Category: Blog

THE POWER SUPERFOODS BRING TO YOUR TABLE I don’t know about you, but I’ve been curious about Superfoods for a minute. I mean, who wouldn’t be intrigued by the idea of these nutrient-packed powerhouses? I’ve heard about superfood salads, but for some reason, I’ve never actually tried one. So, for this blog post, I decided to research the world of Superfoods to see if they’re worth all the hype. And let me tell you, the more I read up on them, the more excited I got! Superfoods are basically like little superheroes in your pantry – they are jam-packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can do wonders for your health and well-being. Just imagine all those essential nutrients working their magic inside your body – reducing inflammation, lowering risks of cancer and chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes… It’s an answer to my prayers. Plus, they can boost your immune system and keep your gut happy and healthy. Honestly, who wouldn’t want to add more superfoods into their diet? But here’s the thing – as amazing as superfoods are, it’s important not to go overboard with them. Some of these foods can be pretty pricey and eating too many of them might throw off the balance in your diet. So while incorporating superfoods into your meals is definitely a great idea… moderation is key! Because I’m reading all about the great benefits of these amazing nutrient-packed foods, I knew I had to learn what foods we’re talking about to determine if my body is familiar with any of them. And guess what? YAAAAAAY! I am pleased to announce that my body and superfoods have been besties for quite some time now. I mean, come on, I love regularly eating delicious blueberries, nutrient-rich spinach, crunchy almonds, zesty lemons, powerful broccoli, vibrant beets, wholesome brown rice, protein-packed black beans and chickpeas, tasty salmon packed with omega-3s,and savory garlic? And let’s not forget about the versatile olive oil that is a staple in my kitchen. I’ve been fueling my body with these incredible super foods without even realizing it. My taste buds are loving me right now! Writing this blog has opened my eyes to the incredible health benefits of superfoods. I hope that you also have learned something new and are inspired to incorporate more of these nutrient-dense foods into your diet. I would love to hear from you about your experiences with superfoods and any suggestions or feedback you may have for me. Let’s continue on our journey towards better health together! This will definitely improve our aging process. Don’t hesitate to contact me here: Contact | Spiritual Coach + Business Coach | Rita Ricks I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit

Explore the role RESISTANCE plays in Directing your Path Do you ever feel like you’re your own worst enemy when it comes to making positive changes in your life? You’re not alone. Self-sabotage – the sneaky little voice in your head that convinces you to stay stuck in old habits and patterns is alive and well. While resistance may seem like a conscious decision to oppose change, it is often fueled by underlying fears that lead to self-sabotaging behaviors. For example, if someone has a fear of failure or rejection, they may resist taking action towards their goals because they are afraid of not being good enough. This fear then manifests in sabotaging behaviors such as procrastination or making excuses for not moving forward. Moreover, resistance and self-sabotage create a vicious cycle where one feeds into the other. When you face resistance towards change due to underlying fears and insecurities, you tend to engage in self-sabotaging behaviors that reinforce those fears even further. This cycle continues until you break these patterns. At its core, resistance stems from a fear of the unknown and a desire to maintain control over one’s life. It is a natural human response to change as your brains are wired to seek comfort and familiarity. However, when faced with changes that require you to step out of your comfort zone and challenge your beliefs and habits…RESISTANCE! When faced with changes that challenge these limiting beliefs and require risk-taking or pushing beyond your comfort zone, here comes self-sabotaging behaviors as a means of protecting yourself from potential failure or rejection. thus you avoid change and opportunities for growth and hinder your personal and professional development. While there are multiple factors that contribute to resistance, two key root causes are fear and comfort zone. Fear is a powerful emotion that can paralyze us and prevent you from taking necessary action. When faced with change, your brains often interpret it as a threat to your safety and security. Your comfort zone also plays a significant role in fueling resistance to change. It refers to a psychological state where you feel at ease with your surroundings and routines. For instance, someone who has been trying for years to lose weight but has always struggled may find comfort in their current lifestyle despite its health consequences. The idea of giving up their favorite foods or incorporating regular exercise into their routine challenges this comfort zone they have created for themselves. Another way in which self-sabotage fuels resistance is through perfectionism. While striving for excellence can be beneficial, setting unrealistic standards for oneself can be detrimental. Perfectionists often have an all-or-nothing mentality and believe that if they cannot do something perfectly, then there’s no point in doing it at all. This mindset can lead to resistance towards change because individuals may feel overwhelmed by the need to achieve perfection before making any changes in their lives. Moreover, self-sabotage can also manifest itself as imposter syndrome – the feeling of being a fraud and not deserving success or recognition. People experiencing imposter syndrome tend to downplay their achievements and attribute them to luck rather than acknowledge their hard work and abilities. Past negative experiences can also contribute. Self-sabotage is a destructive behavior that can affect various areas of your life. It hinders your growth and prevents you from achieving goals critical to your career, relationships, health, emotional growth, and finances Addressing self-sabotage requires a high level of awareness about one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Mindset-shifting techniques such as positive affirmations, visualizations, journaling, and therapy can help individuals reframe their thoughts and beliefs. It allows you to embrace a more positive sense of self. Another crucial aspect of overcoming self-sabotage is developing self-compassion and forgiveness towards yourself. Physical movement is also critical in shifting your mindset. SUMMARY Resistance, while often a catalyst for positive change, can also become a formidable barrier to progress when it is rooted in an unwillingness to adapt. Clinging to the familiar and resisting new ideas or approaches stifles innovation and growth, trapping individuals and societies in a cycle of stagnation. This type of resistance prevents one from seizing opportunities, embracing necessary changes, and evolving with the times. It creates self-imposed limits ensuring that you remain confined by the very barriers you created and yet refuse to dismantle, ultimately hindering your potential. Let’s talk about this more. Share your thoughts and comments and give me examples of how resistance has impacted your life. This topic is too important for just one blog. Let’s talk about this more. Share your thoughts and comments and give me examples of how resistance has impacted your life. This topic is too important for just one blog. Leave your message here: Contact | Spiritual Coach + Business Coach | Rita Ricks I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit

Mom: The Stage Manager of my life! In the grand production of life, there’s always one person who stands out as the guiding force behind the scenes, orchestrating every moment with love and grace. For me, that person is my mother, Anita. She’s not just a mother; she’s my first and forever best friend. In previous posts and discussions, I’ve often referred to the stage of life, emphasizing where people reside – the Front Row, the Balcony, or the Parking Lot. Throughout, I’ve proudly reserved the center seat for my mom. However, upon deeper reflection on her significance in my life, it’s evident she’s far more than a mere spectator; she’s the Stage Manager, flawlessly supporting every facet with meticulous attention and unwavering precision. Just like a Stage Manager in a theater production, my mother is always there, ready to ensure that everything runs smoothly (or at least she is really good at hiding the chaos from me). She anticipates my needs before I even realize them myself, just like a Stage Manager who knows the script by heart. From ensuring I have my favorite dinners on Sunday to offering a listening ear whenever I need it, she’s there backstage, ensuring everything is perfect for the performance of my life. One of the most remarkable parallels between my mother and a Stage Manager is her ability to handle any situation with calmness and poise. As a high-energy person, who often talks a mile a minute, she is often the only one who can get me centered, focused, and calm within a matter of seconds. Just as a Stage Manager remains composed amidst chaos backstage, my mother navigates the ups and downs of life with unwavering strength and grace. No matter what challenges come our way, she’s there, a steady presence in the wings, guiding me through with her wisdom and unwavering support. Moreover, my mother’s attention to detail rivals the most meticulous Stage Manager and Designer for our favorite show, Project Runway! Not only did she design and sew countless costumes for me during my time in the theater, but she also masterfully designed and made my prom dresses, pageant gowns, and Halloween ensembles… and ensembles they were!! Watching her work, I marveled at her skill and speed; she could sew a button and execute a hem faster than anyone I know. Her thoughtfulness and attention to every little aspect make each moment feel tailor-made and special, much like the intricate staging of a theater production. But the most profound aspect of my mother’s role as the Stage Manager of my life is her endless love and compassion. She taught me what unconditional love was and I have been blessed never to see that love waver. Just like a Stage Manager works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of the show, my mother’s love knows no bounds or time limits. Her selfless sacrifices, boundless patience, and unconditional support are the cornerstone of my very existence. As I conclude this tribute to my mother, I want to express my deepest gratitude to her. Mom, here are your virtual flowers! Thank you, Mom, for your sore knees, which I know are from countless prayers uttered for my well-being. Thank you for your infectious smile that brightens even the darkest days and keeps us going when the going gets tough (which I am proud I inherited). And thank you for all the times I didn’t get to say thank you, for your love knows no conditions or expectations… and I Thank God for that and you! “I Love You More”

75 Plus Years Around the Planet: What I Know for Sure! At 75 plus years old, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the life I have lived and who I am. April has always been my month for reflection, a time when the flowers bloom and warm weather mirrors the growth and change happening within me. As a proud Aries, Spring is truly my season, and I feel a renewed energy and passion. With each passing year, I find myself taking longer to assess where I am in life, and in this moment, I am content. My world is worry-free and filled with joy, peace, love, hope – all emotions that make my heart swell with gratefulness. Every day brings new ideas and insights that kindle my enthusiasm for what lies ahead. In my 70th decade of life (and beyond), I refuse to let age define me or limit what I can achieve. Instead of just surviving each day, I choose to live fully present in every moment so as not to miss out on any experience or opportunity for growth. Life at 75 plus years old may be seen by some as nearing the end of one’s journey – but for me it’s simply another chapter in a story still unfolding beautifully before my eyes. WHAT I KNOW FOR SURE: Prioritize Nurture your Mind, Body and Spirit Stop, Start, Continue Ask WHY, rather than HOW Focus on what you want, rather than what you don’t want People aren’t mad at you, they’re mad BECAUSE it’s you Get a House Keeper who does laundry Ignite your inner flame Do not Settle Whatever brings you Joy, Do more of it When it comes to assessing YOUR life, it’s important to reflect on the points that truly resonate with you. Perhaps the idea of decluttering your physical space and letting go of things no longer serving you speaks volumes. Or maybe setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care is what your soul craves. Whatever it may be, taking the time to evaluate where you stand in life can lead to transformative change. Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up your home – it’s about clearing out mental clutter, toxic relationships, and negative habits as well. By incorporating these changes into your daily routine, you are paving the way for a brighter future filled with growth and peace. So take a moment to assess what areas of your life need attention, and contact me so we can talk. I want to hear from you. 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.

Unlocking Peace: The Power of Forgiveness Have you ever found yourself grappling with the need to forgive someone close who keeps pushing your buttons, or perhaps struggling to let go of the pain caused by a former partner’s betrayal? Maybe you’ve even wrestled with forgiving yourself for past mistakes, haunted by feelings of guilt and self-doubt. And what about those childhood incidents that cast a shadow of resentment over your present?In today’s complex world, forgiveness isn’t just a nice idea; it’s essential for navigating life’s challenges. Whether it’s forgiving others for their flaws, showing grace to ourselves, or finding closure in past hurts, forgiveness is key to unlocking peace and healing.As believers in Christ, we’re called to forgive as we are forgiven daily by Jesus. While I’ll jokingly admit I’m no Jesus, the truth is, I’m constantly striving to be more like him. Forgiveness has been a personal struggle for me at times, as it may have been for you. Is there something you’re struggling to forgive, big or small? Forgiveness isn’t about forgetting; it’s about releasing the grip of trauma, challenge, or pain. I’ve crafted 7 action steps to forgiveness using the word FORGIVE. Today, I’ll share two favorites: Facing Your Feelings Acknowledging our emotions is the first step. Instead of burying or pushing aside our pain, we must confront it head-on. Embracing our feelings creates space for healing, recognizing their validity, and beginning the process of release.Facing your feelings means allowing yourself to sit with discomfort. It’s natural to want to avoid pain, but doing so only prolongs our suffering. Take the time to explore your emotions, even if they’re uncomfortable. Whether it’s anger, sadness, or disappointment, give yourself permission to feel. By facing our feelings, we create an opportunity for growth. We acknowledge the impact of past experiences on our present emotions, allowing ourselves to process and heal from them. Remember, it’s okay not to be okay. Emotions are neither good nor bad; they simply are. Embracing them is the first step towards forgiveness and inner peace. Granting Grace After facing our feelings head on, the next step is to extend grace to those who’ve wronged us. And for some they may need that “Amazing Grace” like the song, type of grace. You know what I mean! Forgiveness isn’t about excusing hurtful actions but freeing ourselves from resentment’s grip. It requires empathy and compassion, understanding everyone’s imperfections. How many times have you known better, but didn’t do better yourself? Granting grace means letting go of the desire for revenge or retribution. It’s recognizing that holding onto anger and bitterness only harms us in the long run. Instead, we choose to release the burden of resentment, offering forgiveness as a gift to ourselves. We open ourselves up to healing and reconciliation. Remember, it doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning the wrongdoing; it’s about choosing to move forward with peace and compassion in our hearts. Remember, forgiveness is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and self-compassion. If you’re struggling, seek support. Are you curious to what the other action steps are to true forgiveness? Join us for our upcoming webinar: Forgiveness Detox on May 22nd at 7 pm. Led by Coach Angela, this workshop offers practical strategies for forgiveness and toxicity release. Register now at RitaRicks.com. Together, let’s embrace forgiveness and embark on a path of healing and growth.