In a world where positivity is often celebrated, it’s essential to understand the difference between healthy optimism and toxic positivity. While fostering a positive outlook is undoubtedly beneficial, there’s a dark side to it that can be detrimental to our mental well-being.

Defining Toxic Positivity

Toxic positivity is the overgeneralization of a happy, optimistic state. It’s the belief that no matter how dire or difficult a situation is, people should maintain a positive mindset and “just stay positive.” While positivity can be a powerful tool,

Greetings, dear readers! As I sit down to write this blog post, I can't help but reflect on the journey of "Just Catrina" and the diverse topics it explores. From inspiring anecdotes to moments of self-reflection, from sharing personal experiences to offering nonprofit advice—this blog is a tapestry of thoughts and insights that embody who I am: Just Catrina.

I've never been one to fit neatly into a single box, and my blog reflects that beautifully chaotic aspect of my identity. Today, I want to acknowledge this unique approach and celebrate the fact that there's something here for everyone. Whether you've been a

Welcome back to the "Just Catrina" blog, where we explore real-life topics and delve into the human experiences that shape our journeys. In this digital age, the influence of social media is undeniable. We often find ourselves scrolling through carefully curated profiles, admiring the seemingly perfect lives of others. However, it's crucial to remember that what we see on social media is just a fraction of the complete story.

The Illusion of Perfection

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that everyone else has it all figured out. Their lives seem so perfect, their smiles so genuine, and their experiences so

During yesterday's sermon, our assistant minister shared a powerful message that resonated deeply with me. It reminded me of a profound truth often overlooked in our society. We live in a world where athletes and actors command immense wealth and fame, while many individuals who serve our communities day in and day out, making direct impacts and often putting their lives on the line, receive only a fraction of the recognition and financial reward.

Think about it. Police officers, nurses, teachers,

Welcome back to "Just Catrina," where we explore the world of nonprofit success and innovation. Today, we're diving into a topic that's essential for every nonprofit organization—finding fresh and creative ways to raise funds that go beyond the conventional. But before we get into it, I want to share a little insight into why I haven't been writing much about nonprofits lately. You see, my blog is a reflection of my mood or what I feel in the moment. Recently, a development professional reached out to me and asked me to write about this topic, and it got me thinking. So, here goes.

The Challenge of Fundraising

Fundraising is the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations. It allows them to pursue their missions, make a positive impact, and create change in their communities. While traditional

Welcome back to "Just Catrina," a place where dreams, inspiration, and transformation intersect. Today, I'm excited to share with you the beginning of a remarkable journey—my pursuit of yoga teacher certification.

A Humble Beginning

My journey into the world of yoga is, in many ways, a return to something familiar yet uncharted. It's a journey back

As my next grant season approaches, I wanted to share some insights I've gained along my journey. While I'm not a seasoned expert in the world of grants and grant writing, I believe that sharing what I've learned can be valuable. I'm well aware that there's always more to discover in this field, and I'm excited to pass along the knowledge I've acquired.

Greetings, dear readers! Today, we're delving into a topic that's close to the heart of many nonprofits: grants. While we've explored various aspects of the nonprofit world, today, we're shining a spotlight on the world of grant funding.

The Grants Landscape

Grants are like the lifeblood of many nonprofits. They provide the financial means to turn vision into reality,

Welcome back to "Just Catrina," where we explore the remarkable strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience. Today, we're delving into a topic that resonates with us all—how to navigate life's storms with grace and emerge stronger on the other side.

The Nature of Adversity

Life has a way of presenting us with challenges, both big and small. From personal setbacks to global crises, adversity is an inevitable part of the human

Life is a journey filled with both joyous moments and inevitable challenges. While we cannot control every twist and turn along the way, we can control how we respond to adversity. The key to overcoming life's challenges lies in our ability to cultivate resilience—the strength to bounce back, adapt, and thrive in the face of adversity.

In this blog post, we'll explore the power of resilience, drawing from both its universal principles and personal experiences.

The Essence of Resilience

Resilience is more than just bouncing back from setbacks; it's about using those setbacks as stepping stones for personal growth. It's the ability to face

Welcome back to "Just Catrina," where we revisit a timeless topic that is always worth exploring—self-care. Last year, we delved into the art of self-care, and today, we're revisiting it because self-care is a topic that never loses its relevance.

The Importance of Self-Care

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind, juggling responsibilities, and putting others' needs before our own. However, it's crucial to remember

Welcome back to "Just Catrina," where we find solace in faith, strength in hope, and inspiration in the belief that there is a higher power guiding our journey. In a world filled with uncertainty, chaos, and challenges, let us pause and be reminded that God is alive, and His presence can light the path even in the darkest of times.

Finding Light in the Darkness

It's no secret that the world can be a turbulent and unpredictable place. The news headlines are often filled with stories of hardship, division, and uncertainty. It's easy to feel

Greetings, compassionate souls, and fellow champions of progress!

Today, I invite you to embark on a profound exploration of a subject that transcends buzzwords and checkboxes—it's the cornerstone of a more enlightened and compassionate society. We delve into the realm of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within nonprofit organizations—a journey that holds a sacred place in my heart.

A Personal Odyssey through DEI:

Let me share with you a personal odyssey that underscored the profound significance of DEI in my life. It unfolded within the corridors of a renowned organization, where DEI

Welcome to "Just Catrina," where we explore the world of entrepreneurship, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Today, I want to share a deeply personal journey—a journey of entrepreneurship, motherhood, and the belief that second chances are opportunities waiting to be seized.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit

Being an entrepreneur is more than just a job; it's a mindset—a way of approaching life with creativity, vision, and a willingness to take risks. My own journey

Welcome back to "Just Catrina," a haven of inspiration and motivation where we believe that hope and unity have the power to transform lives, strengthen communities, and ignite positive change. Today, we embark on a journey of motivation that touches the hearts of nonprofits, mothers, Christians, communities, and every individual who seeks inspiration.

Embracing the Power of Hope

Hope is a powerful force that can move mountains and shatter barriers. It's the belief that even in the darkest of moments, a brighter dawn awaits.

In a world often dominated by grand gestures and big ambitions, it's easy to overlook the extraordinary impact of small acts of kindness. These seemingly modest actions have the power to brighten someone's day, strengthen connections, and create a ripple effect of positivity that extends far beyond the initial gesture.

We live in a society that often values

Welcome back to "Just Catrina," where we explore the world of work, leadership, and personal growth. Today, we're diving into a topic that affects countless individuals—the challenges of navigating a toxic workplace environment. We'll also explore the crucial difference between a boss and a leader.

Recognizing Toxic Environments

In the journey of our careers, we often encounter various workplace environments. Some are nurturing, inspiring, and filled with opportunities for growth. Others, unfortunately, can be

Welcome back to "Just Catrina," where we celebrate the spirit of unity, collaboration, and the unwavering commitment to a common cause. Today, we delve into the transformative power of nonprofits coming together, sharing resources, and putting the community they serve at the forefront.

The Glitz and Glam vs. The Why

In the world of nonprofits, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of excellence, recognition, and the desire to be the best. The spotlight often shines on the "who's who" of nonprofit

Greetings, dear readers,

Have you ever discovered a passion that took you by surprise, leaving you utterly captivated and excited? Well, that's precisely what happened to me on my journey of self-discovery. I found my love for public speaking, and I'm here to share my story.

If you had asked me a few years ago whether I enjoyed public speaking, I would have scoffed and dismissed the idea. Why, you ask? Because I had allowed a perceived flaw to stand in the way – I talk fast, and sometimes,

Welcome back to "Just Catrina," where we explore the essence of giving and the profound impact it has on our communities. Today, let's change it up a bit and shift our focus to a critical aspect of nonprofit work—donor stewardship—and why it's the heartbeat of lasting partnerships.

The Heart of Philanthropy

At the heart of every nonprofit's mission lies a commitment to positive change. It's a vision brought to life through

Welcome back to "Just Catrina," a place where we celebrate the power of positive change. Today, let's dive into a topic that's close to my heart—the invaluable role that nonprofits play in shaping our communities and fostering a culture of compassion.

The Unsung Heroes

Behind every thriving community, there are unsung heroes—the nonprofits that work tirelessly to address the most pressing