Taking DaVinci’s mirror writing to heart….
December 11th, 2009
She took a leap of faith and walked away from a corporate job to follow her heart. Meet Caroline Yacu, co-founder of Reflect My Life, an amazing lady who is assisting others with creating their dream life. I am grateful to call her a friend and to share her words of wisdom with you today. Welcome Caroline!
Living the life of one’s dreams is something many people believe to be a myth….yet; you are living proof that one can achieve this goal…Tell us about the path you traveled to arrive where you are today:I always lived the life that I “thought” I should live. I wanted to make everyone that I loved proud and so I took a path that I believed would achieve that. I was an A-student, involved in everything, had friends in many different social circles and just wanted to make others happy. Along this path, I became a chemical engineer to follow in my family’s footsteps and went into the corporate world with a very prestigious job.
Prestigious just didn’t cut it for me though. I felt empty and unfulfilled. I left my engineering job to pursue a sales job because I thought that surrounding myself with more people was the answer. Though this step moved me in the right direction and gave me financial abundance, it still didn’t feel right. I still felt like I was not exhibiting my true characteristics through this job.
I left that job to pursue a life-long dream of traveling around the world. I was fortunate and blessed to explore 5 different continents. More important however, I met people all over the world who touched me in so many beautiful ways and inspired me to come back to the USA and finally explore my true passions.
After arriving home I took some twists and turns and through an explorative process, decided to go into business with my big brother to launch an inspirational clothing line called Reflect. Our mission is to empower people all over the world through affirmations and teach people about the power of thought. Using clothing as our vehicle was a way for us to make positive thinking accessible to the masses.
I can truly say that I LOVE what I am doing and feel as though I am living out my purpose on a daily basis. I hope to bring out the best in others for the rest of my life!
What kept you moving forward on the days things were not going exactly the way you were hoping they would?The emails I received from my customers about how much our clothing has changed their lives. The love and support that I have received from my friends and family. My brother’s faith and confidence to bring me back up whenever I was feeling down or defeated.
What piece of advice would you give to someone who has decided they would like to live in a world of their own creation?You can do it!!! If you have that consistent gut feeling that you are on the right path, keep listening to that voice and keep on keeping on! Surround yourself with like-minded people and create a support network that will help you live your dreams!
What special things do you do for yourself daily to maintain your momentum and energy levels?Affirmations, Affirmations, Affirmations!!! Write in my gratitude journal every night before I go to bed. Listen to positive CD’s while getting ready in the morning so that I stay on track throughout the day!!
What is your favorite audio material and what do you enjoy most about this material?I love books on CD. Wayne Dyer, Joe Vitale, Marianne Williamson, and other inspirational authors. I love that they make me feel invigorated and empowered to achieve my heart’s desire!
What is your favorite reading material and what gives it that special place in your heart?I am pretty dorky and a total book-worm. I love personal development reading and one of my all time faves is How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It is an oldy, but a goody…simple, yet profound. A book that I re-visit on an annual basis!
Who has inspired you and what is it about them that you found inspirational?I have a wonderful mentor, Pete Kadens, who has been (and still is) a huge inspiration for me. I used to work for him and he was a great example of dedication and determination. As a young entrepreneur, he never gave up and achieved great levels of success and fulfillment. He always believed in me and made me realize that there was a true rockstar within me yearning to break lose into the entrepreneurial world!
What do you see in your future?I see myself being an example for others that you can do anything you set your mind to it. I want to educate our youth about the power that lies within them and be proof that you can be passionate about your job and have success at the same time!
Where is your favorite place in the world to spend time, what is special to you about this location?I love Tahoe. I feel at peace in the mountains and on the water and Tahoe has the perfect blend of both. I love to ski and I love the outdoors and Tahoe allows me to let my inner child loose!
Who has been your greatest support system and how have they shown you their support?My best friends. My best friends have made me feel like they are my #1 fans. When I didn’t believe in myself, they were always there to believe in me. I couldn’t have done any of it without their unconditional love and support. I am truly blessed.
My parents have been amazing as well. They have shown their support in different ways, sometimes atypical ways, but I will be forever grateful for all that they have done for me.
What / who are you most thankful for and why?My family. I know that my family is there for me through thick and thin and that they only want to see me happy.
What is your favorite way to contribute or give back?I want to help others see the potential that lies within them and bring out the best in them. I am also passionate about children and spend much of my time as a mentor to less fortunate kids. I learn so much from them as well!
Please share the top three things you feel people would benefit from doing if they truly desire to create the life of their dreams?
- If your intuition is telling you to do it, just do it. You owe it to yourself and that inner voice is God (the divine, your higher self, infinite source, etc) speaking through you!
- Find a support network. Other entrepreneurs, like-minded groups, people who have walked in your shoes, etc that will help you stay on track and motivate you to keep going.
- Look for a mentor and nurture this relationship. Mentors can be your greatest fans and such a huge asset to your personal growth.
What products and services do you offer to assist others on their journey?To help you focus on what you want and stay empowered all day long, please consider treating yourself to a Reflect shirt designed to help you live the life of your dreams. To learn more, visit www.reflectmylife.com
Thank you Caroline for sharing. If you enjoyed what you read, please be sure to visit http://www.reflectmylife.com and let Caroline know today!
In gratitude,
Caryn, the Manifesting Queen
http://www.CarynFitzgerald.com
EmbracingMyJourney L.L.C. was created by Caryn FitzGerald in 2008.
Caryn, known as "The Manifesting Queen" is a motivational columnist, speaker and writer, she has been featured in and published several books, including "Tulips In The Sand" "Fish Sticks, Books and Blue Jeans" “Manifest Success” “Visual Arts Junction Interviews” & “Online Marketing Success Stories..."
Caryn is a domestic violence survivor who has triumphed over a 10-year battle with anorexia and bulimia. She is a wife, mother, writer, speaker, blogger, coach and a health food enthusiast Click to connect with Caryn at her website Or click here to get inspired by her latest ebook “Living the Life of My Dreams” There may be paid links on this page, click here to read the blog disclaimer.
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Thank you for everyone’s thoughtful comments and encouragement! It means more than you know:-)! Infinite Love & Gratitude, Caroline
Fantastic Story Caroline – You and Your BIG Brother are assisting others in creating better choices that result in positive influences toward creating the world of there dreams!!!
Continued success and Blessings along with Greater Visions to YOU and YOUR Family.
Brian J. Donley
Author, The Original Psychology of Success – Proven Methods to Attain a Positive, Powerful Winning Personality!
Caroline and Drew truly enlightened me a few hours ago. There is so much for me to learn. Her positive attitude reflects in every sentence she said above.
Well said Caroline, your authentic energy bounces off the page…!!! Thank you!
Caroline is an amazing person. Her inner glow is only fractionally reflected in her outer beauty. Caryn, even though I know her, this was an insightful interview on her journey- well done.
Thanks Caryn. You are a light in this world for sharing so many people’s dreams!
Thank you for sharing this. Her path is very similar to mine…doing what was expected of me instead of finding what I really wanted to do with my life. I love the clothes and the timing is perfect for Christmas!
Pam