The most precious holiday gift you can give...

I love spending time with my friends and family. The simplest things in life give me the most pleasure: cooking a good meal, enjoying my friends. -- Cindy Morgan

It's the holidays and everyone is running around trying to find the perfect gift for loved ones. There are Holiday Gift Guides everywhere online and even apps to do it for you. While those are lovely and helpful, they do not show you the best gift.

Time.

Companionship.

These are the best gifts you can give another. I love this quote because it is so true. Spending time with a loved one, no matter what you are doing, is rewarding for both of you. You can't find it in a store... only in your heart.

I'm reminded of the time I used to spend with my grandmother. We would bake all the Christmas cookies for the family and it was one of my favorite times of growing up. It would take place over a few days and I loved it. It was where I learned how to bake, and I loved spending time alone with her.

Another benefit to spending time with her was I got to share with her what was going on in my life. I would share with her the struggles I was facing in school. We would laugh, and it was the best time of my childhood.

This holiday season, please take a little time and spend it with the ones you love. Cook/bake with your kids. Go over to your aunt's house and play cards with her. Go shopping with your neighbor. Sit and watch the world go by with your loved ones. It will be the best time you have ever spent, and you'll be building memories.

Your time and love is the most precious holiday gift you can give.

MRS N

Embrace forgiveness by @NNP_W_Light

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies. -- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Do you need to forgive someone?  Have they done you wrong and crushed you?  Is your heart broken and you are filled with anger?

Forgiveness is a hard thing to do.  Many people say that they won't forgive because it will make the other person feel better.  I understand that logic but truthfully, forgiveness is not about the other person.  It is about you.

Forgiving another allows our heart to begin the healing process.  Forgiving does NOT mean that you forget.  Here’s the definition according to Merriam Webster:

1 a :  to give up resentment of or claim to requital (see requital 1) for forgive an insult

b :  to grant relief from payment of forgive a debt

2:  to cease to feel resentment against (an offender) :  pardon forgive one's enemies

Nowhere does it say to forget.  It simply says to stop feeling anger and resentment towards another for an offense, flaw or mistake.

Why should you forgive?

You should forgive because it is necessary to heal.  Once you forgive, you can move on with your life.  What you do after you forgive is up to you.

Today, take a look inside your heart and see if you need to forgive someone.  I bet there is.  I know I need to forgive someone.  Let's not delay and forgive them.  Our hearts will be whole again.

MRS N

Be positive because the alternative is...

Don't see everyone's flaws. Don't listen to everything you're told. Don't speak if it's not kind. Always look for the good in people. Not everything is truth; Only speak words of kindness.

I get asked a lot, "How can you be so positive?"

I smile and say, "Because the alternative is worse."

Some people smile and know exactly what I mean.  Others scratch their head not understanding.

When I say the alternative is worse, I am referring to death.  I have lived a hard life and I have had a few close calls with death.  I am lucky to be alive.  THAT is what I mean.  The alternative is much much worse.

I love this quote.  It illustrates for me how easy it is to be kind and to live life positively.  So many people these days try to make life so complicated.  It doesn't have to be that way!  In fact, people make their lives more complicated.

The solution?  Be kind.  See the good in others.  Try to be good yourself.  Have a positive outlook.

Today, be aware of what is going on within you and around you.  Be kind to others.  Smile.  Be positive.  Write down your observations and see what happens when you are positive.

MRS N

What little things are you thankful for? #grateful

Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude. – A. A. Milne

Have you ever noticed that there are a lot of wonderfully small things in our world?  

Butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, wildflowers, snowflakes, bubbles, blackberries and more.

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of Winnie the Pooh and the Hundred Acre Wood.  The above quote illustrates little Piglet.  He is Winnie the Pooh's best friend and he is a little one.  He is smaller than the rest of his friends and sometimes he cannot do what they do.  He does, however, have a huge heart and he loves his friends more than anything else in the world.

The more I thought about this quote, the more I realized that we have a little bit of Piglet in each of us.  Even though we are small, we have a huge heart!  Why not give thanks for the little things in our lives today?

What little things are you thankful for?  

I'd love to hear from you in the comments below!!

Here are 5 little things I am thankful for today:

-I am thankful for the heavenly bed I sleep in every night.  I have the most restful sleep in my life on it.

-I am thankful that college basketball is in full swing.  I can see multiple games every week and it is the best way to relax.

-I am thankful for snowflakes softly falling outside my window.  It is an early snowfall and I love this time of the year.

-I am thankful for the bathtub I have in my bathroom.  I can soak my aching body and muscles today and every day.

-I am thankful for the yummy food and drink I eat today.  Not only does it taste wonderful, it is healthy for me and feeds my body with fuel.

We have so many wonderful things to be thankful and on some level, we are living our own version of Hundred Acre Wood.

MRS N

Cherish every moment/person @NNP_W_Light

Carpe Diem.

Seize the day, in Latin.

This motto has been a foundation in my life for the past 30 years. The truth is, no one knows when this will be their last day on Earth. Life is short so make the most of it.

In that same vein, I think it's even more important to cherish every moment and person. 

I've had people come and go in my life. I'm filled with gratitude for what they brought to my life and what they taught me.

Today (and every day), take a moment and let the gratitude soak into your soul. Watch a sunset. Sit out on your porch/balcony and smell the outdoors. Bask in the glow of all the good in your life. Then go inside and hug your loved ones. Share your gratitude with those in your life (even your annoying co-worker/neighbor, for they're teaching you patience).

Cherish every moment and every person in your life, because you never know when it will be the last time you see someone.

I'm so thankful for each of you. Thank you for your undying support and for being a part of my life. 

MRS N

Life is too short to wake up with regrets...

Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So, love the people who treat you right and forget about the ones who don’t. And believe that everything happens for a reason… if you get a chance, take it; if it changes your life, let it. Nobody said it would be easy… they just promised it would be worth it.

Life too short to wake up with regrets.

That is my mantra for this week.

Last week was a hard week for me. Over the weekend, I did a little retrospection and caught myself mulling over regrets. Here are some of my thoughts:

I wish I did better in school.

I wish I stood up to the bullies.

I wish...

I wish...

I wish...

The thoughts went around and around. It wasn't until MR N took my hand and said softly,

"I love you."

Silence.

I smiled at him.

I'm tired of living with regret. So today, I'm releasing all my regrets like little sparrows.

"Fly away," I say.

Are you living with regret?

Gather all your regrets and release them like little birds. They no longer have any hold over you.

MRS N

What's your joy? Find out where your joy resides...

Find out where joy resides, and give it a voice far beyond singing. For to miss the joy is to miss all. – Robert Louis Stevenson

What do you think of when you hear/see the word joy?

When I think of joy, my mind floods with images of pure happiness.  My wedding, MR N, swinging on swings when I was little, Christmastime... these are some of the happiest events in my life. Helping others. Making someone laugh. Being near bodies of water. 

Joy is nothing more than pure, innocent happiness.  There is no agenda and there is only Light.

Find your joy and hold on tight!  See joy in the little things and you will surely see a miracle.

What's your joy? 

MRS N

Words can be deadly by @NNP_W_Light

Always be generous with your encouraging words, you may find they will inspire others to be the best they can be. – Catherine Pulsifer

Words can be deadly.

Don't believe me? I see it all the time on social media.  Online bullying with words can kill and it happens more than with guns.

Spreading the Light doesn't mean you can use your words like bullets, hurting and injuring people.  Spreading the Light is all about inspiring and encouraging others. Read the quote again.

Always be generous with your encouraging words, you may find they will inspire others to be the best they can be.

Today (and everyday), let's use our words to uplift each other instead of tearing each other down!

MRS N

Spread the Light in your corner of the world

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it. – Edith Wharton

Are you spreading the Light in your corner of the world?

I live in an old neighborhood in my town. The houses and buildings are established with trees towering over the streets. I love it!

As someone who walks every day, I run into a lot of elderly people. Many of them smile and are friendly. I stop and chat with them for a moment or two.

Why?

It makes their day and it's my way of spreading the Light. It doesn't take any effort on my part and their faces light up.

Want to make someone's day? Stop what you're doing for one second and say hello. Acknowledging another person and wishing them a good day is a great way of spreading the Light inside you.

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it. 

MRS N

8 quotes on the importance of unplugging #quotes

When was the last time you unplugged? 

Last night, MR N and I sat down on our love seat with our feet up, put in a romantic CD and held hands as we listened. We didn't check email or watch tv, we just unplugged. It was a great experience and one I highly recommend.

Here's eight fabulous quotes on unplugging for you to ponder today:

Work is important, but you also need to disconnect, to unplug at times, in order to be even more concentrated when you do work. ~ Massimiliano Allegri

In this media-drenched, multitasking, always-on age, many of us have forgotten how to unplug and immerse ourselves completely in the moment. We have forgotten how to slow down. Not surprisingly, this fast-forward culture is taking a toll on everything from our diet and health to our work and the environment. ~ Carl Honore

We get sucked into the Internet and streaming information, and it's time to just unplug and look within. ~ Jonathan Cain

The more ways we have to connect, the more many of us seem desperate to unplug. ~ Pico Iyer

We're plugged in 24 hours a day now. We're all part of one big machine, whether we are conscious of that or not. And if we can't unplug from that machine, eventually we're going to become mindless. ~ Alan Lightman

I am going to spend more time face-to-face with my friends and family. I am going to unplug more. ~ Shervin Pishevar

The biggest thing I try to do is to unplug and give myself time away from social media and the Internet. ~ Franchesca Ramsey

I have those moments with my kids and family where we try to unplug and just be in the moment. We put everything else to the side and just be there with our family. ~ Soleil Moon Frye

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

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

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

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

Answer this very important question @NNP_W_Light

When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, “My purpose is to… today”.

Everyone has a purpose.  I have a purpose.  You have a purpose.  The person down the street has a purpose.

Read the quote above and complete the statement:

My purpose is to...

Don't know how to answer it?  Here are a few suggestions:

-spread the Light

-love unconditionally

-be kind

-encourage others

-pray for the world

-volunteer somewhere

-donate food, clothing, time to a local food bank/pantry

-smile brightly

-write a book

-start a blog

-start an online petition about a cause you believe in

No matter what your purpose is, get going.

Mrs. N

When you feel like a zombie... @NNP_W_Light

“And more than that, she just looked… tired. Like she’d battled the world and the world had won.” ― Sara Shepard

I woke up this morning and didn't want to get out of bed. Every muscle in my body ached and the last thing I wanted to do was face the day. But since I didn't have a choice, I stumbled out of bed and walked to the washroom. I looked in the mirror and looked like death warmed over. I was the epitome of the quote above.

What do you do when you're so exhausted, you look and feel like an extra on the show The Walking Dead? 

I remember a lyric from a song.

"Put one foot in front of the other and soon you'll be walking out the door."

There are some days when it's a battle of wills to just get out of bed. The world has kicked your bum and you're aching all over. You're mentally and physically exhausted, not knowing if you can go on. It's moments like these when you need to summon your inner strength and put one foot in front of the other. You may not feel like doing it but you will feel better after you try.

Another option is to take a Mental Health Day. Both MR N and I are taking Friday off from work and our business. We're going to sleep in, rest, relax, rest and just breathe. We might even take an afternoon nap. We need this time off and I'm counting the hours.

Whenever you're exhausted and feeling low, take time for yourself and do what you need to do to rejuvenate yourself. The zombie within will disappear and you'll be ready to take on whatever comes.

MRS N

Feeling overwhelmed? Take @NNP_W_Light's advice

“Take life day by day and be grateful for the little things. Don’t get stressed over what you can’t control.”

Are you feeling overwhelmed? 

Take my advice. 

#1: Breathe. Hyperventilating does nothing to alleviate your stress, only compounds it. Instead, slow down your breathing. Breathe in, breathe out. Repeat until your heartbeat slows down and you feel calmer. 

#2: Be grateful for the simple things in life. When your stress level is pouring out of your pores and all you're focused on is the stress, you have tunnel vision. To get out of that mentality, meditate on three things you're grateful for. Not only will it switch your obsession with the stressful situation, it will calm your spirit. 

#3: Take life day by day. Life is chaotic, especially when you're stressed out. The best thing you can do is make a list of everything you have to accomplish today and then as you work through your list, check off what you've completed. This exercise will compartmentalize your day into a series of smaller tasks. It will ease your stress level because you'll be forced to only concentrate on one thing at a time. 

Stress is a horrid creature and if we don't handle it, it will devour us. I use these actions every single day and they help me keep stress on a leash. 

How do you handle stress? Any tips to conquer stress?

MRS N

Quotes on Wisdom by @NNP_W_Light

A goal for many of us is to gain wisdom. Whether it is in our personal or professional lives, wisdom guides us. I've compiled some of my favorite quotes on wisdom and want to share them with you.

For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone. ~ Audrey Hepburn

To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one's family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one's own mind. If a man can control his mind he can find the way to Enlightenment, and all wisdom and virtue will naturally come to him. ~ Buddha

The three great essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are: Hard work, stick-to-itiveness, and common sense. ~ Thomas A. Edison

We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started. ~ Henry Ward Beecher

We live in a society bloated with data yet starved for wisdom. We're connected 24/7, yet anxiety, fear, depression and loneliness is at an all-time high. We must course-correct. ~ Elizabeth Kapu'uwailani Lindsey

Those who improve with age embrace the power of personal growth and personal achievement and begin to replace youth with wisdom, innocence with understanding, and lack of purpose with self-actualization. ~ Bo Bennett

If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. ~ Michael Jordan

The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark. ~ Michelangelo

All things must come to the soul from its roots, from where it is planted. ~ Saint Teresa of Avila

I'd love to know your favorite quotes on wisdom, too. Please share in the comment area below.

MRS N

Overcome shyness by doing this... @NNP_W_Light

Are you holding yourself back because of your shyness?

Ever since I was little, I've been shy. I think it might have started in the first grade. It was the first time I was asked to speak in front of the whole class. I remember waking up feeling like a slew of butterflies were flying against my rib cage. I couldn't eat, couldn't talk. My mom tried to ease my anxiety but it didn't help. When I got to school, it got worse. By the time it was my turn to speak in class, my tongue swelled and my head spun. I grabbed ahold of the teacher's desk so I didn't pass out. Instead of looking out at the audience, I looked down at my shoes. I mumbled through my speech and when I was done, I rushed out of the classroom in horror. I had a bladder accident and terrified.

Ever since then, speaking in public has been difficult. Go figure.

Twenty years ago, I got the opportunity to speak at a book conference. I was petrified. Flashes of that horrible first grade speech flashed in front of me. While I hyperventilated backstage, a hand rested on my shoulder. I looked up into the eyes of Jonathan Kellerman, the bestselling mystery author. My jaw dropped. He started a conversation about books and before I knew it, my anxiety disappeared. He walked on stage with me and introduced me to the crowd. I gave my speech with no accidents or passing out. It was an amazing experience and I have Mr. Kellerman to thank. His compassion brought me out of my shyness and distracted me from my inner demons.

Overcome shyness by getting involved in something you're passionate about so you forget to be afraid.

This is exactly what happened to me and I am proof positive it works. When you're engrossed in something you love, your zeal will squash your shyness. It may still feel weird, at first, but you'll get used to it. Your shyness won't hold you back and you'll be able to do the things you want to do.

How do you overcome shyness? 

Share below. I'm always looking for new tricks.

MRS N

Do you follow the Golden Rule? @NNP_W_Light

In the end, nothing we do or say in our lifetime will matter as much as the way we have loved one another. – Daphne Rose Kingman

What's the most important thing we do in our lifetime?

Love one another.

I'm a firm believer in the Golden Rule (treat others like you would like to be treated). I try to spread kindness and love to everyone I know, meet and interact with. I smile at the person who cuts me off in line. I love people who hate me. I encourage those who need it, even without them telling me.

Why do I do this?

I was taught from the time I was small to love everyone, no matter what. It didn't matter if the person I loved reciprocated or deserved my love. I couldn't control anyone but myself.

I've had friends come and go in my life. Even though they aren't in my life anymore, I still love them.

I know what you're thinking...

C'mon MRS N, nobody is that perfect! Don't you get hurt or angry when people leave you or lash out at you?

Sure, I do but that doesn't mean I don't love them. I'm human and I make mistakes. I cry and curse. But when the dust has settled and I meditate/pray about it, love comes pouring out of me. It's who I am as a person, at my core.

What's the most important thing you do in your lifetime?

In the end, nothing we do or say in our lifetime will matter as much as the way we have loved one another.

Mrs. N