Bliss’n up podcast

Courage & Transitions  ·  Personal Growth & Development
What will your theme be this month?

Happy Sacred Sunday!

Today is the last Sacred Sunday of the month.

If you’ve been in my world for a while, you already know that means today is the day for us to Name the upcoming month.

If you’re new here, welcome. I’m excited you’re here because I believe this practice will change your life.

This is the practice of Living with Intention

Today I invite you to grab a cup of coffee or tea, a journal or your phone, and sit in a comfy spot. Spend a few minutes reviewing your past month.

NOTICE: What were your successes last month? What worked? What didn’t work so well? What do you want to carry forward? What do you want to leave behind?

NAME: Set an intention by choosing a theme for the month. What do you want to focus on? What theme will be your North Star, helping you align your life with your priorities?

NURTURE: Spend your month nurturing this intention with your thoughts, habits, and actions. Decide today a few key habits you will focus on this month that support your intention. What would success look like at the end of the month? Define it today.

I follow this practice faithfully, and here are 3 things it has done for me and can do for you:

✨ CHANGES THE PACE: Practicing intentional rhythms helps you slow the months down in this fast paced world. Making time for this practice prevents the months from slipping by unnoticed.
✨ ROMANTICIZES LIFE: Naming the months gives each one character and purpose. Every month becomes a new chapter in your book of life, bringing its own flavor.
✨ INSPIRES THE HERO’S JOURNEY: Choosing to live consciously invites you to focus on what is within your control. You are no longer a victim of your circumstances, but the hero of your journey, deciding how you will play this game of life at every turn.

If you’d like inspiration for your own theme, this week on the podcast I’m sharing the one I chose for the Bliss’n Up Collective, plus a few that may serve you well.

Sidenote: you may also notice the audio sounds off this month. We ran into a tech issue that we’re working on. My friend Bruce always says you’re not a professional until you’ve bombed in that profession. I had to laugh that my last lesson in #strengthenseptember showed up as this little problem I now get to solve. Maybe this means I’m officially a professional podcaster 😁.

Next week I expect the audio to be running smoothly again. In the meantime, thank you for your patience as we grow together.

Big hug and cheers to your intentional life. ✨

Hit reply to this email and tell me, what will your theme be for this month?

Bliss’n Up Podcast


P.S. Have you signed up for our Sunrise Walk yet? It’s a soulcial event you won’t want to miss! https://carolinedeposada.com/sunrise-walk/

September 28, 2025

Courage & Transitions  ·  Personal Growth & Development
Strengthen September: Are You Thriving or Surviving?

Happy Sacred Sunday!

Hi from the West Coast… again!

This week I’m writing to you from Las Vegas, where Orlando and I came to celebrate a friend’s birthday.

Some people asked why I didn’t just stay in LA for the week instead of flying back and forth. The answer is simple: my kids. I wouldn’t want to miss a week of mom life to save a couple of long flights.

But all this traveling is exactly why Strengthen September has been such a powerful intention for me.

This month has been about strengthening all the things: 

Relationships. 
Systems. 
Time management.
Priorities. 
Muscles. 
Habits 
Resilience. 

This month has required intense focus and planning, not because I can’t get by without it (I used to live flying by the seat of my pants), but because I want to thrive, not just survive. 

Thriving takes Intention. 

✨And that’s what this week’s podcast episode is all about.

I’m sharing the 9 markers we need to thrive in mind, body, and spirit. They started as 5 S’s Dr. Sanchez and I identified together:

  • Sweat

  • Strength Training

  • Sleep

  • Supplements

  • Stillness

    But the more I reflected, the more I noticed 4 more S’s worth paying attention to.

    Tune in this week to hear all nine, and why they matter for a life rooted in balance and bliss.

Meanwhile, Orlando and I had a blast finding healthy ways to enjoy Vegas (yes, it’s possible!)—all while staying aligned with our 9 S’s. And truthfully, as much fun as we had, we’re just as excited to fly home… because we’ve built a life we can’t wait to come back to.

And that’s what I want for you. A life you love so much that even after the adventures, coming home feels like bliss.

Sending love today and always,



Bliss’n Up Podcast

P.S. Since I’ve been hopping coasts lately ✈️, I thought you’d love my Intentional Traveler’s Guide with simple tips to stay aligned and energized wherever you go. Grab it here: https://carolinedeposada.com/travel-guide/

September 21, 2025

Courage & Transitions  ·  Personal Growth & Development
The courage to take a leap

Hello from the West Coast!

I’ve spent the weekend filling my cup in one of my favorite ways—attending a personal development conference and spending time with great people. The theme this year at the Summit of Greatness by Lewis Howes was “Chase Your Dreams.”

It was incredible how many of the speakers were aligned with what I teach; some even using phrases almost verbatim to my own! This served as a reminder that when you DARE to live in alignment with your path, you’re so often rewarded with validating signs and synchronicities.

As I sat through the conference, listening and learning, I noticed something: 

The speakers were all talking about chasing your dreams, assuming you know what those dreams are.

But what about when you’re not sure what you’re chasing? What if you’re on a path that’s not bad, but also not great … and you don’t have clarity on what the next right thing is for you?

That’s exactly what I’m exploring in this week’s podcast episode.

The Courage to Leave What’s Comfortable 

We often hear about making bold moves to escape something terrible or pursue something breathtakingly inspiring.

But what if your life is “good enough” and you sense there might be something greater, but you’re not even sure if that’s what you want? 

In this episode, I’m sharing a vulnerable story about my son Justin, who went from coasting in a traditional school to taking a leap into an innovative educational model. He didn’t leave a bad situation. In fact, he was comfortable, had friends, and wasn’t asking for change. 

Yet, I saw his spark for learning dimming. This led us to a family journey of discernment, honoring difficult emotions (his and my own), and ultimately, embracing the fear and grief that comes with leaving the familiar for the possibility of greatness.
Here’s what I want you to remember:

  • It’s okay to feel afraid, guilty, or uncertain when stepping into the unknown.
  • You are the author of your own story. 
  • Courage is about moving forward even when you’re uncertain. 
  • Growth and joy often come on the other side of daring.

A September Invitation

If you’re sensing that a “good enough” path isn’t quite right for you, know that you’re not alone. and that waiting for perfect certainty may hold you back from your next season of growth. 

This month, I’m inviting you to strengthen. 

Strengthen your courage.
Strengthen your hope.
Strengthen your actions.

Where are you ready to consider a change, even if it feels a little scary?

I’ve created a 31 Simple Ways to Strengthen September worksheet to help you anchor into what matters most this month. You can download it at carolinedeposada.com/september or find it in the show notes.

Let’s Connect

If you’re at a crossroads and would value some grounded, heart-centered support as you discern your next step, I’d love to connect. Schedule a complimentary consultation with me [here], or simply reply to this email.

Here’s to daring to leave what’s comfortable in service of a life that feels aligned, joyful, and uniquely your own.

With love from the coast,



Bliss’n Up Podcast

P.S. If this message touched you, please consider forwarding to a friend who could use some gentle encouragement. And I’d love to hear: What new step are you leaning into this September? Hit reply and let me know.

September 14, 2025

Mindfulness & Clarity  ·  Seasonal Living  ·  Stoicism & Philosophy
A Distinction That Changes Everything

Happy Sacred Sunday!

Doesn’t it feel like as soon as Labor Day ends, it’s time to get back into rhythm? I can feel the community craving organization, structure, and systems that help us flow better and feel more grounded.

This month we named it: Strengthen September. This is the time to strengthen our bodies, our minds, our spirits, and our systems so we can ground into the fall season well. My goal, as always, is to inspire you to create a life that sparks bliss.

But this week I realized there’s a fundamental distinction I’ve never explained quite like this before:

👉 Bliss is something you find, not something you chase.

If you spend your life chasing bliss, you’ll always come up short. But when you pursue growth, service, and alignment, you often stumble upon bliss in the process.

That’s what I’m discussing on today’s podcast episode, along with how Stoicism has helped me strengthen virtues like wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. 

Those practices will lead you to a bliss-full life without the need to search for it.

I promise, when you embrace this distinction, your life changes forever and for the better.

🎧 [Tune into this week’s episode of Bliss’n Up here]

With love and clarity,

Bliss’n Up Podcast


P.S. Do you know someone who is always chasing for joy, happiness, and bliss and can’t seem to find it? Forward them this email and let them know how much you care about their well-being. 💛

September 7, 2025

Mindful Living  ·  Parenting & Family
Romanticizing Your Life

Happy Sacred Sunday!

I just returned from dropping off two of my boys at sleep away camp for the first time. I woke up extra early this morning to write them little notes and sneak them into little spots in between their clothes in their suitcases.

I imagined them arriving at camp, pulling out a shirt or a pair of socks and finding the little note.

I imagined their little smiles when they find the second one, and the third one.

I wondered if I placed them strategically enough so they find them at different times throughout the week, or if they’ll find them all at once.

These are little things I do to romanticize life.

Because life is going to happen regardless.

The bags will get packed. The boys will get on the bus. They’ll have their experience. I’ll have mine. And the days will pass.

But romanticizing life sparks a little extra connection. A little extra magic.  A little extra joy.

I learned this little ritual from my mom. She always left me little notes in my bags when I traveled. Back then I didn’t know she was romanticizing my life, but I see it clearly now. And I am so grateful for those momenticos that I can now pass down to my children.

This week on the podcast I’m talking about 3 ways you can romanticize your life too and why it’s such a powerful practice.

It’s easy to do, and it can completely shift the energy in your life.

This might be my favorite episode of all time, because it’s one of my favorite practices.

Oh, and I have something super exciting to share with you today also.

Today is the first time I air the podcast with video!!!!! So now you can listen, or watch and listen 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Tune in and keep bliss’ning, because the bliss you’re seeking is already within you.

Sending you so much love today and always,

Bliss’n Up Podcast

P.S.  If this message has been a gift in your life, would you be kind enough to pay it forward by liking, following, or leaving a review wherever you listen? Your support helps us reach more people who could benefit. Feel free to share it on your socials as well — that would be a lovely surprise. Thank you! 💛

June 8, 2025

Mindful Living  ·  Personal Growth  ·  Podcast Anniversaries
If it weren’t for this, you wouldn’t be here

There’s one thing we know for sure:
Regardless of what kind of relationship you have with your mother…
If it weren’t for her, you wouldn’t be in this world.
So today, on this Sacred Sunday, let’s pause to honor the mothers — those who birthed us, raised us, loved us, or simply gave us life. Let’s thank them for being the vessel through which we entered this world.

Happy Sacred Sunday!

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to lead a mission statement workshop for a family. The mother had previously attended one of my workshops and wanted her husband and children to experience it too.

Picture this: Mom and Dad, their five kids (ages 19 to 30), three spouses, and a few babies — all gathered on a Thursday night, after a long day of work, at Mom and Dad’s house to discover their personal missions.

The place was a mad house and I couldn’t believe Mom had pulled this off. 😂

This is how she did it:

  1. She told them she wanted them to participate in an activity (no details).
  2. She said it was her Mother’s Day gift.

And they showed up.

Every single one of them.

At first, I wondered how they’d respond.

Would they be annoyed? Disengaged? Scrolling on their phones?

But they were such troopers and engaged the entire time.

Each of them walked away with something powerful — a personal mission statement to help them live with intention and solid principles.

And guess what? They even enjoyed it. 😮

It touched my heart that this mother dared to create such a meaningful experience, even though it seemed inconvenient or risky at first. All she wanted was to give her family a tool for their success.

Someone once said, “The person who learns the most in any classroom is the teacher.”

And let me tell you — I learned so much from her that night.

Mom inspired me to dare to create a similar experience for my own family.

So yesterday, I gathered my “five fingers” (my three teenage boys and my husband) plus my mom, stepdad, and sister to do a Bliss on the Bottle Vision Casting activity together.

Now, you can probably imagine the enthusiasm level when I told three teenage boys what we’d be doing. 😅

But just like Mom’s family…

They showed up. They engaged. And I hope they’ll carry something meaningful from that moment forward.

I was especially grateful to watch my 75-year-old mom cast her visions with joy and enthusiasm.

It reminded me that it’s never too late to keep dreaming and never too early to model what daring looks like.

This week on the Bliss’n Up podcast, I’m inviting you to reflect on what motherhood can teach you about courage and daring.

Whether you’re a mom yourself, celebrating your mother, or learning from a mother’s legacy, this episode will inspire you to reflect on what brave decisions, quiet sacrifices, or bold moments shaped you.

And how you can use those lessons to pave a brighter, bolder way forward.

Let this episode be a gentle invitation to honor the many forms of daring,  especially the ones passed down through the women who molded us.

To all the mothers, the mother-figures, and the lessons they continue to give us…

Happy Mother’s Day.

Bliss’n Up Podcast
May 12, 2025

Mindful Living  ·  Personal Growth  ·  Podcast Anniversaries
It’s our Anniversary ✨✨✨ Reflections from a year of podcasting

Happy Sacred Sunday!

“May the 4th be with you” has become a famous, albeit unofficial holiday, stemming from a clever play on the Star Wars movie phrase.

As a true lover of words, I love May 4th 😂.

But today I love it a little extra … because today is also the day we celebrate the one year anniversary of Bliss’n Up on the podcast. (Cinco de Mayo is the official birthday, but we’re celebrating on this Sacred Sunday).

When I told my husband, Orlando, that I was it had been one year since I launched Bliss’n Up, he didn’t believe me. He’d shake his head and repeat, “no Caro. It can’t be! Time is passing too fast!”

It occurred to me that without any milestones, the passing of one May 4th to the other would be insignificant. It reminded me of the story I read years ago about a Native American man who told his grandfather he dreamed of becoming a lawyer.

The grandfather asked, “if that is your dream, then why don’t you go to law school?’

“I’m 47 years old, grandpa. I’m too old to go to lawschool.”

The grandfather put his hand on the man’s shoulder and looked him straight in the eye. “Son, in 3 years you will be 50. The only difference is you’ll be a 50 year lawyer, or you won’t.”

Time will pass regardless, but it is our responsibility to make that time intentional.

From now on, May 5th (and 4th this year) will forever mark a dream I dared to bring to life — even if it unbelievable how quickly it sprung up on us.

This week on Bliss’n Up, I’m reflecting on our anniversary and closing the loop on the 1st episode: Getting out of the trying loop and diving in.

There is a lot to learn about going from trying to doing and I’m so happy to be on the other side of this story to share those golden nuggets with you.

May the 4th be with you to DARE to chase your dreams, live your best life, and create your own reality, 

And thank you for joining along in my journey; thank you for reading this weekly newsletter, listening to the podcast, and being part of our Bliss’n Up community. This work wouldn’t matter if I didn’t have you to share it with.
Happy anniversary to us!
Bliss’n Up Podcast

May 4, 2025