Celebrate | Marsha Haygood

Live Fully. Keep Your Word. Have No Regrets.

by Marsha Haygood | May 29, 2025 | Celebrate, Invest in Yourself, Self-Care

My husband, Donald lived his life with no regrets—and that’s exactly how I’m trying to live mine. He didn’t wait for the “right time” or the perfect moment. He lived fully, boldly, and with intention. That spirit has stayed with me, pushing me to stop waiting for life to happen and instead, to go out and live it.

Someone recently asked me, “What is it that you want to do?” My answer came quickly: “I either did it already, or I’m currently doing it.” That’s the kind of life I want to lead—one where I don’t look back with what-ifs, but look forward with purpose.

Live Fully. Keep Your Word. Have No Regrets.

Life is unpredictable. One moment you’re making plans, and the next, everything shifts. The people you love, the opportunities you dream about, even your own sense of time—it can all change in an instant.

That’s why living life to the fullest isn’t just about chasing adventure or chasing success. It’s about showing up fully, honoring your word, and creating a life you can look back on without regret.

Whether it’s finally going after your dreams, telling someone how much they mean to you, or simply following through on a promise you made to yourself—it all matters.

Here’s how to live more intentionally, and why it’s one of the best things you can do for yourself and for the people you love.

Why This Matters: The Power of No Regrets

When people see you handling hard things, they may see grace, composure, or calm. But what they don’t always see are the sleepless nights, the private breakdowns, the internal battles, or the small but brave decisions you make every day just to keep going.

Being strong doesn’t mean pretending you’re fine. It means you’re still choosing to move forward—even if it’s slowly.

But to truly navigate life’s curveballs, strength alone isn’t enough. You need flexibility.

Flexibility: The Superpower of Survival

When you lose someone close to you, you start seeing life through a sharper lens. You think about the things unsaid, the plans postponed, the chances not taken. And if you’re not careful, that grief can carry the weight of “I wish I had…”

But when you live with intention—when you do what you say you’re going to do, when you show up, speak your truth, and take action—you strip regret of its power.

Here’s what living with no regrets gives you:

Peace of Mind – You know you showed up fully, loved deeply, and meant what you said.
Emotional Freedom – You’re not trapped in guilt or “what ifs.” You lived honestly and courageously.
Stronger Legacy – The people around you remember your example—not just your words, but your actions.

7 Steps to Living Life to the Fullest and Following Through

1. Know What Matters to You
Get clear on your values. What kind of life do you want to live? What relationships matter most? What dreams keep tugging at you? When you know your “why,” it’s easier to say yes to what matters—and no to what doesn’t.

2. Keep Promises—Especially to Yourself
Start treating the promises you make to yourself like they matter. Because they do. Want to take that trip? Write that book? Get healthier? Start today. The more you follow through, the more trust and momentum you build.

3. Tell People You Love Them
Don’t wait. Send the text. Make the call. Say the thing. We often assume we have more time, but the truth is, we never really know. Don’t let love go unspoken.

4. Be Where Your Feet Are
Stop rushing through life. Be present. Whether it’s coffee with a friend, playing with your kid, or watching a sunset—soak it in. These moments become the memories you hold onto most.

5. Say No Without Guilt
A full life doesn’t mean a busy life. Say no to what drains you so you can say yes to what fuels you. Protect your time and energy like they’re sacred—because they are.

6. Let Go of Perfection
Regret doesn’t come from failing—it comes from never trying. Stop waiting to have everything figured out. Take the leap, even if it’s messy. Courage beats perfection every time.

7. Live Like It’s Temporary—Because It Is
This isn’t about fear. It’s about urgency. If you knew your time was limited (and it is), how would you spend it? Who would you spend it with? What would you finally do?

Final Thoughts

Losing someone close reminds us just how fragile and sacred life really is. But it also offers a powerful invitation: to live more fully, more honestly, and more bravely.

So keep your word. Say what matters. Do what sets your soul on fire.

Because when your time comes to reflect, you won’t be thinking about the things you had—you’ll be thinking about the love you gave, the moments you lived, and the promises you kept.

No regrets. Just a life well lived.

Let me know your thoughts by emailing me.

Your Partner in Change,

Marsha

You’re So Strong

by Marsha Haygood | May 7, 2025 | Celebrate, Goal Setting, Invest in Yourself, Self-Care

People have told me, “You’re so strong.” And while I appreciate the sentiment, I’ve come to understand that strength isn’t always about standing tall—it’s often about bending without breaking. For the past year, many of you know I’ve been a caregiver for my husband of over 40 years. Being strong has meant being flexible, showing up each day, and doing what needs to be done—no matter how heavy the load feels.

Support has taken many shapes—a phone call, a handwritten note, a quiet presence. Each gesture has meant more than words can say. What I’ve learned most through this season is that true connection doesn’t come from assuming what someone needs—it comes from simply reaching out.

“You’re So Strong”:
What People Don’t Always See Behind the Strength

There’s something people say when life knocks you off your feet and you manage to keep going:

“You’re so strong.”

It’s meant as a compliment. And sometimes, it’s comforting. Other times,it feels like a quiet pressure to hold it all together, to keep showing up even when you’re exhausted, grieving, overwhelmed, or unsure of what’s next.

But here’s the truth: strength isn’t just about powering through. It’sa bout adapting. It’s about bending without breaking. It’s about getting back up—differently—every single time life changes the rules.

And that takes flexibility. That takes resilience.

The Hidden Layers of Strength

When people see you handling hard things, they may see grace, composure, or calm. But what they don’t always see are the sleepless nights, the private breakdowns, the internal battles, or the small but brave decisions you make every day just to keep going.

Being strong doesn’t mean pretending you’re fine. It means you’re still choosing to move forward—even if it’s slowly.

But to truly navigate life’s curveballs, strength alone isn’t enough. You need flexibility.

Flexibility: The Superpower of Survival

Flexibility is what allows you to pivot when life doesn’t go according to plan.

It’s choosing a new dream when the old one no longer fits.
It’s making peace with uncertainty instead of trying to control everything.
It’s learning to adjust instead of giving up.

Life will shift—loss, illness, divorce, career changes, aging parents, unexpected bills, even dreams that don’t pan out. And the people who survive and thrive aren’t necessarily the strongest. They’re the ones who stay open. Open to change. Open to growth. Open to rewriting the plan.

Resilience: What Carries You Forward

Resilience is that quiet force that tells you, “This is hard, but I can do hard things.”

It’s the voice that reminds you you’ve survived before—and you’ll do it again.

But resilience isn’t just about bouncing back. Sometimes, it’s about bouncing forward—into a new version of yourself, into a new life you didn’t expect but are now brave enough to build.

How to Stay Flexible and Resilient Through Life’s Toughest Moments

1.Let Go of the Timeline – Life doesn’t always unfold the way you planned. That’s not failure—it’s being human. Give yourself permission to take detours.

2. Feel What You Feel – True strength is not numbness. Cry. Grieve. Rage. Sit in the mess. Emotions aren’t weaknesses; they’re part of healing.

3. Adjust Your Expectations – Sometimes, just getting through the day is enough. Give yourself grace to redefine what “success” looks like during hard seasons.

4. Lean on Your People – Strength doesn’t mean doing it alone. Ask for help. Share your truth. Let others carry you when you’re tired.

5. Stay Curious – Instead of asking “Why me?”, try asking “What now?” or “What is this trying to teach me?” It shifts your mindset from victim to empowered

6. Celebrate Your Flexibility – Every time you adapt, grow, or try again—that’s a win. Honor that. That’s what being truly strong looks like.

Final Thoughts

So yes, you’re strong—but maybe not in the way people always mean. You’re strong because you keep showing up. Because you bend when life demands it. Because you allow yourself to be soft, too. And because you’re willing to grow through the pain—not just survive it.

True strength is flexible. Real resilience is soft in places. And the people who make it through? They don’t always do it alone, and they don’t always do it perfectly. But they keep going anyway.

So if life is shifting underneath your feet right now, take a deep breath. Adjust your footing. You’ve done hard things before—and you’ll do them again. Not because you have to be strong for everyone, but because you’ve learned how to move with the storm instead of fighting it.

And that? That’s powerful.

What routines or habits do you use to stay flexible and resilient? Email me and let me know.

Your Partner in Change,

Marsha

Are Your Routines Moving You Forward?

by Marsha Haygood | Oct 26, 2023 | Celebrate, Goal Setting

All of us experience profound changes as we move through the journey of life.

The ups and downs create experiences that we enjoy as well as those we wish to

forget. No matter how much we plan and how much we pray, we can never

predict all that the future holds.

However, for many, holding on to what you have always done and doings things

in the same way, gives you a sense of comfort. Even when it is no longer working,

comfort and safety often outweigh logic!

But change is often the kick in the butt we need to help us grow.

In what areas are you holding on too tightly to what you have always done?

Are there routines or habits that you are holding onto that may no longer serve you well?

Now might be the time to make space to try something different.

What changes might you need to make?

Think about the habits, routines or situations you may have outgrown over time

that will allow you to make space for new successes.

How about taking just one of your dreams out of storage, taking a prudent risk

and trying something new?

What about reevaluating one of those ideas you said you would try “someday”?

To help you Move Forward with Purpose, join me on Saturday, Nov. 4th at 10:30 am EST as we strategize on adapting to change and how to best prepare for growth and opportunity in the new year.

Your Partner in Change,

-Marsha

Celebrating 17 Years As An Entrepreneur

by Marsha Haygood | Mar 22, 2023 | Celebrate

I started my entrepreneurial journey in 2006 when I left my corporate position as Executive Vice President in the Media Industry and founded StepWise Associates.

During these past 17 years of living my dream, I have been able to help hundreds of women review their skills, experiences, beliefs and mindset and pursue their intentions of personal and professional growth.

Following my dream to help others in their leadership journey has been one of the best career decisions I have ever made.

Thank you to the many who I have supported and to those who have supported me along the way.

My goal is to inspire those I work with to continue to Move Forward With Purpose as our journey continues.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can be of service to you.

Your Partner in Change,

-Marsha
marsha@marshahaygood.com

Finish Strong

by Marsha Haygood | Jul 27, 2022 | Celebrate, Goal Setting

It is hard to believe that we are more than halfway through 2022 already.

Each year I take time in July to review and reflect on where I am with the goals I previously set for the year and set intentions and make corrections for the rest of the year.

How about you? Have you taken time for reflection and adjustments?

Are you making strides to make things happen, let them happen, or just wondering what happened?

It is halftime and a great time to plan not only for the next quarter, but for the remainder of the year. It is not too late to make adjustments and get back on track if needed.

As an Empowerment Coach and Leadership Advisor, I have seen many folks who have left their success to chance.

However, for the most part, the ones that succeed are those who take time for reflection to assess where they are and take corrective action as needed.

Please consider this a friendly reminder to make any adjustments you need to finish this year strong.

Put your happiness and success on your to-do list and Move Forward with Purpose.

Reach out and let me know how I can support you!

-Marsha
marsha@marshahaygood.com