Choosing to Rise: A Podcast About Faith, Leadership, and Transformation

Choosing to Rise - Episode 9: The Power of One Good Hello

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2500864/open_sms] After a short hiatus, Carolyn returns with a story about alignment. A classmate in her Corner to Corner Academy cohort (“Coach”) and her Toastmasters mentor offered two clear mirrors: “You’re a storyteller.” and “Stop running from who you are—an educator.” In this episode, Carolyn unpacks how those one-good-hello moments turned spinning wheels into traction—leading with story and teaching first, then inviting coaching when trust is built. In this episode: * Grace for the gap: life was life-ing—and we begin again * Corner to Corner: the conversation that re-centered calling * Mentor wisdom: self-leadership is alignment before action * Traction map: story → speaking → coaching (in that order) * Why “leadership” now: it’s how we show up for ourselves and others Key Scriptures: Isaiah 60:1; Psalm 139:23–24; Romans 12:18; Philippians 3:13–14; Lamentations 3:22–23 Reflection Prompt If people need to know, like, and trust you before going deeper, what is the most natural way for you to show up this week? One Good Hello to Give Message the person who has already named your gift: “I’m ready to lead from this.” Then take one aligned step. Links & Next Steps Website: https://www.onegoodhello.com Newsletter: https://good-hello.kit.com About the Show Choosing to Rise: a podcast about faith, leadership, and transformation. Real stories. Small steps. Faithful leadership.

Choosing to Rise - Episode 8: My Journey, My Pace

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2500864/open_sms] Episode 8: My Journey, My Pace Have you ever felt like you were falling behind—like your healing, growth, or dreams weren’t happening fast enough? In this episode of Choosing to Rise, I share a personal story about being told I wasn’t “really a writer yet” and how that moment pushed me to wrestle with my own pace. This is a conversation about releasing the internal pressure to measure up to other's expectations or even your own unrealistic expectations—and embracing the truth that your pace is your own. I’ll touch on my Compass Seasons™ framework, which reminds me that we grow in rhythms, not straight lines, and that no season is wasted. Along the way, we’ll talk about: * Breaking free from comparison * Letting go of the myth of one pace fits all * Understanding your own season of growth * Slowing down to allow time to honor your pace with faith and grace If you’ve ever wondered if you’re “too far behind,” this episode is for you. Remember: it’s not about where you’re going—it’s about where you’re growing. 🎙 Choosing to Rise: A Podcast About Growth, Faith, and Transformation

Choosing to Rise - Episode 7: Rising With Grief

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2500864/open_sms] Episode 7: Rising with Grief Grief is not something we “get over.” It’s something we learn to live with—and, when we’re ready, to rise with. In this heartfelt episode of Choosing to Rise, I’m joined by my good friend, fellow life coach, and public speaker Paula Nelson, as we talk about navigating grief in its many forms. Together, we share personal reflections on the loss of our mothers—my mom, who passed away four years ago, and Paula’s mom, who passed away two years ago this month. We also explore other forms of grief: the end of relationships, changes in careers, and the many ways loss reshapes our lives. This is an honest, compassionate conversation about the choice to keep moving forward, to honor who or what we’ve lost, and to find strength even in seasons of deep pain. If you’re walking with grief—or love someone who is—we hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone and that your journey matters. 🎙 Choosing to Rise: A Podcast About Growth, Faith, and Transformation

Choosing to Rise - Episode 6 - Detaching Without Drifting: Why Healthy Boundaries Are a Form of Faith

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2500864/open_sms] Episode 6 – Detaching Without Drifting: Why Healthy Boundaries Are a Form of Faith What if setting a boundary didn’t mean pushing people away… but coming back to yourself? In this episode of Choosing to Rise, Dr. Carolyn Kennedy explores the deeper layers of detachment — not as a reaction, but as a reflection of trust, wisdom, and peace. We’ll talk about why it’s easier to walk away when things are obviously unhealthy — and why it takes even more faith to let go of what’s quietly misaligned. From people-pleasing and slow fades to emotional disconnect and internal pressure, this episode offers honest insight and encouragement to set boundaries that reflect your growth, not just your guilt. ✨ You’ll hear: * Why peacekeeping often leads to self-abandonment * What it means to detach without disappearing * How faith sometimes requires surrender, not just endurance * A practical boundary affirmation to carry into your week If you’ve ever struggled to protect your peace without feeling selfish, this one’s for you. 📖 Reference: When You’re Ready to Begin (Week 8: Detaching from People-Pleasing) 🖥️ Learn more at www.onegoodhello.com [http://www.onegoodhello.com] 📩 Subscribe to The Phoenix Spark newsletter [https://good-hello.kit.com/]  for monthly encouragement

Choosing to Rise - Episode 5: Moving from Rising to Reflecting

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2500864/open_sms] This week, I’m sharing a reading from Week 3 of my devotional When You’re Ready to Begin—titled Breaking Free from Self-Doubt. We talk about the struggle of questioning our calling, the slow journey toward confidence, and what it means to trust what God sees even when we can't see it ourselves. I also open up about what’s next—transitioning from the season of Rising to the season of Reflecting—as I begin writing Book 2 in the series: When You’re Ready to Look Within. I’d love your feedback as I shape what comes next! In this episode: * Why our confidence doesn’t come from ourselves * A personal story about self-doubt and calling * Reflections on Week 3 of the devotional * A gentle invitation to prepare for deeper growth 📖 Anchor Verse: 2 Corinthians 3:5 – “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.” ✨ If you’re struggling to move forward, I hope this episode reminds you: You’re not stuck. You’re not disqualified. And you’re never walking this journey alone. Links: Grab the devotional: Direct from my website at https://onegoodhello.com/product/when-youre-ready-to-begin-a-13-week-journey-through-the-season-of-rising/ or from Amazon at https://a.co/d/6OfpHOD Visit my website: https://www.onegoodhello.com [https://www.onegoodhello.com] Subscribe to the newsletter: https://good-hello.kit.com