Reflecting on the Forgiveness Detox: A Journey of Sisterhood and Healing

By Angela Lightfoot

Reflecting on the Forgiveness Detox: A Journey of Sisterhood and Healing On the evening of June 28th, we came together for a transformative Forgiveness Detox, and I am overjoyed to share that it was an overwhelming success. The turnout was incredible, but what truly made the event magical was the deep sense of sisterhood and connection we experienced during our fun girls’ night happy hour. As the evening unfolded, we embraced vulnerability, shared our stories, vented our frustrations, and found moments of laughter amidst the tears. Each woman present opened her heart about her forgiveness journey, offering heartfelt advice and unwavering support to one another. It was a powerful reminder of the strength we find in community and the beauty of sharing our truths. During the workshop, I introduced my F.O.R.G.I.V.E. Method, a structured approach to navigating the complex path of forgiveness. Here’s a brief overview of each step: F: Face the Emotion – Acknowledge and confront the feelings associated with the hurt. For example, recognizing the anger or sadness you feel towards someone who wronged you. (And let’s be honest, sometimes that anger is directed at the barista who messed up your coffee order this morning.) O: Open the Wounds – Allow yourself to revisit the pain and understand its impact. Please be careful with this one. If the trauma is deep, you may want to solicit support from a therapist or coach. (YES, I am available.) R: Release Resentment – Let go of the grudges and bitterness that hold you back. This does not mean to forget; it means releasing the reaction it has on you. The opposite of love is not hate, it is indifference. This could be through meditation, prayer, or simply deciding to no longer let the resentment control you. G: Grant Forgiveness – Choose to forgive the person who hurt you, not for their sake, but for your own peace. This is not an on and off switch. This is the biggest and often most difficult part of the process, but it is vital. As Ephesians 4:32 says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” I: Investigate the Lesson – Reflect on what the experience has taught you. Perhaps it has made you stronger, more empathetic, or more aware of your boundaries. (Or maybe it’s just taught you not to loan your favorite shoes to anyone, ever again.) V: Visualize a New Future – This is my favorite part. This is when you get to dream and find your joy. Imagine a future where the pain no longer defines you. Envision the possibilities that open up when you are no longer held back by past hurts. This is the release we hope for and desire most. E: Embrace Healing – Accept the healing process and be patient with yourself. Healing is not linear, and it’s important to give yourself grace as you move forward. This is a beautiful thing for others to also witness. Oftentimes people hide their feelings and the ways they process their healing. It is wonderful to see as it demonstrates the importance of healing intentionally. Forgiveness is a journey, and there is no rush. Each step is crucial, and it’s important to move at your own pace. However, the sooner you free yourself from the pain, the sooner you can live on purpose with purpose. Thank you to all the incredible women who attended and made this workshop a sanctuary of growth and healing. Let’s continue to support each other on this journey of forgiveness and personal transformation. You can catch testimonies from the workshop on my Instagram @msangelacoaches

BEING UNCOMFORTABLE IS THE NEW SELF CARE PRODUCT!

By Rita Ricks

BEING UNCOMFORTABLE IS THE NEW SELF CARE PRODUCT! In a world that glorifies comfort and convenience, it may come as a surprise to hear that being uncomfortable is actually the latest trend in self-care. Yes! – embracing discomfort and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is now recognized as an essential tool for personal growth and development. So put down the fuzzy socks and cozy blanket, because I’m here to explain why being uncomfortable might just be the best self-care product you never considered. It may seem counterintuitive, but embracing uncomfortable situations can lead to significant progress in various aspects of your life. HOW?? Consider the following… Stepping out of your comfort zone, forces you to confront your fears and limitations. This process of facing challenges head-on allows you to expand your boundaries and discover new possibilities that you might not have otherwise explored. Moreover, experiencing discomfort can help build resilience and adaptability. By learning to navigate through difficult situations, you develop the strength to overcome obstacles with grace and determination. Think about it…understanding the importance of discomfort in personal growth is accepting that growth often happens outside of the comfort zone. Embrace the discomfort, learn from it, and watch yourself grow into a stronger and more resilient version of yourself. It will help you stay focused on what really matters. Feeling uncomfortable can serve as a constant reminder of the importance of staying committed to your aspirations. It keeps you on your toes, pushing you to strive for excellence even when faced with adversity. Rather than seeing discomfort as a hindrance, view it as a catalyst for propelling yourself forward. By acknowledging and accepting discomfort as part of the journey towards success, you cultivate determination within yourself. This mindset shift enables you to channel that energy into fueling your passion and maintaining momentum in pursuing your goals. Embrace discomfort not as an enemy but as a valuable ally in your pursuit of personal growth and achievement. I encourage you to reframe how you perceive discomfort – Look at it as a sign that you are pushing yourself beyond limits and expanding your capabilities. Cultivating a mindset of curiosity towards uncomfortable situations can help shift your perspective from fear to excitement. How can you begin today, to reframe your mindset? Well guess what, my purpose is to show you how to get unstuck, how to stop doing the same thing the same way, but expect different results. That’s not productive, it’s called being busy. So Contact me today – I GOT YOU! Don’t hesitate to contact me here: Contact | Spiritual Coach + Business Coach | Rita Ricks Let Go of the Resistance! I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit

OOHH We’re Halfway there: Living on Prayer and Goals

By Angela Lightfoot

OOHH We’re Halfway there: Living on Prayer and Goals We’re halfway through 2024, and it’s the perfect time for a mental cartwheel, a goal-setting shimmy, and a heartfelt “Thank you, Jesus!” Even if you haven’t accomplished everything you hoped for, you’re still here with plenty of opportunities to achieve your goals! The Mid-Year Pep Talk Goal GPS: Where are you?Picture this: You’re on a road trip called Life, and you’ve reached that quirky gas station at the halfway mark. Grab some metaphorical snacks (I’ll take some Cheese Puffs), kick back, and ask yourself: Am I cruising toward my goals? Did I detour into the scenic route of Netflix binges? Have I accidentally taken a wrong turn into Procrastinationville? Has God told you listen to his guidance over the GPS? Celebrate the Small and Big Victories:Remember that time you finally organized your sock drawer or nailed that presentation at work? Those deserve mini fireworks in your journey! Each tiny victory is a step forward on your path to greatness. Don’t just brush these moments aside; take a moment to bask in the glow of your achievements. Treat yourself to a little celebration—dance around your living room, indulge in your favorite treat, or share your success with a friend. These small celebrations fuel your motivation, making each milestone feel like the grand finale of a fireworks show. Celebrate it like you just won a Grammy, because in the symphony of your life, every note matters. Goal Remix: Adjust and Let it FlowLife’s DJ just dropped a remix, so it’s time to revisit your initial goals. Are they still relevant, or have circumstances changed? Adjustments are normal, and flexibility is key. Maybe your original goals need a new beat. Ask yourself: Is that side hustle still sparking joy, or did it go platinum? Has your faith been tested, and you see things in a new light? Did you discover a new passion for underwater basket weaving or Pilates, or should it stay on the B-side?  Are you secretly training for a ninja warrior competition, or just trying to stay on beat? Embrace the remix and keep grooving towards your goals! As we journey through the rest of 2024, remember that each step, no matter how small, is part of your unique path. Keep celebrating your victories, adjusting your goals, and staying flexible. Trust that God is guiding your steps and has a plan for your success. You are the architect of your own achievements, with faith as your foundation, shaping a masterpiece that will culminate in an incredible finish. So, embrace your progress, keep striving for excellence, and let the world see your brilliance. Lean on your faith and let God’s light shine through you. Here’s to living on prayer and goals, making 2024 the year you shine the brightest! Keep pursuing those goals, my friend, and always remember: You’ve got this, with God’s grace!

THE POWER SUPERFOODS BRING TO YOUR TABLE

By Rita Ricks

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

By Rita Ricks

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