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

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

Roll with the punches... by @NNP_W_Light

I think part of being human is learning to roll with the punches, to deal with any kind of personal or professional disaster that might crop up. You have to learn to deal with that stuff or not survive. ~ Amy Gerstler

When the unexpected happens, do you curl into a ball or do you roll with the punches?

Thursdays are always busy for me. Not only do I have to play domestic goddess but I have a lot of business to attend to. Everything has to happen when expected or else my whole day is thrown off. I'm organized down to the last minute.

Yesterday, my schedule turned upside-down. Through no fault of my own, I was soon behind my times. What to do? What to do?

I rolled with the punches and that mentality helped me to get everything done yesterday without getting too far behind. It's not how I envisioned my Thursday but at the end of the day, it was a success.

We all have instances when something comes up to put a wrench in our plans. We have a choice: complain or figure out a way around it.

Read the above quote and commit those words to memory. Learn to deal with stuff or you won't survive. Roll with the punches, people.

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

Are your patience wearing thin? @NNP_W_Light

Are you struggling with something today?  Are your patience wearing thin?

Patience is a trait I always seem to be working on.  I'm not very patient and I have to force myself to be patient.

I read this quote and it really spoke to me this morning.  A light came on in my head and I realized I was approaching patience in the wrong way.

Patience is not the ability to wait.  We all do that, no matter if it's waiting in traffic or in line at a store.  Patience is the ability to keep smiling while waiting.

Keep smiling!  It not only makes the wait seem shorter, it improves your attitude too.

MRS N