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



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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!

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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