Cari Rosno, Author at Cari Kenzie

When the Universe Calls You Out

Cari Rosno on July 30, 2023

I returned from traveling to the Wisconsin Dells, yet again. I had been taking this trip weekly since January (2016). My health had been deteriorating for years and I was coming upon a state of desperation that was akin to feeling like the air was leaving the room I was in and I was unable to locate a window or door that would give me reprieve, allow me to find a way out. This had been going on for too long. At times I would lose hope, then rebound bringing forward a resilience to continue the search for healing. I longed to get my life back. I had lost so much. Not just my physical abilities, but my mental capacity and ability to remain optimistic. Darkness would overtake me in ways that I was unsure I would make it out of.

Two days of treatments had left me exhausted. It usually did. I knew I would bounce back and within a few days would feel better so having committed to attend a concert that weekend was not concerning.

We joined our friends at a small music venue to see one of our newly discovered and quickly adopted favorite bands, Lucius. It was a brisk night as we walked to the show, the warmth from the building welcoming you as you entered the building. It wasn’t terribly crowded when we arrived which gave us the opportunity to find a spot midway through the crowd, a little toward stage right. We had a great view as the band stepped into the spotlight. The anticipation led to waves of cheers and excitement when the first notes were played. We listened, sang the songs that we had rehearsed and learned the words to and enjoyed the company of the group we were with.

At some point during the evening I felt a quick moment of doubt come over me. Would this be all that I would be for the rest of my life? Would I ever make it to the other side? As quickly as the thoughts came they drifted away. I worked to shake off the remnants when the band hit the notes of a song that beckoned my interest. “Dusty Trails.” The kind of song where I could name that tune in three notes.

The mere recollection of this song in my mind brings chills. So poignant, raw and honest. In the moment the lyrics came over the crowd and hit me tears stung the corner of my eyes. And then, I had the moment.

Watching the women harmonize on the stage and move through the chorus my eyes fixed on them. I took in every word like the air I was breathing. Then, their eyes fixed on me. I glanced left, then right, oh my god, they are both looking right at me! The words that left them floated over the crowd and landed in me, like a knife that cut straight to my soul, beckoning me to a choice.

Holy shit. I scanned the audience to see whom they might be addressing. It certainly couldn’t be me. I glanced back to the stage and their eyes were still fixed on me, setting sights straight on my soul. They were singing to me. How could they have known?

The song lays out a choice. The description of the dusty trail, the challenges of life that ultimately can lead to a golden road. However, as we navigate through life we can become distraught and frustrated turning away from the journey. We recoil and again hide in the walls that we have surrounded ourselves with, not knowing that we are almost to the gold. Perhaps quitting when we are just three feet away. Our other option is to continue on, to remain steadfast in our courage knowing that we are almost there.

Could they sense the despair, see that I was on the verge of giving up on all that I had been doing to heal my body? Could they read my mind and know what I had been thinking? The music answering the questions that had been stirring in my mind. Was it worth it, all that I was doing, would it lead to the life I was longing for?

What I know and believe is that the moment they began that song and those lyrics started flowing they were looking for me. In a way that only the universe can do, I received a message of hope. A call to greatness. In that moment I had a choice to make. They didn’t mandate it to me, there was no document of commitment laid in front of me. It was simply a choice to be made. Would I return to where I started, or would I embark on the journey that was only halfway complete? Would I see it through?

This choice is one that faces us all. The journey through this life is not for the faint of heart. Those who chose to return, I applaud their choice. That too, takes commitment. Those of us, however, who choose to continue forward, to embrace the unknown in a journey to find that golden road, we are the truth seekers, the love avengers and spirited women who go for it without apology. It is time, love, your time. So here I stand before you, locked in view, eyes holding one another. I see you and set before you the same call.

The choice, love, is yours. Which do you choose?

P.S. Click this link to listen to my favorite rendition of the song Dusty Trails by Lucious.

Finding the Edge of Your Comfort Zone: Embrace the Unknown and Quantum Leap Your Potential

Cari Rosno on July 11, 2023

I always find the conversation around the “comfort zone” incredibly interesting. And I think for most it feels like a worn-out topic. Yes, I know…all the magic happens outside the comfort zone. Well, what happens when you have no idea that you are even in your comfort zone? How the hell do you then know that you need to move out of it?

I haven’t always been in tune with this. And, honestly, most of the time when I am “stepping out of my comfort zone” I have no idea that I am doing it. I find it makes this step that much easier.

Take running for instance. Yes, it’s uncomfortable to start. I knew that when I began running after having my 4th child. But I hit the pavement anyway because the discomfort of the additional weight far outweighed the comfort of the sedentary life. When I purchased my business…it a was helluva uncomfortable zone. I had no idea what I was doing or what I was getting into. I fought hard against the opportunity. I was so far out of my comfort zone that it felt like I was fighting against the very opportunity I was seizing for myself. Yet, when it came time to hire an Operations Manager I didn’t hesitate. The uncomfortable position I was in as a new business owner made stepping outside the comfort zone of entrepreneurial control much, much easier.

In both cases, my life changed for the better. I not only lost the weight but found the athlete within me and became a marathon runner. And I discovered my LOVE for running. Likewise, the business flourished after I let go of the reins and allowed others to shine in their own expertise and skill set. Both situations were a win-win.

I don’t have to tell you how important it is to step outside of your comfort zone. As successful women and high achievers, we already know this and feel as though we do it as second nature. BUT what if you are blindly caught in the comfort of a situation that you have yet to realize is keeping you stuck in a place that you were only supposed to be passing through? This is the magic…the key to making the shifts, the bold moves that have percolated in your mind.

Finding the edge of the Comfort Zone

Let’s talk about the comfort zone and what it signifies. It is a psychological state in which one feels at ease because they are not being tested. People will only participate in activities that are familiar, making them feel “in control” of their environment. Such words could not better identify the desire of a high achiever. The desire to be “in control” thereby continuously challenging themselves out of the discomfort and back into the familiar known. Yes, yes, I know I completely flipped on you there. And for good reason. While we may take calculated risks and feel as though we are stretching ourselves there is an inner dialogue that rolls under the tow of consciousness continuously sucking us back to the status quo. This, my friends, is the edge of the comfort zone that we must find.

Fear is one of the main advocates picketing for comfort in the rally against change. And man is she a loud one. My favorite is the sign held stating that “All will be lost”. And the creativity of the mind in the loss is commendable. Rejection and uncertainty are comrades in the game and typically where you find one, you will find them both. Yet, they don’t always make themselves known. Of course, you might be entertained by them when the big decisions are at hand. But when the small, seemingly insignificant ones are at play they take their advocacy underground, still pulling at you, yet drawing too much attention.

This is why we continue to play small, the unwilling and unknowing participants in a game being played by the subconscious mind and the limitations that, while beneficial at one point, are like cement blocks keeping you grounded.

The Benefits of Embracing the Unknown

Think about it. With as much emphasis as we put into security and stability, and our desire to secure it…have you found it yet? I would venture to say, NO. You may be pushing back on this but if 2020 showed us anything…it is that ANYTHING is possible. Therefore it is all just one big unknown. And our fear is that it will suffocate even our biggest, most brilliant ideas that are nudging to be birthed. It’s a sad death but one that we have seen too often.

Now imagine that you venture into each day with a sense of excitement over the unknown. Like a book without a cover to be explored or an adventure series where you get to create your own ending. Doesn’t that sound like a bit of fun?

My own personal story is riddled with examples of stepping out for the adventure and discovering a realm of resilience that I had yet to uncover. I also love the story of Shawn Askinosie which was shared with me during an interview for an upcoming podcast. Shawn was a defense lawyer who felt the nudge. He thought there may be something more meaningful for him and he allowed curiosity to guide him deeply into the unknown where he found…chocolate. Then by stepping outside of his comfort zone…and by a lot, he founded Askinosie Chocolate and is now changing the world. Yet when he started…he had no idea where his journey would lead.

How to Identify When It’s Time to Get Out

I know, I went bold on that statement, because sometimes it is time to get out. And you know what, I think that deep down we always know when there is something, a relationship either business or personal, a career, a mindset, or a pattern that we need to get out of. The nudging is there. It is that piece of you that feels unsettled. You don’t know what it is, it just feels a little snug, frustrating, or downright constricting. The problem is, we have become accustomed to pushing these nudges aside and giving them little to no attention. I mean in the midst of our busy lives, who has time for that, right?

Well, my friend, you must create a little space for that nudge to be heard. It could be as easy as a question when the thought arises. What is the discomfort and where is it coming from? When do you feel it most? Is it ever present?

The push for more is hardly ever out of selfishness, though our little advocates for comfort will tell us differently. I’ll let you in on a little secret, the push for more is the purest and truest version of you pushing you. It is you, knowing that change is your greatest opportunity for growth and for achieving your deepest desires.

So What’s Your Move?

How do you get out of your comfort zone? First, identify it. Allow yourself to be aware of the presence of the nudge or itch, that tiny bit of discomfort. Then give it some space. I’m a typical Type A mover so patience hasn’t always been a good friend. Yet I find more and more that if I give just a little bit of space to the thoughts that are coming forward or the questions that I have surrounding the current situation, answers will arise.

Perhaps it is an upcoming conference and an email has just landed in your inbox. While it has nothing to do with your business, you feel like you need to be there but can’t explain why. Or it is a hobby or interest of yours that you’d love to spend more time with but don’t know what you would do with it. (I always find this self-doubting thought to be a hijacker of brilliance and curiosity.)

You might be one who knows exactly what you want to do. That’s amazing! Set the goal and start taking the steps to get there. Just know and remain aware that your advocate for comfort is hanging in the wings. When things start to feel tough, pull her up front and address her directly. Tell her you appreciate her help and desire to keep you safe, but you’ve got this. She can hang and come along for the ride but no longer gets to be in charge of the navigation system.

Embracing the Journey: Cultivating a Mindset of Curiosity

You will hear me say it over and over again. Curiosity is key to everything, including stepping out of your comfort zone. Courage, yes, but that only comes after curiosity has been employed.

Curiosity is one of those wondrous gifts that we were given as children and over time shifted. It became more about finding the answer or outcome vs. remaining open to opportunity. We must remain open. Holding loosely to the outcome as well as the consequence. Remember all we ultimately have is the unknown. Curiosity provides resilience for navigating through the unknown. By asking questions of the discomfort, and the nudges we have the opportunity to move into an energy of open awareness allowing the energy of the moment to share with us where the edge is.

Your comfort zone, while safe and familiar, is not where growth thrives. Tune into the nudges of discomfort and allow curiosity to lead you into the unknown. Have the courage to make bold moves, engage with the world around you, and step into your greatest potential.

Is there something in your life nudging you towards change? What’s your next move to venture out of your comfort zone? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s embark on this journey of self-discovery together. Remember, the magic happens outside your comfort zone. Step out and embrace it.

The Power of Curiosity: The Journey from Presence to Intuition

Cari Rosno on August 11, 2022

There’s a kind of curiosity that transcends merely exploring the external world. It delves deep into the intricacies of the mind, the dynamics of emotions, and the complex maze of human intuition. Allow me to unravel this a bit for you.

When people utter the word “curiosity,” the immediate visual is perhaps a child poking a beetle or an astronomer peering through a telescope. It’s often about the world outside of us. But what if I told you there’s more to it than just that? You see, my journey made me redefine my own understanding of this term. And it happened in a rather extraordinary way.

From Bombing to Being

My healing journey began post a traumatic bombing experience. While helping others heal with my techniques, I found myself guiding the vice president of a company. His declining health and increasing aggression was evident. I didn’t offer solutions. Instead, I listened, really listened. There was an exchange – not of words, but of presence. That connection, that deep mutual understanding without utterance, is what I define as presence.

Intuition: The Unseen Connection

But then something uncanny occurred. This presence morphed into intuition. I began to see while I listened to podcasts, as if these senses were inexplicably intertwined. I would focus on a topic, and it would manifest in different ways on platforms like Instagram.

Call it fate, call it a domino effect; I kept being led exactly where I needed to go. This path not only helped me diagnose conditions like Chronic Lyme disease but also steered my healing.

The Maze of Curiosity

The curiosity I revere focuses on the internal. It’s about understanding our reactions, emotions, and decisions. When faced with emotional turbulence, instead of being swept away, take a step back and ponder, “Isn’t that interesting?” and then “I wonder why?” This elevates your perspective. You start navigating the maze of your mind, rather than being trapped in it.

Your subconscious, if unbridled, will usher you towards answers. The route you take, influenced by the questions you ask, shapes your interpretation of events. Find that focal point, and everything unravels, clearing your path forward.

Let me illustrate with a personal story:

In 2015, during my trips to Wisconsin Dells for immunotherapy shots, I expected the usual fatigue post-treatment. But one time, a lingering headache caught me off-guard. Delving into the ‘why,’ I found out that the same day I got my shot, my husband faced an extensive reprimand about our family decisions. Although miles apart, I felt that energy, that rebuke. It seeped into my subconscious, translating into physical pain. Only when I confronted and processed this realization did I truly heal.

Curiosity: The Key to Unlocking Your Mind’s Maze

Navigating through the mind’s labyrinth can be chaotic. Yet, with the right tools of curiosity and introspection, you can disentangle its complexity.

So next time you’re at a crossroads, whether in life or within yourself, get curious. Dive into the maze, armed with questions, and let them guide you through. Because often, the answers lie within you, waiting to be discovered.

From the Finish Line to the Starting Line: My Boston Marathon Journey Through Trauma

Cari Rosno on August 9, 2022

On April 15, 2013, my triumphant finish at the Boston Marathon was drowned by the deafening roar of a bomb. As I took refuge in the medical tent, the world outside was collapsing, and the weight of the trauma was just settling in.

Here’s a universal truth: Our perception of the present is deeply rooted in our past. That bombing in Boston? It wasn’t just a moment for me. It altered the course of my emotional journey.

I’ll never forget being asked, “Where were you when the bombing occurred?” On the surface, a simple inquiry, but for me, it unveiled a whirlpool of mixed emotions. An inner voice murmured, ‘It’s not your story to tell.’ Because, yes, I wasn’t physically wounded, but does that make my trauma any less valid?

It’s a common pitfall many of us encounter: juxtaposing our traumas against others, unintentionally downplaying our own pain. Phrases like “It’s just a first-world problem” or “I was merely a bystander” often cloud our self-assessment. Remember being told, “There are starving children in Africa”? It’s that same voice that asks you to undermine your own experiences.

Though the scars weren’t visible, my mind was a battleground. Vivid, haunting replays of that day lingered. Yet with every replay, shame, guilt, and denial surged anew.

Addressing trauma isn’t about focusing on fragmented memories, but rather embracing a panoramic view of the entire event. I had to navigate my feelings, from the survivor’s guilt of leaving the tent to the emotional aftershocks that followed. This 360-degree approach, zooming out to a comprehensive perspective, is what makes healing truly transformative.

Confronting my trauma was like peeling an onion. With each layer, I unearthed another, yet every layer brought me closer to understanding and healing.

While traditional therapies sometimes skim the surface, focusing on individual memories, the secret lies in diving deep, getting to the heart of the matter. The goal? Clearing out the clutter, shedding the burdens that have overstayed their welcome.

If the shadows of the past cloud your present, know this: seeking help is the first step towards rediscovering yourself. The exhilaration of freedom, of breaking the chains, is an experience unlike any other.

So, reach out. Begin your journey towards liberation. And remember, it’s not about where you start, but where you’re headed.

Stuck in a Rut? Here’s How I Broke Free.

Cari Rosno on June 22, 2022

We all have those moments. Those frustratingly stagnant periods where it feels like we’re stuck in quicksand. Everything remains unchanged, no matter the effort, and our physical form reflects that emotional weight. Ever been there? If not, consider me your tour guide to the labyrinth of feeling stuck.

For the sake of authenticity, let’s rewind to summer 2020. My eating habits were in flux, my running shoes had seen better days, and the gym? A distant memory. Yet, despite all efforts, the scales barely budged. And if you’re wondering, yes, a sauna detox protocol made me gain weight. Who even does that?

Come fall 2021, life shook me up with a startling brain fog episode, making a mere scooter look like an alien contraption. That’s the universe’s sneaky way of saying, “Hey! Time for a shake-up!” And boy, did I listen.

Being someone in tune with her body, I recognized inflammation as the culprit. Past battles with illnesses, from meningitis to Lyme Disease, had gifted me with a toxic payload. Only during the Upgrade Labs Biohacking conference did a particular booth confirm my suspicions. They introduced me to Key Cellular Nutrition protocol which provided a roadmap to rejuvenate every facet of my life.

Let’s break down my odyssey for those wanting to tread the same path:

High-Quality Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Diving headfirst into the Autoimmune Protocol Diet meant saying au revoir to beloved coffee, sugar, and all things processed. The commitment? Strenuous. The reward? Unmatched clarity.
Supplementation: The 4-month roller coaster with CytoDetox was reminiscent of an epic saga. It prepped me, took me to dark places, but eventually led to the light at the end of the tunnel.
Exercise: My tumultuous relationship with exercise had its share of peaks and valleys. But as I healed, it no longer felt like an exhausting chore. Instead, it became a source of rejuvenation.
Self-Care: Beyond Epsom salt baths and sauna sessions, diving into self-inquiry and nurturing compassion became my mainstay. By addressing hidden beliefs and trapped emotions, I began to craft my holistic healing narrative.
Quality Sleep: While detoxing, nothing trumps sleep. I went all in, from ensuring pitch-black rooms to binaural beats. Because let’s face it, when we’re a priority, our sleep should be too.

In retrospect, our bodies are miraculous communicators. They reflect our emotional, spiritual, and physical worlds. My journey taught me that the road to self-improvement starts with self-worth. And once you’re fueled by that conviction, there’s no looking back.

Now, it’s your turn. Ready to embark on a voyage of self-discovery and healing? Dive deep, stay curious, and remember: you’re worth every bit of effort.