Category: Blog

Valuing 86,400 Seconds 86,400 seconds is the number of seconds you receive every single day because of God’s Grace. It is His gift to you and you must begin today to increase your respect and use of each second. Each second is UNREPEATABLE…You cannot get it back…it’s gone! Do you use your time productively? – do you waste it? – Do you spend any of it BEING silent – Do you even stop to realize just where you are at any given point in time? Carl Sandburg wrote, “Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.” In order to value the 86,400 seconds, you receive DAILY, you must LIVE in them. You must Be present in them. You must open your Spiritual eyes and ears in order to raise your consciousness above the mundane occurrences happening all around you. In other words, situations come and go…DAILY! You cannot reach back to get the time you wasted by trying to fix something that now is in the past. Living in time and being present in time allows you to truly experience time. You live and experience the different seasons, you live in the rain and the sun and the snow and shorter days, blue skies, cloudy skies, and various smells that come with the seasons. LIVE in the 86,400 seconds rather than complain about them. You watch children grow, you watch yourself grow – you experience new and different, and you evolve based on how you spend your 86,400 seconds.   Respond to the following 5 questions in your journal. Take time to really reflect on your answers. What answer surprises you the most? 1. What do you spend the majority of your day doing? 2. In what ways do your choices represent how you want to live your day? 3. How do you regularly make time to do those things that are truly important to you? 4. If money were not an issue, what would you spend your daily 86,400 seconds doing? 5. How would you live your life if you were told you only had 6 months to live? Someone once said, “If you continue to do what you’ve always done, you will continue to get what you’ve always gotten.”   It is now TIME – to use your 86,400 seconds to make decisions and plan how to do things differently. So, I suggest you create a vision board – and here’s how: 1. Spend 3-5 minutes writing down everything you still want to do in your life – don’t waste time thinking why you shouldn’t want it…just write. 2. Spend a few days modifying the list by adding to it, taking from it, consolidating, and praying over it. 3. Find pictures that represent each of the items on your list and paste them on the inside of a manila folder. The label of that folder should read MY VISION BOARD. 4. Put dates next to each item as to when you will begin working on the item and approximately the time you will accomplish your goal. This Vision Board may encompass a few years. 5. Finally, study your board and embrace it. It is the roadmap to spending your daily 86,400 days as God created you to live. Alan Chapman wrote “The key to successful time management is planning and then protecting the planned time. This involves conditioning or re-conditioning your environment rather than allowing your environment to condition you.” It’s your time and your decision whether to use your time–to its fullest or–waste it. You have no idea how much more time you will Be gifted, so I encourage you to begin today to live your 86,400 seconds. Rita’s Recommended Action Steps: 1. Think about where you spend the majority of your 86,400 coins on a daily basis. 2. Today, hold on to some of your coins that you typically allow others to spend 3. Be fully present and aware, by identifying one thing daily, that you’ve never really paid attention before 4. Begin to collect pictures for your vision board 5. Today is the first day of the rest of your life…Spend it wisely I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit Save the Date Take time to regroup before the fall activities move into full swing and lead you right into the holidays. REGISTER TODAY! Learn More! Looking for a group of women who share wisdom, knowledge, and experience? Leadership in Life is a 6 month Mastermind session, created to give you time to delve deeper and gain clarity! Join the Conversation

Are you Unmotivated because of your Environment? What if I told you that what you surround yourself with impacts your environment more than you may imagine?  Your environment can significantly affect your motivation and willingness to do just about anything. If you’re consistently surrounded by clutter and chaos, staying focused and motivated on your goals and dreams can be tough. But making some simple changes to your environment can make a big difference. Take a moment in some of your favorite places and really look around. These may be your bedroom, bathroom, home office, or if you’re like me, your She-shed/man cave/ prayer closet, whatever you want to call it. Take in everything. The clutter on the floor or the drawers that are so full they won’t close. The massive pile of unfolded clothes and dead plants in the corner. The stack of bills or overflowing makeup all over the counter. Maybe you don’t have things this bad, but perhaps your space is just drab or has looked the same since you were younger. (Still have the Boyz-2-Men and Backstreet Boy’s posters on your wall?) Take some time to clear out your space. Get rid of anything that’s just taking up room and not serving a purpose. And if you can’t bear to part with something, at least ensure it’s organized. Having an organized space can help you feel more in control and motivated. At the very least, it will cut down on the time it takes to find essential items like your keys or that business card of that corporate executive who wants to talk to you! Another great tip is adding some life to your space to improve your motivation. Get a plant or two to add some color and freshness to your environment. We all remember learning in grade school that plants are essential to our livelihood. It has not changed.  Plants produce oxygen, help reduce stress, and can help increase productivity in your life. And yes, it is because you have to water it! But a faux plant is an excellent substitute if you don’t have a green thumb. And if you can, add some natural light to the mix. Being in a bright, cheerful space will help you feel more positive and motivated. And surprise, your plants need the sunshine too! Recognize that distractions and all external forces easily sway our minds. So, it is important to place things around you that improve your mood and motivate your spirit. For example, on my nightstand, I have a picture of my family and a journal with a series of my favorite bible scriptures. I have a plant in most of the rooms of my house, and I recently did an inexpensive facelift to my bathroom with a new backsplash. These small changes motivate me to be more creative and inspired in my work and personal life. I am proud of my space and feel more focused and attentive to my own needs. What in your environment can you change, get a ride, or update? Ultimately, the goal is to create an environment that supports your dreams and makes you feel good. By making some simple changes, you can set the stage for a more productive and motivated lifestyle. Are you ready to support your young adult in their healing, contact me today! Save the Date Take time to regroup before the fall activities move into full swing and lead you right into the holidays. REGISTER TODAY! Learn More! ACHIEVING YOUR GREATNESS Coaching session for Young Adults Learn More!

THOUGHTS ARE POWER! https://youtu.be/-Pi-hh22DEA The Law of Attraction, as described in Wikipedia, is the name given to the belief that “like attracts like” and that by focusing on positive or negative thoughts, one can bring about positive or negative results. The belief is based upon the idea that people and their thoughts are both made from “pure energy” —and— the belief that LIKE energy attracts LIKE energy. Wikipedia goes on to say, however, that there is no scientific basis to the law of attraction. There are supporters as well as critics of this NEW WORLD MOVEMENT. And part of your challenge will be to determine your level of support –or lack thereof – for this concept. One of my favorite books EVER, is AS A MAN THINKETH, written by James Allen back in 1902. I’ve had it forever and read portions of it often…there are only 6 chapters. In it, Allen writes, and I quote, “good thoughts and actions can never produce bad results; bad thoughts and actions can never produce good results.” He also writes, and I quote, “dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so shall you become.” I truly believe that we get back what we give. We attract what we focus on. Where is your focus? What do you think about constantly? What is the common thread in your thinking? I may not be a farmer, but I know if the farmer plants watermelon seeds, that’s what will grow, and planting apple seeds will produce apples. It would be really silly of him, me, or anyone to expect something else will grow other than the picture on the seed envelope. Nourishing and caring for the seeds as they grow, guarantee the harvest will look like the envelope picture…because that’s what was planted. Galatian 6:7 (ERV) states that you will harvest what you plant. I have to believe that if I nourish and care for my mind…feeding it- uplifting, positive, relevant, encouraging, authentic information…my thoughts will grow along that same path. You are in control of your thoughts. You cannot blame anyone else for your situation because you make the choices for your life…and you ALWAYS have choices. The choices are often tough and require that you spend time in your head, to determine the best outcome. This is why journaling and silence are so important in your life. Journaling allows you to put your thoughts on paper and see them. The silence connects your thoughts with your Being. When you properly nourish your mind, body, and spirit, they work in tandem to help you make the best possible decision. You must be consistent and current with your nourishment because yesterday’s thoughts may not be what you need for today’s decision.I heard someone say once, that if the grass looks greener on the other side…it’s because you’re not watering your side. Have you decided whether you are a supporter or critic of the LAW OF ATTRACTION? I don’t know how important it is to choose either, but I do believe if you pour garbage in, you’ll get garbage out, and if you pour love in, you’ll get love out. Our minds are complex, and so little is known about how the mind really works. But you know you, and you know your thoughts, and you know which ones bring good into your life and which ones do not. Thoughts are power, and you cannot afford to waste another minute allowing weeds to grow in your space. Proverbs 4:23 reads, “be careful how you think, your life is shaped by your thoughts.” Visit my website at www.ritaricks.com to learn how else you can grow as you follow your journey. Rita’s Recommended Action Steps: 1. Spend time concentrating on whether you spend more time in negative thinking or positive thinking. 2. Spend time concentrating on what you want, rather than what you don’t want. 3. Spend some quiet time thinking about how you nourish your mind and what thoughts you’re growing. 4. Find a book, song, sermon, poem, tv show, magazine article…anything that will lift you higher. 5. Spend your quiet time deciding how you can be more consistent and current with your nourishment. 6. In the silence, ponder this question…are you creating your own reality? I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit Did this resonate with you? Schedule a Breakthru Session. We will show you how to identify and remove the barriers preventing you from creating the life you were born to live. Learn More!

Overcoming the FEAR of FAILURE We have all heard the statement if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. But for some, especially our young adults, that simple act of failing just one time can make them feel like a “LOSER” and they become adamant about not trying again. No matter how hard you try to push them or encourage them they refuse to FAIL again. In life, we recognize that we don’t always win or get exactly what we want, but with some persistence, direction, and patience many things can come into existence or be won. (If it is meant to be… We’ll talk about alignment and destiny in a later blog.) So, what stops them or even you from trying again? It’s the FEAR OF FAILURE! The anxiety and dread of not reaching our goals or objectives weighs on our minds heavily, and sometimes it seems like it’s not worth the risk. This could make plenty of sense and be understood if the failure caused catastrophic outcomes. But oftentimes, these are minor or mild failures, and they are possibly fixable or doable. It can be difficult for our young adults to see the value in taking risk after they have been let down, by themselves or others. Overcoming the fear of failure can be difficult, but it is possible. Here are some tips to help your young adult or you overcome the fear of failure.   Identify where the fear comes from The fear of failure comes from a subconscious limiting belief. A limiting belief is a state of mind or belief about yourself that restricts you in some way. By figuring out what belief is underneath this fear, you can start changing how you perceive failure. Take an opportunity to do a self-evaluation and ask yourself the following questions. What am I actually afraid of? What is causing me to feel this way? Is this fear warranted?   Change how you see failureJust because things did not work out as planned or you were unable to reach your goals, does not mean that you are a failure. In my opinion, the only way in which you can fail is by not trying. Do not limit yourself and your abilities based on your failures. Many top business owners and CEOs have a bucket full of failed businesses and missed opportunities. They view their failures as opportunities to learn and grow. Key traits are that they remain persistent and don’t see their failures as a stop sign. Overall, they know what didn’t work and have something to improve upon.   It’s not failure, it’s a series of personal reviews Imagine that failure didn’t exist. Instead, think of it as a series of personal reviews like on Amazon. Some things worked really well, some items really surprised you and were a great deal. While there were those items that came in 3 sizes too small, damaged upon delivery, or was not what you expected when you placed the order. It’s then only new information that you can use to try it again and adjust your method.   Amazing Grace, give yourself some Give yourself the space to try new things and be open to ‘fail’. It’s okay if things don’t work out how you planned. We learn over time that some of the biggest failures or let downs turned out to be blessings. (Take a look at your high school crush… lol). Remember that no one is perfect and if you only aim for perfection, you will miss out on so much more. (i.e.- lessons, an opportunity for growth, overall success, and happiness)   Let the fear put fire under your butt- Be fearless Don’t let your fear of failure stop you from taking some chances and trying new things! Even if you’re terrified, do them anyways. To be Fearless you are being bold enough to say that it’s worth a try. When you can come by and fearlessness and confidence you create courage. With that courage, you are able to take the big steps necessary to achieve your goals and dreams   Are you ready to support your young adult in their healing, contact me today! ACHIEVING YOUR GREATNESS Coaching session for Young Adults Learn More!

BEING PRESENT https://youtu.be/9ToROQICZLI Being Present is about NOW – THIS moment in time – Right This Moment. In fact, NOW is all you have. Studies show that you lose 60% of your daily precious gift of time by focusing on what happened in the past – either to you or because of you – YET” …you cannot change your past. These same studies show that you lose 25% of your daily precious gift of time by arranging and living your life based on what the future might bring…AND YET… you cannot see the future, so that leaves only 15% of your daily precious gift of time to make a difference… in this space…… in this moment. Today when your mind begins to wander, bring your mind, body, and spirit back to the PRESENT and see what you can gain and how you can grow from whatever you’re doing in that particular moment. You are NOT in control. Your Creator chose you from eternity and placed you in THIS moment for His purpose. He knows exactly what your purpose is and how He wants you to use it to benefit mankind. But if you’re all over the map, being busy…. ALL the time……. when are you able to hear directions about what and where you’re supposed to be? We are human beings, not human doings, and in order to truly know what to do…. we must first BE……silent. Staying in the NOW is something you must constantly be conscious of. Actually, BEGINNING today, I would like you to become more conscious of and responsible for your thoughts and words because THEY create your reality. You are where you are right now based on how you think, what you say, and the choices you make. Your Creator knows what is best for you but gives you free reign in which to choose. Trust me, in any given moment, you experience – subtle signs, God winks, and aha moments which clearly give you direction. But if you are spending this moment reliving yesterday or planning tomorrow……you missed it – AGAIN! Think back on the signs that gave you direction and you listened OR….re-play those signs that you chose to ignore. When you arrive at the point where you live the majority of your time Being Present – in the moment – you experience an unbelievable freedom. You are truly aware of what is happening right NOW. You and your Creator are connected. He is guiding you, and all you have to do is follow. You will see that the sky looks bluer, you enjoy the EXPERIENCE of a good meal – the words to an old song bring new meaning into your life, you discover true friends, you feel peace and joy in your heart, you stop worrying, and you start living. Close your eyes, relax, and listen to your thoughts. Spend as much time as it takes to practice BEING PRESENT. You can do this, especially knowing the gifts God has for you each day. It is such a Blessing when you cut the chains of control. It is such a Blessing when your day begins in expectation and excitement about all the possibilities and opportunities that will show up. It is such a Blessing when you trust God to lead you, and He trusts that you will follow. Jeremiah 29:11 reads: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” I’m excited about all you’re about to experience, and my prayer is that you continue to choose to stay in the present. Visit my website at www.ritaricks.com to learn how else you can grow as you follow your journey. Rita’s Recommended Action Steps: Spend your quiet time imagining a snapshot of your average day. Where do you focus the majority of your thoughts?… Thinking about the past? Thinking about the future? or thinking about right now? Close your eyes and reflect on the fact that when you choose to align your spirit with God’s purpose for your day, you are following HIS will rather than your own. Be on the lookout for any subtle signs, God winks, or Aha moments that flow thru your day, and write them down. Decide to spend today living in the moment……because you only have THIS moment, RIGHT NOW. Focus your silence on surrendering your perceived control….and trusting God more. I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit