reniimodisette • April 1, 2022

During my morning walk, I listen to a podcast. Enabling me to continue improving my mindset, and aligns my intentions. This go-round, I listened to On Purpose with Jay Shetty, the interview with Big Sean. Big Sean dropped a gem- self-care isn’t selfish, and gratitude feeds growth. If both were currency, how much would someone have? Immediately, I thought about my emergency account: 

  • Do I have self-care and gratitude currency in my emergency account? 
  • Is it an adequate amount to tap into on days when I need it most? 

Consequently, a few years ago, the funds were insufficient in my self-care and gratitude emergency account.

I prioritized everything or everyone else’s needs before my own.

I felt like I’d lost pieces of my person in the midst. The ripple effect was how I felt about myself.  More so as my body was changing. My temper was shorter. Knowing this, I found what works for me through trial and error. It has taken me time to define self-care that works for me and is personal. Taken several years for me not to feel guilty for investing in myself-my self-care or gratitude for the things in my life. I was so busy in the hustle. Rarely, did I take time to be grateful for waking up and being able.

The moments I took for myself, the house didn’t burn down. My teenage son was still okay.

Yes, girl! I’ve had these affirmations notifications for about three years now. I need them. I no longer have self-care and gratitude insufficient funds. There are days when my time is limited. There are days when I just don’t have in me, but I have my affirmations to remind me that I am worth it. Despite the limitation, my wealth begins with me.

Indeed, thankfulness for another day is a gift that keeps giving, whether it’s a good day or a not-so-good day. Appreciation for being able is also based on my definition. Filling my self-care and gratitude account.

In fact, my gratitude journey started with affirmation notifications. The notifications begin each day at 6:45 am and end at 9:30 pm: 

  • 6:45 am- I put on my armor. I’m reminded that the armor of God is my everything.
  • 8:00 am- I’m breaking chains. I remind myself that fear isn’t stagnant but dynamic, and I am okay. 
  • 10 am- Be positive. I am the apple of His eye. 
  • 1 pm- I am unique. I’m fearfully and wonderfully made. Please indulge me as I elaborate; I needed this one SO badly. I battled with self-criticism and comparison. It was sometimes very debilitating because I didn’t see myself as worthy. 
  • 3 pm- Trust and understanding. Usually, I’ve encountered a challenging situation or two by this time. I had a friend who shared Proverbs 9:6 with me, and I say it aloud every day. 
  • 5 pm- Peace. The peace I seek comes from God, not the world. Kaleb is doing homework, so I’m seeking patience, too (lol). 
  • 7 pm- Wisdom. Proverbs 19:8. Love me. 
  • 9:30pm- Intentions. I commit my plans to God. 

I hope reading this post inspires you to do the same! 


LEAN INTO:CouRagE EMBRACE: Honesty, Bravery, and Perseverance

By Renii Modisette • December 27, 2024
We begin to say goodbye to 2024 with cooler temperatures and yuletide attitudes as December ends. One thing is sure: self-regulation starts with the Self despite all else. In the last blog for 2024, I explore the sixth and final virtue, Courage, as well as three character strengths: Honesty, Bravery, and Perseverance, with the pendulum swinging both ways as a reminder we can make it through the first starting with Self. A great conclusion to the MTO Lean-in Series, which focuses on character strengths and virtues from the VIA Institute. I had initially planned to finish this series in October, but I found myself overwhelmed with school and work. I had convinced myself that I could push through despite feeling fatigued. However, I realized that the virtue of Courage also encompasses the character strength of Honesty. It was time for me to be honest with myself, which meant reevaluating the narrative I had created in my head. So, I took a break and reframed my internal dialogue to accept my revised story to remind myself that the pendulum swings both ways, so I must put myself first and focus on myself to overcome a self-imposed narrative that pushing through is the best way. I challenge you, amidst this season of giving and gratitude, to be honest with yourSELF—it's a personal journey. Is being honest with yourself a sign of bravery? Depending on who you ask, you might get different answers. In my opinion, yes, we are often harder on ourSELVES than anyone else is. Bravery is usually defined as resilience, facing fears, and not shrinking in the face of a threat or challenge. So, why can't SELF be a challenge? To help you navigate this solitary journey of self-awareness, consider the following statement:  "I AM in charge of how I react to others. I choose to respond in a positive way."

Where are you on the tightrope? MTO Lean-in Series, Part IV

By Renii Modisette • October 13, 2024
Hello October! Q4 is in full swing, with MTO KPIs still at the forefront. It feels like I was saying "Happy New Year" just yesterday. Towards the end of June, I began the MTO Lean-in Series, which focuses on character strengths and virtues from the VIA Institute. I learned about the character strengths and virtues while completing my Positive Psychology Practitioner studies and found them intriguing, especially in relation to enhancing my mindfulness practice. So far, I've covered Temperance, Transcendence, Humanity, and Justice. This month, I'll be discussing the fifth virtue, Wisdom, as well as three character strengths: Judgment, Curiosity, and Perspective. I'll then conclude the series with the sixth virtue in the November blog post. For more information on VIA's character strengths, please visit the VIA Institute website at https://www.viacharacter.org. WISDOM Let’s begin with I've coined the Wisdom Tightrope when discussing the virtue of Wisdom because it involves a balancing act depending on the situation. The first character strength, Judgment, is rooted in critical thinking to counteract faulty thinking and biased opinions. When overused, Judgment can lead to narrow-mindedness, and when underused, one isn't reflective enough. Ironically, it is often frowned upon to judge ourselves and others, yet our analytical mind somehow gets in the way, which allows us to debate whether something that is frowned upon should be up for discussion.

MTO Lean In Series: Part III

By Renii Modisette • September 2, 2024
This month's blog post features Part III of the MTO Lean in Series. In this edition, we discuss the virtue of Justice and two-character strengths. To learn more about VIA character strengths, please visit the VIA Institute.
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