The Healing Circle Network Magazine

HEALING

Victory’s Place pg 9

July 2025

Issue 1

Quaterly

Magazine The Healing Power of Touch pg 27

SHAMIKA WHITE Founder of Healing Circle Magazine

From Burnout to Bliss pg 35

Premier wellness practices. Personal stories, exercising tips, expert interviews, resources and creative expressions

From Prayer to Performance pg 31

Faith on the Journey pg 12

Answering the Call to Heal pg 14

Quarterly Self-care Challenge pg 40

CIRCLE

TABLE Of CONTENTS Healing Circle Business Directory

THE HEALING CIRCLE NETWORK Why this is important

07

DR. RENEE DICKERSON- PYSCHOTHERAPIST

09

REV. JOCELYN JONES- GRIEF COUNSELOR/ MASTER HEALING FACILITATOR

12

MICHELLE RIGGINS- ADVANCED PRACTICE REGISTERED NURSE

14

INSPIRATIONAL PAUSE

18

BEAUTY OF THE QUARTER

21

Victory’s Place/ Her Service Matters

Faith on the Journey

Answering the Call to Heal: My journey as a Nurse, Advocate, and Entrepreneur

Inspiration for the Remarkable Man and Woman

I’m Healed! Broken, Betrayed... But Not Defeated!!

Healing Circle

Business Directory Cont.

My Girlfriendz Place: Georgia

24

LASHAWN RICHARDS- MASSAGE THERAPIST

27

RICHARD GALLION- ACTOR, DIRCETOR, WRITER

31

ANIKI COATS- HORTICULURAL THERAPIST

34

RUBY SUMLIN- NURSE-CANDLE MAKER

35

REV. DR. JOEL/NAOMI MITCHELL-MARRIAGE INVESTORS

38

QUARTERLY SELF-CARE CHALLENGE

40

CONSTANCE “CONNIE” SPRUILL

The Healing Power of Touch

From Prayer to Performance

Know Good & Well: Rooted in Wellness, Growing with Purpose

From Burnout to Bliss

Helping Couples Reclaim Love, Restore Trust, and Rebuild Their Future- Together

Wellness Practices

HEALING CIRCLE team Editor-in-Chief

SHAMIKA WHITE Creative Director

SHAMIKA WHITE Graphic Designer

ERIK PEREZ Writer & Content Creator

CONTRIBUTORS Photographer

LOWELL ESSEX/ CONTRIBUTORS

bluesunveil@gmail.com Chicago, IL

Shamika About the Founder of Magazine

White

Shamika White is a selfless veteran, resilient survivor, and a beacon of hope and healing for many. As a survivor of both depression and Military Sexual Trauma (MST), she has transformed her pain into purpose, serving as a loving mother, faithful friend, and spiritual guide to others seeking restoration.

A United States Navy veteran, Ms. White honorably served alongside the United States Marines during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).

As a Chaplain’s Assistant, she provided vital combat stress support to active-duty service members and their families — a testament to her unwavering compassion and strength under pressure.

Healing Practitioner Following her military service, Ms. White dedicated 17 years to delivering dental care to underserved populations and fellow veterans. Her passion for service extended globally through her missionary work, traveling to Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras to offer dental care and love to those in need.

Now retired from dental care, Shamika continues her mission through two impactful organizations she founded: Blues’ UnVeil and the I.C.A.R.E. Collection.

Both initiatives shine a light on depression awareness and provide supportive, Bible-based healing circles that foster community, connection, and spiritual growth.

An Advanced Trauma Healing Facilitator and author, Shamika published her debut devotional, “SHATTERED: Journaling Through the Pain for Healing,” a powerful 21-day journey that introduces readers to the ultimate healer — the Master Repairman, Jesus.

What is the Healing Circle Network?

Who is in YOUR Healing Circle Network?

Pysch Her Service Matters LLC & Victory Place NFP

Dr.DICKERSON Renee Business Entities:

Her Service Matters (HSM) LLC – Trauma-informed coaching, training, and therapy services Victory Place (VP) – Nonprofit charitable organization supporting veterans, first responders, and their families

Mission

At Her Service Matters and Victory Place, we stand by the unshakable belief that no one is beyond repair after the experience of trauma. Our mission is to walk with those who have experienced trauma—veterans, first responders, including educators--on their journey from brokenness to breakthrough. We provide trauma-informed and character-driven wellness services, holistic support systems, and safe spaces where individuals can rediscover their dignity, reclaim their voice, and rise with purpose. We help heroes and warriors move forward, confront what they have been avoiding, experience a sense of relief, and live more fulfilling lives.

Core Values Character & Consistency – We lead by example, especially when no one is watching Accountable Healing – We meet people where they are—but we don’t leave them there Resilience Through Healing – Empowering clients to grow and live beyond trauma Community & Connection – Creating safe spaces of belonging, trust, and support Radical Empathy – We hold space for pain while making room for transformation Profit with Purpose – Our work supports both community healing and personal sustainability

Target Market Veterans and military families First responders and other trauma-exposed professionals Faith-based, school-based, community organizations, and government agencies

Founder & CEO http://VictoryPlace.net VictoryPlace.Mind@gmail.com HerServiceMatters@gmail.com

herservicematters.org

Key Services & Offerings Wellness workshops and leadership retreats Trauma-Informed Counseling – Individual and group work integrating biblical and clinical frameworks Consulting & Technical Assistance Services – For community and faith-based organizations, and schools seeking responsive trauma-informed strategies and trainings Dr. Renee is in the thought improvement and life enhancement business with over 30 years of experience in clinical and trauma-informed services. She believes in helping individuals to heal the mind one thought at a time by: •Analyzing the Impact of Trauma - Offering in-depth explanations on how traumatic experiences have profoundly affected your life, worldview, and relationships.

•Understanding Your Trauma History - Assisting you in comprehending your trauma history to facilitate healing, connection, and progress.

•Living Triumphantly Post-Trauma - Guiding you on how to lead a victorious life after overcoming traumatic experiences and reducing symptoms.

Freedom, Fire, and Forward: Shamika White’s Liberation Story

by Dr. Renee Dickerson, May 19, 2025

Shamika’s journey is more than a personal victory; it serves as a cultural lesson in posttraumatic growth, radical grace, and strategic reinvention. She has clearly taken notes from Beyoncé’s playbook—the one that teaches us how to rise from pain with prayer, power, and persistence, turning silence into song and transforming survival into sacred leadership. Like Beyoncé, Shamika does not just bounce back—she builds forward.

Her transformation is deeply connected to the heart of Catalyzing Success: We Are Stronger Together, a Her Service Matters program that explores how women have been systematically pitted against each other—from the rivalry of Bette Davis and Joan Crawford to modern media’s portrayal of female artists like Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, to the haunting narrative in Iron Widow, where women are compelled to compete for survival.

Shamika is living proof of a different path—one where women do not have to compete against or demean each other to succeed. She demonstrates what it means to step out of a system that profits from our division and into a future rooted in collaboration, creativity, and valuecentered leadership.

Through her writing, editorial voice, and visionary leadership, she is not only empowering herself but also reclaiming space for other women to walk through with boldness and grace.

She is building a legacy that declares, & We do not compete for the crown. We share the kingdom.

To Shamika White and my accountability partner, thank you for showing what it means to move with both fire and faith, to turn every closed door into a publishing opportunity, and to remind us that retirement is not a retreat — it is a renaissance. Thank you for exemplifying what it means to leave the door open for others as you walk boldly through your own. Also, thank you for rejecting the spectacle of rivalry and standing in the strength of unity. You remind us all that retirement is not an ending; it is the beginning of a life lived on purpose, without permission.

Your story serves as a call to action and an invitation for us to rise together.

Rev. Jocelyn About Faith on the Journey

JONES

Faith on the Journey is a leading provider of Christian trauma-informed care and grief support, equipping churches and lay leaders with the tools to offer compassionate, faith-based trauma healing.

The organization specializes in counseling services, trauma-informed care training, and ministry development, enabling faith communities to effectively support individuals navigating trauma and loss.

Faith on the Journey has partnered with churches and ministry leaders across the country, helping them integrate trauma-informed principles into their congregational care models. Through virtual workshops, training sessions, and online support resources, the organization has served thousands nationwide — advancing its mission to expand access to biblically grounded trauma and grief support.

About Rev. Jocelyn J. Jones

Rev. Jocelyn Jones is an ordained minister, Certified Grief Counselor, and Founder of Faith on the Journey. With dual master’s degrees in Social Work and Theological Studies, she bridges the worlds of faith and mental health to empower churches in responding to trauma with both compassion and competence.

Christian Counseling

A Master Facilitator with the Trauma Healing Institute, Rev. Jones has equipped churches and faith-based organizations across the nation with trauma-informed care training. She is the best-selling author of Breaking the Power of the Mask, a powerful guide to healing from emotional wounds, and host of a nationally recognized podcast on emotional healing — ranked among Feedspot’s Top 15 Christian Podcasts in 2025.

Rev. Jocelyn is a domestic violence survivor, a sought-after speaker on Christian trauma recovery and domestic violence, and is committed to advancing trauma healing ministry across

Faith on the Journey provides virtual Christian counseling services, making faith-based, trauma-informed support accessible to individuals nationwide. Our Christian counselors integrate scripture, prayer, and proven mental health practices to help clients process grief, trauma, and life transitions in a safe and supportive space. In partnership with churches, we also serve as an extension of pastoral care, connecting members with trusted professionals to support them through difficult seasons of life.

Trauma-Informed Church Training Faith on the Journey partners with churches to cultivate trauma-informed congregations that foster emotionally safe and spiritually supportive environments.

Through training and consulting, we equip leaders to understand trauma, respond with compassion, and build comprehensive care systems. Services include lay leader training, development of trauma-sensitive ministry practices, connection to referral networks, and support in launching trauma healing ministries within the church.

Breaking The Power Of The Mask Since childhood, each of us has been trained in the art of wearing a mask to prevent people from seeing what’s really going on inside. However, what is hidden in the dark will eventually come to light. Emotions like shame, anger, and abandonment that often lie beneath the mask have the power to keep us in bondage.

We must seek God to heal us. If you find yourself constantly living in the past, or you feel like you can never let people close enough to you to learn who you really are, this book is for you.

Amazon link: https://a.co/d/0if564U

Healing Retreats

Faith on the Journey facilitates trauma healing retreats for pastors, ministry leaders, and faith communities seeking a biblically grounded path to restoration. Led by certified facilitators, our retreats blend scripture with trauma-informed principles to guide participants through topics like grief, forgiveness, and emotional healing. Each experience fosters deep connection, encourages reflection, and equips attendees with practical tools to continue their journey toward healing in everyday life and ministry.

Learn more by visiting faithonthejourney.org

Pysch Elder Care Navigators LLC & M&S Wellness, LLC

Michelle RIGGINS Answering the Call to Heal: My Journey as a Nurse, Advocate, and Entrepreneur

By Michelle Riggins, MSN, APRN, FNP-C From a young age, I’ve always known I was called to care for others. I was just a little girl when my Aunt an evangelist who traveled frequently began calling me her “nurse.” She saw in me what I hadn’t yet understood: a nurturing spirit and a heart of compassion. Whether it was tending to family members or helping someone less fortunate, I naturally stepped into the role of caregiver. It was 39 just what I did it was who I was.

That calling only deepened when I served our country during combat in Iraq. The military taught me discipline and resilience, but more importantly, it awakened the ministry of nursing within me. I witnessed firsthand how critical quality, compassionate care is especially in life-or-death situations. It stirred something powerful in my spirit, further affirming that nursing wasn’t just a profession, but a purpose.

Growing up, my family didn’t have access to adequate healthcare education or wellness resources. We were poor, and health was often reactive instead of preventative. I made a vow to change that narrative not just for myself, but for everyone connected to me. That vow birthed two passion-driven businesses: Elder Care Navigators, LLC, which provides skilled home health and non-medical homecare services, and M&S Wellness, LLC, a mobile and telehealth clinic rooted in primary care, functional medicine, and holistic wellness. Our sister company Better Me 2 Wellness that specializes in IV hydration, medical weight loss management, and wound care.

Through both companies, I offer more than just services I offer advocacy, dignity, and healing. I serve the elderly, veterans, and underserved populations with the care they deserve. Whether it’s through chronic disease management, wound care, weight loss support, or health education, I aim to bridge gaps in care and empower individuals with tools and knowledge to live fuller, healthier lives.

This journey has always been about impact. Every patient, every client, every community touched is a testament to what happens when we walk boldly in our calling.

Stay Connected I’d love to connect with you on all major platforms: Instagram: @_mswellness @ecncare @betterme2wellness Website: www.ecncare.com www.betterme2wellness.com www.mswellness.org Upcoming Events: Stay tuned for our upcoming Community Health & Wellness Pop-Up this summer—bringing free health screenings, consultations, and wellness resources directly to underserved neighborhoods. Follow us on social media for updates!

I’m honored to share this story with you.

Healing isn’t just a career for me it’s a calling. Thank you for allowing me to walk in it.

Better Me 2 Wellness

www.betterme2wellness.com

INSPIRATIONAL PAUSE

How far is Your Healing Circle Network?

Pysch CEO of My Girlfriendz Place

Constance

SPRUILL “CONNIE”

Constance Nicole “Connie” Spruill: Championing Healing, Hope, and Sisterhood Constance Nicole “Connie” Spruill is an ordained pastor, an entrepreneur, a writer, a speaker, and a trauma healing facilitator—she is a beacon of resilience and a catalyst for transformation. As the founder and CEO of My Girlfriendz Place, Connie has dedicated her life to creating spaces—both physical and virtual—where women can find solace, share their stories, and embark on journeys of healing and empowerment.

A Journey Rooted in Faith and Resilience A mother of five and grandmother of eight, Connie has traveled a path strewn with profound personal losses and challenges. Her only sibling, her baby sister, was murdered at the tender age of 18. After 23 years as an HR professional, Connie stepped away to pursue freelance writing and consulting.

However, life had other plans. The passing of her mother, grandmother, and the sudden illness of her aunt thrust her into a caregiving role, testing her strength and her faith.

In these moments of solitude and struggle, Connie yearned for the comfort of her lifelong best friend. This longing sparked a vision: to create a sanctuary where women could find the support and encouragement they need. This place she would come to call My Girlfriendz Place was a sanctuary designed to uplift, connect, and empower women through shared experiences of healing, hope, and transformation.

Founder & CEO

Website: mygirlfriendzplace.com YouTube: The Girlfriendz Connection Instagram: @mygirlzplace Facebook: My Girlfriendz Place

And while that season has ended, she still juggles her now 30+ years in HR with an entrepreneurial spirit rooted in personal loss, resilience, and a deep desire to create spaces where women feel seen, heard, and embraced without judgment. To expand the vision beyond physical walls, Connie is in the process of launching The Girlfriendz Connection—a YouTube channel and digital extension of My Girlfriendz Place. This platform invites women worldwide to share their stories of resilience, faith, and t transformation.

Through interviews, testimonies, and community conversations, Connie fosters a global sisterhood that transcends borders and backgrounds.

As a professional friend, her simple yet profound mission is to offer women a safe space—both physical and virtual—where they can remove their masks, share their truths, and receive encouragement. Inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:11, My Girlfriendz Place and, now The Girlfriendz Connection, inspired by Acts 2:44, is a movement of sisterhood grounded in faith, love, and authenticity.

The Healing Power of Touch: A Massage Therapist's Journey

By LaShawna Richards, LMB

I threw myself into research, driven by the hope of helping my athlete heal and regain mobility. This passion led me to pursue a degree in Health and Exercise Science and enroll in massage therapy school, where I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of therapeutic touch. The journey culminated in earning my Kinesiology degree from Ocean County College, but more importantly, it revealed my true calling.

Today, I'm a Licensed Massage and Bodywork (LMB) certified professional practicing in both California and Chicago, Illinois. I specialize in deep tissue therapy, chronic pain management, and sports injury prevention. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working with a diverse range of athletes—from college competitors to professionals, including Olympic UFC fighters and bodybuilders.

In our fast-moving world that demands more from our bodies and minds every day, healing often starts with something beautifully simple: touch. Massage therapy is far more than a luxury—it's a powerful form of healing that restores balance, relieves pain, and helps people reconnect with their bodies.

From Curiosity to Calling My journey into massage therapy began not with grand plans, but with pure curiosity sparked by compassion. While coaching cheerleading and gymnastics world teams in Washington State, one of my cheerleaders suffered an injury that revealed a rare bone disease, forcing them to sit out for the entire season. Watching their heartbreak ignited something deep within me—a determination to understand injuries and recovery on a profound level.

The Art and Science of Healing Touch A massage therapist is far more than someone who simply works with muscles.

We are healers who use skilled touch to listen, soothe, and restore. Every session represents a unique blend of science and intuition, where detailed anatomical knowledge meets deep empathy and understanding.

My approach centers on connecting with each client's individual needs. Whether I'm helping someone manage chronic pain, supporting recovery from injury or surgery, or simply providing a safe sanctuary for relaxation, each session is tailored to the person before me. This personalized attention is where true healing begins.

By LaShawna Richards, LMB

Beyond Relaxation: The Profound Benefits of Massage Therapy While many people think of massage as purely relaxation, the therapeutic benefits extend far deeper: Physical Restoration: Massage therapy actively reduces muscle tension, improves flexibility, and accelerates recovery from injuries. It provides significant relief for conditions including chronic headaches, persistent back pain, joint stiffness, and even complex conditions like multiple sclerosis (MS) and lupus. The body's natural healing mechanisms are enhanced through targeted therapeutic touch.

Emotional and Mental Wellness: The calming effects of massage create measurable changes in our stress response. Sessions help lower stress hormones, ease anxiety, and promote deeper, more restorative sleep. Many clients experience profound emotional release as their bodies finally let go of tension they've been carrying— sometimes for years.

Holistic Integration: Perhaps most importantly, massage therapy supports the body's innate ability to heal itself. It encourages mindfulness, heightens body awareness, and strengthens the vital connection between our physical and emotional selves. This integration is where lasting wellness takes root.

A Personal Testament to Healing Having experienced the healing power of massage therapy from both sides—as a practitioner and as someone who receives regular treatment—I can say with absolute certainty that it's essential, not optional, for optimal well-being. Whether I'm giving or receiving a session, I consistently witness how therapeutic touch can transform pain into peace and overwhelming stress into profound stillness.

The truth is, healing doesn't always come from medicine alone. Sometimes the most powerful healing comes from presence, genuine care, meaningful connection, and focused intention.

These elements, combined with skilled therapeutic technique, create an environment where the body remembers how to heal itself.

The Ancient Art in Modern Times Massage therapy represents both an ancient healing art and a deeply human response to suffering. It's a reminder that healing is not only possible but accessible.

In a world that often feels disconnected and hurried, massage offers a return to something fundamental—the healing power of compassionate touch.

Whether you're dealing with physical pain, emotional stress, or simply feel the need to reconnect with yourself, massage therapy offers a proven path to wellness. It's a gift to both body and soul, delivered through skilled, caring hands that understand the profound responsibility of healing touch.

In my practice, I've learned that sometimes the most sophisticated healing comes through the simplest means. A pair of trained, compassionate hands can unlock the body's natural wisdom and set healing in motion. This is the true power of massage therapy—not just as treatment, but as a bridge back to wholeness.

LaShawna Richards is a Licensed Massage and Bodywork (LMB) certified professional with a degree in Kinesiology. She specializes in deep tissue therapy, chronic pain management, and sports injury prevention, practicing in California and Chicago, Illinois.

Did you Know that ART is HEALING?

24/10/2025

FROM PRAYER TO PERFORMANCE:

RICHARD GALLION R I C H A R D G A L L I O N , A P R AY I N G M A N B E G I N S E A C H D AY W I T H F I F T E E N M I N U T E S O F S I L E N T P R AY E R , F O L L O W E D BY A L O G I S T I C A L M A R AT H O N T H AT WOULD EXHAUST MOST PEOPLE. DROP ONE SON AT S C H O O L U P N O R T H , C I R C L E B A C K F O R T H E OTHER IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, THEN TA C K L E READING, MARKETING, ERRANDS, B O X I N G , B A S K E T B A L L , A N D F I N A L LY R E H E A R S A L S . " T H A T ' S E V E R Y D A Y ," BRONZEVILLE HOME.

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THIS RELENTLESS SCHEDULE REFLECTS THE DISCIPLINE T H AT CARRIED GALLION FROM CHICAGO'S ROUGH WEST SIDE TO SUCCESS IN F I L M A N D T H E AT E R . G R O W I N G U P I N " K " T O W N WITH SEVEN SIBLINGS AND A SINGLE MOTHER, HE COULD H AV E BEEN DEFINED BY HIS C I R C U M S TA N C E S .

"MY MOM TRIED TO MAKE IT AS SMOOTH AS P O S S I B L E , B U T I T W A S T O U G H ," H E R E C A L L S . " I A LW A Y S F O C U S E D O N W A N T I N G M O R E , N O T J U S T B E I N G A P R O D U C T O F M Y E N V I R O N M E N T ."

From Court to Stage Gallion's entry into the entertainment world wasn't planned—it was born from circumstance. When a basketball injury shattered his athletic aspirations, he found himself at a crossroads that would ultimately reshape his entire career trajectory.

www.reallygreatsite.com

During his time modeling for Ebony and JET magazine's Fashion Fair, Gallion discovered an unexpected talent for writing. This creative spark led to his first acting opportunity in the TV movie "Love Me or Leave Me," where he appeared alongside established actors Clifton Powell and Elise Neal.

FROM PRAYER TO PERFORMANCE:

An Accidental Actor The moment that truly changed everything came through pure chance: when a friend's rehearsal was missing an actor, Gallion stepped in for a spontaneous audition. That experience ignited what he describes as being "bit by the acting bug"—a passion that has driven him ever since.

His career has since flourished across both television and film, with notable appearances in productions including "APB," "Transformers 4," "Empire," "Chicago PD," and "Black Coffee." These roles have established him as a versatile performer capable of bringing depth to diverse characters.

Honoring Mentorship Gallion credits much of his artistic growth to his mentor, John Ruffin, a respected Chicago playwright and filmmaker associated with Theatre 47. This mentorship inspired Gallion to expand beyond acting into writing and directing, beginning with collaborative work on the play "Hard Knock Life."

A Bold New Vision: "A Fall from Royalty" Gallion's most ambitious project to date, "A Fall from Royalty," presents audiences with a complex narrative spanning centuries. The production weaves together themes of history, love, community, opposition, family dynamics, business ethics, and betrayal into a cohesive message about accountability and consequence.

"Your decisions today don't just affect you—they impact everyone and everything around you, whether they're alive or not; what you do today matters," Gallion explains, emphasizing the play's central philosophy.

Grab your tickets, then come out and celebrate his birthday weekend!!

FROM BURNOUT TO BLISS:

How Care, Candles, and Calling Shaped a Vision

By Ruby Sumlin

In a world full of noise, stress, and relentless demands, I’ve found deep motivation in life’s small, simple comforts—those quiet pleasures that help soothe the soul during moments of uncertainty and silent anxiety. These are the things we rarely pay attention to, yet they often carry us through.

As a nurse, I’ve spent years witnessing the clinical side of care.

But what stayed with me most were not the medications administered or the charts completed—it was the clear, ongoing need for compassion and companionship. A warm embrace, a shared conversation, or a listening ear often proves just as healing as any prescription. Unfortunately, these human connections have become luxuries in today’s fast-paced healthcare systems.

The idea for Holistic Living Homecare came from a deep urgency in my spirit—one I could no longer ignore. I wanted to create a space for true, non-medical home care—a haven of presence, peace, and restoration. One rooted in the art of nurturing, not just treating.

The pandemic was a tipping point.

The stress I endured on the frontlines as a nurse forced me to start paying attention to my own wellness and the small stress relievers I had long ignored. As a wife, a mother of five, and a full-time nurse, quiet moments are rare. I learned to find them in fleeting places—stolen minutes in the bathroom, whispered prayers in the car, in the stillness of a hospital hallway, or while waiting in line at Starbucks.

My home became my sanctuary.

Friends often described it as “cozy” or “so homey.” Maybe it was my (slightly excessive) candle collection. I’ll admit —I had an unhealthy addiction to buying candles, which led me to research how they were made. That simple curiosity, followed by an encounter with the Holy Spirit, led me to deliverance from anxiety and a surprising new passion: candle making.

Becoming a chandler (a candle artisan) has been a gift. For me, hand-pouring candles and wax melts is the ultimate form of therapy. Picture it: a quiet evening, your favorite playlist playing softly, and your home filled with the calming aroma of lavender or sandalwood as you craft something beautiful with your hands. It’s peace in motion.

Now, I know—this may not sound like the kind of home care you were expecting. But hear me out.

My mission is to offer care for your entire being: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.

True holistic care. This venture is my way of creating comfort in a world that too often overlooks the power of presence and the healing found in the ordinary.

Along the way, I’ve been blessed to connect with other likeminded creatives—women and men pursuing their purpose with grit, faith, and heart. Their energy inspires me daily to keep going, to dream bigger, and to pour into others the way I’ve been poured into.

The challenge before me is to create a quality product—one that not only brings joy, but meets a deeper need. In a world where even rest feels like a luxury, I want to offer something simple, sensory, and soothing. A flickering flame, a crackling wick, and an aroma that holds space for your healing. That is the heart behind Holistic Living Homecare.

LOVE IS THE HEALING NETWORK

The Marriage Investors Helping Couples Reclaim Love, Restore Trust, and Rebuild Their Future—Together

Meet Rev. Dr. Joel and Rev. Dr. Naomi Mitchell Founders of The Marriage Investors, a faithbased relationship coaching and counseling organization dedicated to helping couples grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.

At The Marriage Investors, we believe every couple—no matter how long they’ve been together or how broken things may seem— can experience deep healing and lasting love.

Through coaching, workshops, retreats, and community events, we equip couples with biblical wisdom, practical tools, and emotional support to help them navigate challenges and rediscover joy in their relationships.

Our Mission We help couples invest in their marriages the same way they would invest in their careers or finances: with intention, consistency, and faith. Our work is grounded in scripture, cultural relevance, and a deep commitment to the wellbeing of Black marriages and families.

We’ve walked through our own valleys.

We’ve faced seasons of silence, struggle, and shattered expectations—and by God’s grace, we’ve come out stronger. Our own healing journey is the heartbeat of The Marriage Investors. It’s what makes our work authentic, relatable, and deeply transformational.

How We Contribute to Healing Through The Marriage Institute—our signature coaching membership—we provide couples with monthly tools, expertled training, live sessions, and digital resources tailored to their relationship journey. We also offer: Private Coaching for couples at any stage Pre-marital Programs for engaged couples Workshops & Webinars for churches, corporations, and military communities Intimacy Retreats that restore connection and spark passion Every session is built on love, transparency, biblical truth, and cultural sensitivity— because healing requires more than information; it requires transformation.

The Marriage Investors

UPCOMING EVENTS Coming Home to Ghana: A Couples Journey of Reconnection and Renewal September 30 – October 11, 2025 | Ghana, West Africa This once-in-a-lifetime experience is designed for couples ready to deepen their spiritual, cultural, and relational bond. Together, we will explore the sacred lands of our ancestors, engage in guided relationship sessions, and embrace the healing power of heritage, community, and love.

From visiting the Cape Coast Slave Castles to participating in intimate conversations about generational healing and legacy building, this journey will be both restorative and transformative. Space is limited.

Join the waitlist now at: www.themarriageinvestors.com.

Let’s Stay Connected Website: www.themarriageinvestors.com Instagram: @themarriageinvestors Facebook: The Marriage Investors Email: info@themarriageinvestors.com Let us help you invest in what matters most, your marriage.

QUARTERLY Self-Care Challenge

WELLNESS PRACTICE Journaling

Journaling is considered a powerful wellness practice because it supports mental, emotional, and even physical well-being in several meaningful ways. Here's how: 1. Emotional Expression and Release Writing about your thoughts and feelings allows you to process emotions rather than bottling them up. This can: Reduce stress and anxiety Improve mood Help you understand emotional triggers 2. Mental Clarity and Focus Journaling helps you organize thoughts, which can: Enhance problem-solving skills Boost creativity Increase focus and productivity

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3. Self-Awareness and Reflection Regular journaling gives insight into your behaviors, habits, and patterns. Over time, it can: Strengthen your sense of identity Highlight areas for personal growth Track progress toward goals

4. Gratitude and Positive Thinking Gratitude journaling—writing about what you’re thankful for—has been shown to: Improve optimism Increase overall life satisfaction Support better sleep and lower blood pressure 5. Stress Management The act of writing down worries can: Help you gain perspective Reduce rumination (overthinking) Serve as a calming ritual, especially before bed 6. Goal Setting and Motivation Journaling can help with: Setting clear intentions Tracking habits and achievements Staying accountable Simple Ways to Start Journaling for Wellness: Daily check-in: How do I feel today?

Gratitude list: 3 things I'm grateful for Free writing: Write for 10 minutes without editing Prompted journaling: Use wellness prompts like “What gave me energy today?”

EXERCISE TIPS

Trampoline excercise Bounce & Burn is exactly what it sounds like! As you bounce, you burn calories, you burn excess weight, you burn stress and so much more! It is an effective low impact workout on a rebounder aka mini trampoline. It trains the whole body and 87% of the shock is absorbed by the rebounder.

Trampoline exercise, or rebounding, has emerged as one of the most effective low-impact workouts available. NASA research demonstrates that rebounding can be up to 68% more effective than jogging for cardiovascular fitness while being significantly gentler on joints. The unique gravitational forces experienced during bouncing stimulate every cell in your body, strengthening bones, improving circulation, and enhancing lymphatic drainage.

This makes trampoline exercise ideal for people of all ages, particularly those with joint issues or anyone seeking an effective workout that doesn't stress the knees, hips, and spine.

The health benefits of trampoline exercise are remarkable and scientifically proven. A typical session burns 300-400 calories per hour while providing comprehensive cardiovascular conditioning, improved balance and coordination, and enhanced bone density. The up-and-down motion acts as a natural pump for your lymphatic system, helping remove toxins and boost immune function. Additionally, the fun nature of bouncing releases endorphins, reducing stress and improving mental health. The constant balance adjustments required engage your core muscles throughout the entire workout, making it an excellent functional fitness exercise.

Other benefits include: A. Support Pelvic Floor Health B. Prevent incontinence C. Stimulates your metabolism D. Lowers elevated cholesterol E. Reduces Cellulite F. Lowers Blood Pressure G. Improves Sleep quality H. Strengthens the Heart J. Decreases Depression

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