So many of us go through hardships, some more significant than others.
When sharing those hardships with others, as caring as those others are, sometimes their advice isn’t as great.
For example, when I went through my challenges a few years back, I kept hearing over and over again that “there’s light at the end of the tunnel”. As wonderful as that advice or comfort may be, it’s anything but comforting.
I am going through a difficulty right now. It hurts now. I’m not interested in what is at the end of the tunnel.
I’m sure there’s a lot to say about the wisdom of the “end of the tunnel” - but my question is, how about during the chaos? Can we find any light there?
In this episode, we speak to Carol Williams and explore this topic. Can we find light within the chaos? Can we live a fulfilling life even during the hardship?
1. What is your message that you share with the world?
The Message and Mission of the Beacon of Light Center is to light the light of the world. We are all meant to share our gifts and together, we illuminate the world that we know.
Today, I am the only one in the Center.
My mission is to support overburdened Soloist Women who yearn to do their Great Life’s Work in the World….without sacrificing everything else.
2. How did you discover this message?
After being self employed as a coach and speaker since 2009, while simultaneously raising my boys as a single mom, I got burned out and exhausted when my father fell in 2023. My coaching practice and life was full, and everything fell apart with this fall. I took time out in early 2024: the first time in my entire working life (since 1984) I have ever done this. I decided it was time to dial into what meant so much to me NOW after these years of success.
3. What about this message is so near-and-dear to your heart?
When I reflected on the people I loved working with, AND made a big impact, and then they went on to make a big impact, I determined it was these people: married Soloist Women in their 50s and 60s who had hit a ceiling; a plateau. They were working SO hard for so little money and they felt exhausted, burned out, and like they could not do it anymore…they were about to throw in the towel on their businesses. It was just too hard.
4. Who are the typical people this message resonates with?
It’s women Soloists, often but not always coaches, who yearn to do their Great Life’s Work. It seems SO hard though. Everyone needs them, and it just does not stop. Their health is declining, and they brush it off because let’s face it, they are doing the best they can right now. Another interesting and somewhat odd commonality is that they all seemed to have a dirty little secret (generally about their money) that they hid from the world, and/or from their husbands.
5. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My first mentors were Melinda Cohan and Kate Steinbacher. Then I migrated to others and I’m just completing some time with Rich Litvin. I really love Michael Bungay Stanier. I also draw inspiration from the woods and from rivers and from dancing.
As a solo business owner, Certified Business and Life Coach, and single mom, she knows what it's like to prioritize and pivot while building a life she loves. So after working in the design professions for 18 years, Carol struck out on her own in 2009, combining her passion for psychology and her project management experience.
Carol powerfully supports scattered entrepreneurs so they can live their lives AND have the business they dream about.
Carol plays in the outdoors near her home in Sutton, New Hampshire, and indoors through art, design, and dancing.
Feel welcome to connect with Carol through her LinkedIn Facebook, Facebook group, or Website to learn more.
