Beth Ruffin

I'm in this weird space in life: preparing for empty nesting.

I've still got 2.5 years until Bella goes to college, but I'm finding myself alone more and more often these days. Between her school, social, and work activities, she's got more going on than I do.

Today, she's at a college prep program at Benedict College for the morning and I couldn't stomach the thought of sitting in the house alone again, so I came to Starbucks to work while she's busy.

This is my default mode: work. I'm a Capricorn - I love to work. I love creating and taking care of my customers.

But, I'm realizing that work is not totally fulfilling and work will certainly not be enough to keep my full once Bella is away at school.

COVID certainly changed the way I live life - I used to be so much more social. I had several friend groups, entrepreneurial partnerships, and a healthy social life. But then, we were stuck in the house for 2 years and isolation became our new normal.

Now, I find myself alone more than not. And as an extreme extrovert, this isn't what I need for battery. My battery needs social interactions to recharge.

I'm working on getting better at socializing and getting out the house - one step at a time.

Today's step was coming out to work instead of going back to the home office.

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In a world that often whispers "fit in," dare to stand out!

Self-acceptance is your magic wand, granting freedom to embrace every bit of yourself, quirks and all. Your uniqueness is the key to unlocking your potential.

Embrace self-acceptance, and become the fearless author of a story that's genuinely yours. It's a tale filled with authenticity, self-love, and unapologetic confidence.

Ready to unlock your superpower of self-acceptance?

Join our journey of self-discovery and acceptance by following for daily inspiration!

Are you practicing mindful habits?

Incorporating mindful habits into your daily routine can have a positive impact on your overall well-being.

These habits can be as simple as taking a few deep breaths in the morning or practicing gratitude before bed.

By intentionally creating these habits, you are giving yourself the gift of self-care and inner peace. They help to nourish your soul, calm your mind, and lead you on a journey toward a more centred and present version of yourself.

So, what steps are you taking to cultivate mindful habits in your life?

Share your personal path to inner peace in the comments below and inspire others.

We're told that the more we work, the more successful we'll be. But is that really true? 🤔

We live in a world that often glorifies hustle culture. Without a healthy work-life balance, we run the risk of burnout - a state of chronic stress that can lead to physical and emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and feelings of detachment. And when we're burned out, our productivity, creativity, and overall performance suffer.

But there's more to it than that. A lack of balance can also affect our personal lives - straining our relationships, diminishing our quality of life, and preventing us from pursuing our passions and interests outside of work. 🏡

So, remember, your worth is not measured by your productivity. It's perfectly okay (and necessary!) to take breaks, to say no, to prioritize your well-being. Because a balanced life is not only healthier, but it also makes us better workers, partners, parents, and individuals. 🌈

Today, let's strive for balance. Let's honor our needs and make time for what truly matters. Because you deserve a career that fulfills you, and a life that brings you joy. 💖

How about you, what do you think about the prevalent “hustle culture”?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s discuss!

Stop comparing yourself.

The comparison game will kill you.

It will kill your confidence, your dreams, and your motivation.

Comparison is like death.
You’ve got to stop it.

Sure, I’m extroverted and it’s easy for me to talk to just about anybody, but if that’s not the way you were built, then there’s no point in comparing yourself to me because we’re built differently.

You have to learn how to leverage that introverted part of yourself. Realize that the way you were built is a strength.

So, how will you celebrate your uniqueness today? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, it is crucial to remember to take care of yourself.

Your relationship with yourself is the most important one you'll ever have, and self-care is not something to be ashamed of. In fact, it's essential to your overall well-being.

Self-care can come in many forms, from quiet moments of reflection to exciting adventures that lift your spirits. It's all about recognizing your needs and finding ways to replenish your soul.

So, how are you practicing self-care today?

Share your favorite self-care routines in the comments below and inspire others to prioritize their well-being.

Life's a journey of self-discovery, and within you lie incredible strengths waiting to be unleashed.

Whether it's your resilience, creativity, or empathy, your unique qualities are your superpowers.
But how do you find them?

It's a process of reflection, feedback, and exploration. 🧐

Take time to reflect on your passions, ask for feedback from those who know you well, and don't be afraid to try new things.

Your strengths are like treasures, waiting to be unearthed. And when you do, they become the wind beneath your wings, propelling you toward your dreams.

So, what's one strength you've recently discovered or embraced?

Share it with us in the comments below!

We often find ourselves trying to change or improve for others - for their approval, their acceptance, their love. But the most meaningful and lasting growth happens when we do it for ourselves. 💖

When you decide to grow for YOU, you are taking control of your own journey. You are choosing self-love over pleasing others. You are saying, "I am important. I am worth the effort." 🌟

Change is never easy, but remember that every step you take toward becoming the best version of yourself is a victory. It's okay to stumble; it's okay to fall. What matters is that you get back up and keep moving forward. 🚀

So today, ask yourself: "What can I do to be better FOR ME?"

Maybe it's setting healthy boundaries, pursuing a passion, or simply taking time to rest. Whatever it is, embrace it with open arms. Because you deserve to be happy, fulfilled, and at peace with who you are. 🤗

Always remember, you're not changing for the world; you're evolving for yourself. 💪

Life can be very confusing and difficult to navigate.

To find our way, we need a fixed point to
follow.

Just like a compass relies on the North Star, we need our own guiding light.

Our "North Star" is made up of our purpose, dreams, and values.

It's the point that keeps us on the right path when life's challenges try to lead us astray. It's the unwavering belief that motivates us to work towards our goals.

As we journey through life's twists and turns, it's important to keep our eyes on our North Star. It's our guide, our motivation, and our true north.

What's your North Star? Share it in the comments and let's inspire each other to stay on course!

Do you find yourself over-apologizing?

I used to be one of those people.

I apologized for everything, to everyone, before anyone even had the opportunity to get offended.

The definition of “apologize” is to express regret,feel distressed about something, to defend yourself, to feel remorse, to excuse yourself, or to make a concession.

If you’ve done someone wrong, by all means, apologize to them. If you need forgiveness from someone else, certainly you should apologize.
I’m not talking about those situations. I’m talking about those times when you apologize simply for who you are.

But there are three things specifically I want you to stop apologizing for: your PURPOSE, your PASSION, and your PURSUIT.

Follow me for more!

Say it with me:

"I am enough. I am worthy. I am deserving of love and respect. I accept myself as I am."

There's a power in self-acceptance that we often underestimate. It's not about being perfect or having it all together – far from it. It's about acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses, your victories and failures, your beauty and your flaws.

It's about understanding that you are a work in progress, and that's perfectly okay. Remember, every flower blooms at its own pace.

When we accept ourselves as we are, we open the door to growth, change, and self-improvement. We become more resilient, more loving, and more authentic.

Practice this affirmation every day as you look at yourself in the mirror. Always choose to be kind to yourself.

Inclusion begins with self-inclusion.

Don't wait for others to extend an invitation.
Take the reins of your own belonging, build your own table, and invite yourself to sit at it.

Today, let's be architects of our own inclusion, champions of our uniqueness, and advocates for our voices.

It's time to embrace the power you have to shape your narrative.

How are you taking action to include yourself today?

Share your empowering steps in the comments below!

"It doesn't matter what others are doing, it matters what you are doing."

In a world filled with distractions and comparisons, this truth shines brightly.

Your journey, your goals, and your actions are uniquely yours, and they hold the power to create your story.

So, keep your focus on your path, your dreams, and your growth. Embrace your individuality, and let it guide you towards your extraordinary.

What inspiring action are you taking today?

Share it in the comments below!

"Stop seeking approval from others."

These words resonate with the power of self-validation.

I used to be caught in the web of seeking external approval. Before making a decision, I'd consult a panel of friends, hoping for a unanimous vote on my next steps. But deep down, I knew my own truth. 🤷🏽♀️
Today, I encourage you to trust your uniqueness.
Your decisions, your voice, and your perspective are yours alone, and they hold incredible value.

It can be daunting to embrace your uniqueness, but it's in those moments that you have the potential to inspire, to enlighten, and to lead by example.

So, my friend, let your unique light shine. The world needs your authenticity.

Share your story, your perspective, and your truth with courage.

Hit the ❤ button if you can relate.

🔊 New episode alert! We're thrilled to announce the latest episode of 'You Belong Here' titled 'How Do You Want to Show Up?' Our special guest is the dynamic Megan Holly of Little Powerhouse Branding. 🌟

Megan is a powerhouse in every sense, empowering women to create impactful businesses while finding confidence within themselves. She's a master at creating stand-out visuals that garner engagement and mentor her clients into developing stronger mindsets, routines, processes, and voices.

As a speaker, podcaster, and coach, Megan emphasizes planning for bigger growth pictures with an eye on time freedom. Her work radiates self-awareness, self-love, and confidence, uplifting her communities.

Ultimately, Megan's passion lies in empowering women to step into their power, own themselves, and create a life (and business) they love. This episode is packed with insights on how to show up authentically and confidently in your professional and personal life.

Whether you're a budding entrepreneur, a creative professional, or someone seeking inspiration and empowerment, this episode is for you! 🎧

Check out the link in our bio to listen to the new episode. And remember, . Let's step into our power and create lives we love together. 💃✨

What are you telling yourself?

What’s the story you tell yourself every day when you wake up in the morning?

Are you telling yourself yes I can do it, yes I can reach it, yes I can be it. Or are you telling yourself, I don’t know, it seems risky, I may do it or not.

There’s research that tells us that your brain believes what you tell it.

So if you wake up every morning thinking it’s going to be a horrible day, guess what – it will be.

From here on out, I need you to insist that you are going to be successful.

You need to make that commitment to yourself that you will succeed.

Drop a 💖 in the comments if you agree!

"Am I waiting around for others to include me?"

It's a question that deserves our introspection.

In the pursuit of belonging and inclusion, it's essential to ask ourselves if we're relying solely on external invitations or if we're taking the initiative to create our own spaces of belonging.

Remember, you have the power to build your own table, to foster your own sense of belonging, and to be the author of your narrative.

It starts with that gentle push towards self-inclusion.

So, today, take a moment to reflect on this question.
How can you take the reins of your own inclusion journey?

Share your insights and intentions below.

Hello, Phenomenal Women! 👩💼

Today, let's talk about the magic of maintaining a consistent work schedule!⏰✨

Burnout is all too common among us, particularly when juggling many roles in our lives. We're career women, mothers, sisters, daughters, friends - sometimes, it can feel like there's not enough time in the day. But here's a secret – it's not about having time, it's about making time. 🕰️💡

Creating and following a work schedule isn't just about getting tasks done. It's about carving out space for what matters most to you. It's about recognizing that your time is valuable and that you are in control. It's about preventing burnout before it happens.🔥⛔

When you stick to a schedule, you're organizing your day and empowering yourself. You are setting boundaries, prioritizing your mental health, and ensuring you have time for work and play. 🗂️🎠

Remember, ladies, success isn't defined by how busy we are but by how balanced we are. So, let's start scheduling for success! 📈💖

I wanna talk to you about something that's close to my heart - the Power of PAUSE. 🛑

In our hustle and bustle, we sometimes forget that TAKING A BREAK is okay. In fact, it's absolutely essential!

Taking a break isn't about being weak or incapable but about preserving our energy, maintaining our sanity, and safeguarding our wellbeing.

We are not machines on a continuous run, but humans who need to rest and rejuvenate.

When life starts to feel like a whirlwind, remember, it's okay to pause. It's okay to step back, breathe deeply, and collect yourself. It's okay to put down that heavy load, rest your weary shoulders, and simply be still for a moment.

In this pause, you'll often find clarity, creativity, and renewed vigor. With grace and resilience, you'll find the strength to pick yourself up and face whatever comes next.

So, dear women, don't hesitate to press that pause button. You're not a machine. You're a magnificent human being who deserves rest and relaxation. Your wellbeing isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. So, take that break, nourish yourself, and return when you're ready.

You've got this! 💖

Remember, a pause is not a full stop; it's just a comma in the sentence of life. So, let's pause, breathe, and then conquer the world!

I’m living each day with purpose and intention because I believe that every moment, every action, and every choice has the power to make an impact.

What impact do you hope to make in the world?

Let me know in the comments 👇🏾