Author: Angela Lightfoot

Don’t Yuck My Yum: Savoring Life’s Richness, One Open Mind at a Time How many of you really enjoy a glass of wine? I, for one, take pride in being one of the founders of the Radford University Wine Society (back when we were a campus that could enjoy wine). Any chance to gather with family or friends over a glass of wine is always a guarantee of a great time for me (and Rita)! Like most wine evenings, I have a story to share, a phrase to introduce, and a philosophy that’s as comforting as a cozy blanket on a chilly autumn evening: “Don’t Yuck My Yum.” This fun saying, which found its roots with Allie Smith from The Traveling Vineyard, blossomed during a recent wine-tasting gathering with the Vault ladies this September. It’s all about fostering an open mind and celebrating diverse tastes and opinions. At the beginning of the night Allie shared with us 2 crucial rules for her ultimate wine tasting experience. 1) Do not take a sip until everyone has been served, and 2) “Don’t Yuck My Yum” – in other words, refrain from expressing distaste for a wine that someone else might genuinely enjoy. It’s not just great advice for wine tasting; it’s also fantastic life advice. Allie’s wisdom reminded us that being open-minded and accepting of different preferences can make life (and perhaps even wine) all the more enjoyable. Now, let’s explore why “Don’t Yuck My Yum” has become our mantra for celebrating diversity in mind body and spirit: 1. Stay Open to New Experiences: Life is a grand adventure, and its bouquet is full of diverse scents and flavors. Just as we’d be open to trying a new wine to explore its unique qualities, let’s approach life with the same open heartedness. Taste the unfamiliar, explore the unknown, and you might discover something incredible. 2. Respect Others’ Preferences: Imagine a world where every single person had the exact same taste buds, where we all adored the same food, art, music, and experiences. Sounds a bit dull, doesn’t it? Fortunately, we live in a beautifully diverse world, where each person brings their unique flavors to the grand banquet of life. Just as a wine connoisseur appreciates the myriad grape varietals, each with its distinct character and charm, we should also cherish the diversity of human preferences. Here are a few reasons why respecting others’ preferences is like savoring a fine wine. 3. Value Individual Choices: Every person’s choice is a story waiting to be heard. When someone shares their passion or enthusiasm for something, it’s like sharing a piece of their story. Even if you don’t share their preference, validate their choice, and appreciate the enthusiasm they bring. It’s a small gesture that fosters understanding and connection. Now, you might be wondering why a wine-tasting event led to such profound wisdom. Well, wine, like life, has its surprises. Sometimes, the wine you least expect to enjoy becomes your favorite, just as people’s stories and perspectives can astonish you when you take the time to listen. As we concluded our evening, we raised our glasses, not just to the wine but to the vibrant tapestry of life itself. “Don’t Yuck My Yum” is more than a catchy phrase; it’s a reminder that life is too short for judgment and closed-mindedness. So, let’s savor life’s richness, embrace diversity, and remember to be open-hearted.

Dive into Coaching: Don’t Be a Ship Lost at Sea! We have all heard the statement that life is like a rollercoaster, but sometimes it feels more like being stuck on the “It’s a Small World” ride – cute (if you like that sort of thing), but definitely repetitive and super predictable. If you’re starting to suspect that your life’s playlist has become an endless loop, fear not! Getting a coach isn’t about waving the white flag; it’s like hiring a lifeguard to rescue you from the sea of monotony. In this blog, we’re about to take a humorous dive into recognizing the signs that scream, “Get a coach already!” And guess what? I just might be the lifeguard your life needs. Stuck on the same playlist?: Have you ever found yourself trapped in a repetitive cycle, unable to break free? It’s like playing the same playlist all of the time, every day. No variation, no new songs and you can predict the next song in cue. Whether it’s a career plateau, relationship struggles, or personal development challenges, feeling stuck is a clear indicator that you could use some outside perspective. A coach can help you identify patterns, set new goals, and provide actionable strategies to propel you forward. Lost in Translation (of Your Life Goals): Ever tried using Google Maps in a foreign country? Life can feel like that sometimes, with your dreams and ambitions lost in translation. A coach is like your personal language tutor, helping you decipher your goals and navigate toward them with a confident swagger. With their guidance, you can gain a clearer understanding of your path and confidently make choices aligned with your vision. Juggling More Balls Than a Circus Clown: If your multitasking skills have reached the level of a circus clown juggling flaming torches, it’s okay to admit you need a hand. A coach can teach you the art of juggling responsibilities without setting your life ablaze. A Coach will also help you prioritize what is important, so you are able to focus and not have so many things in the air. Growing Pains and Pangs: You know you’re ready for a coach when personal growth starts feeling like the grown-up version of those pesky growing pains from your teenage years. Consider a coach your growth spurt guide – helping you stretch, learn, and avoid any awkward gangly phases. Even the most accomplished individuals strive for continuous personal growth. If you’re eager to expand your horizons, enhance your skills, or discover untapped potential, a coach can be your personal guide on this transformative journey. Transition Tangles: Life transitions are like attempting to parallel park a cruise ship – awkward and overwhelming. Whether it’s changing careers, relocating, or adjusting to a new phase. These moments can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. A coach can help you navigate these transitions smoothly, providing emotional support, practical advice, and strategies to manage challenges that arise. In the grand ocean of life, seeking the assistance of a coach is not a sign of surrender but an empowering choice to take charge of your destiny. Just as a lifeguard ensures safety in turbulent waters, a coach guides you through the twists and turns of life, enabling you to overcome obstacles and reach new heights. Recognizing the signs that indicate you need a coach is the first step towards embracing positive change and seizing the reins of your life with renewed vigor. So, why navigate the currents alone when you can have a skilled lifeguard by your side? And there you have it, a gentle glimpse into the world of coaching and how it can transform your everyday existence into a grand adventure. But wait, before you start mapping out your new life itinerary, why not take the first step? Angela Lightfoot and Rita Ricks, our dynamic duo of lifeguard-coaches, are standing by with their flotation devices of wisdom, humor, and insight. They’re ready to dive into a discovery call with you, unraveling your dreams, goals, and challenges, all while ensuring that this collaboration is a match made in life-guardian heaven. Don’t let hesitation sink your chances at a more fulfilling life. Reach out to Angela or Rita today and let the discovery call be your compass guiding you toward the exciting shores of transformation. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

What does it mean to Embrace the Silence? Over the past 3+ years, my life has been profoundly transformed and blessed by the practice of “Listening to the Silence.” With the guidance and support of Rita from her immersive training and studying at Richmond Hill, I have not only integrated this practice into my daily life but have also had the honor of leading our virtual Listening to the Silence Retreat. Every second Tuesday of the month, I have the privilege of gathering an incredible tribe of like-minded souls who come together to embrace and listen to the silence in a free retreat. I invite you to join us! The experience of Embracing the Silence is deeply spiritual and grounding, providing a precious opportunity to spend quality time with ourselves and connect with God or our higher power. Each participant is encouraged to approach the silence in a way that feels comforting and meaningful to them, ensuring a truly personal and transformative experience. The only requirement is to be quiet, listen with intention, and keep an open heart and mind. In our modern, bustling world, silence has become a rare gem, often overshadowed by the constant noise and distractions that surround us. However, taking the time to embrace the silence and put yourself on “Do Not Disturb” can be an incredibly transformative and empowering experience. In this blog, we will explore the profound benefits of embracing the silence, why you should never feel guilty about focusing on yourself, and how it can lead to becoming grounded, secure, and open to divine guidance from God or your Creator. The Power of “Do Not Disturb” In a world filled with notifications, messages, and never-ending to-do lists, it’s essential to carve out moments of silence and solitude for yourself. Putting yourself on “Do Not Disturb” doesn’t mean disconnecting from the world entirely; it means prioritizing your well-being and nurturing your inner self. It allows you to step away from the noise and chaos, providing an opportunity for self-reflection, rejuvenation, and personal growth. Imagine this: there’s a stream of guidance, direction, support, and boundless love that God is trying to communicate to you, but amidst the cacophony of noise and distractions, it remains unheard. You find yourself following your own path, unknowingly drowning out the gentle whispers of divine wisdom. No Guilt, Just Self-Care Often, we might feel guilty about taking time for ourselves, thinking we should be constantly productive or available to others. However, self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary for maintaining a healthy balance in life. Embracing the silence is an act of self-compassion that allows you to recharge, gain clarity, and return to the world with renewed energy and focus. Remember, taking care of yourself enables you to be better equipped to care for others. Allow the concept of putting yourself first to achieve a complete and profound connection. As the saying goes, “Fill your cup first so you can pour into others.” You’ve likely heard about the significance of prioritizing self-care and nurturing your own well-being before tending to the needs of others. Becoming Grounded and Secure By embracing and truly listening to the silence, you open yourself up to a profound sense of grounding and inner security. When you create a dedicated space of tranquility, you grant yourself the gift of being fully present in the present moment, unburdened by distractions and worries. In this state of undisturbed presence, you can forge a deep connection with your authentic self, unearthing your genuine needs, purpose, passions, and desires. Grounding yourself in the silence equips you with the resilience and clarity needed to navigate life’s challenges with newfound strength. I wholeheartedly encourage you to take advantage of this sacred time in the silence to practice breathing techniques that enable you to immerse yourself fully in the experience. By doing so, you will unlock the true potential of this journey within yourself, discovering an endless wellspring of peace and wisdom that resides within the stillness. Divine Downloads and Comfort As you wholeheartedly embrace the silence, you open yourself to a divine connection with God. This sacred time is an opportunity to be present with Him, to bask in His loving presence, and to experience His infinite wisdom and guidance. Cast all your worries, fears, and problems upon Him, knowing that He is ever ready to bear your burdens. 1 Peter 5:6-7 In this special space of silence, you become receptive to receiving divine guidance, unwavering support, and profound comfort from your Creator. The absence of external noise allows you to attune yourself to the subtle messages and insights that flow from this deep spiritual connection. It is within these moments of quiet communion that you may find a comforting presence during difficult times, a sudden realization of a new path, or a gentle nudge in the right direction. Allow yourself to be open to these divine downloads, for they hold the power to transform your life in profound and beautiful ways. Embracing the silence and surrendering yourself to the presence of God can lead you to experience a deeper sense of peace, clarity, and purpose, shaping your journey towards a more fulfilling and enlightened existence. Let the divine light shine upon you as you immerse yourself in this sacred silence, and trust that God’s love and guidance will be with you every step of the way. As you read this blog post, do you find yourself thinking, “Angela, I’m eager to give this a try, but I could use some extra guidance”? Well, consider yourself fortunate, because help is HERE! Join Us for the Embracing the Silence- Unlocking the Power Within Workshop on August 26th Are you intrigued by the idea of unlocking the power of silence within you? Would you like to experience the transformative effects of embracing the silence in a supportive and guided setting? If so, we invite you to participate in the “Embracing the Silence” in-person workshop on August 26th. During this workshop, led by the esteemed…

Unveiling Your Inner Radiance: The Power of an Internal Glow Up Life can be an extraordinary journey, filled with twists and turns that can sometimes leave us feeling lost or disconnected from ourselves. As women, we often find ourselves tirelessly navigating through the demands of society, relationships, and careers, often forgetting to prioritize our own dreams and aspirations. However, amidst the chaos, there exists a profound power in recognizing the need for an internal transformational GLOW UP. This self-discovery journey unveils a path towards rediscovering our passion, purpose, and the radiant dreams that lie within. Lost in the Maze: Life has a curious way of leading us down unexpected paths, sometimes leaving us feeling disoriented and lost in the maze of our own existence. As women, we often find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of responsibilities and expectations, diligently fulfilling the roles society assigns us. We wake up one day, realizing that we have somehow veered off course, unsure of how we ended up where we are. The maze represents the complex web of societal pressures, external influences, and personal choices that we navigate through each day. It’s easy to become entangled in the expectations placed upon us by family, friends, and society at large. We may find ourselves prioritizing the needs and desires of others while unintentionally neglecting our own. Neglecting personal and quiet time in silence listing to the guidance from God or Creator. The relentless pursuit of external validation and the fear of judgment can cloud our judgment, leading us further away from our own dreams and passions. It’s easy to fall into routines or bad habits, compromising our authentic selves, and forgetting what truly ignites our souls. Think for a moment… What really ignites your soul? Recognizing this disconnection is the first step towards embarking on an inward journey to reclaim our sense of direction. The Glow Up Effect: The concept of a “GLOW UP ” has often been associated with external transformations such as physical appearance. However, the real power lies in the internal glow up—the transformation of our mindset, emotions, and self-perception. It’s about peeling away the layers of societal expectations and rediscovering the authentic, vibrant essence that resides within. As women, we possess an incredible capacity for growth and self-empowerment. Embracing the GLOW UP allows us to shed the limiting beliefs and negative self-talk that has held us back. It’s about cultivating self-love, self-acceptance, and an unshakeable belief in our own worth. This newfound inner radiance becomes a guiding light, leading us towards our true destination—the realization of our passions and dreams. As a coach, I love focusing on the gifts that God has given you and determining how can best use them! As the internal glow-up continues to radiate within, we find ourselves aligned with our true purpose. With newfound clarity, we become the architects of our dreams, fearlessly transforming our visions into tangible realities. The journey becomes less about simply existing and more about living with intention. With every step forward, obstacles may arise, and doubt may attempt to overshadow our progress. However, armed with our inner glow, we possess the resilience to navigate these challenges and stay true to our path. We recognize that setbacks are not failures but rather opportunities for growth and refinement. Recognizing the need for an internal transformational glow up is a profound act of self-love and empowerment. As women, we deserve to prioritize our dreams and rediscover the passion that fuels our souls. Through introspection, self-acceptance, and the cultivation of an unwavering belief in our worth, we can embark on a journey that unveils our true destination. Embrace your inner radiance, embrace your glow up, and watch as your dreams and aspirations take flight. Join me on July 26th for an exciting webinar titled “The GLOW UP: Unleashing Your Inner Radiance.” (Reading this after the webinar? Follow this link to access webinar: https://ritaricks.mykajabi.com/store ). Together, we’ll embark on a transformative journey towards self-discovery and embrace the radiant individual within. This empowering webinar can be accessed online, and to enhance your experience, there’s an accompanying workbook available. The workbook will not only enable you to follow along with the webinar but also help you stay accountable throughout your personal growth. Embrace your GLOW UP by watching the webinar and acquiring the workbook. Let’s take this incredible journey together.

It’s the Little Things: Lessons and Blessings from my Guys! Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have two amazing male role models: my Dad and grandfather, aka Pop Pop. They may not have been perfect (and I am so glad they never pretended to be), but their small gestures of kindness and guidance along the way profoundly impacted me as the woman I am today. As we celebrate Father’s Day in June, I want to share with you some of the little things they did that made me believe in myself and become my best version. When I was a little girl, I was taught that the little things in life matter most. That simple saying has never rung more true than when applied to the strong, amazing, incredible men in my life – my Dad and Pop Pop (Mom’s Dad). From the respectful way they treated women in our family and community, to their unwavering support of my many antics and ideas, to their fantastic sense of humor and their (not so common) common sense. My Dad and Pop Pop have always been rock-solid reliable men in my life as well as the lives of others. I was my Dad’s first girl and Pop Pop’s first granddaughter, so I was spoiled and loved beyond measure. They were always there for me when I needed them, and they continued to be throughout my life. My Dad in the physical and my Pop Pop from heaven above! Over the years, I’ve learned a lot from them – about life, love, family, and what it means to be a good person. One of the things that has stuck with me is the importance of small gestures. Dad’s Influence:  Quote from Dad: I would rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. My Dad has a unique way of looking at the world, always coming up with inventive ideas and going beyond the conventional. Even when I was younger and didn’t understand what he was doing, it was obvious that he had a determined spirit. My Mom frequently says we’re similar in that we don’t quit if we know results are possible. Like the bunkbed I got as a youngster without directions – my Dad and I spent 6 hours constructing it correctly from the illustration on the box. And Ikea furniture? Well, that’s my preferred pastime, apparently! As a child, my father always taught me the importance of being kind and generous, even when it wasn’t easy. He always encouraged me to take a moment and consider the circumstances of those struggling. As a result, I became more empathic and empathetic. He’s also taught me the importance of hard work and not giving up on your dreams. I carry these values daily, and I’m so grateful for them and his teachings. Pop Pop’s Influence: Pop’s Quote: A woman can do anything a man can do, but she can probably do it better, faster, and for less money. Growing up, I was always surrounded by the compassion and wisdom of my Pop Pop. Might I add that he lived less than a mile away from me, so we spent tons of time together when I was younger. He was my first best friend, and I very much believed I was his. He was always so patient with me, listening to my never-ending stories and offering sage advice when I needed it most. He valued being an intelligent man and ensured that I, too, was well-versed in arts, politics, civil rights, and “Real” history. He taught me, by example, the power and importance of family. He was the glue that held my entire family together. He taught me the value of always lending an ear and making time for someone in their time of need. I think he knew I would be a mental health wellness coach before I did! On March 3, 2009, I lost my best friend, one of my life’s hardest and longest days. I thank God for allowing me to grow up close to him physically and spiritually, and thanks to my Faith, I know I will see him again! What they taught me together: Unconditional Love: They always told me that they would love me no matter what I did or how much I messed up. This gave me the security to take risks and make mistakes, knowing that I had their support no matter what. Self-Confidence: They both came from humble beginnings and experienced the challenges of being black men in America. But they never let that stop or hold them back. They were both successful men, in their own rights, who always radiated confidence. This taught me that I could be anything I wanted if I believed in myself. Respect: The level of respect they would show anyone would be the same, no matter if the person was unhoused on the street, to our former President Obama. I was taught that giving respect allows you to see the person’s soul (the part that truly matters) and builds feelings of trust and safety. A Love for GOD: This one is my favorite. Both of these fantastic men taught me to love God differently. My Pop Pop taught me to respect the Lord, the house of the Lord, and the word of God. This respect and love was shown by attending church regularly, wearing my Sunday best and being on my best behavior when Pastor is preaching. He taught and encouraged me to listen to the Choir and get lifted in body and spirit without being embarrassed or ashamed. He could clap his hands and stomp his feet to the beat of the Holy drum! My Dad taught me to love God in the same way I love and respect him. He made me understand that God loved me and that Jesus Loved me so much he thought I was enough to die for. WOW! He encouraged me to ask God…