Erika Gerdes’ Post

Summer vibes 🍓 This weekend I got to go to my hometown to celebrate my big brother’s 50th birthday milestone. It is always a slower pace in the small town and it is good for the soul. I went strawberry picking with my dad and the sweet strawberries tasted better than any of the strawberries I have eaten in the past year from the grocery store. We had a lovely low-key birthday celebration with good food, music, and laughter. It made me reflect on how my parents have cultivated a warm, safe home over the years with consistency and love. And it also led to the realization that when I am caught in the “urgency” of the day to day, I am failing to cultivate that same warmth and love. I am failing to be present. Not all the time, but I definitely need to be more intentional about how I am showing up at home. I work from home, so I sometimes wonder if this makes it harder to me to separate, make clear boundaries, and delineate where I want to spend my energy. I am fortunate to love my work, so while it can be draining, I love it, so how can that be bad, right? Heading into the fall, a fresh new season and new challenges ahead, I want to be more intentional about creating clear boundaries, cultivating better relationships, and remembering the slower pace I enjoy when I visit my home of origin. What intentions are you setting for this new academic year? Or, if you’re not in academia, for your fall season? Maybe you’ve got some experience with this and want to share. I’d love to hear what’s worked for you. ID: A close-up of a bucket filled with bright red strawberries between Jenn’s hiking boots.

Today is my 8th wedding #anniversary 💃 Here are the top 5 things my husband and I do WRONG all the time❗ -Arguing when we feel overwhelmed by life, instead of taking a moment to take stock and chart a path forward. -Fixating on everyday annoyances (There's more laundry! It's Spirit Week at school!) vs. counting our blessings (our jobs, home, family, friends ... ) -Using TV as weeknight together time. It's one thing to bond and cuddle over a bingeable show, but it's another to use it as an avoidance tactic for doing something better. When we do things like work on a puzzle or concoct a new cocktail, we feel way more connected. -Focusing on what we deem as a slight instead of recognizing the small acts of love that mean so much more. For example, I didn't get flowers this Valentine's Day (I was annoyed), but how many other husbands make their wives coffee when they're stuck on work calls? ☕ > 🥀 -Making work out of fun. Planning date nights or time with friends takes effort when you all have busy lives, but getting caught up in the logistics can overshadow the purpose. This year, we're working on laughing more and complaining less. Which frankly, any of us can work on whether we're married or not! What anniversary will you celebrate next? What are the mistakes you've worked on along the way?

🎉 Today, as I celebrate my 29th birthday, I'm taking a moment not just to reflect on the past, but to look forward with a renewed perspective. In the past, birthdays often prompted a review of personal and professional milestones, and more often than not, I found myself dwelling on what I felt were shortcomings rather than achievements. However, this year marks a significant shift in my mindset. I've come to a powerful realization that my current situation, in all its facets, is a direct result of my decisions. This understanding, rather than weighing me down, has empowered me. Whether it's my health, my relationship with family, friends, or God, or my Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) - if something isn't at the level I aspire it to be, it's a reflection of the choices I've made. This epiphany has been both liberating and motivating. Acknowledging our responsibility in shaping our lives and careers isn't about self-blame; it's about recognizing the control we have to make changes for the better. It's a source of energy, an acknowledgment that no matter the complexity of the challenge, there's always a path forward. This realization has brought me a profound sense of satisfaction and optimism. As I step into this new year of life, I'm more committed than ever to making decisions that align with my goals and values. I'm looking forward to the journey ahead, to the lessons I'll learn, and to the milestones I'll achieve. To everyone out there navigating their paths, remember: it's never too late to take stock and steer your life in the direction you wish it to go. Here's to a year of growth, responsibility, and making decisions that we'll look back on with pride. Cheers to more achievements, both personal and professional, in the years to come. 🚀

Yesterday I celebrated my 44th birthday. I turned 40 in lockdown and never celebrated, so technically I’ve been 40 for the last 4 years. 👀😂 Anyway, to celebrate with you lovely lot on LinkedIn, here are 10 things I’ve learned over the years: 1. Family is everything. Prioritise time with them before it’s too late. 2. Not everyone will like you, and that’s ok. 3. Make sure people’s actions match their words. Trust people when they show you who they are. 4. Being courageous will open so many doors for you regardless of your upbringing. 5. Nobody has it all figured out, and don’t trust the ones who say they do. 6. Always trust your gut instinct. 7. Energy is contagious: you either affect people or infect people. 8. It’s ok to fail, we all do. Learn how to fail fast. 9. You can always make more money but you can never make more time. 10. Comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on you. Thank you for all the birthday wishes.🥳

Why are people so eager to celebrate NY and get all dressed up etc? Because it seems like a special day. Because we’ve been told it’s a special day. Wait.. Isn’t every day supposed to be special? Aren’t we supposed to focus on making every day a great day? Why just NY? Valentines? Christmas, birthdays?! Since 2020, when I began my inner journey and spiritual awakening my views have changed. I am no longer participating in the fomo around these so called “special dates”. Because every day is a special day for me. I am not so eager to celebrate these dates because I am intentionally celebrating every day. I wake up with the intention of having an amazing day. Every single day. But most people aren’t living intentionally, they are wasting their precious energy on the work they hate, on relationships that don’t fulfill them, they betray their dreams and their purpose every day. Every day doesn’t matter to them. And so when they’re told that NY is special, it’s a chance for them to AT LEAST celebrate this “special” day. Because for them every other day of the year isn’t special at all. So instead of being manipulated to believe that there are only a few special days in a year and we should get exicted about them >> get excited every day. Be grateful every day. Live intentionally. Explore yourself to discover your purpose. Listen to your soul. Not what you’re told.

It’s Christmas Eve and almost the end of the year, all I just want to say is thank you, Lord. Even if you didn’t achieve all you planned for, at least you are going to witness another Christmas/New Year it’s a big testimony and achievement. A lot of people have big plans for this year but they were not able to achieve them and they are already having anxiety about the coming year I am here to give you a big hug, reassure you, and give you a few tips on how to navigate whatever you are going through. If you are scared or having anxiety because of the coming year, here are a few tips for you to follow through * Take a break, especially during this Yuletide period don’t overstress yourself * Stop comparing yourself to other people we have different races in life even twins don’t have the same Destiny * It’s okay to cry it doesn’t make you a weakling sometimes when we cry it makes us stronger and unburden whatever we are carrying and it also enables us to strategies * Write your goals down for the new year so it will be easier to follow through * Have alone time to think * Spend time with family and let them know what you are going through, someone in your family might be able to help out or give advice * When you are stuck, ask questions or check the internet there are so many valuable things on the internet we don't utilize * Don't overthink, it will only make you fall sick * Watch something funny or something you have an interest in * If you are the indoor type try and go out once in a while, it might be just to get a drink or just take a stroll not something overly expensive Wishing you a Happy Christmas and New Year in advance I hope these tips are interesting and valuable to you. You can repost if you find this post useful. I am into Copywriting, Storytelling, and Content writing, I can transform your content through writing hit me up in the DM let's discuss😊 Follow me Rose Eweka to get more valuable posts.

Gentle Reminder on this 3rd advent Sunday: Practice Gratitude Amidst the hustle and bustle of this busy season, take a moment to breathe and reflect. It's easy to get caught up in the chaos, but even in the midst of challenges, there's always something to be grateful for. Are you still keeping up with your 2-minute morning gratitude list? If not, today's the perfect day to start! Challenge yourself to jot down just 3 things you're thankful for. Done? Gooood. Now just gently observe how this simple practice can transform your mood for the entire day. Don't force anything. Just be gentle with yourself. Whether it's a smile from a stranger, the warmth of sunlight, or the support of loved ones, there's beauty in acknowledging the blessings around us. Share with me below.. What are you grateful for today? Remember that gratitude turns everything you have into enough. Everything. #gratitude #adventsunday #grateful

Today, I'm celebrating my birthday! 🎈🎊 As I reflect on another year gone by, I find joy in the opportunity to connect with all of you. Birthdays are not just about receiving, but also about giving and sharing meaningful moments. For my birthday wish this year, I'd love to hear from you about one area in your business that YOU feel the BEST about. Whether it's a recent achievement, a milestone reached, or a project you're passionate about, I want to celebrate your successes with you. Share your thoughts in the comments below! #findyourwaywithrenee #businessgoals #birthdaygift

Christmas is around the corner. Most of us are preparing to spend time with our family, buying presents, planning celebrations…  And I thought: Why do we do this only once a year? Wouldn’t it be great if we lived by Christmas values all year round? FAMILY: Find time to spend with your loved ones. And if they live far, try seeing them more often — or, at least, keep in touch with them. SOLIDARITY. Don’t wait for special occasions to share. Be a giver all year round. GRATITUDE. Make being grateful part of your lifestyle/habit. CELEBRATIONS. Celebrating small wins is a great way to look at life. A milestone, a mini achievement… let’s not keep celebrations for big occasions only, but for every day as well. After all, life is to be celebrated every single day! FAITH OR SPIRITUALITY. Whether you are a believer or not, being spiritual gives a sense of peace, wholeness, and balance in the deepest aspects of your life — physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. What do you think?

Buona Pasqua /Happy Easter to those who celebrate 🐣 Easter coincides with the arrival of spring a season of rebirth and growth. As I was sending messages to family and friends today, I was struck by the parallel and a reminder that even In the darkest of times there was always an opportunity for a fresh start. It also got me thinking about life, and how we can embrace setbacks as a catalyst for personal renewal and redirection. In our professional lives, setbacks can feel like an endless winter – a time of dormancy, frustration, and even despair. Whether it's a failed project, a lost client, or a missed opportunity, these challenges can make it difficult to see the path forward. However, just like the resilient flowers that bloom in the spring after a harsh winter, we too have the capacity to rise above adversity and embrace new beginnings. Here are some strategies to help you spring forward when setbacks threaten to set you back: 1️⃣ Reframe your perspective: View setbacks as opportunities for growth and learning rather than failures. Ask yourself what you can learn from the experience and how you can use that knowledge to improve moving forward. 2️⃣ Lean on your support system: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who believe in your potential. Share your challenges and successes with them, and don't be afraid to ask for help or guidance when needed. 3️⃣ Celebrate small victories: Recognize and celebrate the small steps you take towards your goals, even in the face of setbacks. These small wins can provide motivation and momentum to keep moving forward. 4️⃣ Embrace adaptability: Be open to change and willing to pivot when necessary. Just as spring brings new growth and change, be ready to adjust your strategies and approach in response to new challenges and opportunities. 5️⃣ Practice self-care: Often overlooked but crucially important, take care of your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Engage in activities that bring you joy, relaxation, and renewed energy, so you can approach challenges with a clear and focused mind. Setbacks are a natural part of any journey – but they do not define your destination. Embrace the spirit of renewal and new beginnings that Easter and springtime represent, you can find the resilience and inspiration to overcome obstacles and continue growing, both personally and professionally. Keep in mind; Setbacks are temporary, but comebacks are legendary! Your comeback story will inspire others long after your setback is forgotten.