#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

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

Pain is your friend so... (@NNP_W_Light)

Positive thinking is a valuable tool that can help you overcome obstacles, deal with pain, and reach new goals. ~ Amy Morin

Do you view pain and suffering as your friend or foe?

A week ago, I hurt my rib muscles. I went into the doctor because the pain became unbearable. He diagnosed I had a grade 3 inter coastal rib strain. The healing time is 7 weeks to 3 months. Oh great.

Yesterday, I woke up in immense pain. The spasm in my rib cage on both front and back on the right side was nonstop. It hurt to move, breathe, work, stand, sit. Nothing helped.

I needed to do the dishes. There was no getting around it. Even in teeth-jarring pain, I had to do it. There wasn't anyone else who could do it. MR N was at work in a meeting. I couldn't ask him to come home just to do the dishes. So, I gritted my teeth and breathed through the pain.

Ladies, imagine trying to do dishes while being in the middle of labor. Every step, bend, twist, was pure agony. I was breathing hard and sweating like crazy. It took all my strength but I did it. I did the dishes.

Later, as I was telling MR N what happened, I felt good about myself. The old me would quit, the pain too much. The new me pushed through the pain to get it accomplished.

Pain is your friend.

No matter what you're going through, push through the pain and suffering. You'll see how much strength you have and how brave you are. Pain helps you become the warrior you're meant to be.

You can do it!

MRS N

What defines you? by @NNP_W_Light

Your wealth or status doesn’t make you. Your kindness and character does. – Venkat Desireddy

What defines you?

Your career?

Your family?

Your wealth?

Your home?

Your car?

Your friends?

For many people, wealth and status defines who they are. It's all about making a lot of money and getting into the "right" neighborhoods. Society is obsessed with wealth and status.

I learned a valuable lesson when I was a freshman in college. I came from a divorced family and money was always tight. I got a scholarship to one of the best colleges in Minnesota and I was surrounded by people who didn't have to worry about money. I was judgmental at first because they had what I wanted.

Then I met Angela (name has bee changed to protect the innocent). She and I had a lot in common. We both loved reading books and listening to music. She was what I called a "free spirit" and we became fast friends.

One weekend, her mother and father came to visit the dorm. I was introduced to them as her best friend. Her mother disliked me immediately. I wasn't from the "right" home and later Angela told me her mother forbade her from speaking to me again.

Did her mother's warning work?

No! We stayed friends for a long time, over 10 years.

When I asked Angela why she didn't listen to her mother she replied:

"I'm not them, I'm not defined by money and status. I make up my own mind whether someone is worth being friends with."

I've learned two things from this life lesson:

1- Never judge others. You never know what they are going through and at the end of the day, they are just like you. Sure, they may have more/less money than you or live in a different neighborhood but they bleed and hurt just like you.

2- Wealth and status doesn't have to define who you are. Your character and kindness illustrates to the world who you are.

Again, I ask, what defines you? What makes you special and unique?

Angela, wherever you are, thank you for not listening to your mother! Your friendship got me through a lot of bad times and vice versa. I'm so grateful our paths crossed when they did.

MRS N

Are you different? Huzzah! @NNP_W_LIght

People may hate you for being different and not living by society’s standards, but deep down they wish they had the courage to do the same. 

When I was in school, I desperately wanted to be like the other kids.  Being an only child with a divorced mum was not as common as it is today.  Kids laughed at me for not having a dad.  The truth was I did have a dad; I just didn't know it at the time.  I tried hard to fit in but they only laughed at me.

Today, I love being different.  I love being my own person and not relying on others for my self-worth.  You should too!

You are special, unique and beautiful.  Don't let society dictate who you are.  Be proud for being different. 

Deep down, those people who hate you for being different are green with envy and wish they could be as bold as you.

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

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

Are you speaking the truth? @NNP_W_Light

The only people who are mad at you for speaking the truth are those people who are living a lie. 

Are you speaking the truth?  Do the words that come out of your mouth reflect Truth and Light?
Truth and Love are attributes of the Light.

There are people everywhere who will tell you what you want to hear but may not be the truth.  There are others who get mad at you when you speak the truth to them.  Why do they get mad?

"The only people who are mad at you for speaking the truth are those people who are living a lie."

I have encountered people recently who get so mad at me for speaking the truth.  The reality is I am a truth-seeker and I speak the truth.  If you don't like it, maybe it's time to look deep inside yourself and ask yourself why you're so mad.

Don't be afraid of the truth and don't be afraid to speak it.  The truth will set you free and you will be spreading the Light!

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

Think positive by @NNP_W_Light

Always end the day with a positive thought. No matter how hard things were, tomorrow’s a fresh opportunity to make it better.

As most of you know, I'm an optimist.  I try to see things from a positive side.  I saw this quote this morning and I realized that is me.  Before I go to sleep every night, I go over the great things that happened and reflect on the not so good things.  I mentally say, "Tomorrow is a new day and I will try my best".  I also say something similar when I wake up.

Why?

Perspective.

When my perspective is positive, good things happen.  When my perspective is negative, bad things tend to happen.  I can't explain it other than it's my perspective.

Today, be consciously aware of your perspective and try to remain positive.  You'll be astonished by how just shifting your perspective will change your life.

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

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

Are you lost at sea? by @NNP_W_Light

The entire water of the sea can’t sink a ship unless it gets inside the ship. Similarly, negativity of the world can’t put you down unless you allow it to get inside you.

Do you ever feel like you're lost at sea surrounded by negativity?

I feel that way sometimes.  It's hard not feel a bit seasick when you are constantly bombarded with wave after wave of negativity.  But I have the answer.

Imagine yourself (mind, body and soul) like a ship.  You have to waterproof every inch of yourself so that water cannot seep in.  The same goes for negativity.  They are everywhere and they are just looking for the tiniest of holes.  Seal yourself with the Light!! The Light is the only armor you need to be protected.

So, the next time you are faced with negativity, have faith and ride the tide.

Psst, the more you spread the Light to others (and uplift, encourage and bless), the weaker the negativity and darkness becomes.

MRS N