When I launched the E.V.I.E. Effect™, I chose the most chaotic time of year to do so. Why? Frankly, because I wasn’t thinking. I was so excited to get the information out that I pulled the trigger. Was it a mistake? Absolutely not. My inaugural 3-day Masterclass was a hit. It surpassed its capacity, and the feedback was positive. I admit, my work isn’t easy, but it is transformative. Not only do my attendees learn something, but I do as well. I learned that my best method of coaching, teaching, and mentoring is to do it intuitively. 

In my many past group sessions, the most transformative ones were where I connected energetically with the audience and let the energy lead. For my first Masterclass, I spent months developing the work. I had to cut back over and over again, and still, in the end, I probably could have cut back some more, tossed the fancy PowerPoints, and just led with my heart. After all, it’s part of what I teach, right? 

But, in launching when I did, I put myself in a scheduling and energetic predicament. If I were to teach and coach in my intuitive, heart-centered way, it was going to take a lot more of my energy than I had anticipated, and I’d have to juggle running two businesses and solo parenting amidst the holiday chaos.

Last year, at one of my gatherings, my topic was “Winter is a Time for Rest.” The message was that it is okay to step back from the hustle of the season and rest. It’s natural. In fact, if you look around you in nature, that’s what is supposed to happen. It’s a time to reflect on the year, go into yourself, recover, rejuvenate, reflect, and prepare to step into the new.

The days are shorter, allowing you more time to rest and relax, yet we ramp up and get caught up in the busyness of the season. We feel guilty for saying no to all of the holiday gatherings, the commitments, and overextending ourselves. Every weekday and weekend are filled with something in addition to what we normally have on our plates. 

We become tired and drained and push through. We fall deeper into the roles we play and the masks we wear and lose ourselves in it all. We pour more and more out of our cups and feel overwhelmed. Or maybe it’s just me. 

I found myself falling into this pattern often. Guilt started to set in for not being able to dedicate the time and energy to my upcoming workshops and masterclasses, and I started to beat myself up over it. You know that lovely negative self-talk that likes to creep in every so often? Yep, it happens.

So, I paused to reset and practiced what I preach. I canceled every class that I had scheduled, restructured upcoming events, and started my process of reflection and goal-setting for the next year.

The lessons learned and the feedback received from these experiences have been invaluable. They’ve informed and inspired the design of my upcoming offerings, ensuring they’re even more aligned with our shared journey of growth and empowerment.

I’d like to invite you to do the same. If you find yourself overcommitting, take a step back and allow yourself to just be. Take more time for yourself than you typically do (if at all). Rejuvenate. Reflect. Journal. Meditate. Do something just for you.

I’d also invite you to download my free E.V.I.E. Effect™ Workbook if you haven’t already. It will help you unlock a deeper understanding of yourself, provide a clear roadmap to your goals, enhance confidence, and empower your mindset—your journey to transformation starts here!

So, what’s next?

I’ll be launching a monthly newsletter starting in January and I’m really excited about this! 

Each edition of “E.V.I.E. Insights™: Authentic Paths to Leadership and Living” will be filled with insightful tools and strategies to help you embody the essence of authentic leadership and live a life aligned with your true self. Regular features include:

• Tools for Authentic Living and Leadership: Practical tips and strategies to incorporate the E.V.I.E. Effect™ principles into your daily life and leadership style.

• Dear E.V.I.E.™ Column: A space where you can seek advice and insights on challenges you face in personal growth and leadership. Feel free to write to us with your questions!

• Featured Articles: In-depth explorations of topics related to empathy, vision, integrity, and empowerment, providing you with fresh perspectives and actionable knowledge.

• Workshops, Events, and Masterclasses: Be the first to know about upcoming workshops, events, and masterclasses.

Click below to be sure you are on our mailing list for E.V.I.E. Insights™! And please share it with a friend. Join me in this journey of growth and empowerment—I look forward to connecting with you.

In the spirit of this journey of reflection and renewal, I’m excited to announce I am also launching a 12-month E.V.I.E. Effect™ Series. The first in this series is called “Empower Your Year: Goal-Setting Mastery with The E.V.I.E. Effect™.” Here we focus on empowering you to set meaningful, achievable goals for the year. This masterclass will be held live over Zoom, scheduled for Thursday, January 4th at 7 PM ET. This is the ONLY time I will hold this class live! It will be recorded for access for future participants. 

Wondering about the cost? This workshop is an energetic exchange, guided by your generosity—contribute as you feel called. Offer what resonates and aligns with you and click below to register!

Lastly, if you have taken my workshops or attended any of my gatherings, I would be extremely grateful for any feedback (good or constructive) you can provide. It helps me continue to grow in many ways. Click below to complete a feedback form.

Here’s what past attendees have been saying! 

“This masterclass was intense and eye-opening. I now understand how I need to set boundaries and fill my cup first. I’m so glad I signed up. Thanks for inviting me.” Sarah N.

“What I love most about your gatherings is being able to share life problems and get other perspectives (what worked for others). I know I am not alone.” Tina B.

“Your compassion and the quality of care you put into everything you do to help others is amazing. You put 100+% into your coaching/mentoring. You are very knowledgeable and trustworthy, and your motivational talks give everyone inspiration to feel empowered and be better people, promoting self-discovery to build self-confidence and ultimately be their best self.” Lisa L.

“The most immediate result for me was a breakthrough in being able to forgive.  I realized that continuing to harbor negative feelings and resentment created a negative energy drain that was detrimental to me with absolutely no benefit.  Allowing myself to begin to forgive and move on freed my mind and spirit.” Anonymous 

“I really love how you were able to bring together almost 40 women of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities in a way that made us feel as if we’d all been the closest of friends for years. We were comfortable enough to open up and be vulnerable among friends and strangers. We helped each other in our own ways.” Jamie B.

“I have learned more about presenting myself with dignity to others in business or on a similar path through watching how you carry yourself.” Cheryl J.

If you’d like to continue to follow me, you can find me

With love and gratitude,

Sandy