Harmonizing Life's Melody: Carol Szuky on True Abundance, Motherhood, and Entrepreneurial Empowerment

When the echoes of societal expectations fade, what reverberations of the heart remain? Carol Szuky, a beacon of wisdom for self-healers and change-makers, joins us to unpack the essence of true abundance, revealing how intertwining professional aspirations with inner passions can lead to an enriched life. Carol's stirring tale of personal revival and her emphasis on internal reflection present a guidepost for listeners feeling adrift, urging an inward gaze to discover what resonates deeply within us. Our conversation with Carol dances around the concept of abundance, touching upon the joy, peace, and love that constitute its core, far surpassing the confines of financial prosperity.

Transitioning from a stay-at-home mom to a flourishing entrepreneur, Carol's narrative is not just inspiring but a much-needed conversation on the empowerment of women through financial education and independence. Against the tumult of family struggles and financial hurdles, she embodies the resilience and creativity necessary to blend motherhood and enterprise. Her podcast platform stands testament to the communal healing powers of shared stories. Throughout our time together, it's clear that Carol doesn't just mentor; she galvanizes a movement towards a life that sings in harmony with one's truest desires and highest self.

Carol Szuky is a business mentor and practical spiritual hustler.
https://www.carolszuky.com/about

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Transcript

Speaker 1: 2:30

So welcome everybody to another episode of Balm to the Soul. And today I've got a new guest with me and her name is Carol Suki and she's a business mentor for self-healers and change makers. So welcome, Carol. Thank you so much for supporting Balm to the Soul.

Speaker 2: 2:49

Absolutely, it's my pleasure, Natasha. Thank you for inviting me.

Speaker 1: 2:52

Oh no, it's lovely to have you. It's lovely to Natasha. Thank you for inviting me. Oh no, it's lovely to have you. It's lovely to have different people as well. I mean, you know we have return visitors, but it's lovely to have a bit of new energy to the table, so to speak. So tell us what you do, because you talk about aligning the energy of the business with your passions, your purposes. Yes, is that?

Speaker 2: 3:15

correct. That's right, I you know. And it's funny because I've kind of changed my focus, not so much on business or entrepreneurship, it's really now abundance, because living an abundant life, a life that you truly feel aligned with and excited about every single day, is so much more important to me than you know the amount of money, for example, you can make in a business.

Speaker 1: 3:37

Yeah, exactly. So when we talk about abundance, it's not just money. Is it that we're talking about at all?

Speaker 2: 3:45

Honestly, I feel like it's the furthest thing from money, because when everything else is aligned in your life, the money part just also flows into place as well, and if you're making happiness, joy, peace, love as hippie as it sounds, when all of that is aligned, does an actual dollar amount really matter? It's not about material things. When you have peace and love in your heart, my goodness, it really does sound like a hippie, doesn't it? I'm a hippie, I'm fine with it.

Speaker 1: 4:23

But very true, if you focus on materialism, then you are never going to be happy. Even yeah, it's not about happiness either, is it?

Speaker 2: 4:33

No, it's not about things. You know things gosh. You can buy things, but really and truly, I feel like it's not as important as fulfilling your dreams, for example, and again having so much love in your life.

Speaker 1: 4:51

Yeah, so if people are listening to this, how do they set off on that journey? Really Is it about sort of pinpointing what their dream is, what their passion? But you know, you kind of turn off everything external and turn in.

Speaker 2: 5:25

Because when you turn in and you figure out what your soul needs and what makes your heart sing soul needs and what makes your heart sing and not necessarily what you've been raised to believe is a fulfilling life or what have you Making yourself happy and doing the things that you've always wanted to do is what's really going to align you to what feels like abundance to you. Because oftentimes, especially as we're children and it's no fault of our parents, but they want the best for us and however they were raised to think is good for them and whatever they felt in their life was successful quote, unquote for them doesn't necessarily mean that that means success to you, right? And you figure that out as you go along in life and as you mature and as you learn your lessons and you start to figure out and feel out what actually makes you happy, what actually felt good for you and for your family. If you end up having one, but the focus is really you. If you're happy, I mean, everything else just kind of falls into place.

Speaker 1: 6:37

Yeah, so if somebody's struggling and they're thinking, you know it, is it sort of thinking what do I love doing? You know, never mind, you're going to make money out of it or anything like that. That's not important, like we've said. But is it about saying, okay, I'm going to really just tune into something that I feel passionate about, whether that be I don't know growing a certain plant, or you know baking, or you know, is it about them just spending time, you know, doing that activity, finding their passion really?

Speaker 1: 7:14

because I feel like if they do that, I'm trying to help think about how people who feel really stuck can just start. But if they, if they sort of spend a bit of time enjoying something, I think that sort of ripples out into the rest of their lives.

Speaker 2: 7:39

Yes, and I completely understand that because I remember a time, as we've discussed, I do have four children. They're teenagers and adults now, and there was a time that my life was very busy. I had four and they were born between the ages of 2002 and 2008,. All four of them, so I had them pretty close together. So in this whirlwind of raising them and, you know, making the lunches and taking them to school and taking them to all their activities they were all competitive athletes I didn't know what day it was. You know, all I knew was okay, this is the schedule that I have to keep and I do all the things. And it was almost like know, all I knew was okay, this is the schedule that I have to keep and I do all the things. And it was almost like me just going through robotically everything that I had to get done.

Speaker 2: 8:21

Who was I? What did I? Like? I had no idea, and I do remember one time, you know, somebody had asked me like so what do you like to do? And oh, I love watching my son play hockey. I love watching. I like taking my kids, I like spending time with my family and they're like no, no, what do you like to do? Yeah, and I cried, trying to find that answer. I really and truly had no idea outside of loving on my family. I forgot who I was, what I liked, what I I liked doing, what makes me happy as just my own person. And so you know, if you're feeling stuck or lost and you're just kind of numb and just going about all the things you have to do in a day and you don't know what would make you happy if you thought to yourself when I'm on, you know, my deathbed, for example. So I'm going to get a little bit morbid here, but I'm going to turn it around what would you regret not doing?

Speaker 2: 9:22

in your younger times, when you were younger, you were able and you were healthy and you can walk and drive and all those things. What would you regret not having done, not having tried, not having gone to right?

Speaker 1: 9:37

So that's a good start. It is a good start and I think people get overly focused on but is it going to make me money? How's that going to make me money? And that the point is that we're trying to make. Is that? That's not what you should focus on at all. You should.

Speaker 2: 9:54

Absolutely not. You can't take it with you, right? No, the only thing that is absolutely certain is, unfortunately, death. We're all going to die. There's going to come a time where we're all not going to be here and you can't take that money with you. I have four children, so of course I do want to leave a bit of a legacy, but hey, enjoy life and never take it for granted.

Speaker 1: 10:19

No, definitely. So how did you get started in what you do now, Carol? How did you go from being an incredibly busy mom for years to sort of a successful business and being a business mentor?

Speaker 2: 10:37

Well, I was a stay-at-home mom when my kids were young, but even then, because my parents always taught me to be an independent woman and I'm so grateful for that they always taught me to. You know, know my finances, have good credits, know what to do with money and how to do it, and you know, goodness forbid if I was to stay, you know, single or end up alone. Can I be self-sufficient? And so staying home and raising my kids, I thought, was only a dream. But you know, meeting my husband and realizing that we actually had the same goal of of me wanting to raise my own children and him wanting a wife that will raise his children, I was blessed to be a stay-at-home mom, but at the same time, there is that aspect of this feels a little bit archaic, a little bit patriarchal, and as much as I enjoyed raising my children and blessed to have done that, I also felt like I could do more, especially in this day and age, and that meant financially providing for our family because there was a financial struggle. Now, another part to my unique story is that my husband actually has narcissistic personality disorder. At this point we've really worked through it. He's done the really, really hard work, but back then it was really tough and that also brought us financial struggles for many years, and so I really had to be resourceful, and so I was thinking how can I make money but still raise my children? So I actually started um cause I loved fitness. Um, I kind of had to, you know, fight with my husband a bit to become an entrepreneur, and um, so I became a um, fitness instructor and personal trainer, and I completely worked around raising my kids, being able to send them to school and or take them with me and use the free daycare at any gym that I would teach at and be able to still raise my kids. So that was actually my first business venture, which was over 10 years ago.

Speaker 2: 13:15

As the kids got bigger, I really wanted to kind of like slow down on that, because a lot of my money was made in the evenings. That's when the moms like can go out and, after they've come home from work and go do some fitness classes. And I was like this is when my kids are coming home. I don't, you know, this isn't really working for me anymore, and so I actually was like I would love to, you know, have a job where I'm home, when they're home and I'm not when they're not. And so I I'm going to say because it's a really trendy buzzword now manifested working in the school board. So, and then I actually realized this is not, this is not for me, this is not it, and I realized how much of an entrepreneurial heart that I actually had.

Speaker 2: 14:04

And it's funny, in school I never saw myself. I never took a business class. There was nothing about business that really pulled me in, other than I would love to just be able to raise my own children, and so that was something that I then pursued. And when I knew I was just done, especially with I'm not going to go into it, but just experiencing what the school system is like these days it's not like it was back in the day and you know, I said that I need to do what makes me happy. And when I left the school board, and you know a lot of people were just like like you know, I really commend you on just literally turning your life around, like how do you do it? And I was like you know what I can? I can help women do this, figure things out, make their lives better. And so here I am.

Speaker 1: 15:20

And so here.

Speaker 2: 15:21

I am.

Speaker 1: 15:21

Excellent. I feel like we have a bit of a similar path because I, when I was bringing up my children, I worked in the corporate world. I still do, nine to five, juggling kids and hours, and always working some hours a week or you know, and it's difficult, a week or you know, and it's difficult, it is, it is, it's not easy, it's exhausting, yes, so you, you do like you did. You, you try things. They don't didn't work, so you try something else but, there's a lot of um.

Speaker 1: 15:48

For me as well, it was like there were failures. I was thinking no, this is this, doesn't you. I'm not feeling this, this doesn't work. I've got to shift something, and I sometimes think that people look at you and don't realise what's come before they realise you know that it's taken you time to shift and find your path, so that's really important for people to understand that it. You know it is hard work, it's, it's a juggling act, but it really is where you need to be, isn't?

Speaker 2: 18:27

it. That's right, and that's another reason why I don't you know um. In my, for example, social media, I don't like to glorify the fact that I'm an entrepreneur and or a business woman. For the most part, I might throw in the hashtag here and there so that it kind of pulls the audience that I'm that would be interested in, but it's not, it's not glamorous, it's really not. No, it's hard work, it's hard work.

Speaker 1: 18:51

It's a hustle, that's right. And the other thing that's interesting, which I find really strange, is that they don't teach about money in schools. They don't. Often women get to wanting to set up a business, wanting to do something for themselves, but they haven't been taught about, you know, credit and loans and investment, and they just, you know they don't necessarily know unless they've been dealing with their family finances, but often it's a shared thing and it's so. That's. That is something that you just have to learn, isn't it as well?

Speaker 2: 19:25

unfortunately and it's funny you say that because I've been thinking of you know, going into schools and talking about how important that is for for everybody, but especially women, um, and I'm so grateful again that my parents, you know, really, really instilled that in me and taught, taught me how, even though I was rolling my eyes at them, them telling me to, to have, you know, an RRSP when I'm 18 years old, and now I get it. You know, now I get it, and I've taught my children the same.

Speaker 1: 19:54

So yeah, my dad was always big on that. You know, in my 20s you've got to start your pension now and it was like but I did. But it does make me laugh because my kids I think it was my daughter she has an account, but she said to me how I have to write a check for this. I don't know how to write a check because they use their cards on everything, don't they? That's right, it changes. But I think that's so important for kids to learn and women who want to be entrepreneurs. I would really recommend, yes, having a club, doing a class in that, or getting um a mentor, like you do, don't you? You do one-to-one mentorships, not necessarily just with money, but what do you do your mentorship with?

Speaker 2: 20:39

uh, just general abundance, and so if, if that is, um, you know an area that they needed some guidance in, I you know I'd be happy to to do that it like, really, I just have I like to have just an open conversation. I don't have a huge, you know, uh hard template that I follow with each of my clients, because everybody's situation is very different, right, and everybody is at a different stage in their life at any point in time, and so I'm here for every stage that you know a woman is going through.

Speaker 1: 21:09

That's very true. I mean, with clients, you just follow the energy, don't you really what they bring up, what they need to talk about? And that triggers other things, doesn't it? Energy is everything that's right. So you talk about helping helping self-healers as well. So is that something that you? You talked about your husband doing a lot of work. Is that something that you've worked on your own energy?

Speaker 2: 21:34

oh yes, yeah, big time the way you said that oh even at times that I wish I didn't have to.

Speaker 2: 21:44

Yeah, you know what we go through some things in our life that really teach us who we are and what we need, and we think we already know these things, but we really and truly don't, especially when life really just shoves reality in your face and you're forced to deal with things Right, and so you learn to deal with things as they happen to you. You know, I didn't think that in 2019, I would have to deal with my father's passing when he was only 65 years old, right, but my goodness, did that ever bring me so much growth, so much wisdom and awareness to what was really happening in life and who's who and what's what? And you know, when you're faced with big challenges in life, you really are challenged to figure out who you are and what you need.

Speaker 1: 22:39

Yeah, you've got to work your way through, it't you? So yeah, so, um, do you have any favorite energy healing modalities that you sort of turn to? Is there one that you particularly think? You know that is one that you think is the first port of call, if you like myself personally in regards to me serving my clients. Yeah, sure, or just you personally. You know, if you have a trauma, what do you do to sort of work your way through it?

Speaker 2: 23:15

And in regards to serving my clients, I don't necessarily use modalities. I love, you know, I love using tarot and you know I've got, you know, my sound instruments and stuff, and but I don't necessarily feel the need for tools because I truly feel I serve best with, with my voice, from my highest self and my intuition. And it's funny because sometimes I'll, I'll say something or somebody will will thank me for the session they had and I'm like, oh, did I actually say that? I didn't?

Speaker 1: 23:46

know I said that that's pretty good advice.

Speaker 2: 23:48

Other than that, I love music. Music is my heartbeat. Yeah, whether it's you know whether it's sound bowls, or you know that a shaman drum, or just listening to music, and or you know dancing with somatic release, I absolutely love music. I would definitely say music, like I said, is you know the beat, the beat of my soul.

Speaker 1: 24:22

Yeah, lovely Sound healing is just such an amazing thing, isn't it just that vibration, just yes, just well, bathing in it. Basically, it's in the name, isn't?

Speaker 2: 24:28

it. That's right. You know what else is? Another great one I must say like, uh, speaking to a really good psychic, I've had a couple who I can definitely say have changed my life yeah, that's amazing isn amazing isn't it?

Speaker 1: 24:44

And sometimes it can just be one thing that sort of sticks in your mind, doesn't it? But as you work on that, you suddenly come to realize what they were talking about.

Speaker 2: 24:54

sometimes, it's not the news at the moment is it.

Speaker 1: 24:57

But you know, move off. Sometimes you think, oh, that's what they were talking about, that's what was going on. Yeah, that's amazing.

Speaker 1: 25:08

I I have a few readings every now and again as well yes, I would definitely choose a psychic or spiritual, you know mentor over a business mentor, that's my own thing, maybe because I am one of, and so but I love the way that you, like you, say you, sometimes you, you don't know where what you talk about comes from, so to speak, because I I do that with writing. I can read something that I've written before and think did I write that? You know, there's not a an instant recognition, which means that you are sort of channeling from another place, aren't you?

Speaker 2: 25:47

That's right. You know what? Natasha, one of my spiritual mentors, said that to me not too long ago. Because I said, you know, imposter syndrome totally will kick in sometimes. And I'm like, look at you know, look at this post that I wrote. You know, I wrote it, I felt so good about it. And after I posted it I'm like what did this post that I wrote? I wrote it, I felt so good about it. And after I posted it I'm like what did I write and why did I write that? And she said to me Carol, this is really good, because what you wrote there was coming from your highest self. So when you kind of bring yourself back to reality, back to 3D, you're just like what was that Right? Because it's kind of two different versions of you. So you're really producing your that. That's your best stuff, that is your authentic self, your highest authentic self. When you're like what was that Right?

Speaker 1: 26:37

Best version of you Right.

Speaker 2: 26:39

Yes.

Speaker 1: 26:39

It's a great feeling to think.

Speaker 2: 26:44

Now I get that.

Speaker 1: 26:46

And you also have a podcast, don't you? The Carol Suki podcast. So what do you talk about on your podcast? You know?

Speaker 2: 26:54

what it's actually pretty similar to yours, natasha. I just kind of check in with some women who either want to share their story or I think that they have a story to share and they're happy to share it because, you know, it's so validating when you talk to women who have just kind of lived life and are happy to share it. That's, you know, that's the stuff that really connects with people. I don't care to bring on, you know, famous such and such. It's the real women who do real things and have gone through real struggles where it's like that's so relatable to me. I'm so glad I heard that. I know I'm not alone, yeah.

Speaker 1: 27:31

Life experience. That's right, yeah. And then people do recognize that, don't they? And think, well, if she could you know I'm not alone, like you say and if she can cope and work her way out of that, then so can I. Absolutely, yeah. Empower people to sort of be the best they can be, I suppose that's right. Find their path.

Speaker 2: 27:55

Exactly.

Speaker 1: 27:56

Brilliant. Well, carol, it's been an absolute pleasure to have you on. It's been lovely talking to you. We had a few attempts, attempts, but we got there in the end, which is lovely.

Speaker 2: 28:07

I mean, we're like on other sides of the world.

Speaker 1: 28:09

I know amazing, I know, and that can cause a few problems with timings and things like that, but I think I always find um, just you know, nowadays, isn't? That extraordinary that we can speak to people across the world and it's clear and I can see your face. And you know it is pretty amazing, isn't it? It truly is, yeah.

Speaker 2: 28:34

Well, thank you so much.

Speaker 1: 28:35

And I will post up underneath the episode all your details so that if people would like to contact you for mentoring or or have a listen to your podcast, it's on your website, isn't it? That's right, the details, and they can do that. So thank you, everybody for listening to this episode and if you've enjoyed um listening to carol and I have a chat, please like and share and um, I will speak to you again soon.