Author: Rita Ricks

Faith or Fear: The Choice That Shapes Your Future Fear and faith cannot occupy the same space. One paralyzes, the other propels. One fixates on worst-case scenarios, the other opens doors to limitless possibilities. I’ve wrestled with both—standing at the crossroads of fear and faith more times than I can count. And if you’re reading this, you probably have too. The truth is, fear will always try to pull us into its grip. But we don’t have to let it win. We can choose faith. We can choose to TRUST, to move forward, and to live fully—even when the outcome is uncertain. Read how shifting from fear to faith can shape your future. 1. Fear Focuses on the Worst, Faith Focuses on PossibilitiesFear is a master storyteller, crafting vivid scenarios of everything that could go wrong. It whispers, What if I fail? What if I’m not good enough? What if I lose everything? The problem with fear is that it locks us in a prison of worst-case scenarios, often keeping us from taking action at all. Imperfect Action is always better than Perfect Inaction. Faith, however, tells a different story. It doesn’t deny challenges but chooses to see the possibilities beyond them. It asks, What if this works out? What if this experience leads to something better? What if I’m stronger than I think? Faith shifts our perspective from obstacles to opportunities, from scarcity to abundance. Example: Imagine two people dreaming of a career change. One listens to fear: What if I fail? What if I get rejected?—so they never apply. The other embraces faith: I trust that if this door is meant for me, it will open.—so they apply, knowing that even if they don’t get the job, the experience will lead them to something greater. Exercise: The next time fear presents you with a worst-case scenario, counter it with a best-case possibility. Instead of What if I fail?, ask What if I succeed beyond my imagination? Write both scenarios down, and choose which one you want to believe. 2. Fear Doubts, Faith TRUSTSFear plants seeds of doubt—about our abilities, our worth, and even our future. It convinces us that we aren’t ready, that we’re not enough, that things will never change. Faith, on the other hand, stands on the foundation of TRUST. It doesn’t demand all the answers upfront but believes that things will unfold as they should. Faith says, Even if I don’t see the whole picture, I TRUST that I am being guided. Example: Fear whispers, What if I’m not smart enough to start this business? Faith responds, Even if I don’t know everything now, I TRUST that I can learn and grow along the way. Exercise: Write down a fear-driven thought you’ve been struggling with. Now, rewrite it as a faith-based affirmation. Repeat it daily until faith becomes your new way of life. 3. Fear Paralyzes, Faith MobilizesFear keeps us in a holding pattern, convincing us that we need more time, more certainty, or more qualifications before we act. But waiting for perfect conditions is an illusion. Faith, however, moves us forward. It doesn’t wait for the fear to disappear; it takes action despite the fear. It understands that courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s facing the fear and moving forward anyway. Example: A person who fears public speaking may avoid sharing their ideas, missing out on opportunities to inspire others. A person with faith, however, will step onto the stage, knowing that nervousness is part of growth and they will improve with experience. Exercise: Identify one area in your life where fear has kept you stuck. Take one small step toward action today—even if it feels uncomfortable. You got this! 4. Fear Shrinks, Faith ExpandsFear makes us play small. It convinces us to stay in our comfort zone, to avoid risks, and to settle for just enough. But comfort zones don’t lead to growth and just enough isn’t good enough. Faith, on the other hand, stretches us. It encourages us to try, to explore, to expand. It reminds us that we have so many more gifts inside of us that we’ve never used, and they can lead to new opportunities. Example: Someone afraid of vulnerability may avoid deep relationships, fearing rejection or heartbreak. Someone operating in faith chooses to remain open, trusting that meaningful connections are worth the risk. Exercise: Think of an area in your life where you’ve been playing small. What would faith have you do differently? Take a leap—whether it’s applying for a new opportunity, starting the business, going after the promotion, returning to school…DREAM!!! 5. Fear is Rooted in Control, Faith SurrendersAt its core, fear is about control. We fear what we can’t predict, what we can’t change, what we can’t understand. Fear tells us that unless we have all the answers, we can’t move forward. Faith, however, is about surrender – letting go and letting God. It acknowledges that we can only control ourselves, and managing one’s self is a 24/7 job. Faith lets us release the need for certainty and instead embrace the flow of life, knowing that even challenges serve a purpose. Example: A person who fears change may resist new opportunities, clinging to the familiar. A person with faith embraces change, knowing that growth often comes through discomfort. Exercise: Write down one thing you’ve been trying to control. Now, write a surrender statement, such as: I release my need to control _____________. I TRUST that everything is unfolding for my highest good. Repeat it daily and observe how it shifts your mindset. Final Thoughts: THE CHOICE THAT SHAPES YOUR FUTUREEvery day, we stand at the crossroads of fear and faith. One path keeps us stuck, the other moves us forward. The choice is ours. Faith doesn’t promise a life without challenges—but it does promise that we will never face them alone. It reminds us that we are stronger than our fears, that we are guided even when we can’t see the way, and that beautiful…

2025: The Year of Transformation I have to say “Thank You” to 2024. It was an entire year of introspection for me, and I needed to make some changes. I joined an Intercessory prayer group that meets 7 days a week at 5:00 am and I have yet to miss a morning. Listening to the prayers, prayer requests and testimonies have caused me to look at my thoughts and behaviors in a different light. And I love the feeling of connecting with God before the sun comes up. All year, I felt I was being prepped for something and now I know. 2025 has been labeled the year of Transformation, and I’ve been prepped to fully participate in my transformation and assist you with yours. If you’re ready to Experience Clarity, Gain Confidence, Prioritize Self Care, Feel Empowered and Reclaim Your Energy…I am your Spiritual Transformation Expert. Let’s have a conversation. I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit Contact me! Let me know your thoughts on this blog. Spiritual + Business Coach | Rita Ricks Reclaiming Your Time – 3-Part Web Series Imagine owning your time—no longer giving others permission to misuse or abuse it. When you consciously decide where your energy goes, you create space for what truly matters: focusing on the right tasks, achieving your goals, and letting go of what no longer serves you. Join me for a transformative 3-part series starting this February. Let me guide you step-by-step to manifest your dream life, even in the midst of your already over-stressed schedule. When & Where? February 10, 17, 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM BONUS!!! Accountability Call: March 24th at 7:00 PM What You’ll Learn: Week 1: Identify the barriers and distractions holding you back. Define your boundaries with clarity and finally remove them from living rent free in your head. Week 2: Align your goals with actionable steps that fit seamlessly into your life. Week 3: Discover your BOLD, BODACIOUS 10x Idea—the game-changer that propels you forward. Your Investment: All three transformative sessions, plus an exclusive bonus accountability call, are valued at $250—but you can claim it all for just $149! Because YES, you are worth it. This is your moment to take charge, create meaningful progress, and step into the life you deserve. Secure your spot now and start owning your time like never before! Register Now

RECLAIM YOUR TIME BY OWNING YOUR REALITY If you feel like you don’t have time, the truth is this: you’re not owning your time. Your time is yours. Every second is a resource that belongs to you, and only you. Yet, in the rush of daily life, it’s easy to let others dictate your priorities, often at the expense of your own dreams and well-being. Reclaiming your time starts with reclaiming ownership of your reality. When you own your time, you stop giving others permission to misuse or abuse it. You consciously decide how to allocate your energy, which tasks and goals to focus on, and, most importantly, what to let go of. Time ownership begins with the realization that if you don’t value your time, others will spend your time on themselves. It’s about shifting from a reactive mindset to a proactive one. Instead of passively accepting what others ask of you – whether it’s work, social obligations, or endless distractions – you learn to say NO. You must become intentional about how you spend each hour, ensuring it aligns with your priorities, not someone else’s agenda. When you own your time: You set boundaries that work for you and enforce them unapologetically. You invest in activities that reflect your deepest values and desires. You recognize that saying “no” to one thing is saying “yes” to something more meaningful to your life. Owning your time isn’t just about managing your daily schedule—it’s about creating a roadmap for your life. A great way to do this is through the 4-Quarter Goal System, which breaks the year into focused, achievable phases: Ask yourself: What four tasks/goals do I want to accomplish in the next 12 months, that will have the most significant impact on my life? Think deeply and prioritize. Place the most critical goal in Q1 (the first quarter of the year), the second most important in Q2, and so on. Use the three months of each quarter to break your goal into actionable steps. Develop a timeline that includes tasks, timeline and costs. By concentrating on one major goal per quarter, you give yourself the focus and discipline to make real progress without feeling overwhelmed. Dedicate at least 90 minutes every week to planning, revising, or taking actionable steps toward your quarterly goal. Consistency is the key to momentum. It’s equally important for you to dream Big!  Enter the 10X Goal – A bold ambitious goal you’ve been putting off, one that feels just out of reach A 10X Goal isn’t necessarily something you can achieve in a single year—it’s the long-term vision that motivates you to push beyond your limits. It’s the dream you’ve talked yourself out of for far too long. Maybe it’s starting a business, writing a book, or pursuing a passion you’ve buried under excuses. This is the year to stop procrastinating. Break the inertia by taking action… Write your 10X Goal Carefully map out your vision Dedicate small blocks of time every week to creating this plan. The secret to tackling a 10X Goal isn’t doing it all at once, it’s about building momentum, step by step, over time. Once you’ve committed to your goals, it’s essential to structure your days and weeks in ways that protect your time. Here’s how: 1. Set Boundaries with Confidence Say NO (which is a complete sentence) to tasks and commitments that don’t align with your goals. You know what you want and you must hold on tight to achieve it. 2. Leverage Time-Blocking Schedule dedicated time for your goals and personal priorities. Treat these blocks as non-negotiable dates with yourself. 3. Eliminate Distractions Create focused environments for deep work, free from interruptions from anything and anyone. When you own your time, you reclaim your power. You create space for what truly matters: your dreams, your passions, your relationships, and your well-being. It’s about freeing yourself from the weight of obligations that no longer serve you. This is the year to stop talking yourself out of your potential. It’s time to act, to plan, to own every hour and every day. Start small. Stay consistent. Remember: every step you take to reclaim your time is a step toward living the life you were born to live. Time is yours. Stop giving it away. Start owning it. Your future isn’t shaped by chance—it’s created by the decisions you make today. Define your goals, focus your energy, and take action. And always be reminded of my mantra “what you do today, forms your tomorrow” Let me walk beside you, guide you, and help you reclaim the time, freedom, and purpose you deserve. I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit Contact me! Let me know your thoughts on this blog. Spiritual + Business Coach | Rita Ricks Reclaiming Your Time – 3-Part Web Series Imagine owning your time—no longer giving others permission to misuse or abuse it. When you consciously decide where your energy goes, you create space for what truly matters: focusing on the right tasks, achieving your goals, and letting go of what no longer serves you. Join me for a transformative 3-part series starting this January. Let me guide you step-by-step to manifest your dream life, even in the midst of your already over-stressed schedule. When & Where? February 10, 17, 24, 2025 at 7:00 PM BONUS!!! Accountability Call: March 10th at 7:00 PM What You’ll Learn: Week 1: Identify the barriers and distractions holding you back. Define your boundaries with clarity and finally remove them from living rent free in your head. Week 2: Align your goals with actionable steps that fit seamlessly into your life. Week 3: Discover your BOLD, BODACIOUS 10x Idea—the game-changer that propels you forward. Your Investment: All 3 sessions plus the bonus accountability call for only $250. Because YES, you are worth it. This is your moment to take charge, create meaningful progress, and step into the life you deserve. Secure your spot now and start owning your time like never before! Register Now

VOTE! MAKING CHOICES FOR THE HEALTH OF OUR PLANET AND PEOPLE!! As the sun rises on a new era of environmental consciousness, one undeniable truth emerges: our collective voices have the power to shape the future of our planet. With every election cycle that comes and goes, we hold in our hands not just ballots, but tools for transformation—tools that can protect fragile ecosystems, combat climate change, and promote sustainable development for generations to come. Your vote is more than just a mark on a page; it’s an affirmation of hope and responsibility.  Participating in elections empowers you to advocate for policies that safeguard the future of our great grands as well as this wonderful planet – which, right now, is on life support.  Your vote matters now more than ever. When we vote, we’re not only casting a ballot, we’re voicing our values and priorities, as visitors to this planet. Here’s my ask…List 3 values you live by and determine which political candidate aligns with those values.  I’m not talking party, gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual preference. I’m talking about the candidate you want your children and grandchildren to emulate. I’ll start… I want a leader who embodies the essence of hope and possibility, someone whose vision extends beyond today’s challenges to embrace an inclusive future where every American feels safe and valued in their pursuit of happiness. This leader will be rooted in the understanding that our strength lies in our diversity, welcoming individuals from all walks of life with open arms and an open heart. They will not merely react to circumstances but rather anticipate the needs of tomorrow by crafting comprehensive plans for sustainability, public health, and societal well-being. With maturity woven into their decision-making process, this leader will prioritize honesty and sincerity over rhetoric, communicating transparently about both aspirations and obstacles while remaining steadfastly grounded in principles that resonate with common decency. Moreover, their humility will reflect a deep respect for something greater than themselves, drawing inspiration from faith yet resonating universally across diverse beliefs; they’ll strive not just for progress but also purpose—guiding us toward a thriving community united by shared values rather than division. Political decisions shape our lives in profound ways. They influence our economy, education, and health care system, to name a few.  Those decisions are made by people we put in office.  These people ARE the Government – the Government we hire them to run. It’s why we must know the people we’re voting for…who they are as human beings.  You have to interview them, because you’re going to employ them. The people WE put into office, will determine how efficient the response is to crises like natural disasters or public health emergencies. Our vote holds power over legislation concerning education funding or healthcare access. making voting not just a right but a responsibility we cannot afford to ignore.  Education and healthcare are critical to our wellbeing and must not be put in the hands of anyone unable to think beyond his/her own self interest. When you choose not to vote, you give up your power as a human being. Policies are shaped by those who show up on Election Day. A missed opportunity can result in laws that don’t reflect our needs or priorities we care about most. Every time we cast a vote, we’re shaping the world our children and grandchildren will inherit. Policies on climate change, education, and healthcare are influenced by who holds political power.  This election will determine regulations that will either protect us from, or allow, harmful practices to thrive.  Every vote carries weight. When it comes to protecting our planet, voting is not just a right; it’s a responsibility.  Engagement matters now more than ever. Whether it’s local measures or national elections, each choice reflects our values regarding health and sustainability for both people and nature alike. I hope my words inspire you to take part in this vital endeavor, for it is through our collective effort that we safeguard hope—not only for ourselves but for generations yet to come.  And please share with others.    Let me hear your thoughts. 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

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