Hey beloved!
Welcome back to this week’s 🌿 Rooted & Rising! If you’ve ever chosen the uncomfortable path because you knew it would stretch you, found yourself thanking God in the middle of a storm (not after it passed), or realized that your growth is literally giving someone else permission to start their own journey- this one’s for you.
Today we’re diving into these themes:
Actively choosing discomfort as your growth accelerator
Real-time gratitude: Finding thanks in the thick of chaos (not just in hindsight)
When your growth becomes someone else’s permission slip: The privilege of pouring back
Want to work directly with me? I help overwhelmed creators and founders finally show up for themselves and their businesses in the way they’ve always wanted. Creators who are tired of burning out because they haven’t found a system that works for them. Founders who know they should be posting more about their business, but feel like they have nothing to say or too much on their plate to share. I help you uncover a way to tell your story that does not lead to burnout or unnecessary pressure on yourself. Book time here and start showing up for you!
Before we go any further…
🥭 A Spiritual Snack🥭
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."
Where I Got Checked Last Week ✅
Last week at this time, I was gearing up to go to Colin Rocker’s 11th For the Firsts event. While I was there, we were prompted to answer this question: “What do you need to let go of to become the person you’ve always wanted to become?”
Someone in the room said: “Comfort.”
When I tell you that hit me like a spiritual two-by-four?
I stood there thinking about how many times this year I’ve had to put comfort on the back burner just to grow. How many uncomfortable conversations I’ve had to have. How many times I’ve shown up to networking events feeling awkward. How many pitches I’ve sent that made my palms sweat. How many early mornings and late nights I’ve chosen over “taking it easy.”
I hadn’t really considered until that moment was this: I’ve started actively seeking out things that make me uncomfortable because I know the ROI on growth when I’m uncomfortable is HIGH. Discomfort isn’t something I’m surviving anymore, it’s something I’m choosing because I know what’s on the other side.
Speaking of choosing discomfort- Cee and I almost didn’t make it to the Royal Authority launch event because of a literal storm. The rain was relentless. We were both battling doubt, wondering if we should postpone, if anyone would even show up. But we pushed through anyway, and it ended up being one of the most powerful nights. We broke down the whole story in our first Royal Authority podcast episode - what the Kingdom of God actually means, what it looks like to be a Kingdom Builder, and how we navigated that storm (literally and figuratively) to launch the community God placed on our hearts. [Listen to full episode here].
That night reminded me: Your growth isn’t just for you. It’s a permission slip for someone else to start their journey. Even when you they don’t know what you went through to get there.
Then there’s the gratitude piece. What makes all that discomfort sustainable? Putting in reps on gratitude. And not just gratitude after the storm or challenges pass- I’m talking about gratitude IN the trenches. The hotter the challenges are, the more I lean into being thankful in real-time. Even when things feel like a hot mess, there is ALWAYS something to be grateful for right in that moment. But that kind of gratitude? It has to be developed through reps. You don’t just wake up one day able to thank God while your bank account is wheezing or your proposal gets rejected. You build that muscle.
Finally, what’s been absolutely refreshing is seeing who entrepreneurship allows me to pour back into. Being able to take my aunt to her doctor’s appointments in the middle of the day because I control my schedule. Working with Nurse (who has poured SO much into me as a leader and mentor literally since I was in my mother’s womb) to help her launch her business and open her eyes to tools that can boost her operational value. Things like Claude, Notion and optimizing her LinkedIn. Watching my cohort members post consistently on LinkedIn and feel confident in their stories for the first time. There’s such a deep joy in watching people’s eyes open up to what they’re capable of.
With all that said, let’s dive into the deets…
Practical Strategies 🤏🏾
1. Actively Choosing Discomfort as Your Growth Accelerator
Here’s what I’m learning: comfort is a cozy cutsie wootsie little trap. It feels safe. It feels responsible. But it’s also where growth goes to die.
Historically, people who have built something lasting? They’re the ones who keep choosing the uncomfortable option. The pitch that feels too bold. The event where they don’t know anyone. The service they’re not 100% sure they can deliver yet (but know they’ll figure out). The post that feels too vulnerable.
Discomfort is not a sign you’re doing something wrong, it’s usually a sign you’re growing. And here’s the kicker: the more you choose discomfort intentionally, the less it controls you. You start to recognize it as a signal that you’re stretching, not a warning to retreat. It gets easier to step out and take the risks it takes to grow.
I used to avoid discomfort at all costs. Now? I search it out like Scooby looking for a Scooby snack. Because I know that’s where the version of me I’m becoming lives.
The shift: Stop treating discomfort as the enemy. Start treating it as your personal trainer. It’s not trying to break you, it’s building you as you seek it out.
Try this: Identify ONE thing you’ve been avoiding because it makes you uncomfortable. This week, do that thing. Send the DM. Make the ask. Post the vulnerable content. Sign up for the thing that scares you. Then notice how you feel on the other side of it. I BET you’ll feel stronger than before.
2. Real-Time Gratitude: Finding Thanks in the Thick of the Chaos
With Thanksgiving coming up this week, we can expect most people to start talking about gratitude- reviewing it like it’s a reflection practice. “Look back on your week and write down what you’re thankful for.” And that’s great! Some might even say, chic. ✨ But what about gratitude in real-time? What about finding something to be thankful for when your client just ghosted you, when your content flopped, when your bank account is making you nervous?
That’s a whole different level of faith.
I’m learning to practice gratitude not just when I’m reflecting on challenges that have passed, but when I’m literally still in them. When things feel overwhelming, I stop and ask: “What can I be grateful for right now? In this exact moment?”
Sometimes it’s as simple as: “I’m grateful I woke up today.” “I’m grateful I have people who love me.” “I’m grateful I have the skills to solve this problem.” “I’m grateful this challenge is exposing an area where I can grow.”
It sounds small, but this practice has kept me from spiraling more times than I can count. Gratitude in the moment doesn’t erase the challenge, it just reminds you that you’re not alone in it and that there’s still good even in the mess.
The shift: Gratitude isn’t just for hindsight, it’s a real-time practice that keeps you grounded when everything feels chaotic.
Try this: The next time something stressful happens this week (and it will), pause before you react. Take a breath and name ONE thing you’re grateful for in that exact moment. Build this muscle. Put in the reps. The more you practice real-time gratitude, the less power chaos has over your peace.
3. When Your Growth Becomes Someone Else’s Permission Slip: The Privilege of Pouring Back
Here’s something nobody tells you about building a business: the privilege of being able to pour back into your community in ways you never imagined.
My aunt is a cancer survivor (shout out to her frfr) - last week, I got to take her to her doctor’s appointments in the middle of the day. It’s something I never would’ve been able to do with a 9-5. I get to help Nurse (our family’s affectionate nickname for her)- someone who has poured into me since before I could even walk - launch her own business and show her tools that are opening her eyes to what’s possible. I get to watch my cohort members gain confidence and start sharing their stories consistently for the first time.
And every single time, I’m reminded: my growth isn’t just for me.
When you grow, you give other people permission to believe they can too. When you step into discomfort and come out the other side, someone watching says, “If she can do it, maybe I can too.” When you share your journey (the messy parts included), you’re literally handing someone else a roadmap.
That’s the weight and privilege of influence. It’s not just about hitting your goals - it’s about who gets to benefit from the fact that you kept going.
The shift: Your growth is not selfish. It’s actually one of the most generous things you can do because it gives other people permission to start their own journey.
Try this: This week, identify ONE person you can pour back into. Maybe it’s sharing a resource that helped you. Maybe it’s having a conversation with someone who’s a few steps behind you on the journey. Maybe it’s just being honest about your process so someone else feels less alone. Pour back intentionally.
Now let’s get moving!
Monday Move 💃🏾
Pop on this playlist of music that got me through last week, take a moment to stretch, and leave with a reminder for the week ahead
Your playlist:
Your at- desk stretch routine:
* Remember to keep breathing deeply throughout!
Hip Circles (1 minute)
Stand with hands on your hips. Slowly rotate your hips in circles like you're hula hooping. Switch directions halfway through. This one's for releasing stored tension from uncomfortable conversations and bold moves.
Chest Opener (1 minute)
Stand tall, clasp your hands behind your back. Gently lift your hands and open your chest. Roll your shoulders back and breathe deeply. This stretch is about literally opening yourself up to receive - gratitude, opportunity, growth.
Ankle Rolls (30 seconds each foot)
Lift one foot off the ground and slowly rotate your ankle in circles. This helps with circulation and reminds you that even small movements create momentum. Switch feet.
Standing Side Stretch (30 seconds per side)
Stand up, reach both arms overhead, grab your right wrist with your left hand, and gently lean left. Feel the stretch along your right side. Switch sides. Create space in your body for all the growth you're experiencing.
Gratitude Breathing (2 minutes)
Sit or stand comfortably. Place one hand on your heart. Inhale for 4 counts while thinking of something you're grateful for RIGHT NOW. Hold for 4 counts. Exhale for 6 counts, releasing any stress. Repeat 5 times. Practice finding gratitude in this exact moment.
Discomfort Hold (1 minute)
Stand in a slight squat (like you're sitting in an invisible chair). Hold it. Feel the discomfort in your legs. Breathe through it. Remind yourself: discomfort doesn't mean danger. It means you're getting stronger. This is what growth feels like.
Your Reminder: Choosing discomfort is choosing growth. Gratitude in real-time is your superpower when everything feels chaotic. And your growth? It's not just for you - it's a permission slip for someone else to start their journey. Keep going.
“You know what just dawned on me?” 💭
This week, I’ve been reading about Esther’s preparation process before she was presented to King Xerxes. Girl had a WHOLE 12-month beauty routine. Six months with oil of myrrh, six months with perfumes and cosmetics (Esther 2:12). She also had advisors - eunuchs who know what would please the king, and she actually listened to them.
And it hit me: I want to be pampered like Esther.
Now obviously I’m not trying to buy myrrh in THIS economy, but the principle still stands: Esther understood that preparation is not just spiritual- it’s also physical. She took care of her body. She surrounded herself with wise counsel. She invested in herself for a YEAR before stepping into her purpose.
Meanwhile, I’m over here sometimes acting like self-care is optional. Like taking care of my body is something I’ll “get to eventually.” But the truth is, if I want to sustain this business and steward the influence God’s given me, I have to treat my body like the business investment it is.
That’s why I use ClassPass (If you want to try it, use my referral link here: https://classpass.com/refer/NMM88OOR11. They’re giving an exclusive free trial (with 20 bonus credits!) only available to friends of mine.
I needed a system that would hold me accountable to actually moving my body without having to think too hard about it. Some weeks it’s pilates. Some weeks it’s cycling. Some weeks it’s just a beginner’s barre class because that’s all my body can handle.
The point is: Esther didn’t wing it. She had a whole preparation process, she had advisors, and she invested in herself for an entire year before her moment came. Maybe we need to take the same approach. Maybe “pamperations” aren’t frivolous- it’s preparation for what God’s about to do.
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Forward this to someone who needs permission to choose discomfort, practice real-time gratitude, and remember that their growth is giving someone else permission to start. ✨
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Stay rooted in who you are. Keep rising in your calling!
Here for the journey with you ✨,
