Empower Connect

Have you ever felt like you were sinking into a spiritual black hole—where doubt, fear, and disillusionment pull you in, making it seem like God is distant? You're not alone. In this powerful episode of Empower Connect Conversations, Minister Carolyn dives into the struggles that many believers face when their faith feels weak, their prayers seem unanswered, and their connection with God appears to fade.Through biblical examples, personal reflections, and practical steps, we explore how to navigate these difficult seasons, hold onto faith in the midst of uncertainty, and find the light on the other side of doubt. Whether you're questioning God's plan, feeling spiritually dry, or simply seeking encouragement, this episode will remind you that God is still with you—even in the silence.Tune in, be encouraged, and remember: your struggles don't define your faith—your perseverance does.

As we prepare for 2025, let's talk about something powerful: obedience. This year, I want to challenge you—and myself—to choose obedience, to trust God fully, and to open ourselves to the blessings that flow when we walk in His will. ______________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

When we build walls to protect ourselves, we might feel a temporary sense of security, but we also isolate ourselves from the love and support that others can offer. Healing is a journey. It's okay to take it one step at a time. God is patient and loving, and He's with us every step of the way. ___________________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Following ourselves costs us to emotional and spiritual emptiness. We become disconnected from God. It affects our relationships and we have lack of peace. Following Jesus we have to die to self, we will face opposition, we can embrace the unknown. Following Jesus bring us true peace, purpose and eternal rewards. If this episode has been a blessing to you please leave a comment. Thank you for listening. ________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Negative emotions can often cloud our minds and hearts, making it hard to see the good in our lives. But what if I told you there's a simple yet profound way to counter these feelings? The antidote is gratitude. Gratitude has the power to shift our focus from what's lacking to what we have, from negativity to positivity.

"Psalm 3 is often called a 'morning psalm' because it reflects a deep trust in God, even when life feels chaotic. It's a personal cry from King David during one of the most painful moments of his life. David is on the run from his own son, Absalom, who is trying to overthrow him. Talk about betrayal and heartache. But in the midst of this, David writes this Psalm, showing us how to respond when we're feeling outnumbered and overwhelmed. ______________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Coach Geneane White talks about the Law of the Environment, she leaves us with some pearl that we can use to help us to be a better person. “The first step toward success is taken when you refuse to be a captive of the environment you first find yourself in” – Mark Caine Don't be afraid to step out of environments that no longer serve you. Surround yourself with people and situations that challenge you, inspire you, and help you grow. You deserve to thrive, and it starts with the environment you choose to create." __________________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

In Philippians 4:6-7, we are reminded, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Few practical tips for deepening your prayer life: 1.  Find a Quiet Space  2. Be Honest  3. Listen 4. Use Scripture 5. Be Persistent ______________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Do your action line up with your faith? To help us identify these misalignments, let's consider a few reflective questions: 1. Do my actions reflect the love and grace of God to others? 2. Am I living with integrity in my personal and professional lives? 3. How often do I seek God's guidance in my decisions? ____________________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

In this episode, Coach Geneane White shares invaluable insights on how consistency can fuel your personal growth and professional success. Discover practical tips on identifying areas for improvement, matching your motivation with your personality, starting small, and valuing the process of growth. Geneane also discusses the benefits of consistency, including building confidence, promoting quality, and enhancing productivity. Tune in to learn how bite-sized actions, repeated consistently, can lead to significant achievements and personal commitment. Follow Geneane's journey and get inspired to stay consistent in your path to success. Don't miss this empowering episode! Follow Geneane White on Instagram @Compassion at the Well and stay connected with her motivational and inspirational messages. ___________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Examen is a devotional exercise involving reflection on the moral evaluation of one's thoughts and conduct, typically performed on a daily basis. It is a prayer to review your day with Jesus, examining where you shined His light in the world and where you fell short. It's a daily habit of reflection, letting Jesus show you where you need to improve, and then being intentional about doing better the next day. _________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com Isaiah 40:31 says, "But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.

Think about some situations where anger has showed up in your life. Techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness, and good communication skills can help diffuse anger. Remember, anger is a natural emotion, a signal that something is amiss, but it doesn't have to control us. ____________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com Keep soaring, keep growing, and stay empowered through His grace. God bless.

Developing Your Crown - Law the Mirror with Coach Geneane White. Following Coach Geneane on Instagram @Compassion at the Well. Coach Geneane White continues with her discussion on the Developing Your Crown Series based on John Maxwell's book "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth." If you loved today's conversation, do not forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and brings you even more empowering content. ‐----------‐-------------------- www.carolyncoaching.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/empowerconnect/message

Developing Your Crown - Law of Awareness with Coach Geneane White. Following Coach Geneane on Instagram @Compassion at the Well. Coach Geneane White continue with her discussion on the Developing Your Crown Series based off of John Maxwell's book "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth". _________________________ If you loved today's conversation, do not forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and brings you even more empowering content. www.carolyncoaching.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/empowerconnect/message

Suicide is a profound issue that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. It is a complex topic with deeply rooted emotional and spiritual layers The feelings that accompany suicidal thoughts can be overwhelming. It's like drowning in a sea of despair, unable to catch your breath. Psalm 34:18, which states, "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or mental health professional. You do not have to navigate this journey alone Remember, even in the darkest of moments, there is hope. Reach out, speak up, and know that you are not alone. ____________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/empowerconnect/message

A Makeup Christian is someone who appears devout on the surface. Their faith might be more about appearances or social expectations rather than a genuine, transformative relationship with their beliefs. We must practice humility and forgiveness. Humility and forgiveness are hallmarks of authentic Christianity. Recognize your own shortcomings and limitations and extend grace to others in their failings. Let go of pride and resentment, choosing instead to walk in the freedom of forgiveness and reconciliation. _____________________ www.carolyncoaching.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/empowerconnect/message

One powerful way to embrace imperfections is by finding the positive side of our flaws. Every perceived weakness has a flip side—a hidden strength or opportunity for growth. By reframing our perspective, we can uncover valuable lessons and insights that help us navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and wisdom. In life, you may face challenges that knock you down, but always remember, you are not out. Your story is still unfolding, and the best chapters are yet to come. __________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/empowerconnect/message

Conversations with Coach Geneane White. Geneane White is a Certified John Maxwell Personal Growth and Lifestyle Coach, a certified MLCT (Maxwell Leadership Coach and Trainer) Youth speaker and coach. DISC Consultant and motivational speaker. She is an author of short stories laced with motivational and inspirational messages. You can follow Geneane on Instagram at Compassion at the Well __________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Forgiveness Unpacked discussion with Sheresa Cushenberry Bradford. Sheresa shares her experience of dealing with unforgiveness. You will be blessed by her story. ___________ Sheresa is a licensed and ordained minister with over a decade of experience in ministry. She is passionate about serving God's people and is the founder, trainer, and teacher of Deborah's Ministry. Sheresa lives by the motto "each one, reach one; each one, teach one," and has served as a mentor to many individuals over the years. Sheresa contact information: Email: sheresa.cbradford@gmail.com Facebook: Sheresa.cushenberrybradford ______________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com “This is not the end of your story; you may knock you down, but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter

Seeking Peace Peace is a multifaceted concept, encompassing inner calmness, harmonious relationships, and a vision for peace in the broader world. The journey to peace is not always straightforward. Challenges such as inner turmoil, external pressures, and past traumas are common but resolvable. Exploring the spiritual aspect, we found guidance in the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing inner peace, forgiveness, and a connection with the Him. Practical strategies, including mindfulness practices, meditation, gratitude, and creating peaceful spaces, offer tangible steps towards cultivating peace. ______________________________________________________      Share your thoughts, experiences, or favorite peace-seeking practices with us. Use the hashtag #EmpowerConnectPodcast on social media to join the conversation. __________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com Your story is still unfolding, and the best chapters are yet to come.

But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 NLT Eagles are known for their incredible ability to fly at great heights, embracing the vastness of the open sky. They don't let the storms below dictate their course. Instead, they rise above the turbulence, gaining a perspective that allows them to navigate with clarity and grace. _________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com Thank you for tuning into this episode of Empower Connect. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to this podcast, and share it with others who may benefit from these discussions. I would love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to leave me a review or connect with me on social media.”

Welcome 2024—a year of growth, resilience, and writing our own compelling stories. As we step into this new chapter, remember that you are not alone. Together, we can inspire, empower, and uplift one another. Let's make 2024 a year of forgiveness, growth, soaring, and deep connections. Stay empowered, stay connected, and remember—the best is yet to come. _____________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com Facebook: @EmpowerConnect Instagram: @Empower_Connect

Unforgiveness can lead to a constant state of bitterness…which not only affects our mental health but also damages our relationships. It is like drinking poison and hoping the other person will suffer! “This is not the end of your story; you may knock you down but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter. Until next time, keep forgiving, growing, and connecting." ________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Life a journey filled with twists, turns, and countless opportunities for growth. As I reflect on my sixty years, I see these lessons as guiding principles, the threads that have woven the fabric of my existence. They've been the foundation upon which I've built my relationships, pursued my passions, and weathered life's storms. “This is not the end of your story; you may knock you down but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter. _________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Psalms 2 reminds us of God's unshakeable sovereignty over all the chaos and rebellion in the world. It points to Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah who brings salvation to those who believe in Him. And it calls us to submit to God's authority and find refuge in Him, rather than resisting His rule. This is not the end of your story; you may knock you down but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter. Until next time, keep forgiving, growing, and connecting. Take care and be empowered!" _______________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Picture this: a young man, full of ambition and dreams, asks his father for his share of the family's wealth. He then sets off on a journey to explore the world, living life to the fullest, spending recklessly, and making questionable choices.   Eventually, he finds himself deprived and broken. In his darkest moment, he realizes the magnitude of his mistakes and decides to return home, not as a son expecting favor, but as a servant. Little does he know that his father has been watching and waiting for him all along. Luke 15:11-32 NKJV “This is not the end of your story; you may knock you down, but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter. Until next time, keep forgiving, growing, and connecting. Take care and be empowered! _____________________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Psalm 91 verses echo with the promise of safety, resilience, and the boundless strength that comes from aligning ourselves with God's purpose. Let's remember that even in the midst of life's storms, we have a refuge, a fortress, and a source of unwavering protection. Psalm 91 1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most HighShall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress;My God, in Him I will trust.” 3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowlerAnd from the perilous pestilence.4 He shall cover you with His feathers,And under His wings you shall take refuge;His truth shall be your shield and buckler.5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,Nor of the arrow that flies by day,6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side,And ten thousand at your right hand;But it shall not come near you.8 Only with your eyes shall you look,And see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge,Even the Most High, your dwelling place,10 No evil shall befall you,Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,To keep you in all your ways.12 In their hands they shall bear you up,Lest you dash your foot against a stone.13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. 14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;I will set him on high, because he has known My name.15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;I will be with him in trouble;I will deliver him and honor him.16 With long life I will satisfy him,And show him My salvation.” ____________ “This is not the end of your story; you may knock you down but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter. Until next time, keep forgiving, growing, and connecting. Take care and be empowered!"  God bless.

"Welcome to Empower Connect, the podcast where we explore the transformative journey of forgiveness, personal growth, and connecting to God, self, and others. s Psalm 1 sets the tone for the entire collection, offering profound insights into the way of the righteous and the consequences of the wicked. Are we rooted in the truths of God's Word, drawing nourishment from His teachings? Or are we being swayed by the prevailing winds of culture and personal desires? “This is not the end of your story; you may knock you down but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter.   Keep forgiving, growing, and connecting. Take care and be empowered!" ______________________________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Just as the sun is going to rise, there are going to be storms of life—large and small. We will be tested at some point in our relationships, finances, health, and morality. These are the moments that build character. They show us who we truly are and give us clarity as to what we possess and lack. The storm of life can teach us: …Resilience  …Preparedness  …Patience  …Appreciation  …Growth  …Flexibility  …Empathy  …Strength __________________________________________________________ Please subscribe to this podcast and share with others. Also grab my latest journal "Connecting to God Through Prayer", order it from Amazon today. “This is not the end of your story; you may knock you down but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter.”  Thank you and God bless

Do you have a heart to forgive? Or do you have bitterness in your heart? Do you have someone in your life who you need to forgive or someone you need to ask for forgiveness? It is essential to understand that forgiveness is not the same as forgetting. Having a forgiving heart means acknowledging the wrongdoing and letting go of any resentment or anger towards the person who has hurt us. It is not an easy task, but it is worth it. Forgiveness is beneficial for our mental health and well-being. In Ephesians 4:31 amplified version says, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor [perpetual animosity, resentment, strife, fault-finding] and slander be put away from you, along with every kind of malice [all spitefulness, verbal abuse, malevolence].” The Message version says, “Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk.” Our hearts must be rooted in Jesus Christ. This will help you become a person you love and respect. Then you are ready to give and show love to others through forgiving. “This is not the end of your story; you may knock you down but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter.” Thank you and God bless. ____________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Imposter syndrome stems from self-doubt and the pressure to compare ourselves with others. It is just a story that we tell ourselves. It is not a true picture of the truth. But when you allow yourself to succumb to it, it stops you from growing. It stops you from achieving your purpose. The secret to overcoming imposter syndrome is to focus all your energy not on trying to please others, but on building the new you. It starts by remembering. apart from Christ — we are always striving toward love, toward acceptance, toward forgiveness. You must realize you're not a fraud. Recognize God's providence for you. Your confidence must be rotted in God's faithfulness. Your identity is secured in God. You are not defined by your feelings. You have a purpose for your life. You are not alone. Know yours strength and weakness Today choose to align yourself with God's Word and resist the urge to give into your feelings of Imposter Syndrome. Your life is a gift and the world need the light inside of you to shine bright. ___________________________________________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com. “God empower you to connect, forgive and grow. This is not the end of your story; life storms may knock you down but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter.”

Your story continues with 12 new chapters and 365 new chances. …Chances to restart, …Chances to move always forward, …Chances to move toward the true you, …Chances to forgive, chances to change, …Chance to connect closer to God, …Chances to grow, …Chances to be the authentic you. Authentic in knowing who you are in Christ, being confident in who you are including your flaws, and being firm grounded in who you are. “God empower you to connect, forgive and grow. This is not the end of your story; life storms may knock you down, but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter.” ________________________________________________________ If you like journaling check out my latest Connect to God through prayer journal it can be found on Amazon or you can go to my website to order, www.carolyncoaching.com. Follow me on Facebook @EmpowerConnectEC Instagram @EmpowerConnect

The more I look for reasons to be grateful the more I realized that I am blessed no matter what I am facing. When we look at reasons to be grateful, there is a lot to be grateful for every day, you will develop an attitude for gratitude by taking the time to look for the positives in each day. Take time out each day to be thankful. If you do not think you have anything to be grateful, just close your eyes and breath. Breath in and out, now be thankful that you are still here. Develop an attitude of gratitude it will change your life. _____________ “This is not the end of your story. You are empowered to connect to who you are in Christ by forgiving and growing daily in Him. Life storms may knock down, but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter.” Thank you for listening and God bless. You can follow me on Facebook @Empower Connect or Instagram @Empower Connect www.carolyncoaching.com

Imagine for a moment what it would be like if you finally let go of that anger you had towards them. The E.M.P.O.W.E.R. method help you examine yourself through looking at your mindset to prepare for taking ownership of your life by being willing to embrace and release the past. “This is not the end of your story. Just empower connect to who you are in Christ by forgiving and growing daily in Him. Life storms may knock down, but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter.” Thank you and God bless. ________________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Proverbs, 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” First, we need to admit that we are struggling with letting go of our child or children. When they were young, we were the problem solver. The challenge in those times is to first admit that I want to take control, and then accept that it is not up to me to control anything in their lives now. “Please subscribe to this podcast and share with others. “This is not the end of your story. Just empower connect to who you are in Christ by forgiving and growing daily in Him. Life storms may get, knocked down, but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter.”

Lamentations 3:19–26 (NLT) teaches us a good lesson on how to battle depression. In verse 19 “The thought of my suffering . . . is bitter beyond words.” So, we should acknowledge our pain and suffering to God and others. In verse 20, “I will never forget this awful time, as I grieve over my loss.” Give yourself time to grieve and process your emotions. Verse 21, “Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this…” Keep in mind that there is always hope. Verse 22, “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.” (v.22) Understand that God's love for you never ends. Verse 23, “Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” Rejoice in God's daily faithfulness and mercy toward you. Verse 24, “I say to myself, ‘The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!'” Speak God's words of truth and hope to yourself. Verse 25, “The Lord is good to those who depend on him, to those who search for him.” Keep relying on and looking to God, who is good to you. Verse 26, “So, it is good to wait quietly for salvation from the Lord.” Rejoice in God's daily faithfulness and mercy toward you. “This is not the end of your story. Just empower connect to who you are in Christ by forgiving and growing daily in Him. You may get knocked, down, but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter.” ________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Some small steps you can take to a change in your life: 1. Identify your values by examining what matters to you. What brings you joy. 2. Practice daily gratitude. This is a way to be grateful for the experiences we have in our life. A journal is a good way to keep track. If you are looking for a journal you can go to my website to order prayer journal, Connecting Through Prayer. 3. Adopt healthy lifestyle. Changing your eating habits and exercising. Start with small steps like walking 15 minutes a day or 10 squats or drink more water. Build on what you start daily or weekly, whatever you are comfortable with. 4. Meditate, take time to just breathe and relax. Start with five minutes a day to just enjoy the moment. 5. Get your rest. Rest is a crucial part of self-care. Make sure you get enough sleep. 6. Set short- and long-term goals. Your growth may not be as static as you think. You just cannot see it but writing them down will help you track your growth. 7. Be king to yourself, you are better than you think you are. 8. Embrace your failures, failures are part of succeeding. 9. Get out of your comfort zone. Take time to explore new activities, new opportunities, and new ways to promote personal growth. “This is not the end of your story. Just empower connect to who you are in Christ by forgiving and growing daily in Him. You may get knocked, down, but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter.” ___________________________________________________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

According to Webster confidence means: · a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances · faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way · the quality or state of being certain Are you oversensitive? Are you a perfectionist? Are you socially withdrawal? Are you easily angered by other people's actions? Do you have a high level of fear and anxiety? Do you have difficult speaking up? Do you lack healthy boundaries? These are signs that you have low self-confidence. Low confidence can cause you not being able to handle other people's criticisms or having a hard time trusting ourselves and others. Ways to build confidence: Love yourself Give yourself permission Shift your perspective Failure is an opportunity, not an obstacles Focus on positive _____________ Empower Connect podcast is where I share my personal stories and messages to encourage you to embrace lessons contributing to your growth in life to bring inner peace by self-acceptance and self-love. I am Carolyn McClain, your host, I am a forgiveness life coach that helps women learn to forgive, grow, and connect to God, themselves, and others. Thank you for tuning in, I deeply appreciate. I hope this podcast has been a blessing and encouragement to you. “Please subscribe to this podcast, that way you will never miss an episode. Also feel free to share with others. You can connect with me by visiting my website www.carolyncoaching.com. “This is not the end of your story. Just empower connect to who you are in Christ by forgiving and growing daily in Him. You may get knocked, down, but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter.” Thank you and God bless.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9: We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Many of us struggle with the lack of purpose and direction in our lives, we lack the confidence to face the battles we are facing. With life storms we can get knocked down but that does not mean that we are out. I know how hard it is to pull yourself out of the rubbles when the storm of life knocks you down. My life storm knocked down moment put me in the ring of unforgiveness. The unforgiveness emotional rollercoaster ride left me wobblily and going through life with bitterness, hatred, low self-esteem, and prison on the mind. Mahammad Ali, “The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses -- behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights In 2 Corinthians 12:9, “Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.” So, I would like to all of you who are experiencing an agonizing defeat, because of whatever reason, listen to these words: You may be at the end of your ROPE, but you are not at the end of your HOPE. We may get knocked down, but we're not out. By faith we get up and move forward even when our OUTWARD CIRCUMSTANCES do not describe our INWARD COMFORT of our faith in God. “This is not the end of your story. Just empower connect to who you are in Christ by forgiving and growing daily in Him. You may get knocked down but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter.” Visit my website www.carolyncoaching.com.

If you were to tell your life story using a description of a sitcom, a movie, a book, or a song, what would it be? Would you describe your life as, Good Times because you are living your best life even with some storms? Or would you describe your life as “A Different World” because you moved to a new state, going to college, or doing something new? Or would you describe your life as an “Overcomer,” because no matter what storms you have faced you were able to come through. Or would you describe your life as a “Cast Away” because you feel like you are alone in your storm, and no one cares? Or would you describe your life as “Triumph Through Tragedy,” that even though the storm was meant to destroy you, you came out of as a winner. Or would you describe your life as “No More Suffering in Silence,” because you have decided that it is time for healing, deliverance, and restoration. Or maybe because of some storms you been through you may call your life story, “I Never Would Have Made It” because you did through the grace of God. Or would you describe your life story as “Believe For It” because you have seen how many times God has showed up for you and you are standing on His promises. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (AMP) 9 but He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you [My lovingkindness and My mercy are more than enough—always available—regardless of the situation]; for [My] power is being perfected [and is completed and shows itself most effectively] in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will all the more gladly boast in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ [may completely enfold me and] may dwell in me. 10 So I am well pleased with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, and with difficulties, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak [in human strength], then I am strong [truly able, truly powerful, truly drawing from God's strength]. Our limitations and weaknesses not only help develop our character as followers of Christ, but it also deepens our worship because in admitting them, we affirm God's strength. ___________________________________________ You can connect with me by visiting my website www.carolyncoaching.com. “This is not the end of your story. Just empower connect to who you are in Christ by forgiving and growing daily in Him. You may get knocked down but you are not out. Just get up and turn the page to start a new chapter.”

Connection in all our relationship is something we are made for deep down inside. To the core of our soul, we all have a longing for wholeness. The experience we want to feel in each relationship various per person. It can range from a sense of belonging to a feeling of being accepted. Maybe it's a hollow feeling of disconnection or loneliness, or perhaps it's a compulsion to soothe pain in an unhealthy way. Whatever the case, the desire for wholeness is the basic to connect with others. In Colossians 1:17, it tells us, He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Some of the benefits from feeling connected to others are lower levels of anxiety and depression. There are studies that people who feel connect also have higher self-esteem, greater empathy for others, are more trusting and supportive and, at the same time, others are more open to trusting and banding with them. There are three types of connection style that we seek after: 1. Feeling Secure: We want to our relationships to be secure where you can trust what we talk about with be safe. 2. Feeling valued: We want to feel like we are valued in the relationship instead of feeling useless. Feeling included: We also want to feel included and not an outcast or ignored in our relationships. _____________________ www.carolyncoaching.com

Steps to take to start loving yourself unconditionally. 1 Journaling - Journaling is a good way to write down your feelings. 2. Forgive yourself. You must forgive yourself. Forgive yourself to move forward. 3. Respect your uniqueness and drop the comparison. You were not created be someone else, you were created to be you. 4. Practice gratitude for yourself. Instead of focusing on what you perceive to be ‘wrong' with you, focus on all the amazing things you do have to offer. 5. It is okay not to be perfect. Nobody is perfect and nobody is supposed to. 6. Be your best friend. Stop bullying yourself. 7. Setting boundaries. We all have obligations and responsibilities that we need to take care of, but still, we can set healthy boundaries for ourselves. 8. You are not alone, you are not the only one who feels vulnerable, insecure, and self-critical at times. It is being connected to your truth that frees you from your own limitations and allows you love yourself unconditionally. ********************* “You may get knocked down, but you are not out, get up this is not the end of your story. Just get up and turned the page to start a new chapter because your story is not over.” www.carolyncoaching.com

The inner self: · the one that is angry, you are easily to get mad at yourself about anything or any mistakes that you make · the one that is unforgiving, it is hard to forgive yourself and others who had wronged you, you keep replay the incident over and over in your head · the one that is jealous, you are jealous of other people success, at your siblings, at your coworker, anybody that seem in your mind is moving better than you. · the one that is bitter, you are bitterness toward yourself or toward others. · the one that overly drinks in secret because you just cannot handle the feelings that you feel · the one that is addicted and do want to admit they need help; the addiction is controlling your life · the one that wants to give up because you do not see any hope in the future · the one who can only say negative things about themselves you cannot stand to make mistakes · the one who sits in the dark because they do not know how to move forward because the present is so dark · the one who is depressed and feel dejected, it take everything for you to even get out of bed · the one who pray harms on others because you think this will make you feel better if harm comes to them · the one who lies because they do not like their life or nothing about themselves · the one who feels like a failure because no matter how hard you try it seems like nothing works it is like you take one step forward and get knocked back two steps backwards · the one that keep make excuses not to change because in your mind it is easy to make excuses because you are not motivated to change. · the one that that contemplate suicide because you feel like the world would be a better place without you, or you feel that death is better than dealing with the storm you are in or facing. If you are having any of these thoughts, please talk with someone, a family member, a friend, a pastor, a therapist or suicide hotline. It is hard enough when you go through life, and you are constantly having these feelings and trying to put on an appearance for others but deep down you cannot love yourself. __________ www.carolyncoaching.com

A written vision with images is powerful. Our mind works in pictures through images. A vision board is a visual representation of your hopes and dreams. Vision board is a “snapshot” of your dream's future and your visual “end result”. Vision board is a blueprint for inspiration and action. It is about you; it is collection of your life story through images. In Habakkuk 2:2: And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Empower Connect, a podcast of personal stories on forgiveness to encourage you to embrace lessons contributing to your growth in life to bring inner peace by self-acceptance and self-love. God has defined your identity. You are who Christ says that you are. In Him is where your true identity lies. Christ, say you are you are chosen, forgiven, a child of God, redeemed, justified, accepted, free, predestined, adopted, heirs, ambassador, beautiful, set apart, fearfully and wonderfully made. Our true identity is found when we stop being “who we are” and start being who we were created to be.” Be inspired to let your identity in Christ shine as bright as possible. Keep saying yes to your identity in Christ, He knows your brokenness and He knows it is going to take work but with His help and your yes, you will become who He created you to be. Ephesians 4:24, “Put on you new nature, created to be like God, truly righteous and holy. Ephesians 2:10, For we are God's masterpiece, He created in us anew in Christ Jesus. “Please subscribe to this podcast, that way you will never miss an episode. Also feel free to share with others. You can connect with me by visiting my website www.carolyncoaching.com. “You may get knocked down, but you are not out, get up this is not the end of your story. Just get up and turned the page to start a new chapter because your story is not over.” www.carolyncoaching.com

Image you are riding on a rollercoaster, you are securely bucketed in. The ride starts off slow going uphill, you feel comfortable, then it starts to pick up speed, now your emotions are changing, as you go up and down, up and down the tracks, you start getting butterflies in your stomach. Now the speed is faster, the rollercoaster takes you on a loop turning upside down before straightening up again. By now you probably are screaming, have your eyes close, or you have your hands up in the air enjoying the thrill. Just as it seems that you have your feeling under control, it seems like the ride is slowing down and taking you backward only to speed up as it is going forward again to takes you through a tunnel that is dark. Now fear or anxiety may kick in as you look to see the light at the end of the tunnel but you cannot see it. Finally, rollercoaster exits the tunnel going downward at a high speed before it slowing down as it brings you to the end of the ride. Getting off the ride you feel either shaken and thankful the ride is over or you are laughing because you enjoyed the ride. Now image the rollercoaster as the emotions you feel in the storms in your life.

Do you know yourself? To know yourself is to love yourself, and to love yourself is very important to connect with yourself. The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself. Connecting to yourself will determine the journey and decision you take in your life. The further you disconnect to yourself, the further away you will be to live the life you were born to live. Connecting to yourself leads to knowing what to do, where to go, and who to be with. Learning to connect to my inner self allowed me to know exactly who I was as a person and what defines me. We all have gifts that are waiting to be born. Take a journey to connect to yourself to know your identity, know your worth and know you do have a choice. It starts with a decision. It is time to come out of hiding, put off your armor and start living your life on purpose. “You may get knocked down, but you are not out, get up this is not the end of your story. Just get up and turned the page to start a new chapter because your story is not over.”

Overcoming Unforgiveness,by developing realistic expectations. John 3:16 AMP, For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish but have eternal life. Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. “You may get knocked down, but you are not out, get up this is not the end of your story. Just get up and turned the page to start a new chapter because your story is not over.” www.carolyncoaching.com

The greatest connection I will ever have, is the one I have with God. Everything that I am, everything I have begins with God. Connecting to God helped me develop an authentic relationship that is exciting that empowers my journey. I know I will not always get it right or have it together at all times but because of His grace and commitment, I know that I can always humbly reconnect to Him for strength to keep moving always forward. “You may get knocked down, but you are not out, get up this is not the end of your story. Just get up and turned the page to start a new chapter because your story is not over.” How do you connect to God:?

I made God's Word a valuable art on my heart. Learning to work on me by focusing on what I can control, my hopes, my attitude, my drive, my willingness, my commitment. God gave me space to occupy in this world. My job is to be comfortable in my space that God has given me. Philippians 3:13-14, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. www.carolyncoaching.com

“Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” We all know that is not true, right? How many times has you been hurt by the words that were spoken out of others mouth? Now ask yourself how many times have I hurt someone else with my words? “Speak to others in the way that we would want them to speak to us.” Learn to pattern your own speech after the way Jesus talked and expressed Himself to other people.