We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey, PsyD. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Clarissa below.
Clarissa, we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
My self-care toolkit is my sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of life’s demands. I’ve got a few go-to practices to help me when I need it the most. Ever have those days when you stat to spin? That’s a sign I need to completely stop what I’m doing. Nature, my first refuge, offers solace through the trail behind my home. I put on my grey Salomon hiking boots and take off. The rustling leaves, chirping birds, and soothing sound of the running streams hidden in the woods bring me back to calm.
Meditation and yoga are my anchors, grounding me in the present moment. The stillness of meditation clears the clutter of the mind, while yoga intertwines breath and movement, fostering a harmonious connection between body and spirit.
As the day winds down, an epsom salt bubble bath becomes my ritual. The warm water, fragrant lavender bubbles, and the gentle flicker of candlelight create a sensory symphony that washes away the accumulated stresses.
And when none of the above seems to work, I turn to my most potent elixir—painting. The canvas becomes my confidant, absorbing both the vibrant strokes of my creativity and the weight of my thoughts. In those moments of creation, I find a profound sense of relaxation and self-discovery.
The impact of this self-care routine on my effectiveness is immeasurable. Nature offers a needed perspective shift; meditation and yoga foster mental clarity; and the artistic expression becomes a cathartic release. The cumulative effect is a heightened ability to navigate challenges, a reservoir of creativity, and a wellspring of resilience. It’s not just about managing stress; it’s about fortifying the foundation from which I operate, ensuring that each endeavor is infused with the vitality nurtured by self-care.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
What I do is more than a profession; it’s a passion to ignite the spark of possibility in others. My joy lies in guiding individuals to breathe life into their dreams. It might sound cliché, but it’s the heartbeat of what I love doing the most. Whether it’s supporting my clients in crafting a vision for the future; helping aspiring and new creative entrepreneurs flourish as leaders in their business; or creating a space for wellness and self-care for busy professionals of all walks of life.
I see myself as a steadfast advocate for possibility—a relentless, tough-love cheerleader encouraging people to envision beyond their current circumstances. The mantra is simple: if you don’t like something, you have to power to change it. It’s about empowering individuals to reshape their narratives, embracing the idea that every moment is an opportunity for transformation.
What sets my brand apart is the genuine commitment to fostering growth, self-development/leadership, creativity, and holistic well-being. It’s not just about selling a product or service; it’s about cultivating an environment where dreams are nurtured, possibilities are explored, and individuals are empowered to steer their own course.
As for what’s new, the journey continues to unfold with exciting events, services, and expansions on the horizon. What you can expect are new episodes on my Painting Your Path podcast. I’m also planning to publish more Painting Your Path books with different themes. I’ll continue to launch online summits and masterclasses to help as many people I can. Doing retreats is something I’ve always wanted to do for individuals and for corporations who want to invest in their employees’ well-being. We shall see what comes to life this year and beyond!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three pillars stand out as the bedrock of my path: Dream, Plan, Be Brave. These qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been pivotal in shaping my trajectory.
1) Dream: It all begins with the audacity to dream. Taking the time to envision a future that aligns with your passions and aspirations is crucial. Adults often underestimate the power of dreaming; it’s not just for the young or the idealistic. Dreaming provides the compass for your journey, setting the course for your endeavors.
2) Plan: Dreams without a roadmap can remain elusive. Planning is the bridge between the ethereal world of dreams and the tangible realm of action. Collaborate with those who can guide you in crafting a realistic and actionable plan. This step is vital, especially for those venturing into offering services. It provides clarity and a structured approach to turning dreams into reality.
3) Be Brave: Courage is the catalyst for transformation. Dreams and plans are the foundation, but it’s the courage to act that propels you forward. Taking the plunge into the unknown, pushing boundaries, and embracing discomfort are inherent to any journey of significance. A dream without action is merely a wish; being brave and acting on your aspirations is the essence of progress.
Advice for Early Journeyers:
For those at the outset of their journey, my advice is threefold. Firstly, dedicate time to dream. Allow yourself the freedom to explore your vision, starting point, and desired destination. Dreaming is not a frivolous exercise; it’s the foundation of meaningful endeavors.
Secondly, don’t go it alone. Collaboration is key, especially when it comes to crafting a plan. Seek guidance from mentors, coaches, or peers who can contribute valuable insights and help refine your strategy.
Lastly, embrace bravery. Act on your dreams with the understanding that challenges are part of the journey. Sales and marketing are integral components, and getting comfortable with promoting yourself is crucial. Solidify your understanding of who you are, what you’re selling, and who your audience is.
In essence, the journey is a dance of dreams, plans, and courageous actions. Embrace each step with resilience and an open heart, knowing that the path to success is often paved with self-discovery and growth.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
If you are brand new to me, I love collaborating with other creatives, thought leaders, and positive humans who want to make this world a better place.
I enjoy hosting and co-creating events – online and in person. Some of my past online summits were From Cubicle to Creative Life, From Employee to Creative Entrepreneur, and The Courageous Abundant Leadership Summit. I’m expanding into in-person workshops and retreats. I cannot do it alone!
If you’ve enjoyed reading my story, don’t be shy. Let’s connect. Check out my podcast, Painting Your Path. Listen wherever you hear podcasts. Message me on Instagram. My handle is @dr.clarissacastilloramsey. Let me know you read this article.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://clarissastudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.clarissacastilloramsey
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarissa.castilloramsey
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccastilloramsey
- Other: Free gift for anyone who says I don’t have time and don’t know what my next adventure could be. This guide will help you: https://clarissastudio.activehosted.com/f/5:
Image Credits
Sonia Tapia Heidi Garcia
