Category: Blog

Losing a Friend and Finding The Memories Losing a dear friend like Pat Bland Woodfolk has brought forth a wave of bittersweet nostalgia, as I am reminded of the vibrant memories we shared over the course of 60 years. I had so many questions after having lived in Taiwan for two years as the only black family in our vicinity during our last year there. Our subsequent move to Virginia ushered me into a new phase of life when I entered high school at Peabody HS, an institution marked by segregation where my peers looked just like me. The music pulsated with the rhythm of my soul, and the clothes and dances spoke directly to every fiber of my being. Those two years were nothing short of extraordinary; every party ended with me at Pat’s house, for a slumber party, while we engaged in deep conversations until dawn. She possessed not only academic brilliance but also kindness and confidence that left an indelible mark on my understanding of what it truly meant to embrace one’s identity as a Black person. She played an integral role that went beyond companionship.  Prior to attending Peabody and meeting Pat, I often felt different amidst diverse educational settings—an outsider looking in. But those formidable years at Peabody, unveiled a newfound sense of belonging rooted deeply within my essence. The 60s brought sit ins demanding justice, riots, powerful demonstrations, Motown, and a black awakening among all of us…and answers to many of the questions I had before arriving at Peabody. While a new assignment led us to Frankfurt Germany for my Junior and Senior year—I maintained precious connections with Pat and others who relentlessly sent me updates through magazines and records reflecting society’s evolution during this transformative decade. The class of 65 gathered in somber silence, our presence a heartfelt tribute to honor you and your beloved family. As I glanced upon your grieving loved ones, I felt a mixture of profound sadness and a deep affection fill the Church. The tears they shed flowed not only from sorrow but also from the depths of immeasurable love and immense respect for the remarkable woman they lost – an extraordinary sister, a devoted mother, a cherished aunt, and an adored grandmother. Dear Friend, as I stood there surrounded by memories we shared together, my heart yearned for your warm laughter and comforting words. The day of your Mom’s funeral, I leaned into the car to hug you and you consoled me as I cried remembering how special both our Moms were. Amidst the sadness intertwined with gratitude, I want to express my eternal appreciation for all that you were in my life – an invaluable source of inspiration who added immeasurable value to every moment we walked this earth together. Those treasured memories etched within my soul shall remain steadfast until fate reunites us once again. I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit

Crafting Your Life’s Blueprint: Why Having a Vision is Essential for Success Have you ever wondered what separates highly successful individuals from the rest? The secret lies in their ability to envision their dreams and relentlessly pursue them. Just like a beautifully crafted blueprint serves as a guide for architects, having a clear vision for your life sets the foundation for an extraordinary journey filled with purpose and achievement. In this blog post, you will learn why creating your life’s blueprint is essential for success and uncover practical tips on how to craft it effectively. Get ready to unlock the power of visualization and move towards greatness! Your personal vision is your mental map or guide that you can refer to when making decisions large and small. Having a strong sense of what you want in life gives you something to aim for and helps to keep you motivated when things get tough. Vision helps you define your goals, and remain inspired. It’s been said that the two most important days in a person’s life are the day we are born and the day we figure out why we are alive. Once we attain an understanding of the role we play in the world we can begin to identify and achieve our goals and dreams. Your goals and dreams are what give your life purpose and meaning. They are what pull you out of bed each day and live your life to the fullest. Without them, you would likely feel lost and unfulfilled. The first step in achieving your goals and dreams is identifying them. What is it that you truly want out of life? What do you hope to accomplish? These can be difficult questions to answer, but they are essential if you want to craft a blueprint for your life that will lead you to success. Once you have identified your goals, it’s important to break them down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Trying to accomplish too much at once is often overwhelming and can lead to setbacks. By taking things one step at a time, you increase your chances of achieving your overall goal. It’s vital that you take action towards achieving your goals. Dreams without action are just wishes. It’s up to you to make them a reality. So start today, crafting your blueprint for success! Begin by thinking about what you want to achieve in the short-term, medium-term, and long-term. What are your goals? What do you want your life to look like? What kind of person do you want to be? Answering these questions will help you develop a clearer picture of what you want to achieve. Once you have a good understanding of your vision, start taking steps towards making it a reality. If your goal is to start your own business, for example, research the industry, create a business plan, and start networking with people who can help make your dream a reality. The important thing is to take action and move closer to your goals each day. A life without a vision is like driving without destination; eventually, you’ll end up nowhere. So take the time to craft your vision for success today! It is not enough to have a vision; you must have a plan to achieve it. This requires discipline and focus. It is easy to get sidetracked or become bogged down in the details, but if you keep your eye on the prize, you will be more likely to succeed. Start by breaking down the vision into smaller goals. What do you need to do in the short-term to get closer to your long-term goal? Make a list of these things and then create a schedule or timeline for yourself. Try to be as specific as possible so that you can measure your progress along the way. It is also important to set some deadlines for yourself. Without a sense of urgency, it will be all too easy to procrastinate or get off track. However, be realistic in setting your deadlines; don’t make them so stringent that they become impossible to meet. Remember to include some flexibility in your plans. Things rarely go exactly as we expect them too, so allow for some wiggle room. This does not mean that you should not strive for excellence, but rather that you should recognize that life is unpredictable and that there may be times when you need to adapt your plans accordingly. Setbacks are inevitable, but it’s how you deal with them that counts. It’s important to remember that setbacks are only temporary and that you can overcome them if you maintain a positive outlook and take action. If you let setbacks get you down, it will be harder to pick yourself back up and keep going. It’s also important to celebrate your victories, no matter how small they may seem. A victory is a victory, and each one should be celebrated as such. By celebrating your successes, you’ll be more excited to keep pushing forward towards your goals. Without a vision, it is all too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and lose sight of what we are working towards. A vision provides us with a north star to guide our decisions and keep us on track. When we have a clear vision for our lives, it gives us the power to say no to things that don’t align with our goals. We can be more selective with how we spend our time and energy, and focus on activities that will help us move closer to our dreams. Having a vision also inspires us to take action. Instead of being content with where we are, we are motivated to keep pushing ourselves and growing. We become excited about the possibilities for our future and start taking steps to make them a reality. A vision gives us something to strive for, and the knowledge that it is possible to achieve great things. So if you haven’t…

Don’t Yuck My Yum: Savoring Life’s Richness, One Open Mind at a Time How many of you really enjoy a glass of wine? I, for one, take pride in being one of the founders of the Radford University Wine Society (back when we were a campus that could enjoy wine). Any chance to gather with family or friends over a glass of wine is always a guarantee of a great time for me (and Rita)! Like most wine evenings, I have a story to share, a phrase to introduce, and a philosophy that’s as comforting as a cozy blanket on a chilly autumn evening: “Don’t Yuck My Yum.” This fun saying, which found its roots with Allie Smith from The Traveling Vineyard, blossomed during a recent wine-tasting gathering with the Vault ladies this September. It’s all about fostering an open mind and celebrating diverse tastes and opinions. At the beginning of the night Allie shared with us 2 crucial rules for her ultimate wine tasting experience. 1) Do not take a sip until everyone has been served, and 2) “Don’t Yuck My Yum” – in other words, refrain from expressing distaste for a wine that someone else might genuinely enjoy. It’s not just great advice for wine tasting; it’s also fantastic life advice. Allie’s wisdom reminded us that being open-minded and accepting of different preferences can make life (and perhaps even wine) all the more enjoyable. Now, let’s explore why “Don’t Yuck My Yum” has become our mantra for celebrating diversity in mind body and spirit: 1. Stay Open to New Experiences: Life is a grand adventure, and its bouquet is full of diverse scents and flavors. Just as we’d be open to trying a new wine to explore its unique qualities, let’s approach life with the same open heartedness. Taste the unfamiliar, explore the unknown, and you might discover something incredible. 2. Respect Others’ Preferences: Imagine a world where every single person had the exact same taste buds, where we all adored the same food, art, music, and experiences. Sounds a bit dull, doesn’t it? Fortunately, we live in a beautifully diverse world, where each person brings their unique flavors to the grand banquet of life. Just as a wine connoisseur appreciates the myriad grape varietals, each with its distinct character and charm, we should also cherish the diversity of human preferences. Here are a few reasons why respecting others’ preferences is like savoring a fine wine. 3. Value Individual Choices: Every person’s choice is a story waiting to be heard. When someone shares their passion or enthusiasm for something, it’s like sharing a piece of their story. Even if you don’t share their preference, validate their choice, and appreciate the enthusiasm they bring. It’s a small gesture that fosters understanding and connection. Now, you might be wondering why a wine-tasting event led to such profound wisdom. Well, wine, like life, has its surprises. Sometimes, the wine you least expect to enjoy becomes your favorite, just as people’s stories and perspectives can astonish you when you take the time to listen. As we concluded our evening, we raised our glasses, not just to the wine but to the vibrant tapestry of life itself. “Don’t Yuck My Yum” is more than a catchy phrase; it’s a reminder that life is too short for judgment and closed-mindedness. So, let’s savor life’s richness, embrace diversity, and remember to be open-hearted.

Dive into Coaching: Don’t Be a Ship Lost at Sea! We have all heard the statement that life is like a rollercoaster, but sometimes it feels more like being stuck on the “It’s a Small World” ride – cute (if you like that sort of thing), but definitely repetitive and super predictable. If you’re starting to suspect that your life’s playlist has become an endless loop, fear not! Getting a coach isn’t about waving the white flag; it’s like hiring a lifeguard to rescue you from the sea of monotony. In this blog, we’re about to take a humorous dive into recognizing the signs that scream, “Get a coach already!” And guess what? I just might be the lifeguard your life needs. Stuck on the same playlist?: Have you ever found yourself trapped in a repetitive cycle, unable to break free? It’s like playing the same playlist all of the time, every day. No variation, no new songs and you can predict the next song in cue. Whether it’s a career plateau, relationship struggles, or personal development challenges, feeling stuck is a clear indicator that you could use some outside perspective. A coach can help you identify patterns, set new goals, and provide actionable strategies to propel you forward. Lost in Translation (of Your Life Goals): Ever tried using Google Maps in a foreign country? Life can feel like that sometimes, with your dreams and ambitions lost in translation. A coach is like your personal language tutor, helping you decipher your goals and navigate toward them with a confident swagger. With their guidance, you can gain a clearer understanding of your path and confidently make choices aligned with your vision. Juggling More Balls Than a Circus Clown: If your multitasking skills have reached the level of a circus clown juggling flaming torches, it’s okay to admit you need a hand. A coach can teach you the art of juggling responsibilities without setting your life ablaze. A Coach will also help you prioritize what is important, so you are able to focus and not have so many things in the air. Growing Pains and Pangs: You know you’re ready for a coach when personal growth starts feeling like the grown-up version of those pesky growing pains from your teenage years. Consider a coach your growth spurt guide – helping you stretch, learn, and avoid any awkward gangly phases. Even the most accomplished individuals strive for continuous personal growth. If you’re eager to expand your horizons, enhance your skills, or discover untapped potential, a coach can be your personal guide on this transformative journey. Transition Tangles: Life transitions are like attempting to parallel park a cruise ship – awkward and overwhelming. Whether it’s changing careers, relocating, or adjusting to a new phase. These moments can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. A coach can help you navigate these transitions smoothly, providing emotional support, practical advice, and strategies to manage challenges that arise. In the grand ocean of life, seeking the assistance of a coach is not a sign of surrender but an empowering choice to take charge of your destiny. Just as a lifeguard ensures safety in turbulent waters, a coach guides you through the twists and turns of life, enabling you to overcome obstacles and reach new heights. Recognizing the signs that indicate you need a coach is the first step towards embracing positive change and seizing the reins of your life with renewed vigor. So, why navigate the currents alone when you can have a skilled lifeguard by your side? And there you have it, a gentle glimpse into the world of coaching and how it can transform your everyday existence into a grand adventure. But wait, before you start mapping out your new life itinerary, why not take the first step? Angela Lightfoot and Rita Ricks, our dynamic duo of lifeguard-coaches, are standing by with their flotation devices of wisdom, humor, and insight. They’re ready to dive into a discovery call with you, unraveling your dreams, goals, and challenges, all while ensuring that this collaboration is a match made in life-guardian heaven. Don’t let hesitation sink your chances at a more fulfilling life. Reach out to Angela or Rita today and let the discovery call be your compass guiding you toward the exciting shores of transformation. Trust me, you won’t regret it!

From September to Success: Three Must-Do Tasks to Achieve by Year-end Are you ready to make the most of the remaining months of this year and end it on a high note? As September rolls in, it’s time to dive into action with three essential tasks that will propel you towards unprecedented success. Whether you’re striving for personal or professional growth, I’ve got your back! In this blog post, I’m unveiling three secrets to maximizing productivity, setting achievable goals, and fostering a winning mindset that will take you from September straight to success by December. So, grab a cup of motivation and keep reading. 3 Strategies to Ensure Success in Achieving Your Set Tasks The first step to success is setting goals and I know already that some of you are hyperventilating over that G word. But here’s the deal…You need to know what you want to achieve so you can work towards it. Without goals, you won’t know where to put your energy nor will you be able to measure your progress. Just don’t bite off more than you can chew by setting unrealistic goals. Not only will this make it harder for you to achieve your targets, it could also lead to disappointment and discouragement. Break your goals down into manageable chunks that you know you can reasonably achieve. The second step is to make a plan. Once you identify your goals, you need to figure out how you’re going to achieve them. This means creating a roadmap that outlines the necessary ACTION steps you need to take and the deadlines to aim for. Deadlines are a critical step , because without dates, you may never finish. This roadmap will keep you on track and focused on what needs to be done. Without a plan, it’s all too easy to get sidetracked or give up altogether. The third step is to TAKE ACTION. Once you have your goals and your plan, it’s time to put them into motion. This means taking consistent and determined steps towards your goal, no matter how small they may seem. Each step is an accomplishment and will help you stay motivated and accountable. Achieving any goal requires you being in the right mindset to maintain discipline. Contact me…I’ll show you how. Acknowledge Your Progress As you begin to feel more comfortable in this new rhythm, you can start to think about how to celebrate your successes! Whether you’ve been working hard all year to achieve specific goals or simply want to reward yourself for completing a series of tasks, now is the time to do it. Here are a few suggestions. Acknowledge your accomplishments by writing yourself a positive message on your mirror in lipstick, dry-erase marker, or even just pen and paper. Seeing your success written out will help keep you motivated throughout the rest of the year. Take yourself out on a date – Celebrate your successes by treating yourself to a special outing, whether it’s lunch at a favorite restaurant, tickets to a show or game or just hanging out with good friends. Whatever makes you feel good, do it! Reward yourself with something special – Buy yourself that item you’ve been wanting, take a long weekend vacation, or splurge with a massage. You deserve it! By acknowledging and rewarding your accomplishments, no matter how big or small, you’ll stay motivated and focused as you work towards your goals. So don’t wait until New Year’s Eve to start celebrating – start today! Achieving success is not easy, but it is achievable when you have the right plan of action. I hope this blog has shown you that by taking on small steps such as planning your tasks and setting realistic goals at the start of September, you WILL achieve your end-of-year dreams. Choose to close out 2023 with a bang. Be strategic in writing your plan, and put in the hard work to make this year one where you can truly say… I DID IT!!!! Stay in touch with me. What did you read that resonates? What is your hesitation in taking the first step? What can I do to make it easier? How are you celebrating your first accomplishment? I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit