What award would you give yourself?

If you were to give yourself an award for this year, what would it be? 

The end of the year is upon us and it's time for a little reflection. 2019 was a big year of growth for me. I pushed myself harder than I've ever pushed myself before. I stepped out of my comfort zone more times than I care to count. I accomplished things I never dreamt possible. I met tons of new people and built on those connections. I worked hard and surpassed the goals I set at the start of the year, both personally and professionally.

If I was to give myself an award, I'd accept the following...

Dared to Dream the Impossible and Succeeded Person of the Year

What about you? What award would you give yourself?

2019 is almost over and it's time to heap praise on all you accomplished this year.

MRS N

From our family to yours... Happy Thanksgiving!

From our family to yours... Happy Thanksgiving! 

No matter what you are doing and who you're with, cherish the moment. Find joy in the little things and yes, that includes pie. 

We're thankful for each of you. You make us laugh, smile, tear up and even cry. You motivate us to improve ourselves and to even laugh at ourselves. 

THANK YOU!

Organizing for the holidays... #Thanksgiving

Organizing ahead of time makes the work more enjoyable. Chefs cut up the onions and have the ingredients lined up ahead of time and have them ready to go. When everything is organized you can clean as you go and it makes everything so much easier and fun. -- Anne Burrell

Organization has been on my mind a lot over the past week.  In a few days, it is American Thanksgiving.  Eek!  So much to do and not enough time to do it in.

Are you struggling with organization too?  Do you try to get everything done and wind up running around like a chicken with your head cut off?

I found this quote and immediately felt calmer.  Breathe in, breathe out.  Exhale.  A plan is all we need.

Look at what you have to do today and organize your time with a plan.  Lists and sticky notes work best for me.  Make a list of what you must accomplish and then get it done one task at a time. 

We can do it!

MRS N

When you're grateful, you unlock...

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. -- Melody Beattie

Read the above quote and then ask yourself the following question:

Am I living a full life?

My answer is a resounding YES!!!

I'm living life to the fullest and relishing every aspect of it.  I love the ups and the downs, the positive and the negative, the highs and the lows, the victories and the defeats.

A friend of mine gave me the above quote and it really clarified things for me.  

If you don't relish the obstacles/trials, then you cannot experience the joys of success!

That being said, here are 5 things that I am thankful for today:

-I'm eternally grateful for all of my incredible blog followers. I'm incredibly blessed, and I hope that this blog continues to inspire you.

-I am grateful for the love of baking and being able to create yummy treats for my family and friends. 

-I'm grateful for every rejection of my stories. With every rejection, it brought me closer to understanding being an Independent author was the best way to go.

-I'm grateful for all of my friends (you know who you are) who have supported me.  Your support and encouraging words uplift me and I love you all!

-I am grateful for my collection of books.  Whenever life gets tricky, I can escape to a whole new world through the power of books.

Have you unlocked the fullness of life?  What are you thankful for today?  Be grateful for everything in your life and you will discover what life has in store for you!

MRS N

The magic of snow by @NNP_W_Light

Photo courtesy of Country Living Magazine

As I looked out my bedroom window this morning, snowflakes fell in quick succession. Ahh, the first snowfall... a magical event indeed. Watching the snow fall then cling to blades of grass, leaves in trees and roads makes me smile. Everything looks pretty and takes on a new identity. 

I love the first snowfall because it signals winter is on the way and with it comes my favorite holiday, Christmas. The first snowfall ushers in a sprinkling of magic and it's up to us to see it. What was once dirty and smelly instantly is cleansed and beautiful. Renewal is the word I think of when I see snow falling.

No matter where you live, embrace change and renewal. See the wonder and magic all around you. It's a brand new day and it's up to you to see your world for the enchanted place it is.

MRS N

Are your dreams too big? #goals @NNP_W_Light

Set daily, monthly and long-term goals and dreams. Don’t ever be afraid to dream too big. Nothing is impossible.  If you believe in yourself, you can achieve it. – Nastia Liukin  

Are your dreams too big?

Mine aren't.

I learned a long time ago I can do anything and be anyone, no matter what the critics say.

Did I ever think I was going to be happily married, a published author and wake up every day excited to see what happens?

No!

Growing up, I thought I was probably going to end up alone, unhappy and miserable.

When I turned thirty, I was still single and working in a bookstore. I decided to make changes and the first thing I did was create a list of goals (both short and long-term). I told myself that anything was possible. They included:

Meet future husband and get married

Write a book

Get published

Travel

Wake up every morning happy

Looking back on the list, I'm impressed that I have completed all my goals. So, it's time for a new list of goals.

I'm dreaming HUGE and you should too.

Nothing is impossible. If you believe in yourself, you can achieve it.

MRS N

Are you surrounded by negativity?

Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from all the negative things.

Are you surrounded by negativity?  Are your so-called friends bringing you down or reminding you of all the mistakes you've made?

Each of us deals with negative things and negative people all day long.  It's everywhere.  It's the car honking behind you as you're driving down the street.  It's the cranky bank teller who needs to take a break.  It's your boss who had a fight with his/her significant other before coming into work.

The key to uplifting yourself is to distance yourself from the negativity.  It can be as simple as showing kindness.  It can also be physically distancing yourself from the negativity.  It's hard to do but sometimes it needs to be done.  Friends come and go in your life.  It's your choice if you want to be free from the negativity.

Take a look around.  Are the people you're associated with blanketing you with negativity?  Maybe it's time to let them go.

Beautiful things happen when you distance yourself from all the negative things!

MRS N

A time management hack by @NNP_W_Light

Managing your time without setting priorities is like shooting randomly and calling whatever you hit the target. – Peter Turla

Time management is something that each of us struggles with.  We have a never-ending list of things to do and places to go.

This week, I have a lot to do and not enough hours in the day to complete them. How am I not running around screaming like Chicken Little? I manage my time.

Read the above quote.

Sounds silly, right? But it happens all the time.

I take full advantage of each and every minute of my day.  I have a list of things to do and I stick to it.  When there is a little lag time, I try to incorporate two things at once.

Need help with managing your time? Get a daily planner, write down what you need to accomplish in the day and as you complete each task check it off. You will feel so much better than running yourself ragged.

Manage your time or it will manage you.

MRS N

Are you waiting for the right time to pursue your dreams?

“Do not wait; the time will never be ‘just right’. Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.” —George Herbert

Are you waiting for the right time to pursue your dreams?

The time is now.

I spent most of my twenties telling myself I wasn't ready to be a full-time writer. I needed to pay off my student loans, save money, take more classes, etc. The truth is I was frightened to take the leap. When the opportunity came along, I had a choice: take it or keep shuffling my feet with more excuses.

We have all the tools we need to get started on our dreams. We only need to strap on our tool belt and get to work.

Stop making excuses by saying, "it's not the right time" or "I'm not ready yet". Those are just excuses brought about by fear. There isn't a "right" time when you're on the road to success. So strap on your toolbelt and get to work!

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

#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

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

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

Take this advice from Mr. N @NNP_W_Light

Worrying doesn't do anything except distract you from getting a job done. – Mr. N

Are you worrying about things that are out of your control?

Worrying doesn't lead to happiness. All it leads to stress and unhappiness.

Yesterday, I felt like the white rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. From the time I started working (8:00 am) until the time MR N came home from work, I was an hour behind. I had a to-do list a mile long and kept whispering, "I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date."

I had a choice. I could worry about how I was going to get everything done before 5:30 pm or I could work through my list, one item at a time.

Which one do you think I chose?

I went with the latter and it worked. Even though it felt like I was constantly behind, eventually I caught up and at 5:30 pm, I completed everything on my to-do list.

Worrying doesn't do anything except distract you from getting a job done.

Take MR N's advice: you never have to worry; all is in control.

MRS N

Let the teachers of life guide you @NNP_W_Light

The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don’t tell you what to see. – Alexandra K. Trenfor

There have been many teachers in my life (love, loss, hardship, heartbreak, depression, elation, etc.) and with each lesson, I learned new ways to spread the Light.  When I lost my first job, I didn't know where to turn.  I struggled to make ends meet but God provided.  I look back and think to myself how much I have grown since then.

Are you dealing with a hardship or obstacle?  Is it dark and you don't know how you are going to make it through?

Close your eyes and concentrate on the Light inside you.  Believe in yourself and the Light.

Do you know someone who is going through a hard time?

Encourage them and shine your Light on them.

Life is filled with dark storms and many people are shrouded in darkness.  Your Light is the only lifeline they have. 

Mrs. N

Before you judge someone... @NNP_W_Light

I have learned that a man has the right to look down on another only when he has to help the other get to his feet. -- Gabriel Garcia Marquez

So often, I see people looking down at others, thinking they are better in some way.  The truth is, it is not our place or right to judge others.  In fact, the only time we are allowed to look down at someone is when we are bending down to lift someone up.

Show kindness to everyone you meet and please don't judge them.  You never know what curve ball life can throw you.  Someday it could be you who needs to be given a hand and helped up!

MRS N

Find the good in today @NNP_W_Light

Every day may not be good… but there is something good in every day.

Are you having a bad day?

Bad days happen.  I've had my share of bad days and a lot of good days.  It's the fun of life.  The key is to see the good in every day.

I have a friend of mine who is having what could be described as a series of bad days.  I hug her and tell her it will get better.  I pray for her and her family.  I also pray that she sees the good in each and every day.  There is goodness all around, I tell her.

I believe that with every ounce of my being.  Changing your focus from the bad to the good does wonders.  Being grateful for what you have.

Go on, try it! Find the good in each day.

MRS N

Let's talk yearly goals by @NNP_W_Light

Let's talk about your yearly goals.

It's August 1 and we're more than halfway through the year. Time for a little check-in on how our goals for the year are progressing. Have you met any of your goals yet? 

When I wrote down my 2019 goals, I never thought my goals would be met, let alone by August. My professional goals were all about growing the N. N. Light Author Promotions brand and gaining more clients. I'm thrilled with the results but it's been a long time coming.

I've worked my bum off this year and there were times when I thought I might collapse. In the beginning, it was hard to see any results from my efforts. I began to lose my patience but MR N keep me calm and told me to be patient.

Eight months later, and I'm glad I kept calm while waiting. It wasn't easy as I'm prone to rushing ahead and not waiting. I kept my attitude in check and stayed busy. Today, I woke up happy and ready to take on the next project.

How about you? Are you remaining patient while conquering your 2019 goals?

Patience isn't wringing your hands with worry. It's having a good attitude while waiting. Patience is a trait we all must evoke to not only be successful but to be content.

MRS N

The heart is like a garden... @NNP_W_Light

The heart is like a garden. It can grow compassion or fear, resentment or love. What seeds will you plant there? – Buddha

What seeds are you planting in your heart?

Love

Fear

Happiness

Pain

Compassion

Jealousy

Your heart is like a garden and whatever you concentrate on will be sown.

I must admit when I make a mistake or mess up, my natural reaction is to beat myself up. I spew out hurtful and harmful words to myself, calling myself stupid or ignorant. It's something I'm working on and I have to fight against my own insecurities.

MR N told me the other day, "I wish you would show yourself the same compassion and kindness you show others."

It made me stop and think.

Why don't I?

I am going to try to sow seeds of compassion when it comes to my own self. I don't want to have bitterness and pain sprout from my heart. I only want to be filled with love, compassion and kindness.

Are there seeds of doubt and resentment growing in your heart?

Start today and weed out what you don't want in your heart. Just remember to pull everything out, including the roots.

The heart is like a garden. It can grow compassion or fear, resentment or love. What seeds will you plant there?

Mrs. N

Are you content? by @NNP_W_Light

A contented heart is a calm sea in the midst of all storms.

Are you content?

In this day and age, it goes against our nature to be content with what we have and who we are. We must have the latest fashion, houses, cars, careers... the list goes on and on.

I just read the latest trend in houses: two kitchens. One is for show and the other one is for use. I shake my head because I bet the homeowners do not have contentment.

A contented heart is a calm sea in the midst of all storms.

I am content because I have everything I could possibly want:

A roof over my head

Food to eat

A man I love

A career I'm proud of

Friends and family I love

If something happened and I lost it all (home, food, career, friends, family), I would be content living under a bridge with MR N. I'm a simple woman and my soul is filled contentment.

When life throws you a curveball, does your soul become your lifeboat and you float along until the storm passes? Or do you drown in the storm?

Fill your soul with contentment and surround yourself with what really matters. Everything else is just fluff anyway.

MRS N