Month: May 2024

Explore the role RESISTANCE plays in Directing your Path Do you ever feel like you’re your own worst enemy when it comes to making positive changes in your life? You’re not alone. Self-sabotage – the sneaky little voice in your head that convinces you to stay stuck in old habits and patterns is alive and well. While resistance may seem like a conscious decision to oppose change, it is often fueled by underlying fears that lead to self-sabotaging behaviors. For example, if someone has a fear of failure or rejection, they may resist taking action towards their goals because they are afraid of not being good enough. This fear then manifests in sabotaging behaviors such as procrastination or making excuses for not moving forward. Moreover, resistance and self-sabotage create a vicious cycle where one feeds into the other. When you face resistance towards change due to underlying fears and insecurities, you tend to engage in self-sabotaging behaviors that reinforce those fears even further. This cycle continues until you break these patterns. At its core, resistance stems from a fear of the unknown and a desire to maintain control over one’s life. It is a natural human response to change as your brains are wired to seek comfort and familiarity. However, when faced with changes that require you to step out of your comfort zone and challenge your beliefs and habits…RESISTANCE! When faced with changes that challenge these limiting beliefs and require risk-taking or pushing beyond your comfort zone, here comes self-sabotaging behaviors as a means of protecting yourself from potential failure or rejection. thus you avoid change and opportunities for growth and hinder your personal and professional development. While there are multiple factors that contribute to resistance, two key root causes are fear and comfort zone. Fear is a powerful emotion that can paralyze us and prevent you from taking necessary action. When faced with change, your brains often interpret it as a threat to your safety and security. Your comfort zone also plays a significant role in fueling resistance to change. It refers to a psychological state where you feel at ease with your surroundings and routines. For instance, someone who has been trying for years to lose weight but has always struggled may find comfort in their current lifestyle despite its health consequences. The idea of giving up their favorite foods or incorporating regular exercise into their routine challenges this comfort zone they have created for themselves. Another way in which self-sabotage fuels resistance is through perfectionism. While striving for excellence can be beneficial, setting unrealistic standards for oneself can be detrimental. Perfectionists often have an all-or-nothing mentality and believe that if they cannot do something perfectly, then there’s no point in doing it at all. This mindset can lead to resistance towards change because individuals may feel overwhelmed by the need to achieve perfection before making any changes in their lives. Moreover, self-sabotage can also manifest itself as imposter syndrome – the feeling of being a fraud and not deserving success or recognition. People experiencing imposter syndrome tend to downplay their achievements and attribute them to luck rather than acknowledge their hard work and abilities. Past negative experiences can also contribute. Self-sabotage is a destructive behavior that can affect various areas of your life. It hinders your growth and prevents you from achieving goals critical to your career, relationships, health, emotional growth, and finances Addressing self-sabotage requires a high level of awareness about one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Mindset-shifting techniques such as positive affirmations, visualizations, journaling, and therapy can help individuals reframe their thoughts and beliefs. It allows you to embrace a more positive sense of self. Another crucial aspect of overcoming self-sabotage is developing self-compassion and forgiveness towards yourself. Physical movement is also critical in shifting your mindset. SUMMARY Resistance, while often a catalyst for positive change, can also become a formidable barrier to progress when it is rooted in an unwillingness to adapt. Clinging to the familiar and resisting new ideas or approaches stifles innovation and growth, trapping individuals and societies in a cycle of stagnation. This type of resistance prevents one from seizing opportunities, embracing necessary changes, and evolving with the times. It creates self-imposed limits ensuring that you remain confined by the very barriers you created and yet refuse to dismantle, ultimately hindering your potential. Let’s talk about this more. Share your thoughts and comments and give me examples of how resistance has impacted your life. This topic is too important for just one blog. Let’s talk about this more. Share your thoughts and comments and give me examples of how resistance has impacted your life. This topic is too important for just one blog. Leave your message here: Contact | Spiritual Coach + Business Coach | Rita Ricks I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit

Mom: The Stage Manager of my life! In the grand production of life, there’s always one person who stands out as the guiding force behind the scenes, orchestrating every moment with love and grace. For me, that person is my mother, Anita. She’s not just a mother; she’s my first and forever best friend. In previous posts and discussions, I’ve often referred to the stage of life, emphasizing where people reside – the Front Row, the Balcony, or the Parking Lot. Throughout, I’ve proudly reserved the center seat for my mom. However, upon deeper reflection on her significance in my life, it’s evident she’s far more than a mere spectator; she’s the Stage Manager, flawlessly supporting every facet with meticulous attention and unwavering precision. Just like a Stage Manager in a theater production, my mother is always there, ready to ensure that everything runs smoothly (or at least she is really good at hiding the chaos from me). She anticipates my needs before I even realize them myself, just like a Stage Manager who knows the script by heart. From ensuring I have my favorite dinners on Sunday to offering a listening ear whenever I need it, she’s there backstage, ensuring everything is perfect for the performance of my life. One of the most remarkable parallels between my mother and a Stage Manager is her ability to handle any situation with calmness and poise. As a high-energy person, who often talks a mile a minute, she is often the only one who can get me centered, focused, and calm within a matter of seconds. Just as a Stage Manager remains composed amidst chaos backstage, my mother navigates the ups and downs of life with unwavering strength and grace. No matter what challenges come our way, she’s there, a steady presence in the wings, guiding me through with her wisdom and unwavering support. Moreover, my mother’s attention to detail rivals the most meticulous Stage Manager and Designer for our favorite show, Project Runway! Not only did she design and sew countless costumes for me during my time in the theater, but she also masterfully designed and made my prom dresses, pageant gowns, and Halloween ensembles… and ensembles they were!! Watching her work, I marveled at her skill and speed; she could sew a button and execute a hem faster than anyone I know. Her thoughtfulness and attention to every little aspect make each moment feel tailor-made and special, much like the intricate staging of a theater production. But the most profound aspect of my mother’s role as the Stage Manager of my life is her endless love and compassion. She taught me what unconditional love was and I have been blessed never to see that love waver. Just like a Stage Manager works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of the show, my mother’s love knows no bounds or time limits. Her selfless sacrifices, boundless patience, and unconditional support are the cornerstone of my very existence. As I conclude this tribute to my mother, I want to express my deepest gratitude to her. Mom, here are your virtual flowers! Thank you, Mom, for your sore knees, which I know are from countless prayers uttered for my well-being. Thank you for your infectious smile that brightens even the darkest days and keeps us going when the going gets tough (which I am proud I inherited). And thank you for all the times I didn’t get to say thank you, for your love knows no conditions or expectations… and I Thank God for that and you! “I Love You More”