This week on MAQ Musings, Marquita invites you to slow down, breathe, and reflect on the lessons hidden in your year.

Not every seed you planted bloomed but every single one had purpose. In this heartfelt 8-minute reflection, you’ll uncover the beauty in your growth, the strength in your survival, and the peace that comes from releasing what no longer serves you.

Disclaimer:

MAQ Musings is a reflective and motivational podcast created for inspiration and personal growth. It is not intended to replace professional mental health, medical, or therapeutic advice. If you are in crisis or need support, please reach out to a licensed professional or contact your local helpline.

In our season finale, Marquita guides you through the tender art of release—choosing peace over pressure, wisdom over weight. We unpack why letting go can feel heavy, how to honor the lessons without carrying the load, and simple steps to make room for the you that’s blooming.

Week 4 Challenge: Name one thing that no longer serves you—and let it go, gently. 💙

Disclaimer: This podcast is for inspirational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, counseling, or medical advice. If you’re struggling with your mental or emotional well-being, please seek support from a licensed professional or trusted mentor.

This week, Marquita gets real about big emotions—and how to honor them without letting them run the show. You’ll learn why emotions are data (not directives), simple tools to self-regulate (“name it to tame it,” breathe before reacting, ask “What do I need?”), and a 2-minute daily check-in to build emotional strength with softness. Plus, a quick invite to our Masquerade Gala celebrating our girls, our growth, and Marquita’s 40th. 💙

Week 3 Challenge:
Ask yourself daily: What am I feeling? Where is it in my body? What do I need? Then honor the answer—gently.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for inspirational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, counseling, or medical advice. If you’re struggling with your mental or emotional well-being, please seek support from a licensed professional or trusted mentor.

This week, Marquita reframes boundaries—not as brick walls, but as soft, steady guardrails that protect your peace while keeping your heart open. Drawing on the simple, powerful lens of “what’s okay and what’s not okay,” we explore why girls and women often struggle to say no, how to stay kind and clear, and what it looks like to honor your capacity without guilt.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What boundaries really are (and aren’t)—no walls, just wisdom

• Why saying “no” can be the biggest “yes” to yourself

• Scripts for gentle, firm language you can use today

• How to handle the discomfort that comes with new limits

Soft Girl Boundary Toolkit:
1️⃣ Know your non-negotiables (what drains you vs. what restores you)
2️⃣ Use “I” language for clarity without blame
3️⃣ Expect some discomfort—boundaries teach others how to love you better

Week 2 Soft Girl Challenge:
Set one boundary that protects your peace—turn off notifications after 8 PM, pause before replying to overwhelming texts, decline the extra project, or tell a loved one, “I need space to care for myself this weekend.” Then reflect: How did it feel—uncomfortable, empowering, freeing?

Softness isn’t losing yourself to love others—it’s loving others without losing yourself. 💙

Follow, rate, and share this with a friend who needs a gentle nudge toward clarity.

Disclaimer:
This podcast is for inspirational and educational purposes only and does not replace professional therapy, counseling, or medical advice. If you are struggling with your mental or emotional well-being, please seek support from a licensed professional or trusted mentor.

Soft Girl Season, Ep. 1 — Rest Is Resistance

In this season kick-off, Marquita invites you to reclaim one of your most overlooked superpowers: rest. Not the crash-on-the-couch kind—real, intentional, soul-refreshing rest. We unpack why gentleness is not shrinking, how “rest is resistance” in a burnout culture, and the seven types of rest (physical, mental, emotional, sensory, creative, social, spiritual) so you can name what you actually need. You’ll learn three simple ways to pause on purpose—schedule white space, name your need, and set a soft boundary—and you’ll get a 15-minute daily reset challenge to start today. This is your permission slip to slow down, feel more, and rise gently. 💙

You’ll hear:

• Why choosing rest is choosing yourself

• The 7 types of rest (TEDxAtlanta, 2019)

• 3 practical rhythms to protect your peace

• Week 1 Soft Girl Challenge (15-minute daily reset)

Try it this week: Sit in silence, take a tech-free walk, doodle, journal, or simply breathe—and then ask, “What did my body say when I got quiet?”

Wealth isn’t just about income—it’s about peace, power, and purpose. In this final episode of the Financially Free series, Marquita invites you to reimagine what financial freedom really means in your life.

This week’s challenge: Write your “My Version of Wealth Includes…” vision statement.

Recommended Reads:

The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers

Join our community on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @maqmentoring

Got feedback? Reach out at mclark@maqmentoring.org

Disclaimer: This podcast offers inspirational insights and education. Always consult with a financial advisor before making financial plans or commitments.

Is your spending tied to your emotions? Marquita dives into the psychology behind emotional spending, how to recognize the signs, and what you can do to shift your patterns toward financial peace.

This week’s challenge: Start a “Feelings First” log before every purchase.

Resource Mentioned:

Dr. April Benson on compulsive spending (Benson, To Buy or Not to Buy)

Drs. Klontz & Klontz – “Mind Over Money” (2009)

Connect with us @maqmentoring across all platforms

Send us your thoughts: mclark@maqmentoring.org

Disclaimer: This episode is not a substitute for mental health care or financial counseling. Seek professional support if emotional spending is impacting your well-being.

Living paycheck to paycheck? You’re not alone—and it’s not just about how much you earn. In this episode, Marquita teaches you how to shift from financial survival to strategy using a simple, real-world plan.

This week’s challenge: Automate a “Pay Yourself First” savings system.

Resources Mentioned:

LendingClub’s 2024 Financial Health Report

Mint (mint.intuit.com)

YNAB – You Need A Budget (youneedabudget.com)

Google Sheets (for simple budgeting)

Follow us on socials @maqmentoring

Questions? Contact mclark@maqmentoring.org

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and motivational purposes only. Please consult with a financial expert before making major financial decisions.