Category: Mental Health

  • 5 Super Powers Revealed in Starting Over

    5 Super Powers Revealed in Starting Over

    5 Superpowers Revealed in Starting Over

    The Setup for Super Power Activation:

    5 Superpowers I hope I reveal as I start over once again.  Yes.  I find myself jobless.  I still have streams of income, thankfully.  But my full time gig is null and void.

    I found a fabulous part time job that paid as much as my former full time job.  After giving my resignation, I took some time off to train through Quickbooks, as I prepared for my new position.  Unfortunately, the new company called, they no longer wanted to hire me.

    Thus, I am currently reinventing my life once again.  I am hopeful that you see the following superpowers manifest as I super charge a miraculous comeback.

    The first Super Power Revealed in starting over:

    1. Radical Resilience

    This isn’t just “bouncing back.” Bouncing back implies returning to the original shape. Radical Resilience is the superpower of bouncing forward. It’s the discovery that you are not made of glass; you are made of something far more elastic and durable. Devastation is the ultimate stress test. The person who makes a comeback discovers that their capacity to endure and to heal in magnitudes greater than they ever imagined. The comeback itself is the evidence of this superpower, and once known, it instills a foundational confidence that few other life events can.

     

    Two divorces, a church excommunication, and countless broken relationships later; I pray I am the legend who can reinvent myself better than ever before.

     

    For honesty sake, I am not responsible for all these resurrections.  There is absolutely no way I could do this without the power of God helping me.  Only with the power of Christ could I keep a sane mind in the midst of such destruction.  Thank You Jesus!

     

    This leads to the Second Superpower of starting over and bouncing back:

    2. Profound Clarity

    Devastation is a terrible but effective filter. It violently strips away the trivial, the petty, and the non-essential. All the things you thought mattered—social status, minor anxieties, old grudges, material possessions—are vaporized. What’s left is the absolute, undeniable core of what is important: life, love, health, and purpose. This superpower is like X-ray vision. It allows a person to see through social noise and make decisions with a powerful, focused precision that was impossible before.

    Friends are losing their minds over the government shut down and I am encased in the never ending mission to send out resumes, network, and pick up small jobs for cash.  I am eternally grateful to my family for helping me through this time.  Without them, I would most likely be living in a shelter or on friends couches for days on end.

     

    The perspective sure shifts when the bottom falls out.  It has been torture, yet possibly equally refreshing.

     

    And onto the third, Superpower I pray I am manifesting in starting over…

     

    3. Adaptive Ingenuity

    When the “Plan A” of your life is completely obliterated, there is no map. There is no path. You are forced off-road, into the wilderness. This is where Adaptive Ingenuity is born. It’s a superpower of creative problem-solving and pure innovation. You are forced to build a new life, a new career, or a new sense of self from the rubble. This power reveals your ability to pivot, to learn, and to construct a new reality from materials you didn’t even know were available to you.

    Ross yelling pivot
    Life feels like this so often!

    This, friends, is where I become so vulnerable (gulp).  For about a year now, I have brainstormed a cohort where I would gather liked aged and minded women together.  We would meet for six week sessions, creating income around our wildest dreams.  This off grid dream is almost a reality.  I am seeking sixteen women: eight ages 43 and under, and eight women 44 and over to partake of my Beta Build our Empire Cohort!

    In the Build our Empire Cohort, the homework and self discovery will be fluid.  We will come together and create brands, products, and services that will bring us the income to facilitate the life of our dreams.  After the six week cohort, we will be able to have a step by step plan to build the empire we have always dreamed of!

    This wilderness idea, became more of a necessity for me without my full time job.  If you would like to be a part of my “Donation Only,” Beta group, reach out.  I will send you the intake forms and we can see if you are a fit.

    The Fourth Super Power that I am quite certain I am manifesting as I am starting over is:

     

    4. Deep Empathy

    Before devastation, sympathy is often an intellectual exercise (“Oh, that must be so hard”). After devastation, empathy becomes a visceral, physical sense. When you have lived in the deepest darkness, you gain the ability to recognize the pain in others without fear. You are no longer afraid of their grief because you have survived your own. This superpower allows you to connect with others on a fundamental human level, offering a kind of comfort and understanding that is impossible to fake. Your scars become a language.

    My biggest people group that I empathize towards at this moment are the homeless.  They could be me.  It is getting cold in Ohio.  My heart pangs for the marginalized.  Maybe one day I can help solve such devastation as homelessness.  I pray, “God use me.”

    The 5th and final superpower I hope I am embodying is:

    5. Fearless Authenticity

    When you have faced your absolute worst-case scenario—and you are still standing—the “lesser” fears that used to rule your life lose their power. The fear of judgment, the fear of public speaking, the fear of failure, the fear of “what will they think?”… all of it seems almost comical in comparison. This gives rise to Fearless Authenticity. It is the freedom to be unapologetically yourself, to speak your truth, and to build a new life that is in 100% alignment with your hard-won values, not with anyone else’s expectations.

    I’ve said it all my life, if I ever try to be fake, my facial expressions give it away!  My heart is saved, my body language isn’t.  Pray for me.

     

    It is my hope my authentic self emulates gratitude in this season.  Gratitude for endless possibilities.  I am so humbly thankful for Young Living and the income I receive there.  Overly grateful am I for the money that comes in through Meta.  Amazon associates income always helps too.

     

    In the name of necessity and authenticity, I have also authored some E books that I am hopeful bring in more income in the future.  I will begin to promote them all in good time.  Authentically, I hope these books help others achieve their full potential!

    Summing up the 5 Superpowers of Starting Over:

    It is my hope that if you see me bounce back higher after hitting a real low, you see you can do it too.  I pray your come back is greater than mine.

    Let’s take a moment and revel in the fact that life is very fragile.  I hope we all soften and help others during this time.

    As some are actually losing their minds, finding themselves in massively dire circumstances with the government shut downs, threats of deportations, and more – my hope is that we consider others.  In this Holiday season, let’s concentrate on not making ourselves successful, but let’s boost others to greater things than our little selves can achieve alone.  

    For more information on this subject, check out the book by my favorite author (currently) Terri Savelle Foy, called: Make Your Dreams Bigger than Your Past.  It is gold!

    Picture of Terri Savelle Foy

    Another help for starting over is this giant year long dry erase calendar.  It helps keeps us certain in being intentional throughout the whole year.

    For more self-help gold, check out this vintage post: 5 Risk Taking Decision Makers. ♥

    Please share in the comments below what superpowers have been revealed in your life as you have started over.  Please share the circumstances around your comeback as well.  Your story will be someone else’s survival guide.  Thank you for your participation.

    Remember: Action takers are money makers.  

    PS.  If you are interested in either cohort, please let me know.  I am thinking about hosting them on Googlemeet, which is free to everyone.  #bestdaysahead

     

     

  • 5 Tips to Decision Making and Risk Taking

    5 Tips to Decision Making and Risk Taking

    Woman contemplating.

    Say Goodbye to “What Ifs” and Hello to “I Did It!”: Embracing Bold Choices (Decision Making, Risk Taking)

    Discussing Risk Taking and Decision Making is the goal of this post.  I mean, how many times have you found yourself staring into the abyss of “what if?” What if I took that job? What if I said yes to that date? What if I finally told Brenda her casserole is… well, unique? We’ve all been there, stuck in a mental hamster wheel of possibilities that never actually happen.

     

    But guess what? Life’s too short for “what ifs.” It’s time to grab the reins, ditch the doubts, and shout a resounding “HECK YES!” to bold choices. Think of it as upgrading your life from black and white to glorious Technicolor. Ready to paint your world with some daring decisions? Let’s go!

     

    5 Ways to Kiss Those “What Ifs” Goodbye (Like They Just Borrowed Your Favorite Lipstick Without Asking):

    Decision Making & Risk Taking Made Easy…

     

    1.  Name Your Fear Monster (and Then Giggle at Its Tiny Size): That nagging voice whispering all the reasons not to do something? That’s your fear monster. Give it a silly name – “Herb”, Brenda’s Casserole Monster, whatever tickles your fancy. Suddenly, it feels a lot less intimidating. Seriously, try it. “Oh, hey “Herb,” still worried I’ll trip on stage? Cute.”

     

    ***I like to call things out in my head: for instance if someone judges me out loud, “in my head, ‘I state, Judger.’   Or if someone overshares, “I think, ‘Boundaries.”  I try to call out bad and positive behavior in my head – it helps me.  Try it yourself.

     

    2.  Channel Your Inner Badace from a Movie Montage: Remember those scenes where the underdog trains hard and finally triumphs? Yeah, that’s you. Visualize your bold move as your personal power anthem moment. Cue the inspiring music! Even if your “triumph” is just ordering the spiciest thing on the menu, own it like you just saved the world.  Visualizing is so important to manifesting our desired end result!

     

    ***For me, this is picturing my desired end result.  Isn’t this what faith is?  Romans 4:17 instructs us like Abraham to call those things, though they are not, as though they were.  Mark 11:22-26 instructs us to speak to our mountains.  In the same way, let’s dream in faith!  See ourselves accomplishing those goals!  Picture our dream life.  Now, for a double dose of manifestation – speak it forth!  Matthew 12 tells us, out of the abundance of the heart, our mouth speaks.

     

    3.  Reframe “Failure” as “Fabulous Learning Opportunity”: Okay, things might not always go exactly as planned. Shocking, I know. But instead of wallowing in “I knew it!”, think of it as collecting data. What did you learn? What would you do differently next time? Consider it a masterclass in life, taught by experience. Plus, you’ll have a great story to tell.  Two marriages have been long data collections for me – lol!

     

    *** Instead of seeing failures as dead ends, I think of them as great beginnings.  So what if the first or even 18th try didn’t work.  Muster up some strength, change the approach and try, try again.  Failures support the fact that we are alive and trying.  Each of us fail sometimes.  Dust off the knees and go again.

     

    4.  Zoom Out and Look at the Big Picture (Spoiler Alert: Most “Mistakes” Aren’t Catastrophic): In the grand scheme of things, will this decision matter in a year? In five years? Probably not as much as you think. We tend to blow things out of proportion in the moment. Take a deep breath, zoom out, and realize that most “oopsies” are just tiny blips on your amazing life radar.

     

    ***This is a tough one for me.  I am a details girl.  Often focusing on the event, comes naturally to me.  But I have to remember life is more about the journey than the destination.  Big picture for me is not just being present today, but also preparing for the future.  If we are present and plan, making the big picture (the whole jig saw puzzle), come together piece by piece, we can’t go wrong.

     

    5.  Just Freakin’ Do It (with a Wink and a Prayer): Sometimes, overthinking is the enemy of awesome. Turn off your brain’s endless debate club and just take the leap. It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be done. You can always course-correct later. Think of it as a thrilling adventure – a little bit scary, a whole lot exciting.

     

    ***It’s easier to steer a moving ship!  Sometimes the first step is the most difficult.  Stepping out never feels comfortable.  I personally, have never regretted when I have taken the first scary step.  Whether it was jumping off a diving board, driving a new car, or starting some wildly important gig, I find great pleasure after taking that difficult first step.  I bet you find accomplishments like this fulfilling too!

     

    Just a smattering more on this topic.  You may want to check out: Make Today Count by John Maxwell.  It is an incredibly powerful read.  Regret never comes after reading John Maxwell’s content!

    Make Today Count Book Cover

    5 Ways to Say a Big, Bold “Hello!” to Decision Making (Like You’re Greeting a Long-Lost Bestie):

     

    Decision Making & Risk Taking Made Easy…

    1.  Embrace Your Inner Detective: Gather Intel (But Don’t Over-Snoop): Before making a big decision, do your homework. Weigh the pros and cons. Talk to trusted friends (the ones who won’t just tell you what you want to hear). But set a time limit! Don’t get stuck in analysis paralysis. Even Sherlock Holmes had to make a move eventually.

     

    ***Jesus says in Luke 14 to count the cost.  I switched up attending Bible Schools, mostly because the smaller one was closer to home and less expensive.  Regretting counting that cost (literally)?  Regret from that choice has never come.  I recommend thinking things through, especially big commitments for at least a few days before diving in.  Preparation time is never wasted time.

     

    2.  Trust Your Gut (It’s Usually Wearing Fierce Lipstick): That little voice inside? It’s often wiser than you think. Learn to listen to your intuition. Does a certain option feel exciting or draining? Your gut can provide valuable clues, even if your brain is busy making spreadsheets.  This is often the Holy Spirit’s guidance!

     

    ***The Holy Spirit’s Guidance puts us over!  He has spoken to me vividly in dreams many times, keeping me from marrying one man.  Other times the Spirit has spoken to me through friends, Bible verses, small confirmations – you have it.  One important key is to remember the Holy Spirit always brings peace.  If confusion or chaos are produced from a leading, that is a tall tale sign, that was not God’s Spirit.  Let peace lead us!

     

    3.  Start Small, Celebrate Big (Think Baby Steps in Killer Heels): You don’t have to quit your job and move to Bali overnight (unless you want to, you magnificent creature!). Start with smaller decisions that push your comfort zone. Order that weird-sounding dish. Strike up a conversation with a stranger. Celebrate each small victory – you’re building momentum!

     

    ***Small victories for me are often actually making something happen like organizing a pile, writing a blog post – ha!, starting a presentation.  What are small victories for you?  Let’s make sure when we have victories, we reward ourselves somehow.  Positive reinforcement can make a world of difference!

     

    4.  Visualize Your “I Did It!” Moment (Imagine the Applause): Picture yourself having made the bold choice and feeling amazing. What does that look like? How does it feel? Visualizing success can boost your confidence and make the decision feel more tangible and less scary. Think of it as your personal highlight reel.  I’d say speak affirmations of the moment as well.  Faith speaks into existence (Hebrews 11:3).

     

    ***Soon, I want to post an amazing affirmation I have.  I have been lead to use it when I sense a breakthrough needs to happen in my life.  Stay tuned, I will share it with you.  Get ready for MAJOR movement in your life – the best kind… Divine promotion (Psalm 75:6-7).

     

    5.  Surround Yourself with “Heck Yes!” People (Ditch the “Maybe Maebels”): Your squad matters. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth, celebrate your courage, and remind you of your awesomeness. Ditch the Debbie Downers and the “maybe maebels” who suck the boldness right out of the room. You deserve a cheering section!

     

    ***Our tribe determines our vibe, choose wisely.  Proverbs 13:20 tells us the wise connect with the wise.  Acts 6:2 gives us great keys in choosing people to hang around.  I like to find friends who stretch me.  It is never a goal to have close friends who influence me to live smaller or shrink back.

     

    6.  This is a bonus for you.  I love to over deliver!  **The Biggest key has not been listed yet: We need to pray about it FIRST AND FOR MOST!  Prayer changes things, mostly ourselves!  Ask God before doing anything else.  Watch Matthew 6:33 come to pass before our very eyes!  #bestdaysahead

     

    So, ladies, are you ready to trade those “what ifs” for some seriously empowering “I did its?” The world is waiting for your bold moves, your daring decisions, and your unapologetic “heck yeses!” Go out there and make some magic happen! You’ve got this. Now go tell Brenda her casserole story. (Just kidding… unless…?)

     

    PS. In the comments below, please share crossroads you are facing.  What choices do you need to make?  I would love to hear!  What methods do you employ when making decisions?  What small wins do you celebrate in your life?  Feel free to share your strategies in the comments as well.

     

    For more Women Encouragement, please check out this post entitled: 3 Sneaky Ways to Add Personal Development (the post really lists 4 Ways, but who is counting – ha!)
  • Improving mental health for women

    Improving mental health for women

    Improving mental health for women in today’s chaotic world isn’t a luxury, it’s a survival skill. Picture this: Sarah, a superhero in comfort shoes because they help get through the day, juggles a full-time career that demands her soul, student loans that feel like a clingy ex, daycare bills that could fund a small nation, and medical expenses that make her eyes water. Throw in school plays, soccer practice carpools, and the constant, low-humming anxiety of trying to cover it all, and Sarah’s feeling less like Wonder Woman and more like Wonder Bread – thin sliced and slightly stale. Sound familiar, momma? You’re not alone. So, ditch the guilt and let’s dive into some real talk about improving mental health for women because you absolutely deserve a brain that’s not constantly doing mental gymnastics.

    Here are 5 ridiculously relatable (and actually helpful) tips to nudge your beautiful brain towards a happier place:

    1. Schedule “Me-Time” Like It’s a Hot Date (Because It Is!). Listen, Sweet Friend, your calendar is probably packed tighter than a toddler’s backpack. But guess what needs to be penciled in? YOU. That’s right, block out even 15 minutes for something purely selfish. Binge-watch that silly reality show? Do it. Stare blankly at the wall while sipping lukewarm coffee? You earned it. Blast some NF and have a solo dance party in your kitchen? Highly recommended. Action Step: Right now, open your phone calendar and schedule one “me-time” slot this week. Treat it like a non-negotiable appointment with the most important person in your life, (besides Jesus).  For more on Self-care, see this post: https://womenencouragement.com/self-care-wheel-and-why-you-need-to-use-it/.

    2. Become a Professional Boundary Boss (Say “No” Without Apologizing) – NO IS A FULL SENTENCE. Women are often conditioned to be the “yes” people, the doers, the fixers of all the things. But honey, your “yes” should be reserved for things that actually light you up, not leave you feeling like a deflated bouncy castle. Learn the power of a polite but firm “no.” No explanation needed! Someone asks you to bake 3 dozen cupcakes for the school fundraiser when you’re already drowning? “Nope, not this time!” Feel the glorious freedom wash over you. Action Step: Identify one thing this week you can gracefully decline without feeling guilty. Practice saying “no” out loud in the mirror until it feels less like a betrayal and more like self-preservation.

    3. This one Really improves my mental health!  Move Your Body Like Nobody’s Watching (Because They Probably Aren’t). Forget the pressure of intense gym sessions if that feels like another chore. Find movement that actually feels good. A brisk walk in nature, a silly dance-off with your kids, stretching while you watch TV – it all counts! Exercise isn’t just about fitting into those jeans (though, hey, bonus points!), it’s a fantastic way to release stress-busting endorphins and give your brain a happy little chemical hug. Action Step: Commit to 15-20 minutes of enjoyable movement three times this week. Put on your favorite tunes and just groove!  Peppermint oil applied to my wrists, gets me in the “Got to Move It, Move It mode (Madagascar Movies).  (Young Living’s peppermint oil is LIT)!

    4. Connect With Your Tribe (Because Adulting is Less Awful Together). Remember those amazing girlfriends who “get” you? Make time for them! Vent about the ridiculousness of life, share a laugh until you cry, or just enjoy some comforting silence together. Isolation is a sneaky mental health thief. Whether it’s a coffee date, a phone call, or a meme-sharing marathon, nurturing your connections is vital. Action Step: Reach out to one friend this week just to say hi and check in. Bonus points if you can schedule some actual hang-out time.  Your tribe is HERE, click the aforementioned link for more info!

    5. Practice Tiny Acts of Self-Care (Because You Deserve All the Small Joys). Mental health improvement doesn’t always require grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Enjoy that first sip of your favorite beverage in peace. Take five deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed. Put on your comfiest socks. Listen to a song that makes you smile. These small moments of nurturing yourself can add up to a significant boost in your overall well-being. Action Step: Identify three small things you can do for yourself today that will bring you a little bit of joy or peace. Do them!  Get more ideas HERE!

    Remember Sarah, our overstretched superhero? After implementing these tips, a few weeks later, things started to shift. Scheduling that 20 minutes of quiet time after the kids were in bed became her sanctuary. Saying “no” to one extra volunteer commitment freed up precious mental energy. Her impromptu kitchen dance parties actually made her smile again. A quick coffee with a friend reminded her she wasn’t alone in the chaos. And those five deep breaths during a particularly stressful work call? Game-changer. Life gradually became a bit more waunder full and manageable again.  Improving mental health for women, even with small, consistent efforts, can create a ripple effect of positive change, making the daily grind feel a little less… grindy.

    Something to keep close to the heart: when we live outward focus, there is less chance of the “yuck,” creeping in.  Remember, anxiety and gratitude can not exist at the same time.  Chin up, Butter Cup, we are doing great!  Give ourselves a hug, a pat on the back because sometimes we are the only one who will do it.  We are enough, so incredibly, amazingly enough.  Breathe.  Do not miss this amazing life.  It isn’t a dress rehearsal.  (Acts 20:24)

    Ready for more support and a community of amazing women navigating the beautiful mess of life? Join our Facebook Group – WOMEN ENCOURAGEMENT!

  • The Best 11 Books I’ve Read in 2024

    The Best 11 Books I’ve Read in 2024

    A woman with piles of books
    The 11 Best Books I’ve Read in 2024 (So Far)—And Why You’ll Love Them Too!
    2024 is shaping up to be an incredible year for books, and I’ve already devoured some real gems. From personal development to spirituality, business strategies to emotional healing, I’ve tackled a variety of genres this year, and boy, did I discover some books that I just have to share. If you’re looking to level up in your life, business, or just want to find a few good reads to inspire your next book binge, you’re in the right place!
    So, without further ado, here are the 11 best books I’ve read in 2024 and why I think you should check them out too. Buckle up, it’s going to be a fun ride!

    1. Glucose Revolution by Jessie Inchauspé

    Genre: Health, Wellness, Science
    Why I Loved It:
    If you’ve ever wondered why you get the 3 p.m. slump or why that donut always seems to make you crash, Glucose Revolution is your new best friend. This book breaks down how blood sugar impacts everything from your energy levels to your mood. Jessie Inchauspé uses science to explain how to keep your glucose levels in check without feeling like you’re living on kale and water. Plus, the tips are easy to implement, and if I can do it—so can you! If you’ve ever wanted a crash course in feeling better without drastic changes, this is a must-read.
    In 2024, I was diagnosed with Pre Diabetes.  So I am taking this book to heart, and getting my  💩 together.  May 2025 bring healthier, skinnier me!

    Picture of Glucose Revolution Book

    2. Soundtracks by Jon Acuff

    Genre: Self-Help, Motivation
    Why I Loved It:
    Jon Acuff has officially become my go-to motivational guru. Soundtracks is all about the way we talk to ourselves and how those “soundtracks” (aka repetitive thoughts) either help or hinder our success. I loved this book because it’s funny, insightful, and actionable. Acuff gives you practical strategies to replace those negative mind loops with ones that encourage growth and success. It’s like a playlist for your brain—except it’s full of positive vibes.
    After my second husband left me, I am intentionally changing the voice in my head.  The new voice is positive and compassionate, mostly due to this book!

    Picture of Soundtracks book

    3. Healing The Orphan Spirit by Leif Hetland

    Genre: Spirituality, Personal Growth
    Why I Loved It:
    Leif Hetland dives deep into a spiritual concept that I hadn’t really thought about before—the “orphan spirit.” Essentially, it’s that feeling of separation or abandonment that many people carry around, even if they don’t realize it. What I loved about this book is how Hetland provides healing strategies through deep spirituality, prayer, and personal reflection. It’s incredibly comforting and uplifting, especially for those working through past hurts. This one’s like a warm hug for the soul.
    This book helped me heal emotionally, showing me a clear vision of the seat I want to operate in with the Lord.  The revelation in this book helps me be all that God has made me to be.

    Picture of Healing the Orphan Spirit book

    4. Raised to Stay by Natalie Runion

    Genre: Faith, Spiritual Growth
    Why I Loved It:
    As someone who’s gone through spiritual ups and downs, Raised to Stay resonated with me on a deep level. Natalie Runion addresses the challenges of staying rooted in your faith, even when life gets messy. It’s not about perfection; it’s about resilience. Runion’s story is raw, honest, and refreshing. She makes you feel like it’s okay to question, to grow, and most importantly, to stay true to yourself through it all.
    I love following Natalie Runion on Instagram!  She will inspire all of us to shine brighter, climbing higher.  Find her IG HERE.
    Most of my best and worst memories of life have happened in the church.  This book brings me hope of healthier times in God’s house.  I double dog dare you to read this one!

    Picture of The Raised to Stay book

    5. Million Dollar Action by Rachel Rodgers

    Genre: Personal Finance, Business
    Why I Loved It:
    If you’ve ever dreamed of becoming a millionaire (who hasn’t?), Million Dollar Actions gives you the exact strategies you need to start thinking—and acting—like a millionaire. Rachel Rodgers breaks down powerful habits that align with financial success. This isn’t just about saving pennies; it’s about mindset, habits, and the kind of decisions that build wealth. The book’s no-nonsense, relatable style made it feel like I had a personal coach pushing me to level up in my career and life.
    This book has such practical actionable ideas!  Please comment if you’d be interested in doing a book study of this. I keep marinating over all the insights Rachel shares!

    Picture of Million Dollar Actions book

    6. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

    Genre: Personal Development, Finance
    Why I Loved It:
    Okay, Think and Grow Rich has been around forever, but I finally read it in 2024, and I totally get the hype. Napoleon Hill’s timeless wisdom about the power of mindset and persistence in achieving wealth and success is next-level. It’s not just about getting rich—it’s about cultivating a mindset that attracts success in every area of life. If you’re looking for a classic that will get your gears turning, this is your go-to. It’s like a motivational speech in book form, but with even more strategies.
    I have added daily affirmations from this book to my morning and evening routine.  This book is gold!  You won’t be sorry you spent time sponging up the wisdom in these pages.

    Cover of Think and Grow Rich book

    7. Entrepreneurial You by Dorie Clark

    Genre: Business, Entrepreneurship
    Why I Loved It:
    Entrepreneurial You was a total game-changer in how I think about business. Dorie Clark provides super practical advice for anyone trying to build their own brand or business, particularly if you’re balancing it with a full-time job. I loved the actionable strategies she outlines for growing a personal brand, leveraging your skills, and finding new opportunities. If you’ve ever thought, “I want to start something, but I don’t know where to begin,” this book is a solid blueprint to get started.
    This is another read that would make another great item for a book club!  Dorie brings up easy ideas in each chapter.  Her down to earth content is brilliant!

    Entrepreneurial You Book Cover

    8. The Warrior Bride by Jeremiah Johnson

    Genre: Spirituality, Faith
    Why I Loved It:
    This book is a powerful call to action for women who are called to fight for their faith and purpose. The Warrior Bride challenges women to rise up in their spiritual identity and live boldly. Jeremiah Johnson brings a refreshing and empowering perspective on what it means to be a warrior in God’s kingdom. If you need to be reminded that you’re not just a passive bystander in life but a powerful force, this is your spiritual pep talk.
    I can’t say enough good about Jeremiah and Morgan Johnson.  I value Jeremiah’s teaching so much, that I am a monthly partner with his ministry.
    The way Jeremiah and Morgan are examples of ministry and family balance inspires me constantly.  I love how God has blessed Morgan’s business!
    I truly believe they are the real deal.  They are pioneers leading a whole new remnant in these last days.  Read Jeremiah’s books, they are all golden.
     

    Warrior Bride Book Cover

    9. The Deborah Mantle by Christy Johnston

    Genre: Faith, Leadership
    Why I Loved It:
    The Deborah Mantle is all about how women can step into their leadership calling with strength and grace. Christy Johnston draws from the biblical story of Deborah to show how women today can embody that same courage, wisdom, and faith in their own lives. Whether you’re in business, ministry, or just navigating life, this book is full of wisdom for stepping into your leadership role and leaving a lasting impact.
    Christy’s knowledge of the Bible is phenomenal.  I couldn’t get enough of how she draws different scriptures highlighting how they intertwine with one another.  This book left me challenged to rise up and be all God has called us to be.

    Book cover of The Deborah Mantle

    10. The House Jesus Built by Natalie Runion

    Genre: Faith, Spiritual Growth
    Why I Loved It:
    Natalie Runion delivers once again with The House Jesus Built. This book explores the importance of building a solid spiritual foundation, with Christ as the cornerstone. It’s all about creating a life that’s rooted in faith, community, and purpose. If you’re looking for a book that challenges you to deepen your relationship with Jesus and live out your calling in every area of life, this one’s a must-read.
    One reason this is a must read is becaue, this book does not play!  I love how Natalie charges forward, challenging status quo in the church today.  This book had me tearing up and laughing, depending on the content.
    For anyone who has been injured in church, please give this a thorough examination.  I am so thankful Natalie stayed the course in her ministry, despite so many opportunities to roll over and quit.  I love Natalie’s genuineness and authenticity.  She is admirable through and through.

    Cover of the Book The House That Jesus Built

    11. The Love Awakening by Leif Hetland

    Genre: Spirituality, Love, Healing
    Why I Loved It:
    Leif Hetland is back with another powerful book that explores the transformative power of love. The Love Awakening challenges the reader to dive into the depths of unconditional love—not just for others, but for yourself as well. Hetland’s approach to healing and love is deeply spiritual, gentle, and life-changing. This book will make you rethink how you approach love in all its forms, especially the love you give yourself.
    Plus, the stories in this book have completely gutted me.  Leif has ministered extensively in the middle east.  His experiences described in this book will leave quite a mark on readers lives.  To this day, I am driven to pray more for the people groups referred to in this book.  I couldn’t put Leif’s writings down.  How God has used Leif is mind boggling.  His story expands my faith.  Be sure to check out all of his publications.

    Book cover of The Love Awakening

    Conclusion:

    2024 has been a fantastic year for reading so far, and these 10 books have truly left a mark on my heart and mind. Whether you’re looking to transform your mindset, grow your business, heal emotionally, or deepen your spiritual walk, there’s something on this list for everyone.
    These are the best of about thirty books I’ve read this year.  Learning is my favorite!  Check out all of these authors.  You can’t go wrong with any of the above.
    So go ahead, pick up one (or more) of these life-changing reads. And remember, reading isn’t just about escaping; it’s about growing, learning, and becoming a better version of yourself. Happy reading!
    I also have a great post about books that changed my life in case your an avid reader like me.  Check it out HERE..
    PS  These are affiliate links, just in time to help me buy my Fantastic Four Christmas!  Use these links proficiently.  Thank you in advance!  💕💕
    I’m curious: which book most interests you?  Why?  Please comment below.  Thank You!
     
     

    [wpforms id=”5626″ title=”false” description=”false”]

  • 5 Products That Ease Anxiety

    5 Products That Ease Anxiety

    Healing After Trauma: 5 Products That Transformed My Mental Health Journey

     

    March 2022 marked the end of my marriage, a deeply traumatic experience that left me tense and overwhelmed. Seeking relief, I turned to deep tissue massage, only to find my body still bracing for impact long after the session ended. Desperate for improvement, I embarked on a journey to enhance my quality of life, discovering five transformative products along the way.

    1. Ashwagandha Supplement: Ashwagandha, renowned for its emotional support and menopause symptom relief, became a staple in my daily routine. This natural supplement clears my mind, reduces tension, and induces a calming sensation throughout my body. [Link to product]

    2. Lemon Balm Tea: As a self-professed coffee enthusiast, adopting Lemon Balm Tea was a significant departure. Recommended by Dr. Eric Berg for its ability to increase gamma in the brain, this tea promotes relaxation and presence in my daily life. [Link to product]

    3. Magnesium Oil: Applied to my feet and forearms before bedtime, Magnesium Oil ensures a restful night’s sleep by keeping my body relaxed. Additionally, it leaves my feet feeling irresistibly soft, a welcome bonus to its calming effects. [Link to product]

    4. KidScents Unwind Pixie Sticks: From the trusted brand Young Living, these convenient pixie sticks offer instant relaxation whenever tension arises. A simple yet effective solution, they have become a must-have in my daily arsenal. [Link to product]Picture of Young Living Product: Kidscents' Unwind

    5. Stress Away Oil Blend: Another gem from Young Living, Stress Away Oil Blend, when applied to my wrists and neck, swiftly grounds me and restores balance. Despite its price, a single bottle lasts for months, making it a worthwhile investment in my mental well-being. [Link to product]Picture of Stress Away Roller Ball

    As I continue on my journey of healing and self-discovery, I invite you to share your own experiences and recommendations for mental health support. Together, we can create a supportive community and offer hope to those struggling with anxiety. Remember, these products have personally helped me, but I am not a medical professional—let’s embrace healing with joy and curiosity.

    Affiliate links are provided for convenience. I encourage you to explore these products further, but always prioritize your health and well-being. Enjoy the journey!

    It’s worth noting that in 2024, I remain single, but with each passing day, I find solace and joy in my healing journey, embracing the beauty of life once more.

    PS If you’d like to join my Young Living Team, you can [Product Link]

     

     
     
     
     
    a woman having a massage
    Photo by Arina Krasnikova on Pexels.com