Month: November 2022

You don’t want to play HOLIDAY? Allow Me to Enlighten You. It saddens me, that with the tradition of three well-known family celebrations held in December… Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa, too many people do not celebrate in this month. I read an article from Mcleanhospital.org stating… “according to the American Psychological Association, 38% of people surveyed, said their stress increased during the holiday season. This stress can lead to physical illness, depression, anxiety, and substance misuse. The reasons given: lack of time, financial pressure, gift-giving, and family gatherings, while Grief and Loss bring another level of sadness. Please consider reaching out to me. One conversation could help you see what’s really important to you during this season. If not me, choose another professional. It would help to learn why this season triggers sadness in you, rather than true joy. One day at a time is one way to look at each day, no matter the season. We cannot change yesterday, and tomorrow is not promised, so Today is all we have. We’ve all experienced a complete shift in our lives with all that’s happening around us, and I get it. It’s not an easy space to be in. So, what are the choices? Do you continue feeling sad and hope things get better? What you send out, comes back to you. You send sadness into the Universe and it comes back to you. So, start by focusing on what you’re grateful for and allow more gratefulness to come back to you. What do you have to lose? Rita’s Recommended Action Steps: Think about what makes you smile. One memory could totally make a difference. Think about what brings you joy, then close your eyes and relive it. Think about those less fortunate and reach out. December is a time for giving and it doesn’t have to cost you anything but your time Think about WHY you’re spending the money. Is it because you feel guilty, you want to impress someone, you feel pressured? None of these excuses will matter in January. Ask yourself WHY! I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit My final recommendation is that you download our Holiday gift which you can benefit from all year. Angela has created a beautiful and peaceful meditation tape. She begins by saying “do not drive while listening”. Her words. her tone, the background music is medicinal…ENJOY!! I am so proud of her and I know you will be as well. Download You are hearing it first. It will be on our website and YouTube channel next week.              Happy Holidays from us to you!!! Save the Date Our BURN VISION Retreat is where you want to be. Throughout the weekend, we will guide you, support you, life you listen to you and speak to your spirit. REGISTER TODAY! Learn More!

“Worry Bout Yourself” There can be so much going on during the holiday season that can easily distract us. We’ve got shopping. We’ve got food buying. Don’t forget the food preparation and eating. There is personal time with family and friends. We have parties and festivities.  We attend faith-based and remembrance services and share moments where we honor our ancestors. And during this special time, how often are you taking a moment to focus on yourself? Taking time to Worry Bout Yourself or focus on yourself can easily take a backseat when so much needs to be done, especially during the holiday season. But too much focus on other people, places, and things can pull you out of balance and keep you far away from fulfilling your own needs. It’s essential to recognize that if we worry so much about others, we can blur the lines that define what we have to do and what we really don’t have to do or worry about. Please recognize that focusing on yourself does not make you a selfish person. In fact, it makes you a brilliant person focusing on being able to be a better person to not only yourself but others. We have all heard the quote about pouring from an empty cup. But there is also such a thing as pouring from a toxic cup. So, ensure that what you’re pouring into yourself and others is of good nature, love, hope, patience, compassion, and generosity. Here are a few ways to “Worry Bout Yourself” during this holiday season… And any other season, for real! 1. Stop talking bad about my best friend, You! You wouldn’t allow your best friend to talk bad about themselves, so why do you talk so bad about yourself? I don’t care if their negative thoughts, limiting beliefs, or taking on the opinions of others. A simple rule is to not say anything to yourself that you wouldn’t say to anyone else. Be gentle to yourself. Use positive phrases and affirmations to yourself while looking in the mirror. You are a child of God; remember that! Begin to speak love and light into and over your life. Holiday Cheer is a real thing, and it starts with yourself. 2. Remember to Just Breathe We often work ourselves up over things that we have absolutely no control over. For example, there’s often worry about forgetting someone’s gift, not being able to attend an event with the in-laws, or the unrecognized fear of what the holidays will be like after a significant change. Just breathe… Take a few moments to be still. During the season, I’m often reminded of Psalms 46:10, “Be Still, and know that I am GOD .” We do not have to do everything. We do not have to be everyone. We do not have to go everywhere. But we can be confident and assured that no matter what happens, God’s got us. With that protection, it makes it a little bit easier to simply just breathe. 3. Take Advantage of the opportunities I love all the holiday sales that pop up during this time. Now it is important to be mindful of senseless spending. But it can be easy to include yourself in some of the deals. For example, some of my favorite restaurants are offering bonus gift cards with purchases. This creates opportunities to take me to lunch or happy hour! I am a great bargain shopper, and while finding great deals for others, I may purchase something small too. Or while the family is visiting and they offer assistance, you allow them help and remove critics about how it’s done. So take some pressure off and take advantage of the gifts around you. 4. Check out the Three Wise Women Now we all know the story of the Three Wise Men and their journey to Bethlehem for the birth of Jesus. But have you heard the story of the Three Wise Women who are combating holiday stress? Join Rita Ricks, Angela Lightfoot, and Celia Powell on November 12th at 10 a.m. for The Naughty List: Combating Holiday Stress. This workshop will help you set clear boundaries, manage your finances, and show you successful ways to create your best holiday ever. Save the Date The Naughty List 2.0 Join us as we share recommendations for navigating, overcoming, and enjoying your holidays. REGISTER TODAY! Learn More! ACHIEVING YOUR GREATNESS Coaching session for Young Adults Are you ready to support your young adult in their healing, contact me today! Learn More!