Rosabella Consulting, LLC

03/22/2024

Ever wonder, am I talking to a machine or a real person?

Me too!

There's a thing I'm doing next week at the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce - How to Communicate like a Human in the Age of AI.

Wanna join me?
It's virtual!!

Session Presenter: Ariana Friedlander, MPA, is an award-winning organizational anthropologist, leadership development expert and author. She is the founder and principal of Rosabella Consulting. 11:00 […]

12/14/2023

✨ Marie Kondoing the Holidays ✨

A few years ago, I found myself overwhelmed by the holiday hustle—juggling cards, cooking, gift-making and parenting all at once. It was meant to be joyful, but it all felt like a chore. Sound familiar?

Every December, I sense a collective survival mode—people trying to power through on empty tanks. But we don't have to succumb to the stress. Being overly busy is a choice.

I'm taking a radical approach—doing less while deeply enjoying the holiday festivities I partake in.

If it's not additive, I skip it. If it's draining, I say no.

Saying no can be uncomfortable, but it's liberating. It's like Marie Kondoing the holidays—tossing aside what doesn't bring joy and embracing what does.

This year, I surprised myself by sending a few holiday cards—not out of obligation but because it brings joy and feels easeful.

So, this holiday season, give yourself permission to Marie Kondo your celebrations. Let go of the unnecessary pressure, and embrace what brings joy.

12/06/2023

I'm an over-thinker. It can be debilitating at times!

Here are three lessons I learned about overthinking after enduring a cancer journey in 2022.

1. A non-decision doesn't eliminate over-thinking
2. A pre-emptive decision doesn't make dealing with hard things easier
3. All possible choices can be rationalized as the right one

Now, instead of following the crumbs that lead to overthinking, I enlist the guidance of my heart brain.

I've worked with many that are overthinkers like me.
It's addictive, in part, because we were fed a lie that we can think our way out of any problem.

This doesn't work because the quality of our thinking doesn't match the needs of our circumstances.

Shifting out of my habits of overthinking has been more freeing and less scary than I anticipated.

It turns out, I don't miss the false sense of control as much as I overthought I would!

What about you? Are you an overthinker too? What's helped you stop the runaway train of overthinking?



https://www.rosabellaconsulting.com/post/3-lessons-learned-from-a-classic-over-thinker

11/29/2023

"It's feast or famine." A colleague said to me when I started my consulting business.
But what if there's more to the story than meets the eye?

In my latest blog post, I challenge the conventional wisdom around the feast or famine metaphor.
The feast isn't always as glamorous as it seems, and the famine isn't necessarily a villain.

Drawing parallels with the natural cycles of life, I propose a shift in perspective—let's talk about the ebb and flow.

The ebb, a time of spaciousness and reflection, provides the opportunity to step back, pursue personal interests, and even reinvent one's work.

On the flip side, the flow is the exhilarating period when work picks up, and the rewards flow in.

Preparing for these cycles is crucial, akin to storing food for the winter.
Whether it's predictable seasonality or unexpected challenges like COVID, having reserves or lines of credit can make the ebb more manageable.

Join me in reframing the narrative around business cycles.

Let's not just weather the ebb; let's learn to bask in it, knowing that it's a temporary state before the next flow.

Are you ready to embrace the natural rhythm of your business?

Read more on my latest blog!

"It's feast or famine." A colleague explained to me years ago when I started my business. This metaphor has remained common place in the world of consulting. When it's good, it's great. But when it's bad, it's dire. And I have many colleagues who have closed their consulting practices because they c...

11/22/2023

🍂 Rethinking Thanksgiving Traditions 🦃

I grew up on the Charlie Brown version of Thanksgiving.
However, I've been learning the Native American perspective.
This Thursday is the National Day of Mourning, which sheds light on a painful history of genocide and cultural erasure.

It's uncomfortable but essential to listen deeply and acknowledge the suffering of others.
Avoiding discomfort by rejecting these narratives denies our shared humanity.

As a white woman, I recognize the discomfort of doing this work.
But that's not an excuse for perpetuating harm.

Being open to the Native American perspective of Thanksgiving isn't about political correctness.
It's about opening our hearts, empathizing, and moving beyond narratives of fear or rightness. 🌍💙

I grew up on the Charlie Brown version of Thanksgiving. There was a huge feast between the Pilgrims and Native Americans celebrating the bounty of the harvest and cooperation. We'd dress up. Some of us would be Pilgrims while others were Indians. Everyone was asked to share what they were grateful f...

11/15/2023

Seven years ago, I embarked on a mission to unravel the emotional complexities of entrepreneurship in "A Misfit Entrepreneur's Guide to Building a Business Your Way."

Little did I know, life had its own plans to put my emotional resilience to the test. 💼💔

In 2016, amidst publishing, I faced a trio of events triggering a profound trauma response. Instead of the anticipated triumph, I found myself grappling with doubt, fear, and unexpected challenges. 🔄

For the last 7 years I've been teasing apart my habitual modes of self-preservation. Some of them are actually harmful while others enhance my well-being. And I've stepped more into regenerative practices with self-compassion.

As 2023 unfolds with its own set of surprises, I'm reminded that the journey is as much about embracing challenges as it is about celebrating victories. 🎢✨

Are you navigating your own entrepreneurial rollercoaster? Let's connect!
Share your insights and experiences. 🤝👂

Seven years ago this month, my first book was released. When I wrote A Misfit Entrepreneur's Guide to Building a Business Your Way, I wanted to demystify the journey and give voice to a rarely talked about piece of the entrepreneurial puzzle. Being an entrepreneur is an emotionally demanding feat. A...

11/09/2023

Rosabella Tea and Cookies is an annual celebration, honoring Grandmom Rose on her Birthday while expressing gratitude to our community.

Grandmom Rose was devoted to her community and her family.

I have fond memories playing dolls with Grandmom. She was the only adult that consistently sat down on the floor and played with me as a kid. I always felt so accepted and loved in her presence.

Grandmom Rose exuded positivity and hope. But she was no stranger to struggle and hardship.

I could be having the worst day ever, and after speaking to Grandmom Rose I'd have a pep in my step. She just made me feel like I could handle anything thrown my way and I believed her.

Grandmom Rose made everyone around her feel better.

I miss her terribly. I wish I could share my life and my family with her. But I can't.

I can share some tea and cookies with you and your family though!

Seriously, Rosabella Tea and Cookies is a family friendly, open house style, celebration of Grandmom Roses' Birthday and the community we keep. It's been an annual tradition since 2015!

More information and RSVP online.

I hope to see you there!

As a kid, I was thrilled when my Dad said he'd pay me to help with a mailing he was doing for his business. I learned how to fold, stuff, address and stamp envelopes like a champ. And I loved playing a part in his entrepreneurial endeavors. I recently enlisted my own kiddo's support preparing for Ro...

11/01/2023

Have you ever faced a situation where you experienced dueling values?

These moments can be very challenging.
There's not an easy or right answer.

mindfully navigate situations where there are dueling values.
They move beyond black-and-white thinking to look at the greater context surrounding their efforts.
Staying grounded, they both consider other perspectives while remaining deeply aware of their own thoughts and feelings on the subject.

If you're facing a challenging situation right now...
Take a deep breath
Go for a walk
Seek counsel
Journal

Do whatever you can to create the space to make a mindful, well-informed decision.

Trust yourself
Show yourself compassion
And commit to the choice you make.



https://loom.ly/xW3Kc1A

I was recently talking with a friend, we’ll call her Tabby, who was struggling with a significant career decision. She was hired to be an agent of change in a well-established organization. But was being reprimanded for the very thing she was tasked with doing. “I just don’t know what I should...

10/26/2023

Confronting the familiar patterns from our past can be challenging, but it's a journey worth taking. Brad's story is a testament to the transformative power of introspection, setting boundaries, and wholehearted leadership. Are you ready to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace true growth? Dive into our latest blog post to discover how challenging the norms of the past can pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.

https://loom.ly/ZTP1FzA

I had a client, we'll call him Brad, that grew up in an entrepreneurial family. This made self-employment familiar to him. So when he began his career, he was quickly drawn to starting a business as well. The freedom, the flexibility and the responsibility all suited him just fine. He was aware of t...

10/12/2023

Due to something unexpected happening, this past week has been exhausting!

There was so much new information coming at me every few minutes that it was easy for me to get sucked into the minutia.
It all seemed highly important and relevant, demanding more time, attention and energy than I had the capacity for.
It felt like caring meant I had to say yes to everything.
I was totally revved up!

In the last week, I witnessed myself being pulled into a reactive loop of go-go-go-go well beyond the limits of my capacity.
I had to reign myself in, acknowledging my feelings so I could move through them.
Recognizing that my measured contributions are more sustainable than spriting.

The pull of adrenaline never goes away.
But my ability to self-regulate ensures that I won't get aboard the runaway train despite a deep desire for the thrill of the chase.

Be well and take care of yourselves and each other!



https://loom.ly/zM0yWOw

Every time I turn my Bluetooth speaker on a voice booms forth declaring, "Battery 50%." It's helpful information. When the battery gets low, I know to plug the speaker in to ensure it remains on for my listening pleasure. As I've gone through what's unexpectedly been a whirlwind of a week, I've been...

10/05/2023

Have you ever participated in a training and left feeling too overwhelmed by the information shared to do anything about it?

I've been on both ends of this equation - as the participant and the presenter.

What I've learned is that information doesn't = assimilation.

True learning isn't about the ability to regurgitate information but to change one's behavior.

The best way to ensure learning happens is by giving less information and creating greater space for reflection, inquiry and conversation.

"Are there any questions?" The workshop presenter paused for a few seconds of silence before stating, "Great, then let's move on." He was at least three slides into the next section before I realized I wasn't listening because I was still processing the question I wanted to ask. At this point, I was...

09/28/2023

Have you ever noticed that some people struggle with rejection while others shrug it off like it's a pesky fly?!?!

I have a hypothesis for why that is...

You see, a lot of parents use rejection as a means of controlling undesirable behaviors.

When I was a kid, I was routinely rejected if I wasn't happy, positive, upbeat, and smiling.
Any negative emotions were not tolerated.
Expressing anger was a one-way ticket for exclusion and isolation.
Criticism was the currency of love.
And my acceptance or belonging within the family unit has never been a given.

When we are routinely faced with the threat of rejection from our family unit, we instinctually fear for our safety and well-being.
So we learn how to cope by avoiding the threat.

With that lens, it makes sense that myself and others struggle with rejection as adults.
Rejection is a normal part of entrepreneurship, leadership and life.
We cannot avoid it.

My therapist encourages me to reparent myself.
And that's what all of us who struggle with rejection are invited to do.
To love the wounded parts of ourselves that are frozen in the grips of rejection so we may separate the past from the present.

To stop following a harsh inner narrative that casts blame, shame, criticism and fear.

And instead say something like, "It makes sense that you're feelings are hurt, rejection hurts. And you are worthy of love and belonging just as you are. You are more than enough just as you are. You are safe. You will get through this because you have what it takes to."

I'm curious to hear your own reflections about handling rejection!?!?



https://www.rosabellaconsulting.com/post/the-meaning-behind-it-all