Time for a reboot by @NNP_W_Light

When things are bad, it's the best time to reinvent yourself. George Lopez

Are you living a happy and fulfilled life?

No?

You may need a reboot.

I strongly believe the key to a person's happiness lies in igniting a fire in the soul. Sometimes the fire goes out and you need a spark.  The easiest way to generate a spark is to reinvent ourselves.

After I graduated from high school, I was determined to not be the shy kid who gets bullied all the time.  I was an adult and I wanted to live a happy life.   What did I do? I reinvented myself.  I was more outgoing and projected confidence.  I made a lot of new friends and I started to discover my creative side.

Reinventing yourself is simple.  It's about listening to your heart, trying something new, ignoring those who say you can't do something and believing in yourself. When I say reinvent yourself, I don't mean to lie and create someone you're not. What I am saying is you have a lot of layers and you have so much potential.

You may be asking yourself, how do I start? Grab a pen and a piece of paper. Write down ten things you've always wanted to do/go/see/experience but have been afraid to.  When you're done, look over your list and for each item, list the ways you could make it happen and what is stopping you.  You'll be surprised by the list. Now cross off all the negatives and START NOW!  

Happiness is waiting for you. Grab ahold of it and reinvent yourself. I can't wait to see the transformation.

MRS N

Release the reins on your creativity @NNP_W_Light

In the end, your creativity – perhaps even your outrageousness – will determine the final result. – Bobby Flay

When was the last time you let your imagination soar?

It's been awhile for me.  For the past few days, I've been so engrossed in getting my work completed for the end of the month. I have stifled my imagination.  I thought at first that maybe it was gone forever.  But then I started to daydream.

Read the quote above and ask yourself...

Am I using my creativity and imagination to the best of my ability?

At the end of the day, are you satisfied that you lived the best day possible?

If not, then you need to release the reins on your imagination.

Take out a piece of paper and a pen.  Write down as quickly as you can five creative things you can do today.  Then do them.

Your imagination will soar and you will be living an amazing life.

MRS N

When crabbiness hits you... @NNP_W_Light

Look out everybody! I’m gonna to be crabby for the rest of the day!!! – Lucy from Peanuts cartoon

Ever had one of those days when the world is ganging up on you and you want to scream like Lucy?

Hey, I have those days too. I would much rather be by myself or put a sign up letting everyone know that I am going to be crabby.

It's the end of September and there are so many things going on.  Don't get me wrong, I love being busy. But every once in awhile, stress tips the scales and it comes pouring out.

What do you do when that happens?

For me, the best thing I can do is to talk about it (or write).  Get it out of your body and you will start to feel better!  Let someone help you carry the load and infuse some much-needed Light into your soul.

You will be refreshed and will be ready to take on anything.

It's either that or yell at people like Lucy.

MRS N

Let's talk work ethic... by @NNP_W_Light

“The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”― John Wooden

How's your work ethic? Is it the same or different when people are watching?

Yesterday, I watched as an asphalt crew patched the parking lot of the building where I live. Mid-morning, five of the six men went on a coffee run. The remaining man was tasked with filling the holes with gravel then raking it flat.

He picked up the rake, turned his head left then right before setting it down. He picked up the shovel, looked all around then set it down. He shifted his feet then pulled out his phone to text someone or scroll. He didn't bother to do any actual work, just made it seem like he was working.

A thought struck me as I watched him. Work ethic.

I'm what's known as an independent worker. I prefer to work alone. Once given a task, I work away until the job is finished. I take pride in my ability to complete something by only being told once.

My work ethic I learned from my maternal grandfather. He worked hard his whole life. He was the first to share the above quote with me. This is what he told me again and again:

"It doesn't matter whether the whole world is watching or no one. Do your best and you'll be rewarded." 

I have certain clients who aren't on Twitter. When they sign up for a promotion, it comes with five tweets. I could be like the paving worker and not do it. The client would never know. But here's the kicker: I would. My work ethic prevents me from doing something halfway. It's all the way or not at all.

When you're tasked with a job, work hard as if the world is watching. Develop your work ethic so it becomes a part of you. Take my grandfather's advice and do your best. 

MRS N

A new habit: thanking others @NNP_W_Light

Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you'll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you'll find that you have more of it. -- Ralph Marston

Thank you: Two words that are simple and yet evoke such positive emotion.

We live in a busy world.  We never seem to have enough time to do all that we have to do.

Your life wouldn't be your life without the people who are a part of it.  

Have you thanked them recently for being who they are?  

Have you thanked your loved ones for loving you?  

Have you thanked your boss for your job and the ability to put food on your table and a roof over your head?

Saying "thank you" is a simple way to show gratitude.

I urge you to take a look around you today and to say, "thank you" to at least five people in your life.

Who did you thank?

MRS N

Make persistence your fuel @NNP_W_Light

"Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not: nothing is more common than unrewarded talent. Education alone will not: the world is full of educated failures. Persistence alone is omnipotent." – Calvin Coolidge

Persistence... it's the word I am chanting over and over today.  Persistence is flowing in my veins.  Persistence is the mindset of fulfilling your dreams despite the obstacles.

I've known talented educated people who are not successful.  Sure, they had a brilliant idea but didn't have the persistence to see it through to fruition.

Persistence is the difference between having a dream and making it happen.

I've faced and will continue to face obstacles.  Do I get down sometimes?  Sure I do!  There are some who tell me that I can't write about such things.  They don't understand and I personally feel sorry for them. With each obstacle, I lift my head upwards and look at the end goal. 

Are you facing an obstacle right now?  Do you feel defeated and don't know where to turn?  Think about what your end goal is.  Write it down.  Commit it to memory.  Look deep inside your heart and then say aloud, "I can do this and no one can stop me!  I will not fail and I will hold tightly to Persistence."

MRS N

Take this advice from Winnie the Pooh @NNP_W_Light

Promise me you'll always remember: You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. -- A. A. Milne

Wisdom comes from the strangest places.  I woke up this morning after having the strangest dream.  I was dreaming that I was walking in this dense forest.  The trees were creaking and making scary noises but I was not afraid.  I looked around but didn't see anyone.

So, I continued on the path in front of me.  I walked a little way when something tugged on my clothing.  I looked down and there was my childhood hero, Winnie the Pooh.  He put his paw in my hand and whispered, "I do not like these woods.  They make strange noises."

I bent down and looked Pooh in the eyes and said, "But Pooh, they are only saying hello."

Pooh furrowed his brow and tapped his paw on his forehead.  After a moment he stopped, smiled and said, "You mean, they are the friendly woods."

I laughed and said, "Yes Pooh, it would be impolite to not answer back."

Pooh nodded and said, "You are so brave and so smart.  We shall answer back."  With a shy look at the trees Pooh said, "H-E-L-L-O!"

I nodded approvingly and waited for the trees to answer back.  A few trees creaked to the left and I smiled.

I straightened up and taking Pooh's paw in my hand, we walked through the forest together.

I woke up shortly after that but the feeling has stuck with me all day.  Bravery, like most things in this world, is something that you either have or you do not.  It is hard to define but those who are brave are easy to spot.

Growing up, I was a normal kid.  I loved to climb trees and ride my bike.  I wouldn't consider myself brave and was in fact, mostly shy.  I would love to climb to the highest branch I could in the tree.  Is that being brave?

When I became an adult, things like bravery and strength didn't seem to matter.  All that mattered was making money and getting ahead in the world.  I remember getting told from the time I was 18 that I needed to get a degree so that I could get a good job and start making loads of money.

I remember meeting the love of my life and moving far away to be with him.  Was that brave?  My friends and family thought so.  According to the Dictionary:

brave:

adjective, brav·er, brav·est, noun, verb, braved, brav·ing.

adjective

1. possessing or exhibiting courage or courageous endurance.

2. making a fine appearance.

3. Archaic. excellent; fine; admirable.

noun

4. a brave person.

When I made the decision to become a writer and to follow my dreams, many people said that I was being so brave.  I didn't see how that was so because all I was doing was following my heart.  But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I was being brave.

Bravery is the possessing courage and acting courageous.  

What are you doing in your life to be courageous?  

It can be something small or something big.  It's all about following your heart and your dreams. 

MRS N

#1 rule in time management @NNP_W_Light

You have to decide what your highest priorities are and to have the courage – pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically – to say “no” to other things. And the way you do that is by having a bigger “yes” burning inside. The enemy of the “best” is often the “good”. – Stephen Covey

Do you feel like your life is one big to-do list? Just when you think you have everything done, something else pops up?

I hear you on that!

It's time we got our priorities straight.

The #1 rule in time management is figuring out what are the highest priorities and saying "no" to the rest.

I know how it's difficult to say no. I struggle with that myself. But like Stephen Covey says, you have to have the courage to say no. Explain to the person how you would love to "insert activity/job" but you are swamped at the moment. Another time perhaps?

What are your highest priorities?

Write down your priorities in a day/week. Then rank them in order of importance. Post it somewhere where you can glance at it every day. It helps, trust me.

My top four priorities:

- MR N

- sleep 

- exercise

- food

Once these are taken care of, I can move onto work and home responsibilities.

Do you have trouble saying no? 

Have the courage to decline and stick to your priorities.

MRS N

Need a little encouragement? @NNP_W_Light

The struggle you're in today is developing the strength you need for tomorrow. Don't give up!

Do you need a little encouragement?

This week has been a series of missteps and falters for me. I'm totally exhausted and in need of a rest. I've been working my tail off and yesterday was feeling a little low. Without me saying a word, I had three friends, two clients and MR N all tell me the same thing:

You're doing amazing work and I'm so proud of you.

Those ten words uplifted and encouraged me. It was the boost I needed.

Each of us is dealing with one struggle or another. We're trying to make it through the day. Some days are harder than others. The truth is, we need to go through these struggles to deal with what comes tomorrow.

MRS N

Pain is your friend so... (@NNP_W_Light)

Positive thinking is a valuable tool that can help you overcome obstacles, deal with pain, and reach new goals. ~ Amy Morin

Do you view pain and suffering as your friend or foe?

A week ago, I hurt my rib muscles. I went into the doctor because the pain became unbearable. He diagnosed I had a grade 3 inter coastal rib strain. The healing time is 7 weeks to 3 months. Oh great.

Yesterday, I woke up in immense pain. The spasm in my rib cage on both front and back on the right side was nonstop. It hurt to move, breathe, work, stand, sit. Nothing helped.

I needed to do the dishes. There was no getting around it. Even in teeth-jarring pain, I had to do it. There wasn't anyone else who could do it. MR N was at work in a meeting. I couldn't ask him to come home just to do the dishes. So, I gritted my teeth and breathed through the pain.

Ladies, imagine trying to do dishes while being in the middle of labor. Every step, bend, twist, was pure agony. I was breathing hard and sweating like crazy. It took all my strength but I did it. I did the dishes.

Later, as I was telling MR N what happened, I felt good about myself. The old me would quit, the pain too much. The new me pushed through the pain to get it accomplished.

Pain is your friend.

No matter what you're going through, push through the pain and suffering. You'll see how much strength you have and how brave you are. Pain helps you become the warrior you're meant to be.

You can do it!

MRS N

What defines you? by @NNP_W_Light

Your wealth or status doesn’t make you. Your kindness and character does. – Venkat Desireddy

What defines you?

Your career?

Your family?

Your wealth?

Your home?

Your car?

Your friends?

For many people, wealth and status defines who they are. It's all about making a lot of money and getting into the "right" neighborhoods. Society is obsessed with wealth and status.

I learned a valuable lesson when I was a freshman in college. I came from a divorced family and money was always tight. I got a scholarship to one of the best colleges in Minnesota and I was surrounded by people who didn't have to worry about money. I was judgmental at first because they had what I wanted.

Then I met Angela (name has bee changed to protect the innocent). She and I had a lot in common. We both loved reading books and listening to music. She was what I called a "free spirit" and we became fast friends.

One weekend, her mother and father came to visit the dorm. I was introduced to them as her best friend. Her mother disliked me immediately. I wasn't from the "right" home and later Angela told me her mother forbade her from speaking to me again.

Did her mother's warning work?

No! We stayed friends for a long time, over 10 years.

When I asked Angela why she didn't listen to her mother she replied:

"I'm not them, I'm not defined by money and status. I make up my own mind whether someone is worth being friends with."

I've learned two things from this life lesson:

1- Never judge others. You never know what they are going through and at the end of the day, they are just like you. Sure, they may have more/less money than you or live in a different neighborhood but they bleed and hurt just like you.

2- Wealth and status doesn't have to define who you are. Your character and kindness illustrates to the world who you are.

Again, I ask, what defines you? What makes you special and unique?

Angela, wherever you are, thank you for not listening to your mother! Your friendship got me through a lot of bad times and vice versa. I'm so grateful our paths crossed when they did.

MRS N

Are you different? Huzzah! @NNP_W_LIght

People may hate you for being different and not living by society’s standards, but deep down they wish they had the courage to do the same. 

When I was in school, I desperately wanted to be like the other kids.  Being an only child with a divorced mum was not as common as it is today.  Kids laughed at me for not having a dad.  The truth was I did have a dad; I just didn't know it at the time.  I tried hard to fit in but they only laughed at me.

Today, I love being different.  I love being my own person and not relying on others for my self-worth.  You should too!

You are special, unique and beautiful.  Don't let society dictate who you are.  Be proud for being different. 

Deep down, those people who hate you for being different are green with envy and wish they could be as bold as you.

MRS N

In the midst of pain, embrace gratitude #grateful

When life goes sideways and you're in the midst of chaos, embrace gratitude. 

Boy, what a week! Monday I went grocery shopping. While bagging up my groceries, I tweaked my back. I didn't think much about it at the time but later, the pain overwhelmed me. Tuesday, I woke up and got out out bed. Searing pain ripped through my ribcage and back. I could barely breathe. Sitting, standing, laying down... everything hurt. I closed my eyes and tried to even my breathing.

Who knew I'd be grateful for the ability to take a deep breath and raise my right arm over my head without pain? 

It turns out I partially tore my inter coastal muscle (muscles lining my ribs). It is a long healing process but I am healing.

Yesterday was an epiphany for me. Instead of complaining about the immense pain, I embraced it. I focused my brain on the simple things I'm grateful for. I took care of myself, watching the transitions from sitting to standing and taking things slow. By doing this, I allowed gratitude to wash over me. When it didn't hurt to stand or sit, I took it as a victory.

Are you going through a hardship and not knowing what to do?

Instead of constantly focusing on the pain, allow gratitude to ease your pain. Concentrate on four or five simple things you're grateful for. Utter them under your breath when amongst people and speak them aloud when you're alone. You'll be surprised by what happens.

Blessings to you,

MRS N

After 18 years, heartbreak remains #NeverForget

Those who served, and those who continue to serve in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard took an oath to uphold and protect the Constitution against all enemies foreign and domestic, and we can never forget the importance of their commitment to our Nation. ~ Robin Hayes

Today is September 11 and it's the 18th anniversary of the terrorist attack on American soil which cost the lives of almost 3,000 lives.

I pause, reflect and pray for all those brave men, women and children who died as well as those who were left behind to mourn their loss.

Do you remember where you were when the planes hit the World Trade Center twin towers? 

I do. I remember the stark pain and shock. I remember crying for people I never met and will never meet. I remember the rose-tinted glasses I wore were stripped away and how it changed me forever.

I want to thank all those first responders who risked their lives to save anyone caught in the rubble. You are heroes and I'm forever thankful. 

I know there are some idiots who are creating chaos by saying 9/11 never happened. No one is listening to you and the truth will be victorious over the lies you spew.

As you go about your day, take a moment and reflect on how 9/11 changed your life. Send a quick prayer to those who died defending our country on that fateful day and the 18 years afterwards. Send peace and love to those who lost loved ones. Finally, resolve to never let the terrorists win. Be strong and never forget! 

MRS N

Are you speaking the truth? @NNP_W_Light

The only people who are mad at you for speaking the truth are those people who are living a lie. 

Are you speaking the truth?  Do the words that come out of your mouth reflect Truth and Light?
Truth and Love are attributes of the Light.

There are people everywhere who will tell you what you want to hear but may not be the truth.  There are others who get mad at you when you speak the truth to them.  Why do they get mad?

"The only people who are mad at you for speaking the truth are those people who are living a lie."

I have encountered people recently who get so mad at me for speaking the truth.  The reality is I am a truth-seeker and I speak the truth.  If you don't like it, maybe it's time to look deep inside yourself and ask yourself why you're so mad.

Don't be afraid of the truth and don't be afraid to speak it.  The truth will set you free and you will be spreading the Light!

MRS N

What's your favorite season? @NNP_W_Light

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns. ~ George Eliot

What's your favorite season?

My favorite season is Autumn. I love everything about it from the cooler temperatures to the leaves changing colors. My favorite fruit is apple and this is their peak season. I love baking autumnal treats. I'm not a fan of pumpkin but I am known to use the spices in pumpkin pie spice in my baking.

I also love Autumn because it symbolizes how beautiful life is. Green leaves change colors and the trees are bouquets of colors. The brilliance of colors feeds my artistic soul and inspires me.

No matter how you feel about this time of year, find beauty in the everyday. Instead of focusing on the negative, embrace all the good things in your life.

Happy Autumn, everyone!

MRS N

Think positive by @NNP_W_Light

Always end the day with a positive thought. No matter how hard things were, tomorrow’s a fresh opportunity to make it better.

As most of you know, I'm an optimist.  I try to see things from a positive side.  I saw this quote this morning and I realized that is me.  Before I go to sleep every night, I go over the great things that happened and reflect on the not so good things.  I mentally say, "Tomorrow is a new day and I will try my best".  I also say something similar when I wake up.

Why?

Perspective.

When my perspective is positive, good things happen.  When my perspective is negative, bad things tend to happen.  I can't explain it other than it's my perspective.

Today, be consciously aware of your perspective and try to remain positive.  You'll be astonished by how just shifting your perspective will change your life.

MRS N

Ready? Set? Go after your dream! @NNP_W_Light

"Work hard for what you want because it won't come to you without a fight. You have to be strong and courageous and know that you can do anything you put your mind to. If somebody puts you down or criticizes you, just keep on believing in yourself and turn it into something positive." ~ Leah LaBelle

Life isn't easy. You have to work hard for what you want and there'll be times when you have to fight tooth and nail to get it. There'll be times when your fear will overtake your drive to succeed. You'll run into well-meaning people who'll criticize what you're doing and tell you to quit.

So why bother?

Your dream life is more wonderful than you could possibly imagine. Instead of wearing your rose-colored glasses, go in with your eyes wide open. Know that it'll be hard. Know that your vision won't be seen by most of the population until after you succeed. Know people will try to take it away from you. Know that in order to succeed, you'll have to be brave, courageous and fight for what you want.

Sixteen years ago, I never imagined the life I'm living now. I never thought in a million years I'd be an entrepreneur. I never thought I'd be financially secure. I never thought I'd be this content and in a happy marriage.

A year ago, I didn't think we'd be as successful as we are now. We're a growing concern and that's thanks to us fighting for our livelihood after we got hacked and shut down.

Hard work, confidence in a vision, bravery to try new things, courage to take risks all lead to a dream life. 

Ready? Set? Go!

MRS N

Scars are beautiful... by @NNP_W_Light

I think scars are like battle wounds - beautiful, in a way. They show what you've been through and how strong you are for coming out of it. ~ Demi Lovato

Do you love your scars or do you hide them in shame?

I love this quote by Demi Lovato because it brings a new perspective to scars. We all have scars, some visible while others are invisible. Whether we like them or not, they are a part of us.

I saw a friend of mine on Twitter last night and he was talking about his scars. He hates them, wishes they weren't there. He's ashamed because it reminds him of a dark, destructive time in his life. His comments broke my heart a little and I wanted to give him a hug. It also got me thinking of my own scars.

Twenty years ago, I went through a very dark time. I hated my life and I felt so out of control. I put my body through hell and have the scars to prove it. Do I look at them now and cringe? Sure. Do I feel shame? No. They're my battle scars. I was in the pit of despair back then and every time I see my scars, I'm reminded of how far I've come. I'm reminded of the strength I had to not end it all and to deal with the pain, one small step at a time.

Take my advice and love your scars. Your physical, emotional and mental scars are badges of courage and they only add to your beauty. Love them and let them become a part of who you are. 

MRS N

Are you lost at sea? by @NNP_W_Light

The entire water of the sea can’t sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. Similarly, negativity of the world can’t put you down unless you allow it to get inside you.

Do you ever feel like you're lost at sea surrounded by negativity?

I feel that way sometimes.  It's hard not feel a bit seasick when you are constantly bombarded with wave after wave of negativity.  But I have the answer.

Imagine yourself (mind, body and soul) like a ship.  You have to waterproof every inch of yourself so that water cannot seep in.  The same goes for negativity.  They are everywhere and they are just looking for the tiniest of holes.  Seal yourself with the Light!! The Light is the only armor you need to be protected.

So, the next time you are faced with negativity, have faith and ride the tide.

Psst, the more you spread the Light to others (and uplift, encourage and bless), the weaker the negativity and darkness becomes.

MRS N