Your Body: A Temple for the Holy Spirit

This scripture makes it clear: your body is holy, the dwelling place of God’s Spirit. Every choice—how you move, eat, or rest—is a chance to worship. Caring for your body keeps it ready for His calling.

• Exercise: Spend 20-30 minutes moving in a way you enjoy—walking, stretching, or dancing. It equips you to serve others and share God’s love.
• Nutrition: Choose nutrient-dense, traditional foods and give thanks for each meal that fuels you for God’s work.
• Rest: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep and embrace a Sabbath pause to restore your body.

Caring for your body is worship, preparing God’s temple for His purpose.

Extending Care to Your Soul and Spirit

While 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 focuses on the body, the Bible shows we’re whole beings—body, soul, and spirit, a trichotomy woven together. The Bible, in 1 Thessalonians 5:23, teaches we’re created with three parts—spirit, soul, and body: “And the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly, and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Your body houses your soul and spirit, enabling you to live God’s plan. Your soul is your inner self, made up of your mind (thoughts), will (choices), and emotions (feelings), created to reflect and express God. This is where your personality lies, reflecting His love, wisdom, and strength in how you think, choose, and feel, like a mirror flashing His glory. Your mind processes life, but it’s tied to your will and emotions. Your will is your superpower to decide, to say “yes” to God’s plan and “no” to distractions, lining up your life with His purpose. Your spirit is your eternal connection to God, alive through the Holy Spirit. Caring for your body strengthens your soul and spirit to honor God fully.

Nurturing Your Soul

Your soul’s purpose is to reflect and express God through your unique personality—your thoughts, choices, and feelings. A healthy soul thinks clearly, chooses wisely, and feels deeply to honor Him. Scripture guides us: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8, NIV). Here’s how to nurture your soul:

• Prayer and Meditation: Spend a few minutes praying or reflecting on a verse to clear your thoughts, strengthen your will, and calm your emotions, reflecting God’s peace.
• Gratitude: Write down three things you’re thankful for daily to focus your thoughts on God’s goodness, steady your will, and lift your emotions with His joy.
• Boundaries: Limit negative influences, like distractions or draining relationships, to keep your thoughts clear, will strong, and emotions balanced.

If your soul feels heavy—thoughts tangled, choices uncertain, or emotions unsteady—seek support from a pastor or qualified practitioner. That’s stewardship, realigning your soul to reflect God’s glory.

Cultivating Your Spirit

Your spirit is your direct connection to God, enlivened by the Holy Spirit in your body’s temple. Caring for your spirit deepens your faith and keeps you rooted in His will. Here’s how to strengthen that connection:

• Prayer and Worship: A short prayer or worship song opens your heart to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
• Scripture Reading: Reflect on a Bible verse daily to feed your spirit with God’s truth.
• Fellowship: Connect with a faith community to strengthen your spirit through shared worship.
• Service: Show kindness to others, letting the Holy Spirit’s love flow through you to renew your spirit.

Repentance and confession restore your spirit when you stray, keeping God’s temple open to His presence.

A Response to God’s Great Price

The “great price” is Christ’s sacrifice, redeeming your body, soul, and spirit. Caring for your body honors His temple. Nurturing your soul reflects His love through your choices. Cultivating your spirit keeps you close to Him. Together, they make you a vessel for God’s work—serving, praying, and living with purpose.

Practical Steps to Honor Your Temple

Here are simple ways to care for your body, soul, and spirit as worship:

1. Nourish Your Body: Choose nutrient-dense, traditional foods, giving thanks for each meal.
2. Move Daily: Do 20-30 minutes of exercise you enjoy to stay ready for God’s work.
3. Prioritize Rest: Get 7-8 hours of sleep and honor Sabbath rest to renew your body.
4. Practice Stillness: Spend 5-10 minutes in prayer or meditation to align your soul’s thoughts, will, and emotions with God.
5. Feed Your Spirit: Read a verse, worship, or serve someone to deepen your faith.
6. Connect with Community: Surround yourself with people who encourage your soul and spirit.

A Lifelong Journey of Stewardship

Caring for your body, soul, and spirit is a journey. Some days, you’ll stumble—skipping exercise, wrestling with your soul, or feeling distant from God. His grace is enough. Each day offers a fresh start to honor His temple. Reflect on 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 and ask: How can I care for my body, soul, and spirit to honor God? Let this guide you toward habits that build a legacy of faith and love.

Join My Legacy Igniter Community!

Want to grow in caring for your body, soul, and spirit? Subscribe to my newsletter for insights, practical tips, and faith-filled encouragement to live a life that honors God. Plus, listen to my podcast, Sharise Uncut, where we explore topics on faith, wellness, and building a legacy with real talk and actionable steps. Let’s walk this path together.

The Gut-Mind Connection: Why Food Matters

Your gut and mind are partners—what you eat shapes how you feel, think, and process emotions. A stressed gut can stir up anxious thoughts, while a nourished gut brings calm and clarity to your mind. While these foods have tremendous benefits for your body, let’s focus on how they fuel your brain—and therefore your thoughts and feelings—to help you find emotional balance.

Soothe with Meat Stock or Bone Broth

Start with meat stock or bone broth—it’s a hug in a mug, packed with amino acids like glycine and glutamine, plus minerals like magnesium and calcium, to calm your brain by enhancing sleep, producing GABA to ease anxiety, regulating stress responses, and supporting clear thinking.

Balance with Fermented Foods

Add fermented foods like sauerkraut or kefir to boost beneficial bacteria in your gut, which produce calming neurotransmitters like serotonin (a whopping 90% of your body’s serotonin comes from your gut!) and GABA to balance your brain and ease stress and anxiety.

Fuel with Quality Animal Fats

Then include quality animal fats to feed your mind. Your brain, being about 60% fat, thrives on fats for nourishment. It uses omega-3s, saturated fats, cholesterol, fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K2, and especially butter’s arachidonic acid to keep it sharp, focused, and steady. These fats support myelin for better neural signaling, provide ketones for mental clarity, reduce brain fog, regulate mood with endocannabinoids (the body’s own calming molecules that act like a natural stress-reliever), and enhance everything from memory to emotional balance, all while giving you the energy to tackle your day with a clearer head. Add in olive oil, coconut oil, and a handful of crispy nuts (soaked to aid digestion, per Nourishing Traditions and GAPS’ later stages). These quality fats give your brain the steady fuel it needs to stay sharp and balanced.

Avoid the Brain Drainers

So skip processed junk and refined sugars that cloud your mind with mood swings and anxious thoughts, and instead feed your gut with these brain-loving foods—your mind will thank you with a little more peace and joy every day!

Stress Less with Nourishing Rituals

Stress can hijack your emotions, but simple rituals can bring your mind back to center—they give your brain a sense of structure, reducing anxiety, boosting focus, and helping you feel steady, as studies show.

Calm with Herbal Teas

Sip on herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint—they’re GAPS-friendly and calm your nervous system.

Sync with Sunlight

Get out into the sun each morning and evening to regulate your circadian rhythm, lifting your mood with serotonin in the morning and easing you into restful sleep at night.

Ground with Earth’s Energy

Place your feet on the earth to ground yourself—this connects you to the earth’s natural energy, lowering stress by balancing your body’s charge and calming your brain’s stress response.

Detox with Epsom Salt Baths

Soak in regular detox baths with Epsom salts, letting the magnesium melt away anxiety and improve your sleep.- See my article on detox baths to help detox your body and your mind—make sure you print out my bath guide.

Listen for God’s Voice

Take a couple of quiet minutes to listen to the world around you—birds chirping, leaves rustling—opening your heart to hear God’s gentle voice, bringing peace to your mind.

Ease into Sleep with a Bedtime Ritual

Create a soothing bedtime ritual—dim the lights, take a bath, sip a warm drink, or read a comforting verse—to signal your brain it’s time to rest. Quality sleep calms your mind, steadies your emotions, and sharpens your focus for the day ahead. It’s a vital reset for your brain’s clarity and peace. See my Dreamy Sleep Strategies for more ideas

Start with Gratitude

Each morning, name three things you’re grateful for, even simple joys like your soft bed to sleep in, to start your day with a mood-lifting boost of gratitude. Gratitude and anxiety can’t occupy the same space, so when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, find gratitude for something—focus on what you’re grateful for or what you could be grateful for.

These small acts are like a reset button for your soul, helping you feel safe and supported.

Tune Into Your Emotions with Grace

Your emotions can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to hide from them. Take a moment to ask: “What’s stirring in my heart right now?” If this feels new, ease in gently—reflect while savoring your morning tea or strolling quietly. Pay attention to your body’s signals: a clenched jaw might hint at frustration, a heavy heart could whisper grief. Naming what you feel lets it soften, opening the door to calm. You’re never alone—God’s right there with you, and so are these simple practices to guide you through! Explore more about emotions inside my Mindset articles.

Feed Your Soul with Connection

We’re made for connection—it’s a God-given need that lifts our spirits. Be fully present and soak in every moment with loved ones and friends—over meals, a hug, or just sharing a good laugh— and when those moments of connection come—when you feel the warmth and love— fully take it in, savoring it using all your senses. Ask: What do you see? What do you hear? Are there any smells or tastes? What and where do you feel the sensation of this moment?

Let these special moments—even the simple ones—fill you up. Then, give a moment of thanks. By fully allowing your senses to take in that moment and giving a prayer of gratitude, you are anchoring that memory into your mind, body, and spirit so you can recall this special moment anytime (maybe during a time when you need it the most). Connections ease stress and ground you in love.

Keep Going with Faith and Nourishment

You’ve got this, Leading Lady! Keep nourishing your body with gut-healing foods, your mind with faith-filled rituals, and your heart with connection. Each step helps you break free from negative beliefs and step into the peace God has for you. Want more tips? Join my pack by subscribing to my newsletter and tune in for real talk on Sharise Uncut. Let’s soar together!

See you at the next stop,
Sharise
Never give in, never give up, and choose to be free!

It shows in what we put out as a society, from entertainment to everyday behaviors—we’ve stopped saying “excuse me,” left shopping carts scattered, and shrugged off basic courtesy. We’re all about “just getting by,” but at what cost? When we settle for mediocrity, we miss the chance to create something meaningful—for ourselves, for others, and for the greater good. But God calls us to a higher standard: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Let’s talk about why settling isn’t enough—and how you can pursue excellence with passion, and without burnout, especially as a midlife woman ready to live fully for God.

Doing It Unto the Lord: A Higher Standard

God doesn’t call us to “just get by”—He calls us to give our all, to do our work as if it’s for Him. I learned this firsthand while directing a show at my old church. During rehearsal, I asked the cast to rerun a scene, and one member said, “It doesn’t have to be perfect, we’re doing it for God.” I replied, “It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it’s because we’re doing it for God that it should be our best.” That moment stuck with me. Excellence isn’t about perfection—it’s about giving your all, knowing you’re serving a higher purpose. Colossians 3:23 isn’t a suggestion; it’s a call to pour your heart into everything you do, because you’re doing it for the Lord.

My Journey: Excellence Through Passion

As an adult, I went back to college with two young kids in tow, determined to earn my BFA in acting and dance—married life and all. But math, my lifelong nemesis, stood in my way. I failed the entrance exam so badly I had to take five remedial math classes before I could even tackle the one I needed for my degree. I’d never been good at math, and those critical voices from others still rang in my head, telling me all that I can’t do—“You’re not smart enough, Sharise.” I could’ve given in to fear, but I refused. I was determined to do my best—not just to pass, but to prove to those naysayers I could do it. It took work, time, and effort (and honestly, I don’t remember any of it today!), but I graduated Magna Cum Laude—a proud moment that silenced those voices for good.

Back then, I was proving a point to others. Now, I no longer have to prove anything to anyone but to God and myself—that’s what drives me to show up fully. There’s nothing wrong with having pride in a job well done, especially when we do a job we’re proud of, when our actions reflect our character. That’s the legacy I want to leave for my children, because our example is part of the inheritance we pass on to our kids. Excellence isn’t about being the best or better than anyone else; it’s about being passionate, putting in the work, and trusting God with the outcome.

Pursuing Excellence: Passion Over Perfection

What Excellence Really Means

Excellence isn’t about perfectionism, overworking, or overstressing—it’s about prayerfully and purposely taking the best action you can in that moment, on that day, knowing you’re honoring God in the process.

Check Your Motives

I’ll admit, my pursuit of excellence can still run amok—I get caught up in the hustle, chasing the next thing. But I’ve learned to stop and check myself: Am I doing this for my ego or for His purpose? Am I seeking perfection or just my best? Then I pray, “God, what is this time for?” instead of chasing time and hustling. That reflection always brings me back to what matters.

Embrace Daily Variability

And here’s the thing—doing your best doesn’t look the same each day. Some days are better than others, but you do the best you can each day, trusting God with the rest. It’s deciding to do more than “just get by”—without burning out.

Avoid Burnout with Balance

How do you keep the flame of excellence alive without fizzling out? Pause and pray—take breaks to recenter on God’s purpose, ensuring your effort aligns with His will, not your own pressure. Set boundaries—say no to overcommitting, prioritize what matters, and let the rest go, trusting God’s timing. Rest in His grace—schedule intentional rest, knowing His grace covers your imperfections; excellence isn’t about doing it all, but doing what you can well. And celebrate small wins—acknowledge your efforts without waiting for perfection, giving yourself permission to recharge along the way.

Rise Above with Passion and Growth

I used to tell my kids and students, “We have enough mediocrity in the world—no need to add to it.” So how do you rise above? Start by finding the passion in doing your best. Then commit to growth: learn, grow, ask questions, learn some more, ask more questions, and grow again. Repeat. It’s a cycle of curiosity and effort that fuels excellence. When you approach your work—whether it’s a job, a hobby, or a relationship—with prayerful intention and a willingness to grow, you’ll create something meaningful, something that reflects the woman God created you to be—something done with the intent of leaving a lasting impact, not just throwing something out there for the next reel or scroll.

Connect with Being the Leading Lady

Ready to ditch mediocrity and pursue excellence in every part of your life? Sign up for my newsletter and subscribe to Sharise Uncut for raw, real insights to fuel your journey. Let’s rise above together!

~Inspired by a life of dreams and determination.

But for me, the real wake-up call—the one that shook me to my core—was imagining arriving in heaven, the joy and relief overwhelming as I’m bathed in God’s radiant light—whew, I made it! God comes to me, His smile warm, and congratulates me, “Well done, my child, welcome to Heaven.” Then, with a gentle touch, He turns me to walk beside Him, His arm resting on my shoulder as He asks, “But tell me, what did you do with the life I gave you while on Earth?” That question became my turning point—I couldn’t waste another second dreaming without living. God designed you for a soulful, vibrant life, and He’s calling you to turn in your ticket—salvation’s just first base, not the home run. We’ll see what God has to say about it, I’ll share some metaphors to stir your imagination, give you an exercise to spark your own turning point, and throughout, I’ll share how I stopped striking out on my own dreams to get you started. Let’s step up to bat together!

God’s Call to Account

The Bible reminds us that salvation isn’t a free pass to sit on the bench—it’s the start of a journey where we’re accountable for how we play the game. In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus teaches us to steward what we’ve been given wisely (Matthew 25:14-30). A master entrusts his servants with talents, and when he returns, he rewards those who invested theirs but casts out the one who buried his out of fear. God’s given us gifts—don’t bury them! Romans 14:12 drives it home: “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” And 2 Corinthians 5:10 adds, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” Salvation gets you to first base—safe! But the home run is living out God’s purpose for you, not just sliding in with a “Whew, I made it!”

My Wake-Up Call

That moment sitting on my bed, flipping through my old journals, was my wake-up call. So many regrets, so many unlived dreams and hopes stared back at me. I said, “Holy sh*t, no more!” I’m in my 50s—I couldn’t spend the next half of my life as miserable as the first, sitting on my deathbed regretting all the opportunities, missed moments, and memories that were right within my grasp. I’d let them slip away because of fear, doubt, and feelings of unworthiness. Time isn’t forgiving; it’s neither friend nor foe—it’s neutral, and we make of it what we will. Up until that point, time was my enemy, but from that moment forward, time became my friend, urging me, “Wait no more,” and shifting my focus from running around chasing time, worrying about what time it is, to settling in and asking, “What is this time for?” I’d been running my performance school for 8 years, and it had derailed my health—body, mind, and spirit. Reclaiming my life showed me you don’t need a crisis to turn things around—you just need to decide to claim the life you were made for, Leading Lady style!

A Ticket to Your God-Designed Life

Your life is like a claim ticket you get from the coat room or the valet—you have to turn it in to receive the vibrant, soulful life God designed for you, a life that serves you, others, and the greater good. “Desire”—from the Latin de sire, “of the Sire”—means those deep, godly yearnings are His design for you. Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” But you’ve got a choice: turn in your ticket or toss it in the trash. Leave it unclaimed, and you’re stuck freezing without your coat or walking miles without your car—still yours, but unclaimed. Don’t let regret define you; choose to turn in your ticket for the life waiting for you.

Release to Receive

You can’t grab your coat without handing over the ticket, and you can’t receive your God-designed life without releasing what holds you back. Pain, trauma, or limiting beliefs might have helped you survive once, but do they serve you now? Galatians 2:20 reminds us, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Die to the old self—victim mindsets, unhealthy habits—and be reborn. As Jesus says in Matthew 9:17, new wine needs new wineskins; your new life needs a fresh heart.

Tip: Reflect on what you’re clinging to—fear, guilt, an outdated story? Name it, then let it go for what’s yours.

Dickens Process: See Your Future

The Dickens Process, inspired by Tony Robbins, helps you break free by facing the stakes. Close your eyes and imagine:

• Past: How have limiting beliefs (e.g., “I’m not enough”) shaped your life and affected others in your life? Feel the weight of missed moments of regret.
• Present: Where are you today? How have those past decisions and beliefs gotten you where you are now? How are they affecting the ones you love now?
• Future: Fast-forward 5 or 10 years, unclaimed ticket in hand. See the regret—strained relationships, faded health, a life not lived.
• Now, imagine claiming your ticket: vibrant, purposeful, inspiring loved ones with your strength.

This vision isn’t to shame—it’s to ignite your choice. God has given you a choice. Your time is now to flow toward your true self, the you God created you to be, not linger in regret.

Turn In Your Ticket

Metaphors make it sound simple, and the truth is clear: you were created for more. Don’t let your claim ticket gather dust until it’s too late—unclaimed coats turn threadbare, cars rust. Don’t just sit on the bench or stay at first base. There’s a day when time runs out, but if you’re reading this, that day isn’t today. Choose the good, surrender the old, and claim the life God designed for you. Will you turn in your ticket or walk away?

It’s never too late
No matter your age, your past, or your pain…
You can become who you were designed to be,
Live the life you were created for,
Build a legacy you can be proud of,
And become the Leading Lady of your life—
A woman who inspires generations to come.

What’s Happens Next?

Being the Leading Lady is about claiming your life with grit and purpose. What happens next is joining my Leading Lady Experience to turn in your ticket and step into your God-designed life! When you join my Leading Lady Experience, you’ll get access to my Live group coaching along with full access to SPBTV—Your Wholistic Living Network—holistic living classes and programs to help you act with the faith and grit God calls us to.  Rise, shine, claim with bold grace—because others are waiting!

No Need to Wait

And if you can’t wait until we launch, sign up for my newsletter for practical tips to nurture your body and soul, and tune into Sharise Uncut where I dish the truth on health, life, and everything in between. Subscribe and share as a Leading Lady to spread the love!—I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way!

~Inspired by a life of dreams and determination.

The Power of Perspective

Social media can be a double-edged sword for us ladies, juggling faith, family, and our values in a world that’s often loud and confusing. On one hand, it’s a treasure trove for finding perspectives you won’t catch on mainstream news—like a post about the truth behind low-fat diets or a call to protect our kids from overreach in schools. That kind of info isn’t always easy to find; sometimes it’s buried, ignored, or even censored by the powers that be. But here’s the catch: how do we know what’s worth listening to? We’ve got to consider the source—does this person live out what they’re preaching, or are they just chasing clout? As conservative Christian women, we’re called to seek truth with discernment, not just follow the loudest voice. When we find those gems that align with our values, they can light a fire in us to act—and that’s where real change begins.

Congruency Matters

That brings me to something I hold close to my heart: congruency. It’s everything to me, both in myself and in the voices I trust. As a Christian woman, I strive to walk the talk—living out my faith, my values, and my word with honesty and integrity. I’m not perfect—God checks me often, and I check myself by listening to Him. I’ll be the first to admit when I’ve stumbled, but I’m always aiming to live with the grit and grace God calls me to. And I look for that in others too. When someone’s sharing a perspective on social media—whether it’s about health, family, or standing firm for our beliefs—I want to see they’re living it, not just preaching it. Because if we’re going to change our lives, our families, and our communities, we need to start with real, faith-filled action, not just words.

Act Locally, Change Globally

Gathering information is the first step to change, but here’s the hard truth: nothing shifts unless we act. People love to vent online, thinking a fiery post is enough, but then they stop, feeling proud of themselves without doing a thing. That’s not how we roll, Leading Ladies! Sharing on social media can spark ideas across the globe, but real change starts when we act right where we are—in our homes, our churches, our communities. But first, we need to pray. What does God want us to do? What’s stirring in your soul? Here’s a hint: if you’re angry about something maybe it’s the state of our kids’ education or the lies we’ve been fed about health—that just might be where God’s calling you to act. Anger isn’t the enemy—even Jesus flipped tables—it can be a messenger to act. Pray and ask Him to guide your steps.

When my husband and I moved to Arkansas, we wanted to keep it from becoming like the place we left—a place that had drifted far from the values we hold dear. So, we prayed about it, asking God to show us how to serve this new community. He put it on my husband’s heart to get involved in local politics, and now he’s the First Vice-Chair of the Republican Party in our county, supporting our community by standing firm for faith, family, and freedom.

Little Ripples, Big Waves
What if you think what you do doesn’t make a difference? I get it—it’s easy to feel like your small actions won’t move the needle. But let me tell you, little ripples make big waves! When we moved to Arkansas, my husband’s work as First Vice-Chair of the Republican Party started with small steps—showing up to meetings, listening to our neighbors, and standing firm for our values. Now, he’s helping shape our county’s future, protecting faith, family, and freedom one decision at a time. And here’s the amazing part—his local work doesn’t just stop at the county level. It affects what happens at the state level, which will eventually impact what happens nationally. That’s how little ripples turn into big waves, ladies! That’s the power of starting small—your actions ripple out, touching lives you may never see. So don’t underestimate the impact of your little ripple, Leading Lady—it could turn into a wave that changes everything!

Never Too Old to Stand Up
What if you think you’re too old to speak up and do something? Oh, honey, let me set you straight—midlife women like us are exactly what the world needs right now! We’ve got experience and wisdom that’s sorely lacking in the world these days. Our young daughters are lost, searching for truth in a sea of confusion, and our young sons are struggling to find their way too. The world needs us to stand up for them, to guide them with the godly wisdom we’ve gained over the years. This is the exact time we were created for, ladies! As Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven”—this is our season, Leading Ladies, to rise up and lead the next generation back to faith and truth!

So, let’s get practical with some conservative, faith-driven actions:

• Health First: Saw a post about the low-fat diet scam? (Check out my piece One Big Fat Lie—it’s the real deal, backed by legit research!) Don’t just share it—act on it. Swap out processed oils for grass-fed ghee in your kitchen, and host a cooking night at your church to teach other women how to nourish their families with God-given foods. The little things we do today—like choosing real fats over processed junk—affect our health tomorrow. One small swap can lead to better energy, clearer thinking, and a stronger body down the road.
• Protect Your Family: Found a perspective on social media about the importance of protecting our kids from unbiblical teachings in schools? Pray about it—what’s God stirring in you? Then act locally: join your school board meetings, advocate for curricula that align with traditional values, and gather other parents to pray for your schools. Your action can help raise a generation rooted in faith and truth.
• Stand Firm for Life: Came across a post about the sanctity of life that’s been hushed by the mainstream? Don’t just nod along—pray and ask God how you can act. As a pro-life Christian, I’m passionate about defending the unborn, so maybe you’ll join a local prayer vigil outside a clinic, volunteer at a pregnancy center, or support a family choosing life. Let’s stand firm for what’s right, not just for our freedoms but for the voiceless.
• Build a Godly Community: Inspired by a post about strengthening traditional family values? Act where you are—start a weekly family night in your neighborhood, where parents and kids gather to pray, share a meal, and talk about living out faith in a broken world. Those small acts plant seeds for a stronger, faith-filled community.

The point is, information is just the spark—action is the fire. As James 2:17 tells us, “Faith without works is dead”—our faith comes alive when we act! We can share, inform, and inspire on social media, but if we don’t get out there and do something, nothing changes. Let’s make our lives, homes, and the world better, one faith-led step at a time.

Join the Movement

I’m all about turning inspiration into action, and I’d love to walk alongside you, Leading Lady! When you join my Leading Lady Experience, you’ll get access to my Live group coaching along with full access to SPBTV—Your Wholistic Living Network—holistic living classes and programs to help you act with the faith and grit God calls us to. Whether it’s through my Wise & Wild Way nutrition class to fuel your family right, or programs to build your confidence, leave the past behind, and step boldly into your God-given destiny—standing firm for what matters, I’m here to support you. Learn more and join the waitlist. Let’s share globally, act locally, and create a legacy of unstoppable wellness, faith, and change—together!

Sign up for my newsletter for practical tips to nurture your body and soul, and tune into Sharise Uncut where I dish the truth on health, life, and everything in between. Subscribe and share as a Leading Lady to spread the love!—I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way!

~Inspired by a life of truth, faith, and unstoppable action

Seven years ago, my mother had several mini-strokes brought on by her Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. She developed severe vascular dementia—a condition caused by reduced blood flow to the brain from strokes—and lost her memory until she passed away two years ago.

She forgot that her parents had passed and cried out for them. She forgot who her children and grandchildren were, never got a chance to know her great-grandchildren. And most days, she forgot who my stepdad was, after 40 years of marriage.

Though she had lucid moments, they got fewer and fewer as her dementia took over. As you can imagine, or maybe you’ve lived it, this was extremely painful.

I remember having conversations every day with my mom, and many debates. She was a bright, intelligent woman, and then she could barely speak. She got confused, agitated, so scared, didn’t remember where she was, who the people around her were, and just cried out, “I want to go home”, her childhood home that she could recall. This was a very painful experience for her and everyone around her.

And maybe this could have all been prevented, she was a stubborn woman, and even when warned by her doctors, refused to make any changes in her diet and lifestyle. “That’s what my medicine is for”, was her retort whenever changes were suggested, she just decided to rely on her medication, continued to live life like she always had.

My relationship with her was never easy, a jagged wound. She was smart, vibrant, but carried deep, unhealed pain—an unfulfilled, unlived life that left her, I believe, never truly happy. Her own trauma, buried in the silence of an era where women hid abuse—or faced being medicated, locked away, or worse—spilled onto us kids, carving emotional and spiritual scars.

I carried trauma from her choices, resentment for the hurt she caused. When dementia took her, I was angry, she left us to pick up the pieces of a woman who’d already broken so much.

It took time and work to find compassion, to see her pain was trapped in a time with no resources, no voice to heal. I had to let go of unforgiveness and the painful past—I had to release them. She wasn’t all bad or good, just human, caught in quiet torment.

Choices Matter

Your choices carry weight—not just for you, but for your kids, your loved ones, the ones who’ll carry your pain if you don’t heal. My mother’s inability to face her trauma—and her unwillingness to care for her physical health—left us kids scarred, my children grieving a grandma they’ll never truly know, and me bearing the weight of her unhealed wounds. She ignored her doctors’ warnings, dismissed changes to her diet and lifestyle, and that choice, alongside her buried pain, rippled outward, breaking those who loved her.

Every decision we make—to cling to resentment, to neglect our health, to let pain fester—shapes the lives of those who love us. But, you have the power to break that cycle, to spare them the resentment and grief I lived with. Choose to heal your heart, your spirit, your body, because your loved ones deserve a you who’s whole—not a shadow lost to pain.

That choice starts with one step—crossing the threshold.

Step Over the Threshold

In a quiet moment of prayer and meditation, one day, I asked out loud, “What’s holding me back?” In my mind’s eye, I saw a threshold. On one side—my children, grandchildren, a vibrant me—God’s outstretched hand waiting. All I had to do was cross. So why didn’t I? It was just one step over the threshold, what was holding me back?

I thought of toxic friendships—past their expiration date—behaviors I clung to for security, fear, my need to control, beliefs that didn’t serve me—all had to stay behind. It was scary, felt heavy, and the progress seemed slow. Then I remembered pregnancy and labor. it was uncomfortable—sometimes miserable—but worth it for the joy of the new life I would hold in my arms. Birthing a new you is no different—it can be challenging and slow—like labor—but crossing that threshold is how you live fully into your God-given destiny.

By healing your trauma—your emotional and spiritual pain—you heal generations forward—your kids, grandkids—and backward—honoring those like my mother who couldn’t heal in their era’s silence.

Do It for Your Kids and Those Who Love You

Your kids, your loved ones need you whole, alive, present. Why let unhealed trauma, emotional pain, spiritual wounds rob you of time with them? Why let ill-health steal your vitality, leaving them to mourn a shadow of who you could be? We have choices—knowledge about wellness and trauma—the freedom to seek help without shame. Unlike our mothers—we can break the cycle of pain—resentment—grief—that leaves loved ones picking up our pieces. Don’t let your kids face the agony I carried—mourning a mother lost to a shell of herself.

As a Strategic Intervention Coach and Holistic Practitioner, I’m passionate about guiding you to step over that threshold—to heal your heart, body, and soul—sparing your kids and those who love you the weight of your unhealed wounds. Your choices shape their lives—their hearts—their futures.

If you won’t do it for you—do it for them. Step over that threshold today—start healing.

Need Support?

Reach out to learn about my coaching programs to find strength, joy, purpose. For more real, from-the-heart talk, sign up for my newsletter and tune in to my podcast, Sharise Uncut. To your healing—and your family’s future!

~We leave the legacy we live

There will come a day

so quiet, so still,

when no small feet run through the halls,

no laughter echoes off the walls,

no whispered “Mama, stay a little longer”

from the doorway in the dark.

One day, the last crayon masterpiece will be drawn,

the last block tower built,

the last bandaid kissed,

the last lullaby sung.

And you won’t know it was the last,

not until the house stays quiet,

the toys remain untouched, and bedtime comes without a sound.

Only then will you realize: those noisy, tender, fleeting days

were the very ones

you’d give anything

to live once more.

I can’t go as deep here as I do with my coaching clients, but you can kick things off today! Want support and accountability for your health and life? Check out my Leading Lady Experience for details. Ready to aim? Let’s make those health goals stick!

Lock In with SMART Goals

Crush your goals with SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound. You may remember this from your college years (that’s when I first heard of SMART goals), but it’s worth a revisit. Here’s how to lock in:

Specific

Pinpoint exactly what you want. Skip vague hopes like “I wanna feel better.” Instead, say, “I’ll lose 10 lbs by exercising 30 minutes daily and eating a GAPS-compliant diet of pastured eggs, fermented veggies, and meat stock.”

Measurable

Track your progress. Don’t just say “I’ll eat healthier.” Try “I’ll eat one serving of fermented vegetables daily” or “I’ll walk 30 minutes, three times a week.” Check weekly to stay on target.

Tip: Find an accountability buddy to cheer your wins—or get them to join your health journey!

Attainable

Keep it real. I’ll never be a runway model (not my deal!), so I focus on my personal best. Aim for 1–2 lbs of weight loss per week to shed fat without losing muscle or just water weight.

Tip: Be honest about what’s doable. Dropping 20 lbs in two weeks? No way. Steady wins the race.

Relevant

Own your goal. Chasing someone else’s dream breeds burnout. Pick goals that fire you up—your passions, your life, your heart. This is your shot, so aim for your bull’s eye.

Time-Bound

Set a start and end date. No deadline, no drive. Example: “I’ll lose 10 lbs by March 1st by exercising 30 minutes daily and starting a GAPS diet on January 4th”

SMART Goal Examples:

• Drink four glasses of water daily (10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm) for 14 days, starting January 6th and put reminders on my phone.
• Listen to classical music for 45 minutes every Friday at 8pm for two weeks, starting January 10th to relax.
• Meet my spouse for 30 minutes every Saturday at 10am to discuss family concerns, hitting 2 hours total by February 1st to strengthen our kids’ bond.

Keep Your Aim Steady

• Write It Down: Scribble your SMART goal, sign it like a contract, and stick copies everywhere—fridge, wallet, pantry. When temptation (like ditching that walk) sneaks up, your goal’s there to keep you focused.
• Set Mini-Goals: Big wins build from small steps. Break your long-term goal into monthly mini-goals to dodge overwhelm and rack up quick victories that cement habits.

Example Long-Term SMART Goal: “I’ll lose 10 lbs by March 21st by exercising 30 minutes daily and eating a GAPS-compliant diet starting January 4th.

Mini-Goals (Choose what works for you!):

• Week 1: I’ll eat a fermented vegetable salad and pastured eggs with ghee for breakfast daily, buy workout gear, and schedule exercise.
• Week 2: I’ll walk 30 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and take a yoga class Saturday.
• Week 3: I’ll add one daily serving of non-starchy vegetables and an extra glass of water.
• Week 4: I’ll prep all meals at home, packing meat stocks and soups for work.

Check weekly, adjust as needed, and set fresh mini-goals monthly to keep the fire burning.

Fire Away: Your Homework

This week, craft your long-term SMART goal and 3–4 mini-goals for the month. Start with one mini-goal in week one, adding others weekly. Write, sign, and display your goal to stay locked in. And remember small steps reap big rewards. If a mini-goal still sounds too big, chunk down, ask yourself “What is the first, simple step I can take?” Choose the first, simple step to get you started—staying consistent—momentum will pick up from there.

Connect with Being the Leading Lady

Being the Leading Lady is claiming your health (and life) goals with grit, grace, and purpose. Sign up for my newsletter and tune into my podcast, Sharise Uncut, for more holistic health and living tips to keep your wellness game strong. Let’s charge, thrive, triumph with bold zest—because others are waiting to be inspired!

~Inspired by a life of dreams and determination.

Some Time Ago…

We all feel the weight of challenges. Right now, as I type, I’m locked in a stare-down with my daughter’s box of chocolate-covered almonds calling from the pantry. ARGH! And there, taped to my desk, is a ledger paper screaming DREAM in bold ink, daring me to stay focused.

As I fight the urge for instant gratification, I read those letters and pass their wisdom to you:

DREAM

D – Decide what you really want.
R – Realize wishing won’t make it happen.
E – Engage in daily actions toward your goal.
A – Accept setbacks and keep moving.
M – Make it a true lifestyle change.

D = Decide What You Want

It’s time to reset your goals or dream up new ones. Reflect on how far you’ve come and where you’re headed. Reached your last goal? Celebrate!—and then set another. There’s always room to grow, improve, or shift direction.

• Tip: Ensure your goal still fits. Lost motivation? Maybe it no longer aligns with your heart. That’s okay! Re-evaluate regularly to chase what you want, not what others expect.
• Tip: Believe you can do it. Losing weight or healing from illness can feel monumental, but every day you stay committed, you’re closer to success. You’re worth it—your dream exists for a reason.

R = Realize Wishing Ain’t Gonna Make It So

Simple but brutal truth: positive wishing doesn’t make it so—positive believing does. I can think, “I’m happy, I’m happy, I’m happy,” but if I don’t believe it deep in my core, I won’t feel it. Belief comes from the inside, not just your head. It’s what you focus on and feel that turns a thought into a belief, and those beliefs either move you forward or stop you cold. First, find that reason to believe that will propel you to move—then take action. Awareness is only half the battle; action seals the deal. As James 2:20 reminds us, Faith apart from deeds is dead! So, shake off the fear and get moving—and it doesn’t have to be a monumental leap. Find the first simple step and just take it.

E = Engage Daily in Goal-Driven Actions

Do one thing each day to inch closer to your dream. Check that your daily and weekly mini-goals still point toward your big vision, and follow through.

• Tip: Before deciding or taking action on something, ask: “Will this move me closer to my goal or pull me away?” Choose wisely, and if you slip, at least it’s not blind.
• Tip: On days I feel like a failure, I play the “as-if” game, role-playing like I’m someone I admire. I ask, “What would they do?” and channel their confidence until I’m strong as me again.

A = Accept Setbacks and Move On

Setbacks aren’t excuses to spiral—they’re moments to pause, reset, and restart now, not tomorrow. Don’t beat yourself up or judge; just catch yourself before the slide. And be thankful—you’re not where you were.

• Tip: Play the “I wonder” game. Don’t dwell, don’t judge, just ask, “I wonder, what was the reason this happened?” Listen to your inner wisdom and then prepare for the next time. If you overate at dinner because you skipped lunch, pack a quick lunch for tomorrow (like some sauerkraut, soaked almonds, and raw cheese).

M = Make It a Lifestyle Change

Find a purpose bigger than yourself for lasting change. For me, it’s being healthy to chase my kids, dance with passion, help others, and inspire with my life. But if I’m sluggish from overeating or skipping exercise, I can’t shine for anyone.

Find your why—it’s your fuel to keep going.

Keep It Alive

The chocolate craving’s fading, and I’m plotting my next move: call a friend, flip through a fitness mag, journal, or play with the kids. If all else fails, I’ll sip tea and demand a foot rub from my husband. Worst case? Bed with the kids, then a fresh start tomorrow.

Some days, chasing your dream feels electric, unstoppable. Others, it’s a slog from A to B without tripping. There are moments of awe and joy, and days like today—just connecting the dots. Thank God for tomorrow.

Today…

Challenges shift with life’s seasons, but they never vanish. That’s life. Yet, by anchoring to our dreams and purpose, we can conquer anything.

• Tip: Don’t know your purpose? Try my Discover Your Why exercise to fuel your motivation. Knowing your why swaps willpower for purpose—A game-changer that makes turning from self-sabotage to success feel nearly effortless.

Connect with Becoming the Leading Lady

Becoming the Leading Lady is about living the life you were designed for—leaving a legacy that inspires generations to come. Ready to step out of the shadows and into your light? Click here to grab your Discover Your Why worksheet and click here for a little DREAM reminder

Want more real-talk wisdom? Dive into my newsletter and podcast, Sharise Uncut, for wholistic living tips and inspiration. Let’s dream, aspire, and live like it matters—because it does.

~Inspired by a life of dreams and determination.

In the heart of Silicon Valley, where tech towers and urban buzz defined our days, my husband created something extraordinary: a stunning English garden in our small backyard. Roses, lavender, and foxgloves bloomed vibrantly, forming a sanctuary that muted the city’s chaos. It was our escape, a pocket of peace where hummingbirds, drawn by this simple nectar recipe, danced through the air. We named each one, charmed by their unique personalities, a tradition that began in that urban oasis and continues today.

A New Chapter in the Ozarks

Now, on our 22 acres in the Ozarks, we’re surrounded by nature’s wild embrace. The hummingbirds are still our cherished guests, and we’ve named three regulars: Judy, Nick, and Tony. Tony, who we imagine with a feisty Italian accent, is the resident bully, swooping in to chase Judy and Nick from the feeders with dramatic flair. But they’re all so friendly—each morning, as we sip coffee on the patio, they dart up, hovering inches from our faces, their wings buzzing like a cheerful “Buongiorno!” It’s a daily reminder of the magic these tiny creatures bring.

The Nectar Recipe That Started It All

The same nectar recipe we used in our Silicon Valley garden now fuels our Ozarks mornings. It’s simple, safe, and irresistible to hummingbirds. You don’t need to live in the country to bring the country charm to you. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients

• 1 part granulated sugar (organic preferable)
• 4 parts water

Directions

1. Boil water in a saucepan.
2. Stir in sugar until completely dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and let cool fully before filling your feeder.
4. Store extra nectar in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tips for Hummingbird Happiness

To keep your hummingbirds healthy and your feeder buzzing, follow these guidelines:

• Use a red glass feeder to attract more hummingbirds, as they’re drawn to red, and glass is durable, non-toxic, and easy to clean.
• Avoid artificial food coloring; it can harm hummingbirds. If you need a tint, a few drops of natural beet-based coloring from a health food store is safe.
• Don’t use honey (it ferments) or artificial sweeteners (they lack nutritional value).

Keep Your Feeder Fresh and Clean

Hummingbirds are picky about their nectar, and a dirty feeder can harm them. Here’s how to maintain it:

• Refresh the nectar every 3-5 days, or every 2 days in temperatures above 70°F. Cloudy or sour-smelling nectar means it’s time to change.
• Clean weekly:
  1. Rinse with a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts water.
  2. Scrub with a brush. For stubborn grime, add a few grains of dry rice to the vinegar mix for extra scrubbing power.
  3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water three times before refilling with fresh nectar.

Peace Wherever You Are

This nectar recipe can bring the magic of hummingbirds to any corner of the world—whether it’s a city balcony, a suburban yard, or a rural retreat. Set up a feeder, watch these tiny wonders arrive, and let their buzzing wings bring a moment of serenity to your day.

Connect with Nature’s Charm

The Wise & Wild Way is about weaving nature’s magic into your life, no matter where you call home. Click here for this hummingbird nectar recipe and invite Judy, Nick, and Tony’s cousins to your backyard. Craving more ways to live close to the earth? For straight-talk and insights on nurturing your own world, sign up for my newsletter and dive into Sharise Uncut. Let’s attract, nurture, and live like the world’s buzzing with wonder—because it is.