Mistakes are not failures... @NNP_W_Light

"To help yourself, you must be yourself. Be the best that you can be. When you make a mistake, learn from it, pick yourself up and move on." ~Dave Pelzer

There's nothing worse than someone pointing out a mistake you made. Feelings range from anger to shame to regret course through your body. How you react to your mistakes is what determines success or failure.

How do you react when you make a mistake?

I spent over seven hours creating our fifth annual Holiday Gift Guide yesterday. I worked my tail off. When it went live, I got an email from a client pointing out an error. I had forgotten to include her listing. My initial reaction was a slew of colorful language. Next came shame. I prayed my mistake didn't cost me her business. Then I gave myself a mental shake, dusted myself off and fixed the issue. I contacted the client offering my sincere apology, asking how I can make it right.

Instead of beating myself up, I accepted it for what it was and took responsibility. I didn't make excuses. I addressed the issue, made it right and moved on. 

We all make mistakes. It is what makes us human. If we were all perfect, wow, what a boring world that would be.

So, the next time you make a mistake, own it and make it right. Don't berate yourself. Instead accept your humanity and move on. 

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

Be a kindness confetti canyon @NNP_W_Light

Kindness is your soul’s way of finding a place inside other people’s hearts. It is a shelter fortified in gratitude.

Are you a kindness confetti canyon?

On Twitter, fellow followers launch confetti in the air with their own virtual confetti canyon whenever something exciting happens.  When I saw this quote, I thought immediately about my own confetti canyon.  I try to show encouragement and kindness to everyone I meet.  It doesn't take any effort but it makes a huge difference.

When you are kind to someone, you are opening a door to their soul and even if they don't tell you they are grateful.

Kindness is another way to spread the Light.  

What are you waiting for?  

Smile at people today, be kind, hug those you love and wish everyone you meet to have a great day!  

Spread that kindness around like a confetti canyon.

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

Gimme 45 seconds... by @NNP_W_Light

A popular team-building exercise is sharing. Everyone takes turns standing up and sharing something about themselves people don't know. Not only does it build trust but it's a great way to connect with others. Professional sports teams like the Montreal Alouettes use this technique and it got me thinking.

What would I share? 

There's so much that people don't know about me. Do I share something positive or something negative? Do I share an aha moment? Yes, that's a good idea. An aha moment.

When I was in the eighth grade, I was living with my mother in a townhouse. My mother was struggling to make ends meet and couldn't afford the hot water bill. Instead of swallowing her pride and asking her parents for help, we went without hot water. I took a cold shower/bath every day for the year. I felt such shame and didn't understand why my mother couldn't pay the water. I made a promise to myself that barring a natural disaster, I will always have enough money to pay the hot water bill.

What did I learn from this?

Pride doesn't keep you warm at night and it's okay to ask for help when you need it.

What's your 45 seconds share?

I'd love to hear it. Share in the comments below.

Instead of hiding behind a facade, share something personal with others. You'll find it strengthens your work/personal relationship. 

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

You have the power! @NNP_W_Light

But even with the inspiration of others, it's understandable that we sometimes think the world's problems are so big that we can do little to help. On our own, we cannot end wars or wipe out injustice, but the cumulative impact of thousands of small acts of goodness can be bigger than we imagine. ~ Queen Elizabeth II

Did you know you have the power to change the world?

I'm a big believer in the impact of several small acts of kindness and how, when millions of people come together for a cause, great things happens. I've been witness to a multitude of world-changing events. I've seen first-hand how one person's idea for change can grow to a movement. 

When we first started the POTL blog back in 2014, it was just MR N and myself sharing our vision of what the world would look like if everyone spread the Light and showed compassion to those in need. It blossomed into a movement. Five years later, there are millions of people spreading the Light and asking others to do the same. I'm too humble to take credit for this change but I'm thrilled to be a part of it.

There will be people who will scoff at your idea or your actions. They'll try to put you down saying you don't have the power to make change. Don't listen to them! They're afraid of your power and will do/say anything to squash you. Don't let them steal your power. Instead, combine your efforts with others to make real change.

What are you going to do today to change the world? 

You have the power. All you have to do is harness it.

MRS N

Focus on what makes us human @NNP_W_Light

No two leaves are alike, and yet there is no antagonism between them or the branches on which they grow. – Gandhi 

Equality.

This word has been running around my head the past few days. We are all equal. Each of us has a brain, heart and body. We feel love, hope, pain and grief. So why is there such animosity in the human race?

We are all equal in the eyes of the Universe.

Really!

Each person is a leaf on the big tree of Life. Some get more sun then others. Some change direction. Some are attached and some are not. Some blow one way and some blow another.

No two leaves are alike,

and yet there is no antagonism

between them or between

the branches on which they grow.

Focus on what makes us human instead of focusing on what makes us different. We are all equal and to me, that is what it means to be human.

Mrs. N