
Hosted by Kristianne Wargo · EN

Kids glued to screens more than they engage in real conversations is a crisis disguised as convenience. With the rise of technology, including computers and phones, the natural order has been flipped upside down, leaving a generation increasingly ill-equipped to navigate the human connections that truly matter. There's more to life than screen time. This isn't just a gripe about kids and screens; it's about the quality and depth of human connection they're missing out on. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com When children spend hours navigating virtual worlds, scrolling feeds, or tapping out texts, they're not just passing time; they're trading away opportunities to develop the very skills that make us human. Real conversations, face-to-face and voice-to-voice, build empathy, social awareness, and critical thinking in ways screens simply can't replicate. It's these interactions that teach kids how to read emotions, respond thoughtfully, and build trust. So what's at stake is more than just screen time limits; it's the foundation of how our kids will relate to family, friends, colleagues, and even themselves as they grow. We have to find a way to balance technology's undeniable benefits with deliberate efforts to foster genuine connection. And this is your wake-up call to step in and create environments where human interaction beats screen time, not just for discipline, but for survival in an increasingly isolated digital age. The Screen Dilemma: Why It's So Backwards Research isn't shy about the consequences. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that adolescents who spent more than three hours per day on electronic devices were at a significantly higher risk of experiencing mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, a decline in face-to-face interactions directly impacts their ability to develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and the confidence required for real-world communication. A report from the Pew Research Center showed that teens today are far less interested in talking on the phone, with 73% admitting they prefer texting or social media messaging. This avoidance of direct verbal communication has a real-world cost. College professors report students struggling with oral presentations and conversations, and employers note a deficit in interpersonal skills essential for career success. When texting becomes the go-to mode of communication, kids avoid the nuance of tone, timing, and body language. These aren't just "soft skills"—they're foundational to building trust, negotiating conflicts, and forming meaningful relationships. It's time to intervene with a pattern interrupt. The K.I.S.S. ~ Intervene with a pattern interrupt! That means you are not letting your children do whatever they want or even self-regulate. You need to be watchful and guide them as they grow. And as they move out and come back to visit, you can still model what needs to happen in human connections and interactions. What Can Parents Do? Three Sharp Moves to Protect Kids from Screen Overload While Teaching Real Communication Establish Structured Screen-Free Times and Zones Don't just vaguely ask kids to "use screens less." Get specific: ban devices during meals, before bedtime, and during important family moments. This creates guaranteed pockets of human connection. Research in Developmental Psychology confirms that family dinners without screens boost kids' language skills, decrease risky behaviors, and increase emotional bonds. Model Real Conversations—No Half Measures Kids mimic what they see. Make your communications count. Put your phone away when someone's speaking. Use eye contact. Show kids how to handle a conversation with patience—even during uncomfortable topics. If home is a training ground for how to connect, your child is more likely to carry that skill into school, work, and friendships. Create Opportunities for Face-to-Face Socializing Outside Digital Screens Sign kids up for team sports, drama clubs, volunteering, or other group activities with real human feedback. A study from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) showed that social engagement offline promotes better mental health and communication skills than online interactions. Encourage your child to face challenges and conflicts in person to build resilience and conversational agility. This is about more than limiting screen time. It's about preparing kids to thrive in a world where real human connection isn't optional—it's essential. If you don't teach them to talk, listen, and share without a screen buffering the moment, don't be shocked when they grow into adults who struggle to connect, negotiate, and lead. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #ConfessionsOfAnUpsetMama #CreateYourNow #TodaysParent 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Circumstances have a way of dragging us down. When worries pile up, enthusiasm doesn't stand a chance. Hope gets shoved aside by the constant rush of life, making you want to throw in the towel and quit altogether. You don't have to fall in love with the season you're living through to actually love your life. Loving your life isn't automatic. It's not a byproduct of perfect days or effortless joy. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com It's a daily decision—a choice you make every morning when you wake up and take that first breath. Breathe in what God has given you—the gift of this day—and breathe out the heavy weight of what you can't control. That simple, rhythmic exchange is where love and life can coexist, even when life feels anything but lovely or likable. This doesn't mean ignoring the tough stuff. It means holding space for both—the hard and the hopeful. It's the "and" that matters: you can face hardships and still find reasons to be grateful. You don't have to wait for better seasons or easier circumstances to start appreciating the life you're living right now. The K.I.S.S. ~ Love your life! Remember, you're not walking this path alone. Letting God walk beside you changes the experience from unbearable to manageable. It's in that partnership—your willingness to show up and God's strength to carry you—that you find the courage to push forward. You can handle more than you think. You're stronger than your struggles. So make that daily choice: love your life, even when it's messy, even when it's hard. Because loving your life is the boldest act of defiance against the chaos—and the first step to changing it. You've got this. God's got you! Love your life. Love Your Life by Kristianne Wargo Some days the sky feels heavy, and the light is hard to find. Worries crowd like thunder clouds, dimming hope in heart and mind. But here's a truth to hold close— love doesn't wait on perfect days. It wakes with every morning breath, and chooses life's wild ways. Breathe in deep the gift you've got, exhale what's out of reach. In the space between the storms, you'll find the grace to teach— That love lives not in ease alone, but in the fight, the "and." The hard and hopeful holding hands, the steady, rising stand. When seasons press so heavy, and hope feels thin and small, remember—you are not alone, alone you'll never fall. God walks with every step you take, in darkness and in light, carrying you through the hard, toward dawn from endless night. So breathe, and choose to love your life, the broken and the whole, because within that daily choice, you heal. You grow. You're whole. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #Inspiration #CreateYourNow #DailyMotivation 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Why do we often run from change as if it's something dangerous to avoid? The sprint away is so instinctive that even when we stumble, we'd rather keep running in fear than pause and face what's new. Instead of running from something like fear, failure, or discomfort, why not run toward what you want? Because change is a good thing. We are wired as creatives and learners. But if we keep thinking we cannot change something or do it differently, it holds us back. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com When we convince ourselves that we can't change a circumstance or try a fresh approach, we trap ourselves in the quicksand of "stuck." And that quicksand becomes a well of despair where only our tears accumulate. But you're worth more than that prison. You deserve to break free. What lights you up? What do you care about so deeply that it pulls you out of bed, no matter how tired you are? Change becomes good exactly when it creates room for what truly matters to you. Life will always throw struggles your way; that's a given. But change gives you permission to move beyond surviving those storms and start finding good marks along the journey, not just the scars. Better things aren't just a fantasy; they're waiting on the other side of a shift in your mindset and actions. But better requires change. Knowing who you are and becoming who you are means changing the patterns, the routines, and sometimes the people around you. Take a chance on change. The K.I.S.S. ~ Take a chance on change! If you're wondering how to start believing that change is worth taking a chance on, here are three practical moves you can make today: Visualize Your Possible Future: Take five minutes daily to picture the life you want. The clearer the image, the more real it feels. This creates hope and a magnetic pull toward change because your brain starts aligning with what's possible instead of what's comfortable. Make Small Changes, Not Overhauls: Start with one tiny change—a different morning habit, a new way of approaching a task, or a conversation you've been avoiding. Small wins build confidence and prove that change isn't some giant monster but a path forward. Surround Yourself with Evidence: Read stories, listen to podcasts, or connect with people who have successfully changed their lives. Seeing examples of real change helps you believe in the good before you experience it yourself. Change is a good thing. Change is not easy, that's why it scares us and why we hesitate. But it's a good thing when it breaks the cycle of being stuck, when it fills your well with hope instead of tears, when it makes room for the life that only you can create. So, stop running from what frightens you. Take a deep breath, face the unknown, and sprint toward what you really want. Change isn't the enemy. It's the next step to who you're meant to be. Believe it before you see it. Change is a good thing. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #WellspringWednesday #CreateYourNow #HealthAndWellness 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Just because life is hard doesn't mean you have to give up your smile. No sugarcoating it; you got bills, responsibilities, and all the things you don't want. Hang on! It's never too late to smile more, live with purpose, and truly enjoy the breath of each day. This is a lifeline that you need to grab onto for your tired soul. You might be on spring break right now, but that doesn't mean you are getting the break you need. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com But if your days off look like just more to-do lists or exhaustion disguised in leisure, you're not alone—and more importantly, you're not stuck. Life moves fast. It zips by whether you're ready for it or not. It's a relentless tide pulling you in a million directions at once. Staying afloat can feel impossible, let alone steering the ship. No matter how quickly everything speeds by, it's never too late to grab the wheel and take back control of your focus. Forget the idea that you need a perfect plan or a massive life overhaul to turn things around. Small shifts matter—a genuine smile, setting a clear intention, making room for a moment of peace, or simply deciding that today you're worthy of joy. This is not something that feeds the ego, it's fuels the soul. You don't have to be swimming in the tsunami of emotions. You get to rise above the tide. The K.I.S.S. ~ It's never too late! Maybe you've been running on autopilot, reacting to life instead of directing it. Maybe you feel like you're always behind on "what should be." The reality is that this is your story. Only you hold the pen to write it. The starting line isn't yesterday. It's right now. So what's your move? How will you reclaim the day and the energy that's yours to spend? It's never too late to choose a different rhythm. It's never too late to focus on what matters. It's never too late to give yourself permission to smile through it all. You don't have to wait for the perfect moment or the fairy-tale break. Life will always be hard—but you get to decide exactly how you face it. Start today. Create your now! "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #Inspiration #CreateYourNow #DailyMotivation 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Life's toughest challenges don't just test your body; they strain your mind. When stress piles up and struggles knock hard, it's easy to cling to what feels safe and familiar. Sometimes that safe place lives right in your own head, in the form of self-talk that keeps you stuck. If you want to walk the miles that matter, the real journey begins inside your mind. Your mindset is the foundation. If your thoughts don't match your goals, your feet will never hit the road that leads to meaningful progress. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Self-talk is not just background noise in your head—it's the steering wheel driving your actions. If your internal dialogue is negative, doubting, or filled with limiting beliefs, it's like driving with the parking brake on. You think you're moving forward, but you're barely gaining traction. Research confirms this hard truth. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology showed that negative self-talk directly impacts performance and motivation. Participants who engaged in self-critical thoughts before tackling challenges were more likely to quit early and report higher stress levels. The brain takes these messages seriously—they shape not just how you feel but what you're willing to attempt. In other words, your mind believes what it says, and if you tell yourself "I can't," you've already lost half the fight. On the flip side, positive self-talk has been linked to improved resilience, focus, and even physical endurance. According to sports psychology research, athletes who practiced motivational self-talk could push through pain and doubts better than those who didn't. This drives home the power of your internal voice: it's either your quarterback, calling the plays that win the game, or the coach who tells you that you don't belong on the field. From a Biblical perspective, the power of words—especially those from within—is clear and undeniable. Proverbs 23:7 warns us, "For as he thinks in his heart, so is he." This verse acknowledges that your deepest thoughts shape your identity and your outcomes. Likewise, Philippians 4:8 instructs believers to focus their minds on "whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right," pointing to the importance of choosing empowering, constructive thoughts. When your self-talk is toxic, it forms mental barriers disguised as truths, creating a prison you can't see but feel every day. It's why so many people get stuck running in circles—plan after plan with zero progress. These mental roadblocks hold you hostage to fear, doubt, and insecurity. But when you harness self-talk and make it work for you instead of against you, it becomes a launchpad—blasting you through limits and closer to the life you want. "If you want to walk the miles that matter, you must first master the words within your mind." ~ Kristianne Wargo The K.I.S.S. ~ Shift your mindset! Shifting your mindset does not have to be a mystery; it's a choice backed by deliberate action. Here are three no-nonsense ways to rewire your thinking so it works for you, not against you. Catch and Challenge the Lies We all have that inner critic spinning stories about why we can't, won't, or shouldn't. The problem? Most of these stories are total fiction dressed as facts. Your first job is to catch these toxic thoughts as they arise—"I'm not good enough," "This is too hard," "I always fail." Once caught, challenge them. Ask yourself: Is this really true? What evidence do I have that proves otherwise? Replace lies with hard truths about your capability, resilience, and growth potential. Create a Future-Focused Dialogue Your mind can get stuck in past mistakes or current discomfort—both dead ends. Flip the script with future-focused self-talk that speaks directly to the results you want. Instead of "I'm overwhelmed," try "I'm capable of handling one step at a time." Shift from "I've never done this" to "I'm learning and getting better every day." This kind of dialogue rewires your brain to aim for what's next, not what's behind. It tether your mindset to progress, not pain. Anchor Your Mind with Daily Rituals Mindset shifts don't happen overnight—they build with consistent practice. Create daily rituals that prime your brain for success. It could be reading powerful affirmations, journaling your wins and lessons, or visualizing the life you're working toward. These rituals act like miles on a mental odometer, marking steady progress and making your goals feel more real and attainable over time. Without these anchors, it's too easy to slip back into the old, "easy" self-talk that stalls growth. Walking the miles that matter isn't about quick fixes or magic formulas. It's about fighting through the mental resistance that convinces you to give up or settle. It starts with tough conversations with yourself and the willingness to challenge long-held beliefs. Your thoughts decide your steps—so make sure your mindset is strong, clear, and aligned with where you want to go. "Every meaningful mile begins in the mind." ~ Kristianne Wargo "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #MindsetMonday #CreateYourNow #PersonalDevelopment 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

There is so much going on nowadays that the only thing we can be confident in is God's love for us. We can't control everything, but we can "Trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)" Trust is the one thing that builds our faith. Faith comes by hearing. We walk by faith, not by sight because of the trust we have in Jesus Christ. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com If you are drowning in all the things right now, I want you to hear and know that God loves you! He is with you through thick and thin. You will get through whatever has you staying up late at night, tossing and turning, thinking negative thoughts, or even just feeling blah. The K.I.S.S. ~ Trust in the Lord! God's got you! Always and forever! But you must trust in the Lord. You have got to let go of what you can't control and do with what you can, and trust. Show up so God can show you. He wants to walk with you in your life. So Trust in HIm. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #SweetSpirit #CreateYourNow #SoulfulSunday 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Marriage can sometimes slip into predictable rhythms and routines that dull the spark. But a new season gives you a sound reason to freshen things up in your marriage, because every new season isn't just about changing weather or calendar pages. It's a perfect moment to hit refresh in your relationship—the reason you said "I do" and the story you're still writing together. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Yes, it might sound a little poetic. And honestly? Marriage needs a bit of that poetry. A dash of rhythm, a flash of creativity, and a splash of surprise in how you show love keeps things alive and enticing. ASK YOURSELF: What are you doing right now in your marriage that keeps things light and exciting? Is it the inside jokes you share in the kitchen? Those spontaneous date nights? Maybe it's the way you still say "thank you" or "I appreciate you" even on the busiest days. THINK DEEPER: Where could you be spicing things up? Is the communication starting to feel automatic? Have the meaningful moments become few and far between? Are you stuck in the day-to-day grind, forgetting how to fully enjoy each other's presence? If things are beginning to feel a little stale in your marriage, why not try and freshen things up? The K.I.S.S. ~ Freshen things up! If you sense it's time to re-energize your marriage, here are three powerful ways you can make right now to freshen things up: Bring Back the Intentional Surprises Forget mundane expectations. Do something unexpected for your spouse—a handwritten note left in their bag, a playlist of songs that remind you of them, or an unplanned outing. These small acts cut through the monotony and say loud and clear: You matter, and I'm thinking about you. Create Space for Deeper Connection Turn off the screens, shut the door, and carve out time to actually talk—not about chores or kids, but about dreams, fears, or even silly things that make you both laugh. Vulnerability and depth reignite passion because they build emotional intimacy that routine can erode. Reignite Physical Affection Physical touch isn't just about sex. Reintroduce the simple gestures—holding hands during a walk, a spontaneous hug, or a slow dance in the living room. These moments remind you that you're a team, close and connected in ways words can't fully capture. Don't wait for "someday" or some dramatic event. Freshening up your marriage starts with these intentional choices today. Because you know the real secret isn't just big, grand gestures, but the ongoing small bets you make on each other, season after season. Your marriage deserves the energy of a fresh start. So go ahead—get a little poetic with your love. It's exactly what keeps the story vibrant and worth telling. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #RelationshipBuilders #CreateYourNow #LoveAndMarriage 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Happiness isn't an accidental guest; it's cultivated with intention, especially within the walls of your home. The way your family interacts daily shapes the environment where joy either flourishes or fades. You get to decide how delightful and encouraging your home is. So if you want a true sanctuary of happiness, it's time to build happy habits at home. These are the habits that anchor your family in connection, contentment, and trust. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Now maybe you are wondering if that's even possible. You might have grown up around yelling and defiance during your childhood, but that doesn't mean you have to carry it into your family. You get to decide. Let's be real: Yelling or arguing might feel like the "easier" path in the heat of the moment. It's fast and raw, and it gives an immediate outlet for frustration. But those reactions don't build a happy home. They chip away at trust, increase tension, and set your family up for constant battles that drain everyone's energy and joy. It's no wonder no one wants to be around the house, because it's lacking smiles and happiness. So why choose happy habits anyway? Because what seems easier in the short term is actually a slow burn of emotional damage in the long term. But when you have happy habits, they create a sense of safety, respect, and a predictable rhythm in which everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. When your family knows you're investing in connection, even tough conversations happen with kindness and cooperation—not hostility. Yelling might release steam for a second, but it doesn't teach your kids how to manage emotions or solve problems. Happy habits do. They model patience, empathy, and constructive communication. You're not just aiming for peace in the moment—you're setting your family up to handle conflict with grace, resilience, and love for years to come. The path of least resistance is often a dead end. Building happy habits is the bold, strategic move that turns your home into a place where everyone thrives rather than just survives. The choice isn't easy—but it's worth it. Happiness habits don't mean forcing smiles or glossing over struggles. It means setting up routines and mindsets that encourage respect, appreciation, and open communication. The key is consistency. When simple, positive actions become familiar rituals, they turn into emotional glue that holds your family together even when times get tough. What Are Some Happiness Habits? Daily Gratitude Check-Ins Start or end your day by sharing one thing each family member is thankful for. This habit shifts focus from what's lacking to what's abundant. Unplugged Together Time Dedicate at least 30 minutes daily without devices where you play, talk, or simply be present with each other. This strengthens bonds and creates a shared sense of belonging. Celebrate Small Wins Make it a tradition to recognize individual or collective accomplishments, no matter how small. This boosts confidence and encourages everyone to keep showing up fully. If you want to have the most impact on your family, take time to anchor your happy habits. The K.I.S.S. ~ Anchor your happy habits! Three Actions to Establish These Habits: Set a Clear Schedule Block the same time every day for your happy habits. Whether it's dinner time for gratitude sharing or a pre-bedtime unplugged hour, consistency builds reliability—and habits stick best when tied to a daily anchor. Lead by Example The family follows what they see, not just what they hear. Show up authentically in these moments. When kids or partners see your genuine engagement, they're more likely to participate enthusiastically. Create Visual Reminders Use a journal, notes on the fridge, pictures, or a jar to collect gratitudes and celebrations. Visuals reinforce commitment and make the process interactive, fun, and more meaningful. Building happy habits in your home is a commitment to your family, to growth, and to a better way of living together. It won't always be smooth or effortless, but every small step forward rewrites your family story into one of connection and joy. Remember, you don't have to be perfect—just present. Each intentional habit you create plants a seed for a living legacy of everyday happiness. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #ConfessionsOfAnUpsetMama #CreateYourNow #TodaysParent 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

We live in a world wired to spotlight the worst. Tune into the news, scroll through social media, and you're bombarded with the dramas, the disasters, and the divides. Negativity looms largely because it grabs the attention. But what if you decided to flip the script? What if, instead of fueling the fire with constant bad news, you trained your eyes to see the good? This isn't about turning a blind eye to the very real problems begging for solutions. It's about clearing mental and emotional space for kindness, generosity, and genuine connection to take center stage. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com When we allow goodness to fill our awareness, our everyday, it doesn't just brighten the moment; it rewires our perspective. We see things differently, which means we respond differently. The louder the negativity shouts, the more determined we can be to spotlight the quiet acts of human kindness that often go unnoticed. Imagine how that shift could change your heart and the way you meet the world. Not naively, but intentionally choosing to elevate stories and moments that uplift rather than tear down. It's a powerful stance that starts with a simple choice: where do you place your attention? The K.I.S.S. ~ See the good! Ask yourself: Who do I want to be? What legacy do I want to leave on the people I interact with daily? The answer often lies in what we choose to notice and share. By seeing the good, we invite more of it to grow around us. It becomes less about ignorance and more about a deliberate act of humanity. What are you planting in your everyday? Because when you strip away all the noise, we are more alike than not. We crave connection, hope, and the simple comfort of knowing someone sees the best in us—even when the world rushes to highlight everything else. CHALLENGE: Look harder for the good. Speak of it. Share it. Be the person who refocuses the story away from what tears us down, toward what builds us up. See the good and watch how you impact the world you touch. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #Inspiration #CreateYourNow #DailyMotivation 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Comparison is the thief of joy and the silent killer of dreams. It's no surprise that when you're caught in its grip, your potential and progress don't just stall—they melt away like chocolate under the blazing sun. However, you must find sweetness in your own progress. Otherwise, you watch others sprint ahead, assuming they're running a race you should be winning, and suddenly your own journey feels inadequate, unworthy, and painfully slow. Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com Welcome to the spotlight of the comparison trap! That's the reality of what is happening, whether we own it or not. But you see, your potential doesn't live in the shadows of what others are doing. It's found in the unique path you're carving and the person you're becoming. That means your progress isn't about competing with the hares of the world; sometimes it's about the steady consistency of the tortoise. Both can win the race, but only if you stop comparing your pacing against theirs. Who are you in this story? Are you chasing someone else, trying to be like them? Or are you focused on your direction and the next steps to get you closer to where you want to go? Comparison is a big deal. And it plays a role that most people don't talk about or really stop long enough to understand where it's showing up for them. And that's the key. You aren't necessarily trying to be someone else; it's more so that you are trying to get where someone already is for whatever reason. Proverbs 14:30 says, "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones." When you fall into comparison, what you're really feeding is envy, this toxic emotion disguised as motivation. It eats away at your peace, gnaws on your confidence, and breaks down your spirit bit by bit. That feeling of "I'm not good enough" isn't just in your head; it literally drains you. The "rotting bones" aren't just a poetic line—they're a powerful metaphor for how envy and comparison destroy your inner strength and zest for life. You are getting weaker. So instead of fueling your growth, comparison corrodes it. And that leaves you with dreams that wither, motivation that fades, and joy that disappears. Your only escape is to cultivate a heart at peace—one that celebrates progress on your own terms, not by measuring yourself against others. Peace rebuilds resilience, restores your passion, and protects what matters most: your potential and purpose. Comparison poisons your soul. Peace nourishes your bones. So how do you break free from this toxic cycle, the comparison trap, that tears down your dreams and hollows out your hope? The K.I.S.S. ~ Cultivate a heart of peace! Not something that focuses on looking sideways, but moving forward! "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 3:14 Paul is writing about his journey; about how he's let go of past achievements, failures, and anything that could distract him from what truly matters. Instead of getting stuck in comparison, regret, or distractions, he's laser-focused on a clear, personal goal: living fully into God's calling and the eternal reward that comes with it. Here are three powerful moves to reclaim your joy and reorient your focus: 1. Catch the Spiral Early Awareness is your first weapon. Notice when your mind slips into comparison mode. Is it when you scroll social media? Or when you hear about someone else's success? Pinpoint your triggers, because the faster you catch yourself, the less power comparison has to hijack your emotions. Practice saying: "This is their story, not mine." You get to write your story! 2. Anchor to Your Own Progress Forget what everyone else is doing and measure yourself only against who you were yesterday. Keep a record of your wins—no matter how small—and celebrate them fiercely. Progress, no matter how incremental, is progress. When you actively acknowledge your growth, you cultivate a mindset that's focused on forward movement, not sideways envy. 3. Create a Vision Based on Who You are Becoming Replace "Why am I not there yet?" with "Who am I becoming right now?" Your potential isn't a place on someone else's map; it's the unfolding of your character, skills, decisions, and resilience. Envision the version of yourself who's not shaken by the noise of comparison but driven by a clear purpose. Then, let that vision pull you forward, step by step. "One step at a time leads to miles of greatness! ~ Kristianne Wargo Comparison will always lurk—it's an easy trap to fall into. But your dreams and your goals can only survive when you choose to focus inward, own your unique path, and commit to the consistent work of becoming who God is creating you to be. Your progress isn't a race against others. It's a victory over the temptation to believe you're less than because their journey looks different. When you stop chasing what others have and start building what you want, you'll find something much sweeter. Your race is yours alone. Press on to your prize without the poison of comparison dragging you down. "Be present. Be incredible. Be YOU!!!" #WellspringWednesday #CreateYourNow #HealthAndWellness 🔔 Desire to be supported and encouraged by other like-minded women? Join us at the Kairos FREE Online Community. https://createyournow.com TAKE A.I.M. ~ Action Ignites Motivation - This is a complimentary (FREE) coaching call with me. You will discuss your specific situation while gaining tools and strategies to move you forward. (https://form.jotform.com/62988215824163) 🙏 Create Your Now TV on Pray.com (https://pray.com) 🎥 Create Your Now on YouTube (https://youtube.com/createyournow) 🎧 Create Your Now on Spotify, Pandora, and Audible. 🎶 Create Your Now on iHeart Radio (http://www.iheart.com/show/263-Create-Your-Now-Your-Best/) ✍️ YourBestSelfie@CreateYourNow.com Instagram @CreateYourNow @KristianneWargo Twitter @KristianneWargo @CreateYourNow Facebook www.facebook.com/TheKISSCoach www.facebook.com/CreateYourNow Cover Art by Jenny Hamson Photo by Canva.com Music by Mandisa - Overcomer http://www.mandisaofficial.com Song ID: 68209 Song Title: Overcomer Writer(s): Ben Glover, Chris Stevens, David Garcia Copyright © 2013 Meaux Mercy (BMI) Moody Producer Music (BMI) One Songs (ASCAP) Ariose Music (ASCAP) Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publ. (ASCAP) D Soul Music (ASCAP) (adm. at CapitolCMGPublishing.com) All rights reserved. Used by permission.