Month: August 2024

From Grief to Growth: Discovering the Value Hidden Within Your Sadness In a world that often encourages us to mask our pain with positivity, it’s easy to overlook the profound lessons that lie within our sadness. Grief can feel like an uninvited shadow, settling heavily on our hearts and minds, but what if buried beneath those layers of sorrow is a treasure trove of growth waiting to be unveiled? In this journey through emotions, where heartache meets healing, I want to show how acknowledging and embracing your grief can transform it into one of life’s most powerful catalysts for personal evolution. Even in the darkest times, there exists a path toward resilience, understanding, and ultimately, empowerment. Walk with me… Sadness is a universal experience. It creeps into our lives unexpectedly, often leaving us feeling isolated and overwhelmed. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or even just a bad day, sadness can take many forms. We all encounter it at some point, myself included.  It’s woven into the fabric of being human. Physically, repressed emotions may manifest through tension headaches, digestive issues, anxiety, stress or fatigue. These symptoms are merely the body’s way of signaling distress from unresolved sorrow. Socially, withdrawing from others becomes common when we mask our sadness. We might miss out on valuable connections and support systems during tough times. Ultimately, by shunning these feelings, we risk becoming trapped in a cycle of emotional stagnation. But what if we looked at sadness through a different lens? Instead of seeing it solely as an emotion to avoid or suppress, what if we recognized its potential for growth and transformation? The journey from grief to personal development may seem daunting, but within each moment of sorrow lies invaluable lessons waiting to be uncovered. One powerful coping method is journaling. Writing down thoughts and feelings allows for a deeper understanding of what’s living rent free in our head. We often spend our time doing something/anything to avoid managing the sadness and grief. But this just delays the inevitable. Journaling is about recording your thoughts…whatever is in your head. My journaling is my Dear God letter. I turn it over to Him. You can share your deepest feelings with whomever. Just get those thoughts out of your head onto paper. Another effective approach is physical activity. Engaging in exercise releases endorphins, which can lift your spirits and reduce stress levels. Even a short walk can make a difference. Sweating is a good thing! Exercise/moving is critical to your overall wellness. Deep breathing while Being SILENT helps ground you. Being SILENT…no movement, no electronics, wear an eye mask, relax, eyes closed, dream. The solution is in the Silence. I sit in the dark, so I have no distractions, wrapped in my favorite blanket. You can do this. It is critical to your overall wellness. Connecting with others can also be beneficial. Sharing your feelings in a support group fosters connection and reminds you that you’re not alone in this journey. Sadness can be a profound teacher. It tends to reveal what truly matters in life or highlight areas where change is needed. Recognizing the value of sorrow doesn’t mean dismissing how you feel; it’s about honoring those feelings while searching for growth opportunities they present.  We stop viewing sadness solely as an enemy and begin to understand its role in shaping resilience and the depth of our character. Each moment spent in sorrow can unveil lessons about resilience, empathy, and strength. By confronting rather than avoiding these feelings, we pave the way for growth. Grief and sadness often walk together, but it’s important to hold on to the good times. They are a part of who you are today. No regrets—just the cherished memories that bring a smile to your heart. I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit Contact me to discuss the sadness you’re feeling – Let me know if you have other coping skills to share. Let me know your thoughts on this blog. Contact | Spiritual Coach + Business Coach | Rita Ricks

Reflecting on the Forgiveness Detox: A Journey of Sisterhood and Healing On the evening of June 28th, we came together for a transformative Forgiveness Detox, and I am overjoyed to share that it was an overwhelming success. The turnout was incredible, but what truly made the event magical was the deep sense of sisterhood and connection we experienced during our fun girls’ night happy hour. As the evening unfolded, we embraced vulnerability, shared our stories, vented our frustrations, and found moments of laughter amidst the tears. Each woman present opened her heart about her forgiveness journey, offering heartfelt advice and unwavering support to one another. It was a powerful reminder of the strength we find in community and the beauty of sharing our truths. During the workshop, I introduced my F.O.R.G.I.V.E. Method, a structured approach to navigating the complex path of forgiveness. Here’s a brief overview of each step: F: Face the Emotion – Acknowledge and confront the feelings associated with the hurt. For example, recognizing the anger or sadness you feel towards someone who wronged you. (And let’s be honest, sometimes that anger is directed at the barista who messed up your coffee order this morning.) O: Open the Wounds – Allow yourself to revisit the pain and understand its impact. Please be careful with this one. If the trauma is deep, you may want to solicit support from a therapist or coach. (YES, I am available.) R: Release Resentment – Let go of the grudges and bitterness that hold you back. This does not mean to forget; it means releasing the reaction it has on you. The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference. This could be through meditation, prayer, or simply deciding to no longer let the resentment control you. G: Grant Forgiveness – Choose to forgive the person who hurt you, not for their sake, but for your own peace. This is not an on and off switch. This is the biggest and often most difficult part of the process, but it is vital. As Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” I: Investigate the Lesson – Reflect on what the experience has taught you. Perhaps it has made you stronger, more empathetic, or more aware of your boundaries. (Or maybe it’s just taught you not to loan your favorite shoes to anyone, ever again.) V: Visualize a New Future – This is my favorite part. This is when you get to dream and find your joy. Imagine a future where the pain no longer defines you. Envision the possibilities that open up when you are no longer held back by past hurts. This is the release we hope for and desire most. E: Embrace Healing – Accept the healing process and be patient with yourself. Healing is not linear, and it’s important to give yourself grace as you move forward. This is a beautiful thing for others to also witness. Oftentimes people hide their feelings and the ways they process their healing. It is wonderful to see as it demonstrates the importance of healing intentionally. Forgiveness is a journey, and there is no rush. Each step is crucial, and it’s important to move at your own pace. However, the sooner you free yourself from the pain, the sooner you can live on purpose with purpose. Thank you to all the incredible women who attended and made this workshop a sanctuary of growth and healing. Let’s continue to support each other on this journey of forgiveness and personal transformation. You can catch testimonies from the workshop on my Instagram @msangelacoaches