions was about right. The time allotted to the session allowed me to talk about how I felt, recall what I did or didn’t do and to learn a new technique and during the week I was able to practice the new techniques and make some changes to my routine. Since completing the six week programme a few months ago I have continued to use all the tools I learnt on the course.
Coach Caroline: How would you rate the following aspects of my coaching skills based on our sessions and rating of one to five, five being the score that indicates the best impression made:
Listening Skills - Did you feel heard?
Empathy Level - Did you feel understood?
Matching your needs with useful strategies.
Helping you to identify meaningful goals.
Setting appropriate actions (homework)
Sarah Jane: 5 for all areas
Coach Caroline: What matters most to you when choosing me as a wellness coach, would it be my experience as a holistic therapist, or my authentic path story of ‘walking the talk’, my extensive qualifications or the fact I’m author with creative achievements who’s been in the media? Why would choose me above others offering a similar service?
Sarah Jane:Having read your book ‘Seven C’s to Calm’ I knew, that you would know a lot about what I had being going through. Your website also highlights your authenticity and qualifications and shows your professionalism and enthusiasm for helping others with their wellness.
Coach Caroline: Do you feel the title Authentic Path Session is appropriate for the service provided?
Sarah Jane:I like the title, it sounds unique and creative and is reflective of being true to yourself on your own path.
Coach Caroline: At the heart of our sessions we dealt with anxiety and how to move beyond this limiting condition. Do you feel there is a still a stigma around discussing our mental health?
Sarah Jane:I noticed that whenever I chatted to people about anxiety before the lockdown, I was met with silence. I felt I was the only one and that it wasn’t a “real” condition. Since COVID-19 pandemic where life has changed so drastically, I’ve discovered that all my friends have suffered from it and we are now able to openly talk about it, in other words it has become more acceptable to talk about it.
Coach Caroline: Is there anything else you would like to add about our work together?
Sarah Jane:Fabulous course Caroline, really valued the time you spent with me and I enjoyed the sessions very much
This feedback has been kindly given by Sarah Jane whose name has been changed to respect her request to maintain her privacy.
Do you want to achieve your goals and to successfully manage your life no matter what challenges come your way? Whether you're impacted by low energy, unable to focus or feeling anxious or stressed, I help you find ways to move beyond these obstacles and create a plan with strategies that suit your particular situation. All this can be achieved in my personalised wellness coaching programme as described by Sarah Jane.
If you’re not ready to invest in personalised coaching you can get started with my Focus for Success 6 Week Programme, an online course complete with workbooks, strategies and assessment tools.
Choose Your Path to Wellness & Success
Seven C's to Calm - Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self
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 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.
My Books Reviewed by Poetry Fans & Health Professionals
I became a self-published author in 2017 and published two books that year, one a book of poetry and the other a self-help book. Along with the poetry lovers and health professionals who provided testimonials for my book covers, I was also approached by bloggers in the wellness sector who offered to review my books. Both my books are available on Amazon and through my on-line shop.
"My books have received favourable feedback from readers and my peers in the mental health professions."
The Whisperings of Nature is a book of poetry inspired by nature, offering comfort, wisdom and inspiration to fellow lovers of words and nature.
Deborah provides counselling and life coaching or individuals, couples, parents and carers. Deborah’s passion is to empower clients by helping them to recognize their inner strengths and leveraging them to face challenges and fears head-on so that they can create the kind of life they deeply desire.
‘I work with my clients to help them feel courageous & empowered. To seek solutions to problems & difficulties life has thrown in their path.’
Krystal Long, Professional Trainer, Speaker & Mental Health Advocate
Krystal Long is an experienced and qualified trainer in the area of Computer application and soft skills development. She has worked with teenagers, people with disabilities and mature adults in a variety of organisations.
Krystal is also an inspirational speaker who provides personal insights into mental health, sharing her unique story of recovery from depression, trauma and agoraphobia. Krystal has delivered her heart-felt stories to the public in both voluntary and corporate organisations.
Krystal is committed to the journey of self-discovery and empowering others to be true to themselves. Krystal is also a creative writer and blogger. Her blog including her review for my poetry book is at Krystal’s Journal.
Fran Malone Clinical Hypnotherapy (Cork & Dublin, Ireland)
Fran Malone is dedicated to helping people to move beyond their fears, limiting beliefs and anxieties. Fran originally studied hypnotherapy, hypnosis and NLP in the UK and started his first clinic there. When he returned to Ireland he studied Clinical Hypnotherapy with Irish Hypnosis and now has clinics in Tallaght (Dublin) and Cork city.
Fran provides support and a very structured approach for any person wanting to quit smoking and lose weight. Fran has a life-long experience working in the caring profession and has a passion for continuous learning and helping his client’s to succeed in their goals.
Fran helps people with anxiety, depression, phobias, weight-loss, smoking, self-esteem & addiction and more.
Arrange an appointment with Fran Malone in either Cork or Dublin (Tallaght)
Gloria Mc Breen, Holistic Therapist, Workshop Facilitator & Writer
Gloria has had an interest in natural healing remedies and practice since her teens and is a professional therapist in many modalities including massage and reflexology.
Gloria creates and facilitates well-being work-shops and is a contributor to Atlantis Eire Holistic & Celtic Spirit Magazine. She is also a health and wellness blogger and novelist.
Gloria enjoys life in the west of Ireland as a proud mother and grandmother who is also devoted to her caring husband.
You can connect with Gloria and read her review of my poetry book at her website We are Holistic.
I’m grateful for the wonderful reviews my supporters have taken time to write and share with others. Developing authenticity has helped me to connect with like-minded people who really get and appreciate my work. My books are available at most on-line book stores such as Amazon and from time I have a small selection in my own on-line shop which can be signed if my clients request it. My books are useful wellness resources for yourself or a friend or family member. I invite you to check them out.
‘Seven C’s to Calm – Reclaiming your Anxiety-free Self’ is a simple guide which has been created to guide you on your journey towards a calmer and more capable version of yourself.
Anxiety (including panic attacks) can have such a negative impact in our lives and can prevent us from reaching our true potential. It is never too late to make a start on your road to recovery. The practice of learning and adapting is simply required.
A work-book has been included to help you follow-through on the exercises suggested within. Be assured, a place of calm exists within you, it’s just a matter of finding your way. Here’s to your success in reclaiming your anxiety-free self!
"An extremely helpful book for dealing with your anxiety in a non-judgemental way, along with outlining specific ways in which you can manage your anxiety better. I loved reading this book and found Caroline’s approach to anxiety genuinely helpful and very knowledgeable."
Deborah Byrne, Psychologist, Wexford, Ireland
"Seven C’s to Calm offers a fresh, new perspective on how we view our anxiety with a workbook to help track, monitor and record your progress. A simple and effective approach in helping you in reclaiming your anxiety-free self!"
Krystal Long, Mental Health & Wellness Facilitator / Professional Trainer, Cork, Ireland
"A compassionate and knowledgeable author and therapist, Caroline's book, 'Seven C's to Calm' is sure to benefit many who are seeking freedom from anxiety."
Fran Malone, NLP, Clinical Hypnotherapy Practitioner, Dublin & Cork, Ireland
Some of my readers and clients wished to remain anonymous.
Here’s what they have said about ‘Seven C’s to Calm’:
Laura, Carlow, Ireland
"Seven C’s to Calm’ is a handy guide that can be easily referred to because of its size. The content and the 7 C’s idea is good. I am going to use it with an anxious child of mine."
Teresa, Dublin, Ireland
"Seven C’s to Calm is absolutely excellent, informative, honest and easy to comprehend"
Mary, Dublin, Ireland
"Love it! I found ‘Seven C’s to Calm’ very positive, I loved the idea of a three month plan and finding your comfort place. I am going to start now writing down three positive things that happened during the day and look back over them at the end of the week. A lovely idea and I think very positive. I will read this again. I think ‘Seven C’s to Calm’ is something you can keep referring to."
Bernadette, Wexford Ireland
"Seven C’s to Calm’ is beautifully written and full of useful and meaningful information. I also found it very calming. I like the way you made it very simple and instructive as to what people can do and you continued to remind people that it is small steps that matter. I really like the writing style as it is easy to read and not jarring. You know the books that tell you it’s all so simple, which is nonsense but the fact that you have been through this really pulls in the reader to act on your suggestions."
Margaret, Dublin, Ireland
"I have just finished reading and re-reading Seven C's to Calm. I found it very inspiring. When you’re feeling anxious it's often overwhelming but the practical ideas in this book make it seem manageable. Setting a three month goal is a great idea as sometimes people think it's an overnight fix and that there is something wrong when not feeling better straight away. Also I found giving helpful suggestions for the daily and weekly plan is great as sometimes even wondering what to do for that can cause anxiety in itself so when you see the suggestions it's really helpful."
Janet, London, UK
"I read your book and I have to say I found it very good, it is very clear, precise and to the point with good suggestions. I will certainly use it in the coming months."
