Category: Blog

It’s the Little Things: Lessons and Blessings from my Guys! Growing up, I was fortunate enough to have two amazing male role models: my Dad and grandfather, aka Pop Pop. They may not have been perfect (and I am so glad they never pretended to be), but their small gestures of kindness and guidance along the way profoundly impacted me as the woman I am today. As we celebrate Father’s Day in June, I want to share with you some of the little things they did that made me believe in myself and become my best version. When I was a little girl, I was taught that the little things in life matter most. That simple saying has never rung more true than when applied to the strong, amazing, incredible men in my life – my Dad and Pop Pop (Mom’s Dad). From the respectful way they treated women in our family and community, to their unwavering support of my many antics and ideas, to their fantastic sense of humor and their (not so common) common sense. My Dad and Pop Pop have always been rock-solid reliable men in my life as well as the lives of others. I was my Dad’s first girl and Pop Pop’s first granddaughter, so I was spoiled and loved beyond measure. They were always there for me when I needed them, and they continued to be throughout my life. My Dad in the physical and my Pop Pop from heaven above! Over the years, I’ve learned a lot from them – about life, love, family, and what it means to be a good person. One of the things that has stuck with me is the importance of small gestures. Dad’s Influence:  Quote from Dad: I would rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. My Dad has a unique way of looking at the world, always coming up with inventive ideas and going beyond the conventional. Even when I was younger and didn’t understand what he was doing, it was obvious that he had a determined spirit. My Mom frequently says we’re similar in that we don’t quit if we know results are possible. Like the bunkbed I got as a youngster without directions – my Dad and I spent 6 hours constructing it correctly from the illustration on the box. And Ikea furniture? Well, that’s my preferred pastime, apparently! As a child, my father always taught me the importance of being kind and generous, even when it wasn’t easy. He always encouraged me to take a moment and consider the circumstances of those struggling. As a result, I became more empathic and empathetic. He’s also taught me the importance of hard work and not giving up on your dreams. I carry these values daily, and I’m so grateful for them and his teachings. Pop Pop’s Influence: Pop’s Quote: A woman can do anything a man can do, but she can probably do it better, faster, and for less money. Growing up, I was always surrounded by the compassion and wisdom of my Pop Pop. Might I add that he lived less than a mile away from me, so we spent tons of time together when I was younger. He was my first best friend, and I very much believed I was his. He was always so patient with me, listening to my never-ending stories and offering sage advice when I needed it most. He valued being an intelligent man and ensured that I, too, was well-versed in arts, politics, civil rights, and “Real” history. He taught me, by example, the power and importance of family. He was the glue that held my entire family together. He taught me the value of always lending an ear and making time for someone in their time of need. I think he knew I would be a mental health wellness coach before I did! On March 3, 2009, I lost my best friend, one of my life’s hardest and longest days. I thank God for allowing me to grow up close to him physically and spiritually, and thanks to my Faith, I know I will see him again! What they taught me together: Unconditional Love: They always told me that they would love me no matter what I did or how much I messed up. This gave me the security to take risks and make mistakes, knowing that I had their support no matter what. Self-Confidence: They both came from humble beginnings and experienced the challenges of being black men in America. But they never let that stop or hold them back. They were both successful men, in their own rights, who always radiated confidence. This taught me that I could be anything I wanted if I believed in myself. Respect: The level of respect they would show anyone would be the same, no matter if the person was unhoused on the street, to our former President Obama. I was taught that giving respect allows you to see the person’s soul (the part that truly matters) and builds feelings of trust and safety. A Love for GOD: This one is my favorite. Both of these fantastic men taught me to love God differently. My Pop Pop taught me to respect the Lord, the house of the Lord, and the word of God. This respect and love was shown by attending church regularly, wearing my Sunday best and being on my best behavior when Pastor is preaching. He taught and encouraged me to listen to the Choir and get lifted in body and spirit without being embarrassed or ashamed. He could clap his hands and stomp his feet to the beat of the Holy drum! My Dad taught me to love God in the same way I love and respect him. He made me understand that God loved me and that Jesus Loved me so much he thought I was enough to die for. WOW! He encouraged me to ask God…

76 Years Around The Planet: What I Know For Sure They say with age comes wisdom, and at 76 years old, I have certainly accumulated my fair share of it. Over the years, I’ve experienced countless life lessons and learned valuable skills that have made me who I am today. As I reflect on everything I’ve been through, there are a few things that stand out to me as nuggets of truth – things that I know for sure.  Join me in this blog post, as I share with you the wisdom I’ve learned thru aging and what I believe truly matters in life.  Someone asked me on my recent birthday, what it feels like being 76 years young, and I said “Just like yesterday” Honestly, I feel no different and probably haven’t since I turned 40. That was a milestone for me in so many ways…new career, new relationship, new perspective, new freedom, new behaviors, new path. I’ve actually been following that path ever since.  What an amazing journey, and I’ve learned so much about me.  I’ve made mistakes, I’ve made apologies.  I’ve lost some and won some. I’ve forgiven, but not always forgotten. I have an incredible vision for my future. I’m eager about my present. I’ve let go of my past.   Here’s what I know for sure as I share these 10 nuggets of knowledge with you right now.  God and I are co-creators of my life The solution is in the Silence The Law of attraction is alive and well You always have a choice What you do today, forms your tomorrow Do not settle Things don’t happen to you, they happen for you Your vision should pull you forward Worry adds NOTHING to your life Nourish your Mind, Body and Spirit Now that I’ve shared, you probably have questions. Do you want clarity on exactly what each means? Do you want to incorporate them into your daily life as I have done? Do you want to BE more of your authentic self?  If so, I got you!  I’ve decided to facilitate a complimentary webinar – June 26th, 7:00 pm EST- to answer all your questions. I have sooooo much to say about each tip. Where I learned them, how I use them, why they’re critical to who I am, and more. This webinar is going to be full of information, and I’m offering a BONUS I was reminded while writing, that my series of blogs for the rest of 2023 are all about CLAIMING YOUR BEST SELF. So as a BONUS, I have 5 recommendations for you to CLAIM YOUR BEST SELF. I’ll share them during the webinar, and here is one…TAKE OWNERSHIP OF YOUR PATH. We’ll discuss what that looks like, how to make it happen, and the benefits it will bring. And I still have 4 more recommendations, just as powerful. This webinar, at no cost to you, is on June 26th at 7:00 PM EST Register Here At Rita Ricks LLC, we are going HARD the remainder of 2023!!  There’s a lot happening in the world, and I want you to BE focused, prepared, and in charge of YOUR next.   AGE IS JUST A NUMBER.   Thank you much for taking your time to read this blog.  I always love your comments, and please share our blog with those you know will appreciate your gesture.  I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit

Strong Woman Signing Off. Welcoming a Powerful Woman! Rather than calling myself a strong woman, I would like to refer to myself as a powerful woman. In today’s society, women are expected to handle any challenge life throws their way and appear to have it all together. This is supposed to be a good thing, but having to uphold the image of strength can be more damaging than helpful. Through my experience with this expectation, I’ve come to recognize that being strong isn’t what truly makes us remarkable and powerful. In place of this traditional definition of strength, I’m now embracing my authenticity and power as a woman. Join me in discovering why being a powerful woman beats being strong any day. The societal expectation of women to be strong. As young girls, we are taught that being strong is an admirable quality. I’ve grown up being told to be strong and defend myself, but as I’ve gotten older, I realize that expecting such strength can be draining and harmful. I recall being warned to be cautious of what I was requesting when praying and asking God for strength. To truly attain strength, you must face pressure, weight, or opposition, all in the name of proving your strength. Women may already feel overburdened and overwhelmed by their home and work responsibilities, and this societal pressure can cause burnout and feelings of inadequacy when we inevitably fall short…despite our best efforts. Moreover, this reinforces outdated gender roles where women are expected to carry the emotional burden of those around them without being offered any support in return. Because they are too busy taking care of others, women often do not have time to pursue their own interests or focus on themselves. Ask yourself… What have you recently put on hold because of someone else’s needs? Society needs to recognize that strength comes in many forms – including vulnerability – and that it’s okay for women (and men) to ask for help or take a break when needed without feeling ashamed. To grow stronger in our own unique ways, we must acknowledge our limitations. Instead of trying so hard to “be strong,” women should embrace the power within themselves. We all have it. My reasons for no longer wanting to be a strong woman.  For a long time, like many of you, I prided myself on being a strong woman. I thought it was something I was just supposed to be. I didn’t think I had a choice. Plus, I knew that I came from a family of “Strong Black Women.” But deep down, it was also something I learned to aspire towards. I thought it would earn me respect and possible admiration from others. But as I got older and thank God, wiser, I began to see that the expectation for women to be “strong” can actually be quite harmful. It implies that we should always have everything together, never show any vulnerability or weakness, and constantly push ourselves beyond our limits. This pressure can lead to burnout, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. I no longer want to live up to this unrealistic strength standard because it’s simply not sustainable. Instead of striving for an ideal of perfection that doesn’t exist, I choose to embrace my imperfections and allow myself room for growth and self-care. Being powerful means recognizing my own worth and value as a person regardless of how well I’m able to hold things together in difficult situations. It means acknowledging when I need help or support from others and not feeling ashamed about it. I should actually feel empowered! Ultimately, embracing our power as women means rejecting societal expectations that do not serve us well and creating new narratives around what it means to be successful in life – ones that prioritize overall well-being rather than superficial appearances or achievements. Powerful women: What it means to be one! Being a powerful woman means recognizing your worth and using your voice to make an impact in the world. It means owning your strengths, embracing your flaws, and being unapologetic about who you are. A powerful woman is one who lifts up others around her rather than tearing them down. She understands that success is not a zero-sum game and that everyone has enough room to shine. In fact, a powerful woman will encourage others to succeed and reach for their greatest potential. Taking the time to understand others involves actively listening to those around you and advocating for those who might not have the same opportunities as you. Being a powerful woman also means being empathetic and compassionate towards others. It’s important to note that being a powerful woman isn’t just limited to certain races or ethnicities – it applies to all women, no matter their background or socioeconomic status. Being a powerful woman involves breaking free from societal expectations of what femininity should look like. It’s about carving out our own paths in life while remaining true to who you are and your values. Be best advice to move from Strong to Powerful It’s time for us to shift our focus from being strong women to powerful ones. We need to reject the world’s expectations that have been placed upon us and redefine what it means to be a woman in power, with power. Being powerful doesn’t mean we have all the answers or never struggle; instead, it means we recognize our strengths and weaknesses and continue to grow despite them. Take time to discover who you are. What are your vulnerabilities? What makes you special? What allows you to feel deeper? Who are your front-row, biggest fans? Who wants to see you grow? Whom do you want to see grow? Understand that no one is asking you to have all of the answers. You can be powerful with a few words like “NO.” Save the Date Burn Vision Mid-Year Decide to BE the BOSS of your life and Join us at 3:00 pm EST…

The Power of Your Inner Voice Have you ever had a gut feeling that told you to go one way, but your rational mind said another? Or maybe you’ve heard a tiny voice inside your head whispering doubt and fear when you’re about to take big risks. That little voice is your inner voice – the internal communication system that helps guide us through life’s ups and downs. Whether we listen to it or not, our inner voice has immense power over our decisions, emotions, and overall well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore the impact of our inner voices on our lives and how we can harness its power for positive change. So, sit back, tune inwards, and let’s dive into the captivating world of the human psyche! What is your inner voice? Your inner voice is that little voice inside your head that guides you and helps you make decisions. It is your conscience, and it is always there to help you. We, as women, also refer to it as our intuition. I call mine “Holy Spirit.” In many cases, the “good” inner voice is never wrong and protects us. Most of the time, your inner voice will lead you in the right direction. However, sometimes it can be hard to hear your inner voice over the noise of the world around you. If you are feeling lost or confused, take some time to quiet your mind and listen to what your inner voice has to say. You know Rita and I are big on encouraging you to spend time in silence. Remember, “the solution is in the silence.” Your inner voice is unique to you, and it knows what is best for you. Trust yourself and trust your inner voice. It will never steer you wrong. The Impact of Negative Self-Talk on Mental Health. Negative self-talk can have a significant impact on your mental health. If you regularly tell yourself that you’re not good enough, that you’ll never achieve your goals, or that you’re worthless, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-worth. Negative self-talk can also contribute to negative thinking patterns, which can become entrenched and difficult to break free from. If you find yourself regularly engaging in negative self-talk, it’s important to seek help. Depending on your severity, that help could come from a Mental Health Wellness Coach like myself or from a mental health professional who can help you identify the thoughts and beliefs that are driving your negative self-talk. Together we will work to develop more positive and realistic thought patterns that are healthy and help you achieve your goals. The Benefits of Positive Self-Talk Positive self-talk has been shown to have a number of benefits for both mental and physical health. People who engage in positive self-talk tend to have better mental health overall and are more resilient in the face of stress. They also tend to have lower levels of anxiety and depression. Physical health benefits have also been linked to positive self-talk. People who engage in positive self-talk tend to have lower blood pressure, heart rate, and improved immune function. There is also some evidence that positive self-talk can improve chronic pain conditions. Mind over matter… so to speak, and it reduces the feelings of feeling sorry for yourself. Affirmation: Thoughts have power. If your inner voice is not in alignment with where you are trying to be use the following affirmation to jump start your positive thoughts. I am enough. I’m flawed and make mistakes but that is ok. I don’t need to be perfect. I accept myself. Everybody has struggles and makes mistakes. I’m completely loveable just as I am. I don’t need for others to validate my self-worth. I don’t need to please everyone all the time. I know in my heart that I am enough. My struggles and imperfections don’t define me. I will continue to change and grow from a place of self acceptance. I will offer myself love and compassion. I am completely loveable just as I am today. I am enough. Understanding the power of your inner voice and how it affects your life is a critical step in taking charge of yourself, developing positive self-talk, setting healthy boundaries, and creating meaningful relationships. Learning to recognize what your inner voice is telling you can be challenging but with practice and patience, you will slowly start to become more aware of its influence. With this newfound understanding of the importance of listening to your own intuition, you can use it as a powerful guide on the journey towards making lasting changes in all areas of your life. Join “The Vault” Do you need guidance, motivation, direction, and a strong shoulder to lean on? Under the coaching leadership of Spiritual and Mental Health Wellness Coach Angela Lightfoot, The Vault offers you the space to speak to other women similar in age, with similar experiences and challenges. Learn More!

Being Grateful Being Grateful is the most positive and enlightening feeling I believe one can ever experience. To be grateful is to feel alive, present, authentic, at peace, joyful, satisfied, less stressed, not in charge, safe in God’s arms, prepared, equipped, empowered, in order, and victorious. Being Grateful is about looking around your environment and realizing how truly Blessed you are…….despite the challenges you face. You are breathing, therefore, you still have unused gifts inside of you that were created for you to share. Being Grateful is realizing that you have the capacity to help others BE GRATEFUL. Think about the words I used to describe Being Grateful. Do any of these words describe you in any part of your day? Choose any two of those words, and keep them in front of you today. When you ask people how they are, do they ever say…I’m Grateful? Most people respond with complaints. They use words like “struggling,” or “holding on,” or “could be better.” Those are all victim phrases. They speak as though there is no hope, no way that life can be better, and that kind of thinking is unacceptable. Life is already better because today is a new day, and it’s an opportunity to learn from yesterday and make things right. You must believe it in order to achieve it. You cannot allow your negative situations to define you. Look beyond them and remind yourself often of JEREMIAH 29:11 – God knows the plans He has for you, and they are for good and not for evil. You just have to follow the plan. What does it take to create a constant state of BEING GRATEFUL? It takes a lot less effort than living in a constant state of chaos where you’re never satisfied. Being Grateful is about recognizing your blessings and truly knowing you are blessed rather than just saying it because that phrase is the flavor of the month. You can create a constant state of Being Grateful in your life. You know the feeling of gratitude when someone does something nice for you, and you say thank you? Gratitude is just as it sounds: gratefulness. It is a particularly great feeling that we can all feel when honored or appreciated. That human emotion can be harnessed to change your life, forever! The benefits are so great that it can actually make you healthier! We already know how good it feels to do something for someone else, but why don’t we use it more often as a tool to make ourselves happy? What actions must you take in order to create your constant state of Being Grateful? Keep a Gratitude journal with you at all times so that you can record the blessings that are all around you. Keep your spiritual eyes and ears open so that you can see beyond the human experiences and circumstances and begin to see and understand how God is moving in your life. This is why silence is such a critical part of your everyday activity. You have to become conscious of what’s happening around you – the opportunities which are right in front of you, the path that God has you on, are all for your own good. Sending out words and feelings of Being Grateful will be returned to you. I don’t know the author, but this is the perfect ending for my blog on Being Grateful… “It’s not happiness that brings us gratitude. It’s gratitude that brings us happiness.” I am Rita…speaking to your Spirit Save the Date The 4 Ps To Help You PERSEVERE Are you ready to go down a different path? Join me virtually, at 7:00 EST on May 3rd, to celebrate you and your PERSEVERANCE. There is no cost to this workshop. I believe as we move to midway 2023, it’s ok to alter our course. Join me! Learn More! OUR Services Transformation Tribe Transformation Tribe – the only online community designed specifically for women, offering a safe and inspiring space to share your goals, experiences, and journeys. Learn More!