Monday Morning Mantra - 12/28

Happy Monday!

I'm back from our annual trip up to Connecticut for Christmas (Naya, our 4-month-old, did very well. Nerissa, our 10-YEAR-OLD, ahhhhh... not so much), and it's really starting to hit me that we're about to usher in 2010. I thought this week's Mantra should get us thinking about how we want to live each day of the new year:

"Live this day as if it will be your last. Remember that you will only find ''tomorrow'' on the calendars of fools. Forget yesterday's defeats and ignore the problems of tomorrow. This is it. Doomsday. All you have. Make it the best day of your year. The saddest words you can ever utter are, ''If I had my life to live over again.' Take the baton, now. Run with it! This is your day! Beginning today, treat everyone you meet, friend or foe, loved one or stranger, as if they were going to be dead at midnight. Extend to each person, no matter how trivial the contact, all the care and kindness and understanding and love that you can muster, and do it with no thought of any reward. Your life will never be the same again." -- Og Mandino

This week, as we say goodbye to 2009, let's think about how we will live each day of the new year.

To receive our Mantras in your inbox each Monday, please click here.

Have a great week and happy new year!

Nicole

How to Make Good Decisions

Last week Goldie Hawn had some advice for us on how to make good decisions. I asked you guys if you had any, and here's some of what you had to say:

"Pros and cons lists, never make [a decision] in [the] heat of emotion, take all of your family into consideration when making the decision... [and] WWJD?" -- Hazel Coleman

"If the rush to buy suddenly overwhelms you, walk out!" -- Joseph Edward Brimmer

Both of these great pieces of advice were posted to my Facebook profile ("Nicole Lynn Lewis"). Thanks for your words of wisdom guys!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 12/21

Happy Monday all!

Relaxation was the name of the game this weekend! We were snowed in with nearly 3 feet of snow, and we had no choice but to kick up our feet and relax. Movies. UNO games. Football. Popcorn. It was grrrreat! The whole experience made me think of the importance of relaxation in our lives, and how often we overlook it.

"Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work, your judgement will be surer." -- Leonardo da Vinci

This week, set aside some time to relax. You will breathe new life into your personal and professional lives!

To receive our Mantra in your inbox every Monday, please click here!

Have a great week!

Nicole

Advice on Teamwork

Last week's Mantra was on the importance of teamwork in reaching our goals. I asked for your tips on teamwork at home or at work, and here is what I got back:

Find what you're good at .. and stick with it! I'm not a good cook, the Mr. is and that's where he helps out a lot. If he cooks, I usually clean the kitchen or load the dishwasher. I pay the bills (online), run errands and PLAN. That's my thing! I feel that once you find your strength, THAT's where you help your family most. -- Marina Sue Hancock Mathews (via Facebook)

Great advice! Have any more words of wisdom? Share them with us!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 12/14

Good morning all!

Ever feel like you don't know which way to go when it comes to certain decisions? This week's Mantra gives us a great strategy:

"Listen to everyone, refrain from reacting, go to your quiet corner and make your own decision." -- Goldie Hawn

This week, listen to others but also take time to think about the best decision for YOU.

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox each Monday? Click here.

Have a great week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra 12/7

Good morning all!

This weekend was a whirlwind. Donte and I attended a wedding, took the girls to the Baltimore Aquarium and went to Rissa's basketball game. After it was all said and done, Donte and I were exhausted, and I wondered how on earth we could have pulled it off without great teamwork. So this week's Mantra emphasizes the importance of working as a team:

"If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants." -- Isaac Newton

This week, remember the value and the advantages of teamwork when it comes to achieving your goals!

To receive our Mantras in your inbox every Monday morning, please click here!

Have a GREAT week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 11/28

Good morning all!

I hope your Monday is off to a great start.

Lately I've been thinking about love and how it should feel and what it should do in our lives. This was reinforced last night when I read 1 Corinthians 13, and it answered so many of my questions. I thought we could all use a reminder about the true meaning of love so this week's Mantra does just that:

"Hate leaves ugly scars, love leaves beautiful ones." -- Mignon McLaughlin

This week, leave "beautiful scars" on the people in your life.

Have a great week!

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox every Monday morning? Click here.

- Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 11/23

Happy Monday All!

Yesterday, my pastor talked about the origins of our church. He told us about how he applied for the head pastor position for churches all around the DC Metro area for 10 years, and no one would hire him. So, he decided to start his own church, and we will celebrate our 10th anniversary next year. He encouraged us to pursue our dreams and our passions even when things don't look like they will work out. It inspired me, and I thought this idea of determination should be our Mantra for the week.

"The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man's determination." -- Tommy Lasorda

You know how I feel about "The Impossibles" in our lives - those things that we consider impossible or that others have told us are impossible. I believe that they are only impossible because we think of them in that way.

This week, wake up with a determination to truly make your dreams a reality - no matter how crazy or far-fetched they may seem.

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox each week? Click here.

Have a great week!

Nicole

All Teen Moms Aren't From Poor Homes?

The majority of American adults believe that teen mothers are usually from homes that fall below the federal poverty level, but new statistics from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy show that this is incorrect.

Click here to check out the study.

As a former teen mom who came from a two-parent, middle class home, I'm not surprised.

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 11/16

Okay, so it's more like, Monday "Afternoon" Mantra!

Yesterday the sermon at church was on being thankful for what God has done in our lives, which - when you think about it - is more than we can ever really grasp. It was a jump-start on giving thanks - something we'll be doing next week over sweet potatoes and turkey.

The sermon resonated with me so much that I thought this week's Mantra should be on gratitude and what an important role it should play in our lives:

"Gratitude is not only the greatest of all virtues, but the parent of all others." -- Cicero

As you approach Thanksgiving, begin to think about the people in your life who are often under-appreciated.

This week, write a thank you letter to someone who deserves your gratitude.

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox every Monday? Click here.

Have a great week!

Love,
Nicole

Mondy Morning Mantra - 11/9

Happy Monday!

After loads of travel, it was so nice to have a laid-back weekend with my family and friends. I even managed to squeeze in a trip to the Smithsonian with the girls on Friday.

This week's Mantra reminds us of what maturity is all about:

"A mature person is one who does not think only in absolutes, who is able to be objective even when deeply stirred emotionally, who has learned that there is both good and bad in all people and all things, and who walks humbly and deals charitably". -- Eleanor Roosevelt

Maturity isn't something that we automatically acquire over time. It takes true effort to be the bigger person and it must be a regular exercise.

This week, work on your maturity and see the difference it will make in every area of your life.

Have a great week!

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox each week? Click here.

Love,

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 11/2

Happy Monday guys!

What an awesome weekend. Saturday Nerissa played in her AAU basketball championship game (they lost, but I was so proud of how hard they played!), we took the girls to Harvest Fest for candy and games at a nearby church, Donte and I watched Transformers: Rise of the Fallen (very good by the way) and I spent Sunday with my mom. I love weekends that are jam-packed with good stuff.

This week's Mantra is all about new adventures and what it takes to embark on them.

"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." -- Andre Gide

Ever heard of the phrase "When one door closes, another opens"? Well, this quote is even better. Whenever you face a setback, think of it as a new adventure and remember that great discoveries only happen when we step away from the familiar.
This week, don't be afraid to "lose sight of the shore."

Want to receive our Mantras each Monday via email? Click here.

Have a great week!

Nicole

Products that Help You Relax

I was reading this month's Glamour on my way to Tampa last week, and I enjoyed their article on proven products that help you relax. I thought I'd share some of them...

Matrix Biolage Colorcaretherapie Delicate Care Masque - $20, www.biolage.com for salons

C.O. Bigelow Ginger Mentha Lip Shine Shimmer - $7.50 www.bathandbodyworks.com

Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple - $8, www.essie.com

Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Fortifying Shampoo - $4 at drugstores

Try them out!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 10/26

Happy Monday all!

I'm looking forward to a very productive week!

I love this week's Mantra because it is a great reminder that anger and pride do nothing for our progress.

"You'll never succeed if you're distracted by anger and pride." -- Danica Patrick

Take some advice from the woman who has finished higher than any other female in the history of the Indianapolis 500 -- don't let anger or pride get in the way of getting what you want. Stay calm and focused on your goal.

This week, don't lose your cool when faced with a challenge.

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox each Monday? Click here!

Have a great week!

Love,

Nicole

I Think Therefore I Am

One of the things I talk about in my new book, The Gloriously Simple Guide to Getting What You Want (due out before the end of the year), is the power of our minds. If you don't begin to think and carry yourself as the embodiment of your goals, your goals will be that much more difficult to achieve. If you want to be a reporter, but you don't envision yourself as one because you haven't landed a reporting job yet, then your confidence will be slim-to-none.

Don't wait for someone else or something else to validate you. Carry yourself as the person you want to be. People will see your confidence and they will believe in you. It's contagious.

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 10/19

Good morning all!

Happy Monday to you! Despite the gloomy weather, I enjoyed a great weekend with my family. Nerissa won both of her basketball games and Donte went to a Redskins game while Nerissa and I visited my mom and uncle. It was a nice break from the chaos of the week!

This week's Mantra serves as an ecouragement whenever we're feeling inadequate:

"If they can make penicillin out of moldy bread, they can sure make something out of you." -- Muhammad Ali



Do you ever doubt yourself? If so, welcome to the club. But Muhammad Ali's words are evidence that anyone can achieve their dreams. No person is exempt from doing amazing things, including you.

This week, remind yourself of this every time a doubt enters your mind.

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox each Monday? Click here.

Have a great week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 10/12

No, you're not seeing things - I am posting the Mantra for the week on Wednesday. I apologize for the delay, but Monday was my wedding anniversary and while I had a great day with my husband, it's taken me a little while to catch up!

So please find our Mantra for the week below:

"You've got to get to the stage in life where going for it is more important than winning or losing." -- Arthur Ashe

There is something to be said for just "going for it." There will never be a perfect time to jump out there and reach for your dreams, and there is no guarantee that you'll get exactly what you want. But the most important thing is that you TRY, and that's where it gets exciting.

This week, jump out there and do something you've always wanted to do, and remember that it doesn't matter if you win or lose.

Want to receive our Mantras in your inbox every Monday? Click here.

Have an amazing week!

Nicole

October is Let's Talk Month

As you know, I'm a big proponent of the importance of communicating with your children. I've seen the value of this play out in my own childhood, and I try to stay true to it every day with my own children.

My friends over at the Alabama Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy sent an announcement out that October is Let's Talk Month, which emphasizes the importance of communication between adults and youth in helping young people make good decisions regarding their sexuality.

For more info on Let's Talk Month, please click here.

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 10/5

Happy Monday!

I needed a pick-me-up this week, and this mantra is perfect. It's one of my own, and it reminds us that you can't get anywhere in life without hope that good things will happen, you can overcome, you can persevere, etc., etc.

"Hope is the number one, necessary, secret ingredient to anyone's success." -- Nicole Lynn Lewis

Remember to have hope this week - no matter how bleak and gloomy a situation may seem. It will help you come out on the other end!

If you want to receive our mantras in your inbox each Monday, please click here.

Have an amazing week!

Love,
Nicole

"Teen Mom Craze"?

In the October 2009 issue of Glamour there is an article on a supposed "Teenage Mom Craze" that could be causing the teen pregnancy rate in American to be on the rise again. The article suggests that the media has been glamorizing teen pregnancy therefore more and more girls are getting pregnant because they think it's cool.

I don't think there is much validity to this argument, and it's an argument that I hear all the time when I talk to people about my book, Glori. Shows like "16 & Pregnant" are not showing teen moms living the good life, and my own account of my experience as a teen mom includes homelessness, an unhealthy relationship, and more.

So here's a letter I wrote to the magazine in response to their article:

Dear Glamour,

I'm writing in response to your article "Let's Stop the Teen Mom Craze" which appeared in your October 2009 issue.

I am a former teen mother who has written a book entitled Glori on my experience of overcoming the odds and earning a college degree despite homelessness, a drug infested environment, and an unhealthy relationship. I had to self publish Glori because literary agents and publishers are fearful that it might glamorize teen pregnancy. This idea - which is essentially discussed in your article - is really interesting to me.

The majority of girls don't get pregnant because they think it will be a glamorous experience. Lack of information on contraception, low self-esteem, little to no communication with adults about sex, and even molestation are far more serious and likely causes.

When there is a documentary on homelessness or drug abuse, people aren't quick to say that these shows are glamorizing life on the streets or heroine addiction. In the same way, shows that depict the lives of teenage mothers like MTV's "16 & Pregnant" don't glamorize teen pregnancy - they are simply telling a story that young people need to hear. Our problem with these shows has more to do with society's reluctance to discuss and to acknowledge teenage sexuality than anything else.

In closing, I think it's important for young people to see what life as a teenage mother/father is all about. Not only will it help them make better decisions, but it will also encourage other teenage parents by letting them know that they're not alone. The best thing we can do for teens is not to rip these shows off of the airways, but - as Sarah Brown from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy said in your article - talk to them about their goals, their future, and what it really means to start a family.

Thanks.

Got an opinion? Love to hear it!
Nicole

Further Evidence on the Subjectivity of Success

In my September newsletter I talked about the subjectivity of success - meaning success isn't always measured by dollars and cents. In fact, I'm learning that it is never defined by dollars and cents.

Well, my husband forwarded me an email from Family Life in which someone further reinforced my theory. Here is the excerpt below:

A friend sent me an email posting from Ruth McGinnis, a Nashville recording artist and author, who had recently been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. In the midst of her ordeal, God began reframing the definition of success in her life:


One of the most powerful insights I’ve had as a result of this unexpected detour in my well-planned life is truly understanding that the value of my work—the books I’ve written, my instrumental recordings, the speaking and performing I’ve done for countless years—has nothing to do with commercial success. I always thought that to be “successful,” I would have to register in the marketplace with some measurable impact, like making the New York Times best-sellers list. As a result, even though I’ve enjoyed a rewarding career as a creative person, I’ve always felt that somehow I’d never quite arrived—that my life was incomplete. Having cancer has forever changed this. The cards, letters, gifts, phone calls, and emails I’ve received from people I know—and many I’ve never met—have revealed to me that the reach of my work and the value of my simply being here is greater than I ever could have imagined. I am convinced this is true for each one of us. That we all tend to be hard on ourselves and measure our achievements against harsh standards. We fail to appreciate our own contributions, and we forget to acknowledge the gifts, beauty and efforts of others. I will never think of success, fulfillment and contentment the way I used to. Cancer has swept the veil away from my eyes—has given me a new way of looking at life and rethinking everything. It is an unexpected gift.

Your life will be measured, not by the amount of money or power or fame you gain, but by the way you allow God to touch others through you.

How do you define success?

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 9/28

Happy Monday!

As a new mom you learn how to become an expert at managing your time. One of the things I'm learning to do is to cut out activities that don't have good reason or benefit behind them. So this week's mantra will help us remember to put our energy into things that are important:

"Everything that I decide to do means something, otherwise I don't do them." -- Celine Dion



To receive our Mantras in your inbox each Monday, please sign up here!

Have an awesome week!

Nicole

Nominate NicoleInk for Best Mommy Blog!

Hi guys!

Just got back from doing my keynote in San Diego. I'm so glad to be home! I missed my family like crazy! I did meet some wonderful people at the conference though and enjoyed beautiful San Diego - I want to go back one day when I don't have a 6-week-old at home, and I actually have the time to enjoy it! :)

I saw this contest sponsored by http://www.thebump.com/ and thought I'd give it a whirl. If you enjoy this blog please nominate me for the "Working Mother" category!



Love,
Nicole!

Monday Morning Mantra - 9/21

Happy Monday!

Last week I was given some bad news regarding a consulting job I've had for some time now. The economy is affecting everyone these days - including me! While it was hard to hear, I know that setbacks and challenges will only make me stronger. So I picked a mantra for the week that tells us what to do when things get rough:

"Anytime you suffer a setback or disappointment, put your head down and plow ahead." -- Les Brown

This week, when confronted with a setback, "put your head down and plow ahead." You WILL be stronger!

Want to receive mantras in your inbox each Monday? Click here to sign up!

Have an outstanding week!

Love,

Nicole

Three Ways to Deal With Rejection

Rejection isn't an easy thing to deal with, but let's be honest, it's something we're never going to be rid of! From relationship rejections to job rejections, it's here to stay. So how can we deal?

It Wasn't Meant for Me
Everything isn't for everybody. Accepting a rejection is easier if you realize that it might not have been the best thing for you after all. Sometimes something seems like the perfect opportunity, but that may not be the case. Think of it as life's way of steering you in the right direction.

Something Better Awaits
While this didn't work out for you, something else will, and it will be even better. Concentrate on the excitement of better things to come and let that fuel your efforts. Staying positive takes the focus off of the negativity.

Everyone Gets Rejected - EVERYONE
Sometimes we forget that even the most accomplished people have dealt with rejection. No one is immune, believe me! You'd be surprised at how many famous authors, singers, athletes, politicians, etc., were told NO before they got their big break! So don't take it personally.

I'm Baaaack!

Seems like it's been forever since I've posted on here. On the other hand, this past month has whizzed by. As you know, I gave birth to my second daughter, Naya Nicole Lewis, on Saturday, August 15th at 1:04 AM.

It still hasn't really sunk in that she's here. I look at her, and I'm amazed. It's as if I have never been through this before. The miracle of life never ceases to amaze me.

Other amazing things: how wonderful and supportive my husband, Donte, has been, and how doting my older daughter, Nerissa, has been. We feared that Nerissa (who is very much a Mama's girl) would be overcome with jealousy, but so far so good. She loves Naya and enjoys picking out all of her outfits. :)

It's funny how bringing a new life into the world changes your perspective on things and makes you reevaluate what is most important. I just want to be the very best I can be for my girls. And so I am back on the grind...

Love,
Nicole

The Best Way to Break Bad Habits

The other night I was watching a documentary on a female chain gang at a jail in Arizona. It was a really eye-opening look at what it means to be on a chain gang, and how these women dealt with life in jail each day. The leader of the chain gang was a young woman who landed in jail because of her addiction to Methamphetamines (sadly, the majority of the women on this chain gang were in jail for meth-related crimes). However, she was thriving as a model inmate, and she took her job as chain gang leader very seriously.

So when she was released from jail everyone had high hopes for her - even the guards. Her mother made arrangements for her to live in a halfway house that would help her get her life together. Unfortunately, the halfway house wouldn't admit people on the weekends, and she was released on a Sunday. This meant she had to wait an entire day before she could begin the program at the halfway house.

When she showed up the next morning, she was high. She was so belligerent, the halfway house had to call the police to have her removed from the property. With nowhere to go, she taunted the police until they finally arrested her and brought her back to the prison she had just left a little more than 24 hours before.

When asked how she could fall back into the trap of drugs after having come so far, she said simply, "Stay away from your old friends and your old hang-outs."

This seems to be one of the best ways to avoid succumbing to our old bad habits. We need to stay away from the familiar. It's very rare that we're strong enough to resist temptation when we go back into environments that surround us with the things we're trying to stay away from. It's also extremely difficult when the people we are with are participating in those bad habits.

If you're trying to turn over a new leaf or to make some positive changes in your life, remember to "stay away from your old friends and your old hang-outs." You're fooling yourself if you think you can break a bad habit any other way.

Nicole

Monday Mantra - 8/10

Hello My Dears!


Happy Monday to you! Sorry for the delay with the Mantra, but this week is a crazy one!


"Your chances of success in any undertaking can always be measured by your belief in yourself." -- Robert Collier


This week, imagine how much you could achieve if you fully believed in YOU!


To receive our Mantras in your inbox every Monday morning, click here.


Love,
Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 08/02

Happy Monday guys!

As this baby gets bigger, my energy is dwindling so I looked for a Mantra that would help us tap into some much-needed energy this week, and I found the perfect one:

"Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you."

Oprah Winfrey

Have an awesome week!

To receive our Mantras every Monday morning via email, please click here.

Nicole

Flexibility: Unpopular but Good

Yesterday we confirmed that little Naya is breech. She's been this way for quite some time and despite our hopes that she would wiggle into the head-down position, it doesn't seem very likely. So the verdict is that I will have to have a procedure to turn her and to induce my labor in just two weeks. And I know many of you think I'm crazy for this, but I'll have to get an epidural, and I was hoping to have her natural.

So there you have it. My birth plan and my vision for Naya's birth have pretty much disappeared! So what's the lesson I'm learning from all of this? Flexibility.

This isn't how I pictured things going, but in the end, the most important thing is that I have a healthy baby. That is much more important than my birth plan and my huge fear of needles (yikes!). And it's a little dose of something called life. Things seldom go exactly as we plan, and it's easy to get frustrated by that reality instead of remembering what is most important. This is a difficult concept for planners like me!

Flexibility is a good thing. It keeps us sane. It keeps us focused on what is most important. And it embraces change....

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 7/27

Good morning guys!

This weekend the family and I visited the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History in Baltimore, which I highly recommend if you're in town. We learned about the role that Maryland citizens played in the Civil Rights Movement, the history of the city, and more. As I walked through the exhibits, I was reminded of how important it is that we stand up -- and speak up -- for what's right. Our country would be a lot different if it hadn't been for the courage of so many...

"He who does not have the courage to speak up for his rights cannot earn the respect of others."

~ Rene G. Torres

This week, remember to speak up and fight for what you believe in.

Love,

Nicole

A Picture Says a Thousand Words...

Hi all,

I thought I'd share this awesome photo with you this Friday afternoon to remind you to dream big and remember that anything is possible. It's a promotional picture for Disney's movie "Up."

Have an awesome weekend!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 7/20

Morning everyone!

I took my first dip of the summer yesterday (sad but true), and it was great. I hope all of you are sneaking a little time at the pool. You deserve it!

I searched for a Mantra this week that celebrates swimming, and I found one that does that and more:

"Be a fish swimming against the current, and be a tree swaying against the breeze." -- Anonymous

This week, don't be afraid to swim against the current (i.e. don't be afraid to be DIFFERENT!).
If you'd like to receive our Mantras via your email every Monday, please click here.

Have an awesome week!

Nicole

Hot Foods for Hot Dates!

Hey guys,

As you know, we've postponed GS Radio shows until September, but I still wanted to share some hot date tips with you (July's theme was supposed to be "Hot! Hot! Hot!").

I stumbled across this article which highlights great date foods. My favorites: fondue, sushi, and strawberries...

Check out the article: http://food.yahoo.com/blog/foxyfestivities/23053/best-foods-to-heat-up-date-night/

I'm getting hungry! :)

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 7/13

Good morning guys!

Happy Monday to you. In the past two weeks, we have been reminded of how precious life is with the passing of celebrities and well-loved public figures. It seems like every time I turn on the news, someone else is gone. But last week I also celebrated life with the birth of my nephew, Phoenix, and a good friend's baby, Melanie. Holding these little babies in my arms was an awesome feeling and one that encourages me to live each day to the fullest.

This week's Mantra is all about that:

"Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." ~ Maria Robinson

This week, don't live in the past. You can start making changes today.

Have an awesome week! To receive our Mantras via email each Monday, please click here.

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 7/06

Hello all,

Remember how I told you that doing the right thing will pay off in the long-run? Well, this was put to the test this for me this weekend in a major way. Even though we're tempted to go tit-for-tat with someone, we have to be stronger than that. It feels horrible in the moment, but know that later on, we'll see the benefits.

This week's Mantra reminds us of the importance of doing the right thing:

"The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour."
~Japanese Proverb

This week, try to rise above the actions of others and operate with integrity.

If you want to receive our Mantras in your inbox each Monday, please click here.

Have an amazing week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 6/29

Hello all,

Last week we witnessed the passing of several celebrities (Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, and Ed McMahon), and in the process we were reminded once again that life is short. I thought this week's Mantra was a good one to encourage us during the difficult times:

"If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.” -- Michael Jackson

This week, know that you are loved.

If you'd like to receive our Mantras every Monday in your inbox, click here.

Have an awesome week.

Nicole

The Fate of "Jon & Kate Plus 8"

By now, I'm sure you've heard the news that America's most beloved multiples family "Jon & Kate Plus 8" will be going through a divorce. The announcement came this week that Jon and Kate are calling it quits after 10 years of marriage and eight beautiful children. I have always been a fan of the show. Like you, I watched in amazement while this couple seemed to pull off the impossible. So I was saddened when the rumors of discontent in the marriage began surfacing a few months ago, and even more disappointed to hear that Kate has filed for divorce.

I don't know exactly what happened in the Gosselin household. Supposedly infidelity, disrespect, and much more has tormented the marriage. The one thing I do know is that somewhere along the way, other things became more important than the marriage -- and ultimately the family.

Many things come into our lives with the potential to threaten the things we care about most. Sometimes their allure disguises the potential danger that they possess. For instance, a high-paying job might solve your financial problems, but its demands on your time could tear your family apart. Or, a friendship that promises partying and non-stop fun could de-rail you from graduating on time. Is it worth it?

If I take anything away from Jon & Kate's situation it's that we must never let anything become more important than the things we care about most - no matter how "sexy" they might seem. In the end, when all is said and done, I wonder if Jon & Kate will realize that they risked everything for nothing at all.

Monday Morning Mantra - 06/22

Happy Monday all!

This weekend we watched Nerissa play basketball at the Verizon Center after the Mystics game, and it was a good feeling. My parents and I recalled how far she has come since she began playing with an instructional league several years ago. At that point, the kids didn't know which way to run down the court. Now, Nerissa is doing so much better. A lot has changed.

Change is a good thing, and we should all be changing every single day. Like Nerissa, we should be honing our skills, always moving up to the next level, and always learning new things. As adults we often get stuck in a rut. This week's Mantra reminds us to never stay static:

"My new motto is: When you're through changing, you're through."
-- Martha Stewart

This week, think about how you've changed over the past several years, and how you're changing at this very moment.

To receive our Mantras in your email inbox every Monday morning, please click here.

Have a great week!

Nicole

How to Like Difficult People

This week we're focusing on strenght, and it takes a lot of strength to get along with difficult people. Check out this article on tips for liking someone better:

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/user-post-8-tips-for-liking-someone-better-or-disliking-that-person-less-471321/

Let me know if it works! ;)

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 6/15

Good morning all!

So last week wasn't the easiest week. Among other things, I felt attacked by people I have come to respect and care for. And I can tell from Facebook posts and emails that many of you experienced some rough spots last week as well. So I found a Mantra that will guide us through this week and beyond.

"Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength." -- Arnold Schwarzenegger

So this week, let's all remind ourselves that struggles and the hardships make us stronger therefore we can't surrender.

To receive Mantras directly in your inbox each Monday morning, please click here.

Have an amazing week!

Love,

Nicole

MTV's "16 & Pregnant" - What Did You Think?

Last night, MTV premiered their reality show on pregnant and parenting teens called "16 & Pregnant." I watched it, and for the most part, I felt it accurately depicted the struggles that young people face when they experience a pregnancy.

I found similarities in the my story and the story of the first young lady featured, Maci. A prevailing theme in her episode was the struggle to hold on to her relationship with her baby's father. I remember enduring that same struggle even though deep down I knew it wasn't a good situation for me, and it wouldn't last. Any serious relationship is hard to let go of, but one that it involves a child is even more difficult. Maci -- who describes herself as an "over-achiever" -- is also going to college (she graduated early from high school) and is working part-time. She reminded me of myself, and so many of the young women I meet in my travels, who are determined to make a good life for themselves and their children. It was really comforting not to see the stereotype of a lazy, unmotivated teenage mother being perpetuated.

At the same time, I think the first episode also shows the tremendous difficulties of raising a baby at a young age. Maci -- and everyone involved in her life -- is feeling the challenges and stress that it can cause. It really speaks to the importance of preventing teenage pregnancy. The best time to raise a child is when you're emotionally, developmentally, and financially ready.

We'll have to see what the rest of the season has in store, but I think it's worth watching. For more information on the series, click here.

Nicole

A Few of My Favorite Things This Summer...

Here's what I'm loving thus far this summer...

1. Italian Ices - I think having an Italian Ice instantly puts you in a good mood. Just finished a Pina Colada flavored one, and it was awesome. Try it. Find a Rita's near you.

2. Sunroofs - There is something refreshing about putting your sunroof down and feeling the breeze throughout your car. I always feel relaxed when I drive around this way.

3. Grilling - This is somewhat selfish of me - in addition to the flavor I also love grilling because it takes me off the hook from cooking. Now that I'm in my third trimester, I love this. :)

4. Red Box - If you haven't jumped on the bandwagon of this phenomenon, please do. You can rent movies for $1 a day. Donte, my friend, and I just watched "He's Just Not That Into You" the other night for next to nothing. (By the way, I thought this was a pretty good movie) We also used Red Box for Nerissa's birthday sleepover last month. Gone are the days of going broke over renting movies!

5. Evening Thunderstorms - Okay, so yesterday's thunderstorm was a bit scary, but there is something about a thunderstorm after a hot summer day that calms me. Nerissa says it makes the world smell like a rain forest. :)

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 6/8

Good morning dears!

Happy Monday to you! Looking forward to an awesome week. This past weekend Donte and I prepared for the baby by painting the nursery, picking up the crib, and purchasing some odds and ends. It felt good to be getting ready for our new arrival, and this act of preparation reminded me of how important it is for us to get things in order when a challenge is on the horizon. In our case, the challenge is a newborn baby who will throw us for a loop, but in your case it might be a summer internship, a trip to China, starting your freshman year of college, etc.

Preparation is so important to our success. So this week's Mantra reminds us to prepare for what lies ahead...

"The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today." -- H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

So focus on preparing yourself this week for the challenges that lie ahead.

Have an awesome week!

To receive our Mantras in your email inbox every Monday morning, please click here!

Nicole

Did You Know It Was Black Father's Week?

This week is Black Father's Week, which I didn't even know existed, but I'm glad it does. This week is about thanking the black fathers who are doing an excellent job raising their children. My guess is they don't hear thanks enough.

We focus a lot on what African American males aren't doing for their children, but what about what they are doing. I can say that my husband, Donte, has not only been parenting my daughter Nerissa for the past few years, but he is also going to be the proud daddy of another little girl in August. And he jumped into this role of "father" in his mid-twenties - an age when many guys have plenty of other things on their minds!

So I'm thankful for Donte this week, and I want to let him - as well as my father - know that I appreciate all they do for their families!


Do the same for the men in your life.

Nicole

My Baby Shower

Sunday, my friends, Kendria, Meron, and Wura, and my mom threw me a beautiful baby shower. It was such a special afternoon filled with lots of love and support for this new addition to our family. I felt very blessed to have so many people anticipating the arrival of our little Naya.

...And it reminded me that we need to get our butts in gear and GET ORGANIZED! Lol!

Here are some pictures of the event.

Enjoy!

Love,

Nicole


PS: My friend Kendria is a professional event planner. If you like what you see, visit her website at www.weddingsbyk.com!

Monday Morning Mantra - 6/1

Happy Monday!

I thought this week's Mantra should focus on fun because I had a lot of fun this weekend, and it was good for the soul. Yesterday, my mom and friends threw me a fabulous baby shower, and the day before that I assisted my friend Kendria with a wedding. Both days were non-stop laughs, and it reminded me that things are so much better when you have a good time.

"People rarely succeed unless they have fun in what they are doing."
--Dale Carnegie

So this week, make sure to have fun while making your dreams come true!

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Nicole