Melissa Carvalho - Purpose Forward Coaching & Consulting

I had a little aha moment a few weeks back.

I went out social dancing for the first time in 7 years, and I noticed how easily I was able to follow styles of dance I’ve never danced or even learned before. 💃

It just.. come naturally.

And it got me thinking.

There are things we’re naturally good at that we don’t even recognize as strengths… because they come so easily. Like- “If it’s that easy, maybe it’s no big deal that I can do this. Can’t everyone?”

For me, it’s always been that way body awareness. No wonder I love to dance. It blends movement and people- my two favorite things!

It made me think about how many different types of natural intelligence there really are and how better off we would all be if we took the time to recognize what comes so easily and without effort. There is word smart, number smart, people smart, self smart, body smart, music smart, and nature smart.

Without further adieu, feel free to check out this natural intelligences assessment- in the comments below. I am loving it and so are my clients.

Because afterall, what comes naturally to you, is often a compass to your purpose. Maybe it’s worth exploring more?

It’s no accident I tend to bring movement (and people) into everything I do. It’s the thread that ties together all of my passions. What is your thread? The strength that’s always there just begging to be used?

If you take it, tell me what you come out as. I would love to hear! ❤️

This is your reminder that you are a manifester.
Yes, your intentions and actions create your reality.

It just doesn’t always happen HOW you want it to.

The universe always provides the lessons and obstacles needed for your greatest good, and greatest growth.

Today is a powerful full moon. Do you feel it?

What has recently come to fruition for you? What do you have more clarity on right now? What are you moving towards, and maybe away from?

And my favorite question of all- What is life asking of you right now?

Maybe it's just to be grateful, to give love, or to feel peace ❤️

Love and Blessings, and happy pink moon!

Just a little reminder as we continue to settle into the new year:

Clarity doesn’t come from pushing harder.

It comes from listening more closely.

If the start of this year still feels a bit unclear, that doesn’t mean you’re behind or broken in any way.

It is often just pointing us to listen deeper.

Many of us were taught to respond to uncertainty by doing more.

✅More planning

✅More effort.

✅More pushing.

(I am very guilty of this!)

But purpose rarely reveals itself that way.

The work I do- whether in coaching, reflection, or conversation, is not about fixing yourself or forcing answers.

It’s about remembering who you are and letting that be the guide for your next right step.

January is powerful not because it demands decisions be made, but because it offers space.

Blessed space.

You can still choose your next move. A move that's in alignment with your nature.

If you’ve been feeling drawn to pause, reflect, and realign – that’s what the fresh start that January represents is all about.

How will you find more time to listen to what it is you truly need.. instead of pushing? ❤️

At first I thought doing nothing meant not to work extra so I stopped taking on extra clients.

Then I thought doing nothing meant to stop doing unnecessary chores so I stopped washing the walls. 😅

Then I thought doing nothing meant to stop making extra plans so I had phone dates📞 with friends instead of venturing out. 🍷

Then I thought doing nothing meant to read more books 📖and do more yoga 🧘‍♀️ and meditation - so I did.

I was exactly today years old when I realized that doing nothing is just that - sitting and doing absolutely nothing. 🛋️🤗

And you know what? I feel so much better!

Can anyone else relate? Any other recovering "overachieving productive people" out there?

Spread the word! I really think I'm on to something 😀 What does your "doing nothing" look like?

P.s. It's hard!!!

Leadership isn’t about your title. It's moving in a purposeful way to a clear mission. And so much of it is about getting clear on who we are on the inside, and aligning that to our role and world around us.

Some interesting conversation came up during my talk at last night’s Leadership & Personal Brand workshop. That it is easy to think about our "work brand" but more challenging to think about our "life brand". And that was a big aha moment for me.

When the two align we can truly live in an authentic way. ❤️

So I challenge us all to take a pause, take a breath, and discover the passions, values and talents that light us up.. At home. What can we apply to what we bring to the workplace?

That is your authentic brand. When we can safely show up as our true selves, we thrive.

A big thank-you to RIYAN and Big Brothers Big Sisters of RI for hosting a great event that got many wheels turning! Including my own ❤️

Happy 5 years to my Career Coaching side hustle! 😊

Five years ago, on Aug 13, 2020, I found myself with a little extra time on my hands as well as some curiosity. I put up a career coaching profile online as an experiment “just to see”. Something I could play with in the evenings during covid times.

Over the years, I would get a couple of clients a week, and to my surprise- this has continued to grow. I can now humbly admit that I am consistently on a steady waitlist. There is more demand than I can handle with my other responsibilities. A milestone I was not sure I would ever see.

I have helped individuals start impactful businesses, find work that brings deep meaning into their lives, break into visible leadership roles, double their income and change their families’ lives. I have held the space for transformation and given them the encouragement that they needed to make bold moves, take risks, and believe in themselves.

I do not take this for granted. I love that the universe is using me as a vehicle to help others’ dreams come true. Over the past 5 years I have leaned into my own intuition and action -mindset and I have found this to work wonders for the clientele that come my way. I have taken chances with my own style, the clients I work with, and let it continue to evolve, just as I do.

I am grateful for this work that has allowed me to recognize and embrace my own purpose and lean into it. It has given me the platform to approach work as an artist. To continually create 🎨, evolve, and put my heart into it every step of the way.

Happy 5 Years to my side hustle! You've grown into your own entity and I am along for the ride. Thanks for choosing me. ❤️💫

We all carry different types of opposing philosophies within us. Lately, I’ve been noticing two inner voices- one that pushes us to do more and to achieve, and one that just simply wants to live and enjoy.

Inspired by the Cherokee parable “The Two Wolves,” I wrote this to reflect the quiet inner turmoil many of us feel as we make our way through life and what's truly important :

A wise mentor once said to a mentee:

“There are two selves inside each of us.
One is the Achiever.
They crave success, recognition, progress, and the next goal.
They're always reaching, always striving, always asking, what’s next?

The other is the Liver.
They seek presence, stillness, peace, connection, and joy in the now.
They breathe fully, honor beauty, and understand that 'this is enough'.

These two are always in conversation- sometimes in conflict.”
The mentee asked,

“Which one wins?”
The mentor smiled and said,

“The one you listen to… and the one you feed.”

By Melissa M. Carvalho, inspired by the Cherokee parable “The Two Wolves.”

Birthdays are always such a reflective time for me. To ponder my purpose, my goals, where I am heading, and what I am shedding.

One of my gifts is taking bold action to live out my dharma. In turn, one of my weaknesses is the unrealistic pressure I put on myself to achieve it.

At times I wish I could do more to make an impact in this world. I find myself thinking about what MORE I should be doing and not all that I have already accomplished.

As I move forward I need to remind myself, it is not what I do, but how I show up.

So I choose to show up—with my story, with vulnerability. Because I know I’m not alone. And I want you to know—you’re not alone either.

One day at a time. One year at a time. My journey is still unfolding and I trust where my path is taking me.

Remember, it’s not what we do—it’s how we show up. And yes, I am still living the very lessons I teach.

This is 44.

Don't tell me I didn't warn you.

I'm in! Are you? 😀

Some of my favorite day-to-day uses of AI in the workplace :
✔️ Improving language on important emails
✔️ Summarizing key points in lengthy documents
✔️ Critiquing and improving my presentations
✔️Streamlining content in complex documents
✔️ Hashtag suggestions for social media posts (like this one!)

What are your go -to's?

And are you an AI Pioneer, Flow With the Crowd, or Cautiously Holding Out?

Should I stay or should I go? 🤔
It’s not uncommon to find yourself at a turning point in your career wondering — Should I stay here at this job… or should I go?

Maybe you’re someone who needs more growth and stimulation — wanting work that challenges you, utilizes your strengths and passions, and energizes ⚡ you.

I feel like I’ve had an eye open to opportunities for most of my career. And I get it.

But lately, I’ve been asking myself a slightly different question:
What if I could make the most of where I already am?

What if you could close the gap between your current role and your ideal one — without making a major, stressful move?

Yes, I mean you don’t need to look for another job, another organization, and go through the hassle of the dreaded job search, getting on a new set of benefits, and starting from ground zero — when you’re already established where you are.

🌟 Introducing: The Stay or Go Clarity Session 🌟
A reflective, soul-nourishing process to help you make the best career decision for where you truly want to be.

If you're curious about this idea, let’s talk. I can help you:

✔️ Evaluate what your current role offers compared to what’s out there
✔️ Explore how your strengths and passions can be used more in your current work
✔️ Prepare for meaningful conversations with your management
✔️ Feel confident about your choice — whether that’s looking for new work or staying put a bit longer

✨ This is an exclusive offer for the month of June with limited spots available — so I can give each session the time and care it deserves.

Want to check in with yourself this month?
Just comment below or DM me with: “Stay or Go Clarity Session Please!” and I’ll hold a spot for you. 💌