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