The Distracted Dreamer

Send Carlene a text or voicemail While you're stuck in your head, someone else is taking the next step toward your dream — or a version of it. I've been there — stuck in my head, overthinking every move, waiting for the perfect moment to start. But this week, I looked around and realized... while I was overthinking my dreams, other dreamers were out there doing the the thing. Planting ga...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Feeling stuck, scattered, or creatively off track? In this episode, I’m sharing the 7 D’s of distraction —seven sneaky ways we lose focus on our dreams without even realizing it. Distractions aren’t always loud. Sometimes they show up as quiet whispers, gently pulling us away from what matters most.  Using a simple self-rating tool, I’ll help you gently name what’s...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail If you’ve ever felt like you missed your chance—or that it’s too late to go after what you really want—this episode is for you.  I sat down with Alicia Staley Johnson—a friend, photographer, and creative soul who stopped hiding the most authentic part of herself and reclaimed her dream at 59.  She finally went all in on a dream she’d tucked away for years. And WOW....

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Have you ever felt that quiet ache of not measuring up—like you’re always behind, no matter how hard you try? You know those moments where it feels like everyone else is ahead—more successful, more creative, more together? I used to believe that if I just learned more, worked harder, or polished everything to perfection, I’d finally catch up to…well, everyone else....

Send Carlene a text or voicemail If dreaming feels silly, selfish, or out of reach — you’re not alone. In fact, you might just be hearing echoes of childhood messages that told you to stay small, play it safe, and be realistic. The messages we absorbed in childhood — about obedience, achievement, and staying “realistic” — still shape the way we show up as adults. In today’s episode (our first with...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail If you’ve ever whispered, “Who am I to charge for this?” or felt weird about putting a price on your work — this episode is for you. For so many of us creative dreamers — whether you’re offering personal services like coaching, selling a product you dreamed up, or sharing art you’ve poured your heart into — charging can feel deeply personal. In this honest conversa...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail In this episode, I’m sharing a deeply personal moment that brought me face-to-face with a question I know many of us wrestle with: Can I be both? Can I be the mom who shows up, the grandma who’s present, the daughter who cares—and still say yes to my dreams? If you’ve ever felt like just as you were finally making space for your own dreams, life started pulling you...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Saying no is hard. Maybe you’ve felt it too—that tug-of-war between wanting to help and secretly knowing you’re already stretched way too thin. I’ve been there more times than I can count.  If you’ve ever struggled to say no because you didn’t want to disappoint someone—you’re not alone. In fact, I’ve had so many of you reach out asking “How the heck do I say no wi...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail In this episode, I’m getting real about something that so many of us silently struggle with— overthinking . You know, those 3 a.m. spirals, the constant “what ifs,” and the endless loops that leave you feeling stuck and drained. If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in your head, overanalyzing every decision, replaying conversations, or imagining every possible outco...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Download your guide below 👇 Reclaiming Your Dreams Reflection Guide Have you spent years showing up and putting everyone else first - your kids, your partner, your parents - while your own dreams quietly waited in the wings?  I get it. Just like you, I'm trying to figure out what this next chapter looks like - this in-between space where we're not quite...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Today we’re talking about the real difference between dreams and goals—and why it matters more than you think. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. In this episode, we’re untangling what dreams truly are (hint: they’re more about who you want to become), what goals really mean (they’re the how), and why gaining clarity be...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Ever stared at a to-do list that somehow made you feel more overwhelmed instead of focused? You’re not alone. For a long time, I thought productivity was about cramming everything into one massive list and just powering through it. But the truth is, your to-do list shouldn't be another source of pressure. It should support you, your goals and your dreams.   In...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Have you ever had one of those days where you really meant to stay focused… but somehow, your energy vanished, your to-do list exploded, and your day went completely sideways again ? Yeah. Me too. For a long time, I thought I just needed more willpower. Or maybe better habits. But here’s the truth: willpower wears out , and even the best habits can fall apart when...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Let’s be real—most of us are sabotaging our day before our feet even hit the floor in the morning.  😬 In this episode, I’m breaking down why that happens and exactly how to fix it with four powerful morning shifts that will help you take back control of your time, your energy, and your life. This is Part 1 of my 3-part Own Your Day series, and we’re starting with...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail I don’t know about you, but I’ve been craving a reset lately. So I did what I always do in the spring—I started tossing stuff. But somewhere between the old jeans and the junk drawer, I realized it’s not just stuff that needs decluttering.  I’m walking you through the 4 steps I use to clear out the noise. We're talking about clearing mental and emotional clutt...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Have you ever felt that nudge to walk away — from a dream, job, or even a relationship — but weren’t sure if it was the right move? In this episode, I’m sharing five powerful questions that have helped me figure out when it’s time to quit... and when it’s time to keep going. We’re diving into those sticky in-between moments where doubt, burnout, and frustration cre...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Ever feel like just as things are going right, you start doubting yourself? Like you’ve worked so hard for success, but suddenly, it feels overwhelming—or even scary? You’re not alone. We spend so much time working toward our dreams—so why does success sometimes feel terrifying? In this episode, we’re diving deep into the unexpected ways imposter syndrome shows up...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Mel Robbins: The Let Them Theory Is the fear of rejection keeping you stuck? Does the thought of hearing "no" stop you from going after what you truly want? You’re not alone. And when you learn to reframe rejection , you can move forward with confidence instead of fear. In this episode, we’re breaking down how to stop taking rejection personally, reframe...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Have you ever reached a huge milestone and realized you had no one to truly celebrate with? Loneliness is real—but you don’t have to go through life alone. Whether you’re chasing a big dream, starting a business, or just craving deeper connections, you’ll learn how to find your people, build meaningful relationships, and create a circle of support —and stop feeling...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Ever find yourself trapped in a cycle of second-guessing every decision, big or small? I get it. Self-doubt sneaks in and suddenly, you’re overthinking or playing small because you don't trust yourself. But here’s the truth: self-doubt is a habit—and like any habit, you can break it. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the three self-doubt mind traps that k...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Burnout isn’t just about long hours—it’s about how we think about our work, stress, and responsibilities. If you’ve been feeling emotionally exhausted, physically drained, or stuck in a cycle of stress, I want you to know there’s a way out. In this episode, I’ll help you recognize the signs of burnout, understand what’s really causing it, and give you practical ste...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Are distractions keeping you from making real progress on your goals?  What if I told you that managing distractions isn’t about eliminating them—it’s about making sure they don’t control you? In this episode, I break down three powerful tools to help you take back control, protect your focus, and create real traction toward your dreams. We’ll explore a mindset shi...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail Have you ever told yourself, “If I can’t do it perfectly, I won’t do it at all”? Yeah, me too. But here’s the truth: that all-or-nothing mindset is keeping you stuck. It convinces you to wait for the perfect moment—the perfect plan, the perfect idea, the perfect circumstances—that never actually come. So, what happens? You don’t start. You don’t move forward. You s...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail We all have that voice in our head that says, “What if I’m terrible at this?” I’m here to tell you that you probably will be—and that’s totally okay! In this episode, I’ll reveal six truths about getting good at anything, from why your first attempt will feel cringeworthy to how small daily habits create unstoppable momentum. Whether you’re a perfectionist, a procr...

Send Carlene a text or voicemail In this episode, I’m sharing my personal list of ins and outs for 2025—what I’m lovingly leaving behind and what I’m doubling down on to protect my energy, focus, and peace. As I walk you through these shifts, I want you to think about your own intentions. What do you want to let go of? What new habits will help you show up as your best self? What do you need to fe...