Don’t Yuck My Yum

By Angela Lightfoot

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!

By Angela Lightfoot

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

By Rita Ricks

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

Embracing Inner Peace: Why LIVING FROM THE INSIDE OUT is Key to Alleviating Ego-Driven Disturbances

By Rita Ricks

Embracing Inner Peace: Why LIVING FROM THE INSIDE OUT is Key to Alleviating Ego-Driven Disturbances In a world that thrives on external validation and constant distractions, finding inner peace can often feel like a distant dream. It’s no surprise, then, that ego-driven disturbances frequently disrupt our lives and leave us feeling unbalanced and disconnected. But what if there’s a powerful way to break free from this cycle? In this blog post, we will explore the incredible journey of embracing inner peace and discover why living from within is the key to alleviating those ego-driven disturbances once and for all. We’re going to explore self-discovery as we delve into the profound effects of reconnecting with ourselves at a deeper level and removing EGO from the equation. What is the Ego? EGO is “EDGING GOD OUT” The ego is the part of the psyche that is most concerned with our individual identity and self-importance. It is what enables us to see ourselves as separate from others and to have a sense of personal control. However, when the ego is out of balance, which occurs on a regular basis, it can lead to feelings of insecurity, entitlement, and superiority. When we are living from our egos, we are more likely to experience anxiety, stress, and conflict in our lives. Why? Because we’re basing our thoughts and decisions on our environment…where we are right now and what we’re experiencing right now. Learning to live from within—from our true selves—is key to alleviating these ego-driven disturbances. Inner peace comes from understanding ourselves on a deeper level and connecting with our authentic selves. When we are able to do this, we are better equipped to handle the challenges that life throws our way. We can approach situations with compassion and clarity, rather than reactivity and fear. We can also let go of negative thoughts and patterns that no longer serve us, making room for more positive ways of being in the world. How Does the Ego Cause Disruption? The ego driven mind is always focused on the past or future, never present. This causes inner and outer disturbances because we are constantly living in a state of mental and emotional agitation. The ego is also the source of all negative emotions such as fear, anger, anxiety, and depression. When we identify with the ego, we become attached to things that are impermanent and will eventually cause us suffering. The only way to find true inner peace is to live in the present moment and let go of attachment to the ego. What is Living from Within? We all have an inner voice, our conscience, our Spirit, which is constantly guiding us. Unfortunately, we often allow our egos to override this voice, leading us down a path of disturbance and disharmony. When we live from within, however, we are in alignment with our true selves. We are at peace with who we are and what we believe in. We don’t allow outside influences to push us around or dictate our actions. Instead, we act from a place of love and compassion, always working towards the greater good. Benefits of Living in Alignment from Within When we live in alignment from within, it means that we are connected to our authentic selves and are living in accordance with our true desires and values. This way of living allows us to tap into our inner wisdom and power, which enables us to create the life we want to live with ease and flow. When we are not living in alignment from within, it is often because we have allowed the ego-mind to take over and are operating from a place of fear, scarcity, and lack. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, doubt, and stress, as well as physical symptoms such as tension headaches, digestive issues, and insomnia. Living in alignment from within requires us to get clear on what we want in life and take aligned action steps towards those desires. It also means letting go of the need to control everything and trusting that the Universe has our back. When we do this, we open ourselves up to limitless possibilities and start attracting more of what we want into our lives. Some benefits of living in alignment from within include feeling more joyful, peaceful, confident, and content; increased energy levels; improved relationships; better sleep; increased creative expression; greater clarity about life purpose; feeling more connected to Spirit; deeper self-love and self-care; receiving guidance and support from the Universe; increased synchronicities; miracles happening; serendipity abound! The list goes on… Practicing Inner Peace to Combat Ego Disturbances We all face ego-driven disturbances from time to time. These can be anything from a critical voice in our head, to feelings of insecurity or unworthiness. Whatever the form, they prevent us from experiencing inner peace. The good news is that we can combat these ego disturbances with practice. By taking 20 minutes to sit in Silence, we can quiet the noise of the ego and move into a peaceful rhythm. Balancing Your Mind, Body, and Spirit When it comes to finding inner peace, it is important to balance your mind, body, and spirit. This can be done by practicing Silence, spending time in nature, and being mindful of your thoughts and actions. The key to inner peace is living from within. This means that you are not governed by your ego or outside influences. Instead, you are in control of your own thoughts and emotions. You are also able to tap into your inner being and higher Power. When you live from within, you are able to see the beauty in all things. You are no longer bound by the limitations of the ego. You are free to be who you truly are. Finally LIVING FROM THE INSIDE OUT is a philosophy that can help you find inner peace and joy. By embracing this way of living, we can overcome the ego-driven disturbances that bring us stress and anxiety. It…

What does it mean to Embrace the Silence?

By Angela Lightfoot

What does it mean to Embrace the Silence? Over the past 3+ years, my life has been profoundly transformed and blessed by the practice of “Listening to the Silence.” With the guidance and support of Rita from her immersive training and studying at Richmond Hill, I have not only integrated this practice into my daily life but have also had the honor of leading our virtual Listening to the Silence Retreat. Every second Tuesday of the month, I have the privilege of gathering an incredible tribe of like-minded souls who come together to embrace and listen to the silence in a free retreat. I invite you to join us! The experience of Embracing the Silence is deeply spiritual and grounding, providing a precious opportunity to spend quality time with ourselves and connect with God or our higher power. Each participant is encouraged to approach the silence in a way that feels comforting and meaningful to them, ensuring a truly personal and transformative experience. The only requirement is to be quiet, listen with intention, and keep an open heart and mind. In our modern, bustling world, silence has become a rare gem, often overshadowed by the constant noise and distractions that surround us. However, taking the time to embrace the silence and put yourself on “Do Not Disturb” can be an incredibly transformative and empowering experience. In this blog, we will explore the profound benefits of embracing the silence, why you should never feel guilty about focusing on yourself, and how it can lead to becoming grounded, secure, and open to divine guidance from God or your Creator. The Power of “Do Not Disturb” In a world filled with notifications, messages, and never-ending to-do lists, it’s essential to carve out moments of silence and solitude for yourself. Putting yourself on “Do Not Disturb” doesn’t mean disconnecting from the world entirely; it means prioritizing your well-being and nurturing your inner self. It allows you to step away from the noise and chaos, providing an opportunity for self-reflection, rejuvenation, and personal growth. Imagine this: there’s a stream of guidance, direction, support, and boundless love that God is trying to communicate to you, but amidst the cacophony of noise and distractions, it remains unheard. You find yourself following your own path, unknowingly drowning out the gentle whispers of divine wisdom. No Guilt, Just Self-Care Often, we might feel guilty about taking time for ourselves, thinking we should be constantly productive or available to others. However, self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary for maintaining a healthy balance in life. Embracing the silence is an act of self-compassion that allows you to recharge, gain clarity, and return to the world with renewed energy and focus. Remember, taking care of yourself enables you to be better equipped to care for others. Allow the concept of putting yourself first to achieve a complete and profound connection. As the saying goes, “Fill your cup first so you can pour into others.” You’ve likely heard about the significance of prioritizing self-care and nurturing your own well-being before tending to the needs of others. Becoming Grounded and Secure By embracing and truly listening to the silence, you open yourself up to a profound sense of grounding and inner security. When you create a dedicated space of tranquility, you grant yourself the gift of being fully present in the present moment, unburdened by distractions and worries. In this state of undisturbed presence, you can forge a deep connection with your authentic self, unearthing your genuine needs, purpose, passions, and desires. Grounding yourself in the silence equips you with the resilience and clarity needed to navigate life’s challenges with newfound strength. I wholeheartedly encourage you to take advantage of this sacred time in the silence to practice breathing techniques that enable you to immerse yourself fully in the experience. By doing so, you will unlock the true potential of this journey within yourself, discovering an endless wellspring of peace and wisdom that resides within the stillness. Divine Downloads and Comfort As you wholeheartedly embrace the silence, you open yourself to a divine connection with God. This sacred time is an opportunity to be present with Him, to bask in His loving presence, and to experience His infinite wisdom and guidance. Cast all your worries, fears, and problems upon Him, knowing that He is ever ready to bear your burdens. 1 Peter 5:6-7 In this special space of silence, you become receptive to receiving divine guidance, unwavering support, and profound comfort from your Creator. The absence of external noise allows you to attune yourself to the subtle messages and insights that flow from this deep spiritual connection. It is within these moments of quiet communion that you may find a comforting presence during difficult times, a sudden realization of a new path, or a gentle nudge in the right direction. Allow yourself to be open to these divine downloads, for they hold the power to transform your life in profound and beautiful ways. Embracing the silence and surrendering yourself to the presence of God can lead you to experience a deeper sense of peace, clarity, and purpose, shaping your journey towards a more fulfilling and enlightened existence. Let the divine light shine upon you as you immerse yourself in this sacred silence, and trust that God’s love and guidance will be with you every step of the way. As you read this blog post, do you find yourself thinking, “Angela, I’m eager to give this a try, but I could use some extra guidance”? Well, consider yourself fortunate, because help is HERE! Join Us for the Embracing the Silence- Unlocking the Power Within Workshop on August 26th Are you intrigued by the idea of unlocking the power of silence within you? Would you like to experience the transformative effects of embracing the silence in a supportive and guided setting? If so, we invite you to participate in the “Embracing the Silence” in-person workshop on August 26th. During this workshop, led by the esteemed…