Latest News & Updates (this one's starter-packed!!!) |
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Wow, it truly has been a year. Although a sign that the year is coming to a close, October is also a sign of new beginnings; it begins the last quarter of the year and, for many, it signifies the beginning of a busy holiday season. I’d like to take this new beginning as an opportunity to kick off my quarterly newsletter series. But first, allow me to reintroduce myself to those who’ve been here and introduce myself to those who just arrived. I’m Paul at Off the Comma! I like to help people learn, explore, discover, and grow. My passion cannot be contained by my professional work of coaching, consulting, teaching, and organizing. From day to day, I also engage in the art of listening, asking questions, throwing out ideas, and making room for laughter. It is my intention with this newsletter and any other email I send to keep you abreast of interesting events as well as opportunities for learning and discovery, and to challenge your thinking and keep inspiration flowing. You can expect a quarterly email from me; quite unintentionally, these will coincide nicely with the changing of the seasons. I may also send one-off emails as opportunities arise and as a means of remaining connected with the community through your feedback and my responses to such feedback. We are still growing, evolving, and learning here at Off the Comma. I invite you along for the journey and so appreciate your support! |
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Sober for the Holidays In 2021, I ended my 25-year relationship with alcohol without AA or other treatment programs. I continue to live each day alcohol free (AF) with gratitude, optimism, and a passion for life I once believed impossible. While I don’t try to convince others to quit drinking, I am here to support those who are sober curious, those questioning, and those who have made the decision to change their relationship with alcohol. Connection is critical for people who are looking to make change in their lives, and it is with great excitement that I launch my first program centered around helping those interested in making that change. |
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The Sober Guys Since April 2023, I’ve been affiliated with The Sober Guys, a group of sober men and sober coaches who believe that “the guys don’t show up to talk about their drinking” as much as they can. Our objective is to help guys navigate a sober life. We believe in holding a safe space for guys to talk about their experience with alcohol, their goals, and challenges that get in the way. We hold webcast discussions where we share information and invite questions from people who have already made the leap and those who are curious. Learn more at: www.thesoberguys.com |
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The First AF.ter Party Social Event in Manchester One of The Sober Guys, Andy Blackman @af.ter_party on Instagram, is hosting his first live event to create awareness and excitement about AF living for those who are sober curious. The event will be held in Manchester, UK, on October 29; I will be in attendance, speaking on behalf of The Sober Guys. Anyone who’s in the UK and able to join us, check out the details here. |
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Awake Conscious Brunch I was pleased to be a part of the inaugural Sacramento Awake Conscious Brunch held on September 9. This event was hosted by The Teetotalist Sacramento and Notre Ferme Sacramento and was the launch of an effort to build an AF community in Sacramento. I paid for a sponsorship and set up a table where I spoke with people about sober coaching and shared information and resources. It was a great event with great connections, food, speakers, and inspiration. Look for more events like this in the future and check out the organizers and speakers! |
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International Coaching Federation (ICF) Sacramento Fall Conference It was a privilege and an honor to emcee the one-day 2023 Fall Conference for the ICF chapter here in Sacramento. As a member coach, I volunteer and participate in events to support the profession and our community of coaches in the greater Northern California area. We had about 60 people in attendance and the energy was amazing. There were great breakout presenters, a moving keynote speaker, and a panel discussion with past, present, and future board presidents about the growth plans for the chapter and membership. I post often about ICF activities on social media, so keep an eye out for updates. If you’re a coach, thinking about being a coach, or just curious about what coaching is, check out our chapter. |
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Are you sitting on a comma? Listen to the "Off the Comma" podcast! I launched this podcast in March to help me get off one of my own commas! I’m very excited about this passion project! We all know what it’s like to feel stuck in life and not know where to go next. This podcast is all about what it’s like to be on the comma, as shared by individuals just like us. We will explore what they experienced, what they learned, and how they got themselves off the comma. Episodes come out four times a month. If you haven’t already listened, here’s where you can find the podcast: YouTube • Apple • Spotify |
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I’ve aired 15 episodes as of October 1st! It’s pretty exciting! What I’m learning is how meaningful it can be for people to talk about these experiences. It takes vulnerability to share these stories, yet each of my guests has described the positive impact it has had on them. Listeners comment about how much they connect with the stories and how they can relate to the experiences shared. Look for much more to come!!! Are you interested in being on the podcast or do you know someone who might be? Send me an email paul@offthecomma.com or reply to this newsletter. I’ll walk you through the steps! |
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The Important Questions: We are fortunate to have many people who are willing to share advice, tips, wisdom, and expertise in our world. I can’t begin to calculate the value of all that I have learned in my life. And, thanks to my coach training, shout out to Cami McLaren at McLaren Coaching, I also know the value of asking questions. The wisdom is and always was inside us. We simply have to tap into it and trust our inner wisdom. So here are a few questions for you: What is one thing you really want to do but keep putting off? What keeps you from doing it? What’s the worst that could happen if you did? What’s the best that could happen if you did? What’s one step you could take to move a little closer? What will figuring it out bring you?
Tell Me Your Stories Do you have an interesting story about sitting on a comma that you’d like to share? Tell me about it! With your consent, I might share some of your inspiring words on social media or other formats where it can help people feel more connected. We won’t use any identifying information about you unless you specifically ask us to! Click here to share Social Media I invite you to connect with me on social media and interact with my content. I especially like it when you share your own experiences and stories. That really lights me up. Find and follow me on the following platforms and you can find ALL of these links on my Linktree. Linkedin: Paul Briley Instagram: @off_the_comma and @blueeyedpisces70 (personal) TikTok: @off.the.comma and @paulinsac (personal) |
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I believe in the power of lifting others up. In starting and seeding my own small business, it has been very important for me to work with other solopreneurs, small business owners, and startups. As I do in my podcast, I want to use this section to “boost” other creators, causes, organizations, and platforms that hold meaning for me. This edition, I’d like to acknowledge my current business partners. These individuals are building their own businesses and brands with an eye toward possibility and doing work that is meaningful for them and those they serve. |
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| | Sonny Etchell: Podcast Producer. Sonny Etchell is founder of Podluxe - Professional Podcast Services, the solution for everything involved in the ‘back-end’ of podcasting. Sonny also offers a helping hand if you’re new to podcasting, with a full ‘Launch’ package in which he sets up your podcast from scratch including a consultation call, creating bespoke cover artwork, creating your trailer and getting you set up on a hosting platform so that we can start getting your dream podcast heard by others! | | |
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| | Amina Mwongozi: Creative Analyst. Amina Mwongozi is the founding member of AM Creative Group LLC, a company offering freelance services to small businesses, especially those in creative & wellness industries. A subject matter generalist, Amina has found success in a host of professions, including as a singer/ songwriter & songwriting mentor; a communications professional, specializing in government administration; a customer service specialist; a researcher; a program analyst; and an editor. She finds joy in the art of living and is committed to helping others bringing their passions to their fullest potential. Email me at: mail@amcreative.group. | | |
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| | Hector Garcia: Coach & Program Collaborator. In addition to being a coach, I am a Father, Brother & Heart Centered Human who has learned to weave both the masculine and feminine energies to embody a more centered human being who can hold space and show up for others when it matters most. I work with men, specifically in helping other men break down barriers that have held them back from fully embodying the best version of themselves, spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally. | | |
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Thank you to each of you for the role you’ve played in helping me move my path forward! I encourage you to check out each of these individuals and say “Hello”. Better yet, reach out to them with business opportunities. Share their information and like, follow, and subscribe to them on their social media channels. |
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I'd love to hear from you! Check out my website. |
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Find all my socials, useful links and causes that matter to me |
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Book a Discovery Call or consultation. |
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Give me feedback about the newsletter, podcast, and anything else about Off the Comma. |
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