Yolande Carter

TIR Testimonial with Carrie mc Donnell

 31st July 2024

 

1. What was your biggest challenge prior to attending.

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I did not feel my life was my own: I had fallen into a career which I hadn’t actively chosen, and followed in the family footsteps of teaching. After 27 years of being sensible and dutiful, I felt I had ignored the part of me which chose to be creative, yet it felt impossible to change my career path now, at 52 years old!

 

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2. How did that challenge make you feel.

 

Deeply disenchanted and disappointed, like I was grieving something I had turned my back on.  Paralysed and stuck, because I felt it was too late to change and I was too old! Envious of others at every turn who were living the creative lives they had created for themselves

 

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3. What changed after attending TIR.

 

With Carries insightful coaching, I began to pick apart the blocks I had created in my life which had prevented me from realising my true potential and allowed me to settle for second best. 

The programme gives you a methodical, structured format to do this: in one part the study of how the mind works through reading, and then the daily application of this knowledge through tasks such as goal setting, written exercises, practical action steps, affirmations and meditation for example. This structured daily work felt like much needed self-care which had been missing from my life previously. It had a grounding effect on me, helping me to see more clearly and to move forward confidently with a “can do” attitude. 

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4. What specific results can you share.

 

Despite being a teacher for 27 years, I had always yearned to make my career in the creative industries, yet I never had the nerve. I do not come from a family of risk takers in any shape or form, and this became so evident through my personal development in TIR. 

My family could see the detrimental effect this was having on me, and us all, and it was in desperation that my eldest daughter urged me to take radical action. This action was to engage on the six month TIR programme with Carrie in late November 2023.  

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In May 2024, therefore, nearing the end of my first round of TIR, I took a huge plunge and decided to drop a teaching day to pursue my first love of songwriting. I am still so nervous about this: TIR is not a magic wand to eradicate all fear, but it has helped me to see with absolute clarity that the risk of not taking steps to create the life you want is so much greater. 

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Since that time I have entered a major UK Songwriting competition, and while I have not been a finalist, all my songs achieved Commended positions, which gives me the impetus to keep on going! There is a very busy road ahead, but I will never look back!

I can tell you for a fact that I now feel more stable and grounded and happy since starting TIR. Life has thrown some real curve balls at me this year, with three close family members suffering serious trauma. I can honestly say that TIR has given me the skills to be that calm place in the storm for others.

Sometime after I started TIR, my best friend said:

“…the positive changes I see in you is amazing ; how you value yourself and your time. Keep the vision strong.” 

 

 

5. What would you say to someone on the fence.

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I would say that it would be IMPOSSIBLE NOT to change for the BETTER with TIR.

This is because the daily work erodes so much of the stuck, fearful thought patterns and behaviours which have been your programming since birth. This is a programme all about moving forward proactively and not dwelling too long on the past. 

It is neither a quick fix or woo woo ; it is highly practical and when you invest financially you are making the clear commitment to follow through for yourself and to start to radically overhaul your life. This is not about being selfish: My family benefitted so much more too ….I am calmer, stronger and more present with them. It is a programme where you can really “share the love”!

I am about to restart TIR: It becomes a way of life, a way to structure and organise your day to keep your focus clear and your mind calm. 

It has helped me to structure my dream. 

I would highly recommend it. 

 

6. Anything else to add.

 

Carrie is a wonderful coach. She lies somewhere between friend, sister, inspired leader and mentor for me, always available for conversation and information sharing in between zoom calls, a witness to tears and frustrations and sharing in laughter. 

Her knowledge and study far exceed TIR, and as a business consultant also, you will benefit from the many courses Carrie herself runs and her many contacts in the field of personal development. 

 

For me personally, I would say Carrie brings her own unique take to TIR: as a woman who shared difficult life experiences to my own; a mother, with all the demands and weighty emotions that particular role brings, and as a long time classroom assistant in a special educational needs school. Through empathy and insight, Carries caring attitude “fills the room”.

 

Carrie Mc Donnell is such an ambitious woman, who has overcome so many obstacles to live the life she wants. She is an inspiration. 

 

Carrie is going places, yes, but she very much wants to bring you along with her too xx