Author: Angela Lightfoot

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…

Strong Woman Signing Off. Welcoming a Powerful Woman! Rather than calling myself a strong woman, I would like to refer to myself as a powerful woman. In today’s society, women are expected to handle any challenge life throws their way and appear to have it all together. This is supposed to be a good thing, but having to uphold the image of strength can be more damaging than helpful. Through my experience with this expectation, I’ve come to recognize that being strong isn’t what truly makes us remarkable and powerful. In place of this traditional definition of strength, I’m now embracing my authenticity and power as a woman. Join me in discovering why being a powerful woman beats being strong any day. The societal expectation of women to be strong. As young girls, we are taught that being strong is an admirable quality. I’ve grown up being told to be strong and defend myself, but as I’ve gotten older, I realize that expecting such strength can be draining and harmful. I recall being warned to be cautious of what I was requesting when praying and asking God for strength. To truly attain strength, you must face pressure, weight, or opposition, all in the name of proving your strength. Women may already feel overburdened and overwhelmed by their home and work responsibilities, and this societal pressure can cause burnout and feelings of inadequacy when we inevitably fall short…despite our best efforts. Moreover, this reinforces outdated gender roles where women are expected to carry the emotional burden of those around them without being offered any support in return. Because they are too busy taking care of others, women often do not have time to pursue their own interests or focus on themselves. Ask yourself… What have you recently put on hold because of someone else’s needs? Society needs to recognize that strength comes in many forms – including vulnerability – and that it’s okay for women (and men) to ask for help or take a break when needed without feeling ashamed. To grow stronger in our own unique ways, we must acknowledge our limitations. Instead of trying so hard to “be strong,” women should embrace the power within themselves. We all have it. My reasons for no longer wanting to be a strong woman.  For a long time, like many of you, I prided myself on being a strong woman. I thought it was something I was just supposed to be. I didn’t think I had a choice. Plus, I knew that I came from a family of “Strong Black Women.” But deep down, it was also something I learned to aspire towards. I thought it would earn me respect and possible admiration from others. But as I got older and thank God, wiser, I began to see that the expectation for women to be “strong” can actually be quite harmful. It implies that we should always have everything together, never show any vulnerability or weakness, and constantly push ourselves beyond our limits. This pressure can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. I no longer want to live up to this unrealistic strength standard because it’s simply not sustainable. Instead of striving for an ideal of perfection that doesn’t exist, I choose to embrace my imperfections and allow myself room for growth and self-care. Being powerful means recognizing my own worth and value as a person regardless of how well I’m able to hold things together in difficult situations. It means acknowledging when I need help or support from others and not feeling ashamed about it. I should actually feel empowered! Ultimately, embracing our power as women means rejecting societal expectations that do not serve us well and creating new narratives around what it means to be successful in life – ones that prioritize overall well-being rather than superficial appearances or achievements. Powerful women: What it means to be one! Being a powerful woman means recognizing your worth and using your voice to make an impact in the world. It means owning your strengths, embracing your flaws, and being unapologetic about who you are. A powerful woman is one who lifts up others around her rather than tearing them down. She understands that success is not a zero-sum game and that everyone has enough room to shine. In fact, a powerful woman will encourage others to succeed and reach for their greatest potential. Taking the time to understand others involves actively listening to those around you and advocating for those who might not have the same opportunities as you. Being a powerful woman also means being empathetic and compassionate towards others. It’s important to note that being a powerful woman isn’t just limited to certain races or ethnicities – it applies to all women, no matter their background or socioeconomic status. Being a powerful woman involves breaking free from societal expectations of what femininity should look like. It’s about carving out our own paths in life while remaining true to who you are and your values. Be best advice to move from Strong to Powerful It’s time for us to shift our focus from being strong women to powerful ones. We need to reject the world’s expectations that have been placed upon us and redefine what it means to be a woman in power, with power. Being powerful doesn’t mean we have all the answers or never struggle; instead, it means we recognize our strengths and weaknesses and continue to grow despite them. Take time to discover who you are. What are your vulnerabilities? What makes you special? What allows you to feel deeper? Who are your front-row, biggest fans? Who wants to see you grow? Whom do you want to see grow? Understand that no one is asking you to have all of the answers. You can be powerful with a few words like “NO.” Save the Date Burn Vision Mid-Year Decide to BE the BOSS of your life and Join us at 3:00 pm EST…

The Power of Your Inner Voice Have you ever had a gut feeling that told you to go one way, but your rational mind said another? Or maybe you’ve heard a tiny voice inside your head whispering doubt and fear when you’re about to take big risks. That little voice is your inner voice – the internal communication system that helps guide us through life’s ups and downs. Whether we listen to it or not, our inner voice has immense power over our decisions, emotions, and overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore the impact of our inner voices on our lives and how we can harness its power for positive change. So, sit back, tune inwards, and let’s dive into the captivating world of the human psyche! What is your inner voice? Your inner voice is that little voice inside your head that guides you and helps you make decisions. It is your conscience, and it is always there to help you. We, as women, also refer to it as our intuition. I call mine “Holy Spirit.” In many cases, the “good” inner voice is never wrong and protects us. Most of the time, your inner voice will lead you in the right direction. However, sometimes it can be hard to hear your inner voice over the noise of the world around you. If you are feeling lost or confused, take some time to quiet your mind and listen to what your inner voice has to say. You know Rita and I are big on encouraging you to spend time in silence. Remember, “the solution is in the silence.” Your inner voice is unique to you, and it knows what is best for you. Trust yourself and trust your inner voice. It will never steer you wrong. The Impact of Negative Self-Talk on Mental Health. Negative self-talk can have a significant impact on your mental health. If you regularly tell yourself that you’re not good enough, that you’ll never achieve your goals, or that you’re worthless, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-worth. Negative self-talk can also contribute to negative thinking patterns, which can become entrenched and difficult to break free from. If you find yourself regularly engaging in negative self-talk, it’s important to seek help. Depending on your severity, that help could come from a Mental Health Wellness Coach like myself or from a mental health professional who can help you identify the thoughts and beliefs that are driving your negative self-talk. Together we will work to develop more positive and realistic thought patterns that are healthy and help you achieve your goals. The Benefits of Positive Self-Talk Positive self-talk has been shown to have a number of benefits for both mental and physical health. People who engage in positive self-talk tend to have better mental health overall and are more resilient in the face of stress. They also tend to have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Physical health benefits have also been linked to positive self-talk. People who engage in positive self-talk tend to have lower blood pressure, heart rate, and improved immune function. There is also some evidence that positive self-talk can improve chronic pain conditions. Mind over matter… so to speak, and it reduces the feelings of feeling sorry for yourself. Affirmation: Thoughts have power. If your inner voice is not in alignment with where you are trying to be use the following affirmation to jump start your positive thoughts. I am enough. I’m flawed and make mistakes but that is ok. I don’t need to be perfect. I accept myself. Everybody has struggles and makes mistakes. I’m completely loveable just as I am. I don’t need for others to validate my self-worth. I don’t need to please everyone all the time. I know in my heart that I am enough. My struggles and imperfections don’t define me. I will continue to change and grow from a place of self acceptance. I will offer myself love and compassion. I am completely loveable just as I am today. I am enough. Understanding the power of your inner voice and how it affects your life is a critical step in taking charge of yourself, developing positive self-talk, setting healthy boundaries, and creating meaningful relationships. Learning to recognize what your inner voice is telling you can be challenging but with practice and patience, you will slowly start to become more aware of its influence. With this newfound understanding of the importance of listening to your own intuition, you can use it as a powerful guide on the journey towards making lasting changes in all areas of your life. Join “The Vault” Do you need guidance, motivation, direction, and a strong shoulder to lean on? Under the coaching leadership of Spiritual and Mental Health Wellness Coach Angela Lightfoot, The Vault offers you the space to speak to other women similar in age, with similar experiences and challenges. Learn More!

Most Common Reasons You’ve Failed To Reach Your Goals: Overcome and Succeed! At the beginning of the year, when we get a great revelation or after being unmotivated for too long, we get a great idea to make a list of goals we want to reach. Some goals are personal; some are professional; and some are things we have put off for years. Let’s take a quick look at that list. It’s okay, I’ll wait while you remember where you put it. Got it? Okay! Let’s take a look and see where you are. You may not have checked off as many things as you had hoped on that list as you look back on it now, weeks, months, or years after it was made. That’s because you didn’t set yourself up for real success in the first place. Those lists weren’t enough to get you really motivated. Continue reading to find out why you may not have been successful in reaching your goals and what you should try to do differently. Lights, Camera, Action… I said ACTION. Your list of goals shouldn’t just be a jumble of nouns – make sure to make them actionable! Doable. “Get closet organized” rather than just writing “organize” and set yourself attainable deadlines for each goal. For example, if you’re looking to organize your closet, make sure you spend some time sorting and purging, get storage containers and maybe labels, and organize your outfits by season will help you map out the goal and give you a clear list of tasks to complete it within the timeframe. You’re doing this.. Great.. but WHY? If you don’t feel motivated or even excited to reach your goals, then it is likely that you haven’t determined WHY you are striving for them. For instance, expressing the will to lose 15 pounds is one thing but WHY? At the end of the day, what are you hoping to acquire by losing that weight? Take into consideration what motivates and drives your goal. There will always be something that you wish to attain, avoid, or lose when attempting to accomplish it. Are you looking to enhance your self-confidence? Become healthier to prevent health problems down the road. Wear that two-piece bathing suit with extra confidence on your upcoming vacation. Take some real time to examine the reasons behind why you’re making a goal list and recognize the advantages of what you’re trying to achieve. Are you even close? How close? In order to determine how well you are doing, you need milestones or markers that track your progress. A lofty goal may take some time to accomplish. Work at a steady pace, and don’t try to do too much upfront. This is the fastest way to burn yourself out and run from your goals. Burnout is real, and you should try to avoid it. When you see you’ve accomplished part of your goal, you can celebrate your progress and encourage yourself to keep going. I believe in celebrating small wins. We all could use a little more motivation! Wait, it’s gonna cost me something? How much? Not all goals are centered around money, such as saving a certain amount each month, but there’s some kind of financial angle involved with all goals. Consider the example of owning a house – you need to save enough money, assess your budget and mortgage amount, and so on. On the other hand, if you want to find a new job, then it’s important to consider how much you’re looking for in terms of salary. Through my experience shopping at Ikea and Target, I can tell you that completely redecorating a closet doesn’t come cheap! Eating healthier also requires more expenditure – fresh fruits and veggies cost more than processed food. The bottom line is that hard figures give a much clearer insight into goals and should be taken into account when planning ahead. I know you can reach your goals if you follow these tips. If you haven’t made progress towards your goals this year, don’t give up. Give Rita or me a call, and we can help you see what barriers are holding you back. We will help you strategize and help hold you accountable. Join “The Vault” Do you need guidance, motivation, direction, and a strong shoulder to lean on? Under the coaching leadership of Spiritual and Mental Health Wellness Coach Angela Lightfoot, The Vault offers you the space to speak to other women similar in age, with similar experiences and challenges. Learn More!