Category: Blog

Finding Peace in Uncertain Times (Without Losing Your Sanity) Let’s be real—right now, the world feels like it’s auditioning for the most stressful reality show ever. Decisions from the current administration have people on edge, worried about their rights, job security, and even the future of social security. It’s enough to make you want to stress-eat an entire cake (no judgment if you already did). But instead of spiraling, let’s talk about how we can protect our peace, stay grounded, and actually enjoy life—even in the midst of all this chaos. Prioritize Your Spiritual Wellness (Because God Is Still in Control)When the world feels out of control, that’s our cue to lean into the One who always is. Take time to be still and let God download some much-needed wisdom and peace into your spirit. Seriously, turn off the noise and just be. Pray. Meditate. Go for a quiet walk. Let God remind you that He’s got this (and you). Need a little help embracing the silence? Join my Virtual Listening to the Silence Retreat every second Tuesday, where we step away from the noise and reconnect with God. And if you’re ready for some in-person peace and quiet, come to the Listening to the Silence Retreat at Richmond Hill on April 12th (Register here: Listening to the Silence – April 12th). Trust me, your soul will thank you. Unplug for Your SanityBreaking news: You do not have to be the CNN of your friend group. It’s okay to take a break from the 24/7 news cycle and that one friend who only texts you bad headlines. Give yourself permission to disconnect from political debates, social media rabbit holes, and any conversation that starts with, “Did you hear what happened now?” Instead, fill your time with things that bring you actual joy. Listen to a podcast that makes you laugh. Have a dance party in your kitchen. Try a new hobby. I recently went line dancing and learned a couple of new Cowgirl 2-steps—I may not be winning any competitions, but I had a blast! And that’s the point. Take Care of Your Body (Because Stress Shows Up in Your Shoulders)Have you ever realized that when you’re stressed, your shoulders basically live somewhere up near your ears? It’s time to change that. Get moving—whether it’s a long walk, a gym session, a yoga class, or just stretching before bed. Other stress-relieving self-care ideas: Take a bath with some fancy essential oils (because you’re worth it). Get a massage—let someone else work out those stress knots. Read a book that doesn’t mention politics or the economy. Laugh—hard. Watch a comedy special, call that hilarious friend, or just look up “funny animal or baby videos.” It works, I promise. Stay Hopeful and ConnectedThe world is wild right now, but that doesn’t mean we have to lose our peace. Surround yourself with people and experiences that fill your cup. Keep praying, keep laughing, and keep making time for what matters most. If you’re ready for a true reset, join me at the Listening to the Silence Retreat on April 12th—because sometimes, the best thing we can do is step away from the noise and let God do the talking. How do you take care of yourself when things feel overwhelming? Drop a comment—I need new ideas too!

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

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

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