Author: Angela Lightfoot

Thriving with God in 25’ I haven’t written poetry in nearly a decade, but recently, inspiration found me. At Rita’s and my most recent Listening to the Silence retreat at Richmond Hill—an ecumenical center perched on the edge of Church Hill—I had the opportunity to fully embrace a transformative four-hour silent experience alongside 12 incredible women. Richmond Hill is a place steeped in a history that includes painful, racist chapters, yet it has been transformed into a sanctuary of healing, connection, and, dare I say, love. (You can learn more about this sacred space here: Richmond Hill.) During the retreat, Rita asked me to read Psalm 139, and this scripture became the foundation of my silent experience. Through this quiet yet profound encounter, I felt inspired to write again. What emerged was a poem—a reflection on Psalm 139 and the guiding theme for 2025: thriving. I pray this year brings us all growth, joy, and thriving abundance. A Prayer for 2025: A Year to Thrive(Inspired by Psalm 139) God, You see me, the real me inside,Every thought, every fear, there’s nothing to hide.You’ve been with me through every high and every low,In 2025, God please help me flourish and grow. You’ve shaped my life with Your perfect care,Every dream I have, You’re already there.Wherever I go, Your presence stays,Guiding my steps through all of my days. This year, Lord, I want to thrive,To live with purpose, to feel so alive.Help me let go of what holds me back,And trust You more with the courage I lack. Search my heart, clear out the doubt,Show me what thriving is all about.Plant new hope in my soul so deep,And teach me, Lord, the promises You keep. In 2025, let prayer and love take the lead,Help me be the blessing someone out there might need.With You by my side, there’s nothing to fear.This is my time, God, my breakthrough year. Amen.

Feminine Energy: Your Secret Superpower Feminine energy is a powerful yet understated force—the kind that nurtures, inspires, and transforms. It’s the essence of creativity and connection, offering a balance that the world desperately needs. Once overlooked, it’s now being recognized as a source of true strength and resilience. The Journey of Feminine EnergyFeminine energy has always been a powerhouse, but let’s be real—it’s had a serious PR problem. For centuries, traits like empathy and collaboration were labeled as weak. Then came the “boss babe” era, where we were told to hustle harder, louder, and tougher to keep up.Thankfully, things are finally making a significant and noticeable shift. Feminine energy is reclaiming its rightful place, showing us that you can be both soft and strong, empathetic and assertive. Spoiler: this balance? It’s the ultimate power move. Why Feminine Energy Is Everything Emotional Intelligence- Feminine energy excels at reading the room. Whether it’s calming a toddler’s meltdown or guiding a team through chaos, emotional intelligence is the unshakeable superpower that saves the day (and your sanity). Adaptability- Feminine energy knows how to pivot gracefully. Life throws lemons? We’re making lemonade and a DIY astringent. Compassionate Leadership- best leaders don’t just issue commands—they inspire trust, collaboration, and empowerment. Feminine energy fosters inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. Intuition- Intuition isn’t woo-woo; it’s your inner GPS. Trust it—it’s usually spot-on. Feminine energy brings discernment and guidance that can’t be taught, only felt. The Modern ChallengeHustle culture? Total vibe killer. Women today are juggling careers, family, and about a thousand expectations. In the chaos, feminine energy often gets put on the back burner. Society glorifies 12-hour workdays but doesn’t exactly cheer for 12-hour self-care marathons (which, let’s be honest, we all deserve).Representation also matters. For women of color, stepping into their full feminine power often means navigating stereotypes and systemic challenges. But every step forward makes the path wider for those following. How to Tap Into Your Feminine EnergyReady to embrace your superpower? Start here: Slow Down: Give yourself permission to rest. Even Beyoncé sits down sometimes. Find Your Tribe: Surround yourself with people who lift you up. If you’re looking, consider spaces like The Vault, Seekers Circle, or Listening to the Silence. Trust Your Gut: Intuition is your personal Google Maps—use it.Be Soft, But Strong: Softness isn’t weakness; it’s a secret weapon that heals and builds bridges. Why It MattersThe world doesn’t need more loud dominance—it needs balance. Feminine energy is the missing piece, offering strength in a way that benefits everyone, not just women. By tapping into this energy, we don’t just change our lives; we shift the world.

Embracing Feminine Energy In recent chats with my girlfriends and clients, I’ve noticed something beautiful happening—more and more women are opening up about the desire to reconnect with their “feminine energy.” In 2024, femininity is evolving, and while it can sometimes feel like we’ve drifted from our natural power, there’s an exciting movement stirring within us all. We’re ready to redefine what it means to be a woman, beyond just being “strong.” (Go ahead and put your muscles away for this read, ladies—we’ll flex them later!) For so long, we’ve proudly worn the “strong woman” title. And trust me, we’ve earned it! We’ve conquered challenges in the White House, at home, in relationships, and within ourselves. But here’s the thing—strength doesn’t have to come at the expense of softness. We’re ready to step into our “soft girl, gorgeous woman” era—an era where we fully embrace femininity in all its forms, without constantly feeling the pressure to be tough. This isn’t about choosing softness over strength. It’s about knowing that softness *is* strength. Feminine energy is nurturing, creative, and flows with grace. It’s reconnecting with the beauty that lives within us, tapping into our creativity, and embracing the peace, rest, and joy we deserve. Personally, I’ve been on strike from the “strong woman” label this year—how about you? We all crave balance. It’s time to reclaim our divine feminine energy, the energy that lets us thrive in every area of life with ease, grace, and, yes, softness. This shift is long overdue! Now is the perfect moment to fully embrace the power of our femininity—whether that’s through self-care, slowing down, or simply allowing ourselves to be seen in our true, radiant beauty. Let’s release the pressure to always be “strong” and instead nurture the woman we *want* to be. We deserve to feel soft, gorgeous, and empowered in our own skin. And don’t forget, there’s *so much fun* in embracing our softness! There’s something magical about applying a cute lip gloss, trying a new hairstyle, or wearing that outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks. It’s in those little moments—when you catch your reflection in the mirror, smile, and maybe even wink at yourself—that you’re reminded of your own beauty and power. That light, playful energy is what makes feminine energy so special. It’s about savoring the things that make you feel radiant and confident, just for *you*. If this resonates with you, I’d love for you to join me on November 16th at 7 pm at The Brown House Candle Company for Unleash Your Feminine Power: From Inner Beauty to Bold Expression—a feminine energy packed workshop. We’ll dive deep into what it means to embrace your feminine energy and create personalized lipsticks as a symbol of bringing your inner beauty to the surface. This is your chance to step fully into your feminine power, connect with a community of amazing women, and leave feeling more aligned with the gorgeous woman you are. You don’t want to miss this! See you there.

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

OOHH We’re Halfway there: Living on Prayer and Goals We’re halfway through 2024, and it’s the perfect time for a mental cartwheel, a goal-setting shimmy, and a heartfelt “Thank you, Jesus!” Even if you haven’t accomplished everything you hoped for, you’re still here with plenty of opportunities to achieve your goals! The Mid-Year Pep Talk Goal GPS: Where are you?Picture this: You’re on a road trip called Life, and you’ve reached that quirky gas station at the halfway mark. Grab some metaphorical snacks (I’ll take some Cheese Puffs), kick back, and ask yourself: Am I cruising toward my goals? Did I detour into the scenic route of Netflix binges? Have I accidentally taken a wrong turn into Procrastinationville? Has God told you listen to his guidance over the GPS? Celebrate the Small and Big Victories:Remember that time you finally organized your sock drawer or nailed that presentation at work? Those deserve mini fireworks in your journey! Each tiny victory is a step forward on your path to greatness. Don’t just brush these moments aside; take a moment to bask in the glow of your achievements. Treat yourself to a little celebration—dance around your living room, indulge in your favorite treat, or share your success with a friend. These small celebrations fuel your motivation, making each milestone feel like the grand finale of a fireworks show. Celebrate it like you just won a Grammy, because in the symphony of your life, every note matters. Goal Remix: Adjust and Let it FlowLife’s DJ just dropped a remix, so it’s time to revisit your initial goals. Are they still relevant, or have circumstances changed? Adjustments are normal, and flexibility is key. Maybe your original goals need a new beat. Ask yourself: Is that side hustle still sparking joy, or did it go platinum? Has your faith been tested, and you see things in a new light? Did you discover a new passion for underwater basket weaving or Pilates, or should it stay on the B-side?  Are you secretly training for a ninja warrior competition, or just trying to stay on beat? Embrace the remix and keep grooving towards your goals! As we journey through the rest of 2024, remember that each step, no matter how small, is part of your unique path. Keep celebrating your victories, adjusting your goals, and staying flexible. Trust that God is guiding your steps and has a plan for your success. You are the architect of your own achievements, with faith as your foundation, shaping a masterpiece that will culminate in an incredible finish. So, embrace your progress, keep striving for excellence, and let the world see your brilliance. Lean on your faith and let God’s light shine through you. Here’s to living on prayer and goals, making 2024 the year you shine the brightest! Keep pursuing those goals, my friend, and always remember: You’ve got this, with God’s grace!