Monday Morning Mantra - 06/28

So sorry I didn't post our Mantra yesterday!  I took my mom to a doctor's appointment that lasted all day, and then I rushed out to a meeting for Generation Hope.  Busy day!

But I really wanted to post this week's Mantra because it resonates with me so much.  We've talked about the unhealthy pursuit of perfection in the past (don't even get me started on how damaging the quest to be perfect can be), and this weekend I thought a lot about mistakes.  While they can take us down some dark paths, in the end, they should be opportunities for growth.  So this week lets think about that with a quote from writer James Joyce:

"A man's errors are his portals of discovery."

  -- James Joyce

Everyone makes mistakes.  Life is about falling down, but it's also about getting up.  In every misstep, there is a lesson to be learned.  

This week, look at your recent mistakes and think about the lessons you've learned from them.  Make efforts to apply those lessons to your life from this day forward.  

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Hope you're having a GREAT week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 06/21

Good morning, guys!

I hope you had a great Father's day celebrating the dads in your life!  I feel really blessed to be able to celebrate my father, my husband, and my father-in-law - all of whom are great examples for my girls!  :)

I found the following quote from Melissa Etheridge when reading Good Housekeeping.  She is talking about a realization she had after her breast cancer diagnosis.  I think it's a great way to live life.

"I [realized] there are only two things in our reality, love and fear.  I try to make my choices out of love."

 

  -- Melissa Etheridge

 

Do you often feel like you're making decisions in life out of fear?  I wonder if your choices are truly satisfying.  Are you staying at your boring job because you're afraid to apply for something new?  Are you afraid of being alone so you're stuck in an unloving relationship?  Are you afraid of telling a friend how you really feel even though your honesty might help him? 

This week, make decisions out of love not fear.  

 

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Have an amazing week!

Nicole

Monday Morning Mantra - 06/07

Good morning all!

Wow, to say that this weekend was great would be an understatement.  I celebrated the release of my new book on Saturday, and although I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off the whole day, it was a special evening.  I'm so thankful for all of the love and support I have!

One of the best feelings in the world is having the freedom to be yourself.  I've been basking in that feeling lately so I thought our Mantra this week should be all about that:

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."  -- Dr. Seuss

I love this quote because it's all about feeling comfortable in your own skin and letting your wonderful personality shine! 

This week, don't let your fears about what other people think keep you from being who you are.  

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

Have an awesome week!

Nicole

The Book Release Party!

Yesterday we celebrated the release of my new book The Gloriously Simple Guide to Getting What You Want at the Youth Dreamers Youth Center in Baltimore and let me just say it was an awesome feeling.  Here are my top three reasons why:

3) Seeing the new book in the hands of people I know and love and being so excited about all of the things it will help them achieve;

2)  Feeling the love and support of so many people who were at the event and those who sent well wishes from afar;

1)  And knowing my two daughters, Nerissa and Naya, were there to see that  Mommy is reaching for the stars and doing what she loves.  I want them to know that there's no limit to what they can do!

It's a little strange to know that I have two books under my belt now.  I'm so used to talking about Glori that I'll have to remind myself that I have multiple titles!  Someone asked me last night if I plan to write more books.  As long as God puts the words on my heart, I'll be writing.  We'll see what's next!

 

Thanks for all of your support, guys!

Nicole

A Note From a Reader

Every now and then I get an email from a reader that totally reminds me of why my work is so important. In the day-to-day shuffle, it's easy for me to wonder, "Is anybody out there?!" So these emails really encourage me! I thought I'd share one I received this week with you guys.

Hi Mrs. Nicole, my name is Nadia Martin, I met [you] at a teen parent conference in Houston, Texas. First off I just want to say thank you for writing this book, your story had made my own situation not seem so bad. I have a two year old son, named Thaddeus, III. I'm 18 years old and I will be graduating high school on June 5th, with honors in English. Just writing these words are so surreal, there were many times I just knew u would not be graduating, let alone with honors in English. Just Reading your book shows me the passion you have for helpings girls like me; I mean I can feel your heart bring poured out on every page. This book made me cry, laugh and most importantly think, think about how far I am willing to go without making excuses. I got my acceptance letter from Houston Baptist University in march, and my eyes filled with tears of joy, but for some reason I still doubted myself and if I would be able to make it through college, but now I know I can, because I've seen how far God has brought you. I know God didn't bring me this far to leave me, and I again I thank you for reaching out to girls like me.

Love,
 

Nadia
"I'm still standing"
 
Thanks for all of your emails and for making me feel like Glori truly is doing great things. :)
 

Have an awesome weekend!

Nicole

Monday (Tuesday) Morning Mantra - 06/01

So yes, today is actually Tuesday, but for many of us, it's the start of the week since yesterday was Memorial Day.  In between enjoying the great weather and munching on bbq ribs, I forgot to send the Mantra yesterday.  Please forgive me!

But I promise this one is worth the wait.  It's from me!  I don't often quote myself, but I thought this was a good Mantra for the week since I'm celebrating the release of my new book on Saturday, and it touches on something that many of us forget to do - celebrate our accomplishments!

"If you don't take a moment to think about all of the great things you've done, you'll overlook them, and the things you want to do will seem more difficult. " 

-- Nicole Lynn Lewis

 

It's so important to Stop, Reflect, and Celebrate as you work toward your goals. 

This week, stop and think about all of the things you've recently accomplished and CELEBRATE!  Throw yourself a party.  Go out dancing.  Or buy yourself a treat.  Celebrate YOU.  

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Have an awesome week!

Nicole

PS - I cover this concept of celebrating our accomplishments in Chapter 7 of the new book!