Category: Blog

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.

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.

Rising Above: Healing the Wounds of Hurtful Words Growing up, the saying “Sticks and stones will break your bones, but words will never harm me” echoed in my ears, meant to offer solace in the face of peoples hurtful words. However, I soon realized its inadequacy in capturing the true impact of words on our emotional well-being. They indeed did hurt. Words possess a profound power—they shape our perceptions, define our self-worth, and deeply influence our emotional state. Understanding the significance of words is highlighted through Gary Chapman’s theory of love languages, where words of affirmation rank as the second largest love language. This features the crucial role words play in human relationships—they have the ability to uplift, encourage, and affirm our worth. Conversely, when wielded carelessly or maliciously, they can inflict wounds that cut deep beneath the surface. I vividly recall moments when hurtful words made me doubt my value and sense of belonging. One instance, in particular, stands out—a person I trusted and cherished spoke slanderous lies behind my back to someone I deeply cared for. The shock and devastation were overwhelming, and even though the lies weren’t believed (Thank God), the negative emotions persisted. It served as a stark reminder of the immense power words hold, especially when they come from those we hold dear. And deep down I know the relationship will never be the same again. Yet, beyond the pain lies an opportunity for growth and healing. Why? Because we must! It’s a chance for us to delve into our emotions, understand the wounds inflicted, and embark on a journey of self-discovery and resilience. This journey begins with acknowledging the depth of our feelings (How bad does it hurt?) and allowing ourselves the grace to process the pain in a healthy and constructive manner. Whether through journaling to untangle our thoughts, finding solace in moments of silence to connect with our inner selves or our faith, seeking guidance from a coach or therapist, or leaning on the unwavering support of loved ones, it’s essential to create the space needed to grieve and ultimately heal from the wounds caused by hurtful words. Challenging the damaging beliefs implanted by hurtful words is crucial for reclaiming our sense of self-worth and dignity. We must actively counteract the negative narratives that may have taken root within us, reminding ourselves of our inherent value and resilience. This involves setting clear boundaries to protect our emotional well-being and recognizing when it’s necessary to distance ourselves from toxic relationships, prioritizing our healing and growth. In my previous blog, I discussed the significance of where people stand in your journey through life. Oftentimes, those who were once closest to you, your front row companions, or ride-or-dies, find themselves relegated to the parking lot or even on the other side of I-95. As we embark on this journey of healing, let’s not forget the importance of self-compassion and forgiveness. Extending grace to ourselves and others acknowledges our shared humanity and imperfections. While forgiveness is a powerful tool, it’s also essential to remember. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting the hurtful words or the pain they caused; rather, it’s about releasing their hold on us and choosing to move forward with compassion and grace. In conclusion, may you find strength in adversity and courage in pain, knowing that healing is attainable. Though it may require time and effort, with faith, forgiveness, and empathy, we can rise above the hurt and discover inner peace. Remember, while words may leave lasting scars, they do not define us. We are resilient beings capable of healing and growth. By embracing our inner strength and worth, we reclaim our dignity and sense of self, transcending the pain of hurtful words.

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