Living at YES! Success Stories Archive

YES! stands for You Embracing Spirit!
In the LOGO, notice the symbol for the "Y" is a heart.
When you embrace Spirit - your heart is opened!

Putting One Foot in Front of the Other Toward Success and Abundance -- Carol Howe

Carol Howe knows what it means to put your best foot forward and live a life in full abundance. Literally. She and her daughter, Rachel, recently opened “Heel Your Sole” – a Foot Sanctuary and Specialty Gifts Shoppe located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. Flowers, plants and candles adorn this charming haven where cozy, overstuffed chairs welcome those who want to relax and get away from it all. “We offer reflexology, foot massages, soaks, scrubs, anything and everything to rejuvenate the sole so you can hit the ground running!” states Carol.

Carol’s journey to small business owner wasn’t a snap decision; it was a step by step process ignited by an idea that eventually grew into a passion. A psychiatric nurse counselor since 1974, Carol decided she needed a change after becoming frustrated with the health care industry. “I didn’t feel the priority was on serving patients anymore- it became more about insurances and the bottom line and that was frustrating to me. I noticed when my husband and I traveled how service oriented the people were. Whether you bought anything or not, they were just happy to see you! I had always toyed with the idea of opening a gift shop and/or somehow applying my work as a nurse into another venue, but wasn’t exactly certain what I wanted to do or how to go about it.”

It was during this time Carol had the opportunity to hear Sharon Marquart speak on numerous occasions. “I enjoyed hearing her philosophies and really connected with her style on many levels. I knew I wanted to hear more.” Carol decided to enroll in several of Sharon’s group sessions, one of which included the Course in Miracles. “The principles of the course are that we have choices to follow either fear or love. That resonated with me and with Sharon’s coaching and teachings; I began to gain clarity and direction on how I wanted to change my professional life.” Carol decided to take it a step further with individual coaching sessions and also enrolled in Sharon’s A Year to Live class where the basis was “learning to live fully by realizing our mortality,” in addition to participating in an E-Spirit Group. Taught and coached by Sharon, the purpose is to encourage participants to start a business from a passion or purpose and build from that aspect. With each new course, Carol began to realize these were the “mental building blocks” she needed to propel her forward to the next level. Then one evening, Carol was awakened at 3:00 a.m. with the vision of what that next level was going to be. “The idea for the shop literally woke me out of a sound sleep! I knew this was what I was supposed to do. I called my daughter the next morning- she called me later that afternoon with the name- “Heel Your Sole” and we’ve been moving forward ever since!

Heel Your Sole is open to everyone, however we specifically encourage those who work as caregivers a reminder to take some time for self- nurturing. “Caregiving for an elder patient, parent or loved one is gratifying, but can also be physically and emotionally draining unless you take time out to care for yourself. We create a soothing environment and offer services that are focused on rejuvenating, re- energizing and promoting well-being. It’s a wonderful mother daughter experience that has made the relationship with Rachel and me stronger, plus our nursing backgrounds enable us to help others through the power of touch and the healing arts. I’ve always been a purpose minded individual, and I believe the combination of my drive and Sharon’s coaching techniques and courses helped me take it to the next level.”

What is your personal "Living at YES!" story?
Not feeling confident about writing your story? No problem.
Send Sharon an e-mail message and we will be happy to record your story for you.