thecreativeverse creativity is our human superpower.
Welcome to my Substack Notes — a collection of near daily shorter insights on topics that I’m interested in or inspired to reflect on deeper!
We’re often enticed to stay in the comfort zone — safe, easy, familiar, thinking that comfort is the point. But we’re built to grow.
And change isn’t a disruptive force, it’s a natural one that keeps us moving towards what’s next.
So rather than fear what change asks of you, embrace the motion and the opportunity to keep growing.
Because it’s not about losing who you are or what you’ve built. It’s about becoming more of who you are. Sometimes by resetting into who you always were, sometimes by reshaping what you’ve already created into something new.
To what’s next. 🤍
– Carmen Iglesias
Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
Change is Natural
Sometimes to find a new direction, we have to allow ourselves to crumble.
For those of us who carry big responsibilities on our shoulders, this seems like the last thing we’re allowed to do. And yet, sometimes it’s exactly what’s needed. No matter how tough that sounds.
But sometimes we have to yield. Sometimes we have to surrender control so that we can find the clarity and courage to move in a new direction that may be unconventional and healing but exactly what’s for us.
I’ve learned that to allow yourself to do this is an act of deep self-love. It’s an act of strength not weakness. Because we are human. And we’re not meant to be perfect, always on, always on top of things. Sometimes we fall apart. And that’s ok.
So allow yourself to crumble. This is what we need sometimes. And trust that the people who love you, the people you trust to hold your hand in this moment, in whatever way they can, will be there for you as you do, not with judgement, only love.
Then, when you’re ready, begin the rebuild — with a new foundation holding you steady.
Right there beside you. 💗🤍
I’m preparing a new series on Rebuilding Your Inner Foundation, based on what I’ve learned and experienced. Stay tuned for that soon. 💗
– Carmen Iglesias
Allow Yourself to Crumble
Self-Sovereignty
Many of us are phenomenal at being there for others when they need help, when they need support. Right there, upfront, ready and willing to help.
What do you need? How can I help? What can I do?
But what about when we ourselves need help? Are we there for ourselves as ready, willing, and able?
I don’t always think so.
I remember the days when I would struggle mightily to nurture myself — physically, emotionally, and mentally. Being so exhausted and burned out, and still, when it came to others, or to external demands, I would somehow find this inner reserve of energy to give. The last bit I had left. But then there was nothing left for me.
And with a completely empty cup, I would wonder why I never had time or energy for my own nurturing, or for my own goals, dreams and plans — and eventually for the people I love?
If you’re here, perhaps finding yourself leaning too far forward towards others or to external demands, rather than more centered, know you can take a pause to recenter.
And you can gauge where you are by asking yourself: As I give to others, do I still have enough for myself?
Better yet: have I given myself what I need first? Have I put my own oxygen mask on first, before trying to help everyone else?
If the answer is no, perhaps a reset is needed. An approach reevaluation. A return to yourself.
There’s nothing wrong with doing that check at anytime in your day. We want to avoid operating on empty because we deserve the same energy, enthusiasm and love we give to others. And some days, we need it more than ever.
So pour some of that love back into yourself.
Your inner self will thank you.
I thank you. 💗
It’s what you deserve.🤍
If you’re interested in chatting about finding your way back to yourself after deep burnout or exhaustion, feel free to reach out. 💗
– Carmen Iglesias
Processing Difficult Emotions
Emotional Mastery
As I watch with great joy and delight, family members reach their next levels, a gentle reminder: you can walk beside someone’s light, celebrate their achievements, and still hold your own.
Sometimes we find ourselves in environments where another’s accomplishments and accolades appear so large that for a moment, they seem to overwhelm our own. Their light so visible that we begin to question the purpose of ours.
And that’s when we can be tempted to set our dreams aside — to defer, to merge, or to convince ourselves that perhaps their seemingly brighter, clearer path is somehow more important than our own.
It may seem like the easier answer to drop out and join theirs. But this is often the choice that leads to our greatest misalignments. Why?
Because we are each born with a uniqueness to embody. With a distinct collection of abilities, gifts, desires, and purpose to express.
And foregoing your journey to merge into someone else’s without being guided to, doesn’t make your life more meaningful, it actually interrupts your development. It closes you off from the opportunities, experiences, and people that are meant to meet you along your particular journey — and help make you whole, true and fulfilled.
Instead it’s important to remember their potential, never diminishes yours.
You have your own journey to walk. Your own potential to explore, to shape, to embody, to love.
Their light is theirs. Yours is yours. And you can walk together and each hold your own.
There is plenty of room for all the light we have to shine. Actually the more light, the merrier.
So shine away. Right there with you. 🤍✨✨
– Carmen Iglesias
Holding Your Own Light
Your Journey
