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

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

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

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

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

Happy Summer Solstice by @NNP_W_Light

It is Summer, it is the solstice

the crowd is

cheering, the crowd is laughing

in detail

permanently, seriously

without thought.

-​ William Carlos Williams

Today is June 21 and it is the Summer Solstice. 

What is the Summer Solstice? 

The summer solstice, also known as midsummer, occurs when one of the Earth's poles has its maximum tilt toward the Sun. It happens twice yearly, once in each hemisphere. For that hemisphere, the summer solstice is when the Sun reaches its highest position in the sky and is the day with the longest period of daylight. (Wikipedia)

It is a holiday celebrated around the world and in almost every culture. It's also one of my favorite times of the year. 

Summer brings a joyfulness, a freeing of one's spirit to bask in the sun and the outdoors. It's a time to grow flowers, herbs, vegetables and grains. It's time to dance, be free and fall in love. 

Whatever you do to celebrate summer, may it bring you unadulterated joy.

Happy Summer Solstice!

MRS N

Get out from under stress @NNP_W_Light

One of my life lessons… when it comes down to it, it is not the years or the days that we ultimately remember. It is the moments. It is the special time shared with people who add value to our lives. It is our dreams and accomplishments fulfilled. It is the laughter and the tears. It is our alone time to reflect and appreciate what we have, and the simple pleasures that make living great. It is the journey. Amidst today’s deadlines and commitments, I’m going to take special care to cherish the moments that make life great. – Lisa Desatik

What is one of your life lessons? What is the one thing you have learned in your life that you wish you could pass on to future generations?

This thought has been on my mind for the past two days:

If I could teach one thing to future generations of the human race, what would it be?

The first thing that popped into my mind was to live a simple life.

What do I mean?

I mean to cut out what is causing you stress and anxiety and to cherish each moment. What matters in life is not money, houses, cars, prestige or influence. Life is about the simple things: happiness, kindness, charity and contentment.

Our lives are overflowing with places to be and commitments. No one seems to be able to relax anymore. It's go, go, go. Even on vacation or days off, the schedule is filled with stuff to do. Even our kids are scheduled down to the last minute.

How can you get out from under the stress and pressure?

Commit to yourself and to your loved ones to cut back and relish in the moment. Yesterday I talked about how important it is to breathe. Today, it's important to savor every moment. Each moment is precious and once over, you cannot get it back.

Amidst today's deadlines and commitments, I'm going to take special care to cherish the moments that make life great.