Author: Rita Ricks

It’s time to make a shift from focusing on HOW to asking WHY Are you tired of getting caught up in the nitty-gritty details of how to complete a project, only to lose sight of the bigger picture? It’s time to make a shift from focusing on HOW to asking WHY. By changing your approach and mindset, you can unlock new levels of creativity, innovation, and success in all your projects. Walk with me as I share with you how asking WHY can lead to greater clarity, purpose, and success in your work. The concept of shifting from HOW to WHY involves a fundamental change in mindset–instead of constantly asking ourselves HOW we can accomplish something, we should start by questioning WHY it needs to be done in the first place. Too often, our focus on “HOW” leads us to over look or even disregard the underlying purpose or reason behind our actions. By shifting our attention towards understanding the “WHY,” we can gain deeper insights into the significance and long-term impact of our work. Furthermore, this transition from how-ing to why-ing allows us to tap into our creativity by thinking outside-the-box. Instead of being confined by established processes, we can explore alternative methods that possibly prove more effective at accomplishing a specific goal. The WHY gives meaning and purpose to our work. It is essential to feel connected to what we do and believe that it has value. With out this sense of purpose, projects can become monotonous and uninspiring leading to reduced motivation and commitment. On the other hand, when we understand how our contributions fit into the bigger picture, we are more likely to be passionate about our work and go above and beyond for its success. Knowing WHY helps to measure success accurately, insuring the project aligns with the purpose and make adjustments as needed. Below are two real-life case studies of projects that successfully implemented the WHY approach. You’re probably familiar with both companies. Apple’s iPhone: The introduction of the iPhone by Apple in 2007 revolutionized the smart phone market. Instead of focusing solely on the technical specifications and features, Steve Jobs identified the underlying need for a device that could seamlessly integrate various functions like calling, internet browsing, music, and more. Airbnb: The founders of Airbnb disrupted the hospitality industry with their unique approach to short-term rentals. Rather than simply providing accommodation options like hotels do, they dug deeper into people’s desire for authentic travel experiences at affordable prices. By constantly questioning the purpose and intention behind a project, these companies were able to meet the deeper needs of their customers, create innovative solutions, and achieve long-term success. In other words… where do you want to end up? Making a shift from focusing on HOW to complete something to understanding WHY it needs to be done can have a profound impact not only on your professional projects but also on your overall approach and mindset. Shifting from HOW to WHY involves a change in perspective and an emphasis on purpose, motivation, and meaning. This transformation can bring about numerous benefits such as clarity, creativity, motivation, collaboration and personal growth-all of which contribute towards achieving successful out comes both professionally and personally. The question should always be… WHY AM I REALLY DOING THIS? I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit I’d love to hear from you. Let me know what you think about my perspective and add your own. And let me know if you plan to incorporate any parts of this blog in your everyday life.

Finding Peace In Surrendering In a world consumed by chaos and constant worries, finding peace can seem like an elusive quest. Yet, deep within each of us lies the innate ability to restore our faith and embrace serenity through surrender. I’m going to share with you how surrender will allow you to reclaim your peace.  Surrender is a concept that is often misunderstood as defeat or weakness. However, in reality, surrendering can be an act of strength and courage. It involves letting go of control and trusting in a higher power to guide you. It’s not about giving up or quitting. It’s about acknowledging that you can’t control everything – people or situations – and understanding there is a greater force working on your behalf. By embracing surrender, you invite peace into your life. Instead of trying to force outcomes according to your wishes and desires, you learn to trust the process of life. Surrendering is about BEING present in the moment rather than living in anticipation of what might happen. Too often your worries stem from dwelling on past mistakes or future uncertainties rather than focusing on the here and now. Another gift of surrender is allowing yourself to move away from excuses and blame and begin taking ownership for your own actions. Excuses are often used as a defense mechanism to avoid confronting uncomfortable truths about yourself or avoiding tasks that seem daunting. You say “I don’t have enough time” or “I’m too tired” instead of admitting that you’re procrastinating or prioritizing other things over what truly matters. One of the most difficult things to do in life is to ask for help. You want to handle everything on your own, out of fear or a desire for control. However, the truth is that we all need support at some point in our lives. This is especially true when it comes to finding peace through surrender. Moreover, support systems can offer valuable insights and perspectives. When you’re struggling with worries and doubts, it’s easy to get caught up in negative thoughts which can cloud your judgment. This is where a supportive friend or family member, from your front row, can offer alternative viewpoints that you may not have considered. Thus, another piece of drama is removed from your plate. Confronting hurt and fear can be one of the most challenging aspects of “letting go”. These difficult emotions can leave you in a constant state of feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stuck. However, it is essential to face them head-on in order to find true healing and peace. The first step towards confronting these emotions is acknowledging their presence. Often, you may try to deny or ignore those feelings because they are uncomfortable or painful. But by doing so, you’re only giving them more power to haunt you. Once those difficult emotions are acknowledged, the next step is to sit with them and explore their roots. This involves diving deeper into your experiences and understanding why you feel the way you do. Sometimes, this introspection can bring up memories or past traumas that have contributed to your hurt and fear. It may be necessary to seek professional help during this process if the emotions seem too overwhelming or if there are underlying mental health issues. Confronting difficult emotions also requires forgiveness – both for yourself and others involved in your pain. Forgiveness does not mean excusing or forgetting what has happened, but rather letting go of the resentment and anger that is holding you back from truly moving forward. Learning to embrace gratitude can help shift your perspective towards seeing the abundance in life rather than focusing on what you may not have. Expressing gratitude for your blessings and achievements can help you appreciate your worth and recognize the value you bring to the world. In conclusion, embracing the power of surrender can be the transformative key to finding true peace in your life. Surrender invites serenity, allowing you to navigate life’s uncertainties with grace and resilience. So, cultivate the art of surrender, because in letting go, you will discover a profound sense of peace that transcends the chaos, guiding you towards a more fulfilling and harmonious existence. It is exactly where I am in my life today. May your journey be filled with surrender, and may you find the tranquility that comes with it. I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit

Behind Closed Doors: Exploring the Shocking Cruelty Endured by Africans at St Georges and Cape Coast Castles I recently traveled to the Republic of Ghana, West Africa, specifically to see the DOOR OF NO RETURN. I visited St Georges and Cape Coast Castles – the two most infamous architectural structures in West Africa that became chambers of torment during the era of transatlantic slavery. It was an emotional journey as the guide shared the history my people endured behind closed doors, away from the public eye. These castles served as holding pens for captured Africans who were then transported to the New World for enslavement. Located along the coast of Ghana, the castles were initially built by European traders for commercial purposes but were later used as major hubs for the transatlantic slave trade. Despite their beautiful scenic locations, located on the Gulf of Guinea of the Atlantic Ocean, these castles have a dark history of unspeakable cruelty and human suffering. The construction of these castles began in the 17th century with the arrival of Portuguese traders to West Africa. The European powers that followed – including British, Dutch, Swedish, and Danish – also built their own forts along this stretch of coast for trade purposes. These forts were strategically positioned along the Gold Coast (now Ghana) as it was a major supplier of gold, ivory, and other valuable resources at that time. However, what started as trading posts soon turned into warehouses for human beings. In search of cheap labor for their plantations in America and Caribbean islands, Europeans began trafficking Africans from various parts of West Africa to the castles before transporting them on grueling voyages across the Atlantic Ocean. The conditions inside these castles were unimaginable. Africans captured by neighboring tribes or traded by African rulers would be held captive in overcrowded dungeons with little food or water. They were forced to endure extreme heat, disease-infested environments and horrific living conditions while they waited for their turn to go through the DOOR OF NO RETURN. Upon reaching the coast, these traumatized individuals were crammed onto overcrowded ships commonly known as ‘slave vessels.’ These ships had inhumane conditions – slaves were packed tightly together with no room to move or lay down comfortably. They remained below deck for most of the journey which could last several months depending on weather conditions. This experience became known as the “Middle Passage” – aptly named due to it being considered as “the middle” stage between captivity in Africa and enslaved in another land. The origins of this trade can be traced back to European exploration and colonization of the New World in the 15th century. As Europeans began establishing colonies in North and South America, they needed large numbers of laborers to cultivate crops such as sugar, tobacco, and cotton. The indigenous population was decimated by diseases brought by European colonizers, leading the colonizers to turn to Africa for a steady supply of labor. At first, enslaved Africans were captured through warfare or kidnapping by local African rulers who then sold them to European traders for goods such as guns, textiles, or alcohol. However, with increased demand for slaves in the Americas came an organized and highly profitable system of slave trading that operated on a massive scale. The vast majority of enslaved Africans were taken from West and Central Africa – primarily modern-day Senegal down to Angola – due to its geographical proximity to Europe and its abundant natural resources. This region became known as “the Slave Coast” due to its role within this despicable trade.  The transatlantic slave trade, also known as the triangular trade, was a horrific and exploitative system of human trafficking that lasted for over 400 years. It involved the forced migration of millions of Africans from their homelands to the Americas to work as laborers on plantations and in other industries. This brutal trade had far-reaching effects on African societies, political structures, and economies, shaping the history of the continent for centuries to come. For many Africans, this was their first encounter with Europeans. They were met with violence, intimidation, and harsh treatment throughout the journey. The physical conditions were grueling; they endured extreme temperatures, inadequate food and water supplies, as well as brutal punishments for any slow walkers or attempts to escape. The journey of captured Africans to the castles was a harrowing and traumatic experience that would ultimately lead to a lifetime of suffering for those who were “STRONG” enough to be sold into slavery. The capture and transportation of Africans from their homes in various regions across West Africa to the castles is a crucial chapter in the history of transatlantic slave trade, and one that is often overlooked. NOTE: We visited the site of the LAST BATH. The captives were placed, in chains, in the rushing river. Those who could swim would try to get away. Many drowned, while being dragged by others and the river. The guide invited us to walk down to the river barefoot in order to feel the ground and soil they walked on. I put my foot in the River for a few minutes and felt the anger of the churning river. This was one of my transforming experiences. One of the most shocking aspects of my visit to the castles was the inhumane living conditions endured by slaves. The dungeons were crowded and filthy, with little to no ventilation or natural light. These small spaces were often overcrowded with hundreds of slaves packed together like sardines. Adding to this physical agony was the psychological torture endured by slaves inside these castles. They were stripped of their identities, separated from their families and communities, and treated as mere commodities by their captors. This was purposeful to gain complete submission and total dependency on their masters.  The constant feeling of confinement and helplessness created a sense of despair among the enslaved population. Many captives suffered from anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues due to their…

As CEO of Your Life: Strategic Reflections on What to Stop, Start, and Carry Forward in the New Year As CEO of your life, you create your own reality. As you enter a new year filled with possibilities, it’s time to strategically reflect on what will truly propel you forward as well as leaving behind any habits or patterns that are holding you back. In this blog post, I want you to delve into the power of self-reflection and explore what to stop, start, and carry forward in order to experience a fulfilling year ahead.  I’m going to share some strategic insights that will empower you to take charge of your life. Being the CEO of your life means taking ownership of your decisions, choices, and actions. It is about embracing the role of a leader and creating a vision for yourself that aligns with your values, goals, and aspirations. Just like a CEO of a company, you have the power to make strategic decisions that will steer your life towards success, joy and peace.  If you’re going through the motions without actively taking control of your life…Then you’re living on autopilot. As CEO of your life, you are responsible for setting clear objectives and designing actionable plans to achieve them. You have to be intentional about how you spend your time, what habits you develop, and what relationships you nurture. This requires a deep understanding of yourself – knowing your strengths, weaknesses, passions, and purpose. Think about it – no one knows you better than yourself. You are uniquely equipped with knowledge about what makes you happy or unhappy; what motivates or demotivates you; what fulfills or drains you. It is essential to tap into this self-awareness regularly through reflection and silence and planning.  One of the main reasons why reflection and planning are important for personal growth is that they help you identify areas where you need improvement. By taking a step back and evaluating your actions, behaviors, and thought patterns, you gain valuable insights into your strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness is vital as it allows you to focus on specific areas that require attention or change. You probably will discover patterns of behavior that have been holding you back from reaching your full potential or hindering your progress. Taking time for self-reflection allows you to slow down and tune into your thoughts, feelings, desires, and values. It enables you to understand what truly matters to you and ultimately align your actions with your spirit. Planning goes hand in hand with reflection as it empowers you to turn insights gained from self-reflection into actionable goals. Without a solid plan in place, it is easy to get lost or feel overwhelmed while trying to achieve personal growth. Planning provides structure and direction. Identifying what needs to stop in your life can be a difficult but crucial step towards personal growth and self-improvement. We often get so caught up in our daily routines and habits that we fail to recognize patterns or behaviors that may no longer be serving us well. This could mean anything from toxic relationships to negative thought patterns, or even destructive habits such as procrastination or self-doubt. The first step towards identifying what needs to stop is to  set aside some quiet time where you can honestly evaluate your life without any distractions. Ask yourself questions such as: What am I doing that is causing me stress? What are the things that drain my energy and bring me down? What habits or behaviors are holding me back from reaching my goals?  For example, a toxic relationship may cause feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, whereas procrastinating on important tasks can lead to increased stress levels and missed opportunities. These negative influences can also manifest physically in the form of headaches, anxiety, fatigue, or other health issues. By becoming more mindful of how these things affect you both mentally and physically, you’ll gain a better understanding of why they need to be stopped. As you start a new year, it’s natural to reflect on your past habits and behaviors and consider ways to improve. Whether you’re looking to become more productive, strengthen your relationships, or simply live a healthier lifestyle, incorporating new habits and actions into your daily routine can greatly benefit you in the long run. Here are some key steps for successfully introducing new habits and actions into your daily routine: Before starting any new habit or action, it’s important to have a clear understanding of why you want to implement it. Start small by selecting one or two key habits to focus on at first. Once these become second nature, gradually add more over time. Schedule specific times for when you will practice the habit each day and hold yourself accountable by setting reminders. Having someone else hold you accountable can be incredibly helpful when trying to introduce new habits into your routine. It is common to set goals and make resolutions for the future. However, before diving into the future, it is important to reflect on the past year and acknowledge what worked well. This practice of strategic reflection allows you to identify areas that may need improvement. Take time to reflect on what activities or habits helped you reach your goals or brought positivity into your life. This is why carrying forward positive practices from the past year is crucial. These could be things like regular exercise, setting aside time for self-care, networking events that led to career opportunities, or consistently meeting deadlines at work. Once you’ve  identified these practices, make a conscious effort to continue them in the new year. If they were helpful in the past, chances are they will continue to bring value in the present and future as well. It is important not to let go of things that are working well just because it’s a new year.  Also carrying forward positive practices also means learning from your mistakes and making necessary changes. Staying accountable and motivated…

Losing a Friend and Finding The Memories Losing a dear friend like Pat Bland Woodfolk has brought forth a wave of bittersweet nostalgia, as I am reminded of the vibrant memories we shared over the course of 60 years. I had so many questions after having lived in Taiwan for two years as the only black family in our vicinity during our last year there. Our subsequent move to Virginia ushered me into a new phase of life when I entered high school at Peabody HS, an institution marked by segregation where my peers looked just like me. The music pulsated with the rhythm of my soul, and the clothes and dances spoke directly to every fiber of my being. Those two years were nothing short of extraordinary; every party ended with me at Pat’s house, for a slumber party, while we engaged in deep conversations until dawn. She possessed not only academic brilliance but also kindness and confidence that left an indelible mark on my understanding of what it truly meant to embrace one’s identity as a Black person. She played an integral role that went beyond companionship.  Prior to attending Peabody and meeting Pat, I often felt different amidst diverse educational settings—an outsider looking in. But those formidable years at Peabody, unveiled a newfound sense of belonging rooted deeply within my essence. The 60s brought sit ins demanding justice, riots, powerful demonstrations, Motown, and a black awakening among all of us…and answers to many of the questions I had before arriving at Peabody. While a new assignment led us to Frankfurt Germany for my Junior and Senior year—I maintained precious connections with Pat and others who relentlessly sent me updates through magazines and records reflecting society’s evolution during this transformative decade. The class of 65 gathered in somber silence, our presence a heartfelt tribute to honor you and your beloved family. As I glanced upon your grieving loved ones, I felt a mixture of profound sadness and a deep affection fill the Church. The tears they shed flowed not only from sorrow but also from the depths of immeasurable love and immense respect for the remarkable woman they lost – an extraordinary sister, a devoted mother, a cherished aunt, and an adored grandmother. Dear Friend, as I stood there surrounded by memories we shared together, my heart yearned for your warm laughter and comforting words. The day of your Mom’s funeral, I leaned into the car to hug you and you consoled me as I cried remembering how special both our Moms were. Amidst the sadness intertwined with gratitude, I want to express my eternal appreciation for all that you were in my life – an invaluable source of inspiration who added immeasurable value to every moment we walked this earth together. Those treasured memories etched within my soul shall remain steadfast until fate reunites us once again. I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit