Credit

Firstly, when I see this quote I often think of those who are strong enough to stand up and make a change, in the darkness, when they feel most alone. 

It was then, I realized that the credit wasn't given to where or who it was due. 

Personally, I should have stepped back ages ago, to see that at times, I could have given myself credit for the parts of my journey I felt were a struggle but worked through them.  I started to reevaluate life to see how overcoming the tough parts, in the moment, I should have given myself credit.  

As many do, I have doubted, feared and sabotaged many opportunities due to not accepting credit from myself, to myself.

I am no different than you.

Take a step back and from things, breathe in and reflect.  From your life's challenges, have you given yourself credit for what you've over come?  The fears you've faced in the darkest of places, when you feel the most alone?  You are the one in the arena, you know both victory and defeat.  You will be okay.  

Being present

I've actually written many times in the past few weeks but stopped myself from posting.  I wasn't quite present enough to send out some positivity and gratitude.  

I will be the first to admit that my life isn't perfect.

however..

What I do is try my very best to be present in the moments, even in a tough moment. 

Seeing the birds fly free, watching a tree take life after the harsh winter, listening to the chatter at a local farmers market and breathing in air, which after all, provides life.

I am grateful for the small moments, for they help overcome my challenges.  Those sights, smells and sounds make my heart a bit softer, a bit bigger and a bit more open to gratitude.  

Take a moment today, be present and let go of what you cannot control.  Do what you know is best, putting your foot forward and smile.

Love always,

Nicky

Your life resume - being a Mum

If you are unsure of what this is, let me clarify.

A resume is a document that holds your life's history on what you've accomplished with your education, where you've worked and all of your successes.  Near the bottom, you'll typically put in your "personal interests" 

This is where I want you make a change.

Your resume reflects more than all of that.  It should reflect who you are and what you've become.  It should reflect your values, and personal beliefs.  Why?  Because I do NOT want you to compromise who you are and hide your beauty.  

Who you are and your strengths are NOT determined by education or employment.  Those two items are defined by your choices and life's path you've walked.

Irrespective of my education or accomplishments, I am first and foremost, Nicole.  My values are as such: (learnt from my personal journey)

Treat others the way THEY want to be treated.  This reflects on their culture, faith and the amount of love their heart is capable of holding or giving.Anger is an unworthy emotion.  I'll walk away from anything that causes me to think about anger, feel anger or see anger.  It can suck the life from you when you give into that emotion. Secondly in life, I am a mum and a VERY proud one.  My two boys are these amazing human beings that have become, or are becoming more than what they know.  If I knew then what I know now about being a parent...  well, I actually wouldn't change a thing.  Whatever I did, the contribution I made in their lives, has worked out pretty good.  

This has been my greatest resume entry to date.

Thirdly, I am a strong compassionate woman who will proudly wear these rose colored glasses.  I will always have faith in people and situations.  I've seen people become better after making some horrendous choices and, I've seen some amazing things come from difficult situations.  Where kindness has exposed itself when anger and resentment feel stronger.  

Taking off all the education and work experience and say this;

Nicole
aka: Nick, Nicky, Mum.

Relevant experience:

Raised:

Children - 27+ years

Dogs & cats - 40+ years

Grown:

Flower beds (Assorted) - in ground and raised

Vegetables / Fruit - Such as: Corn, potatoes, peas, beans, hops, strawberries.

Ability to:

Deflect, divert and change an opinion by being honest and positive.

Strengths:

Love, Compassion, Empathy, willing to help anyone, anywhere.  Can make a complete stranger laugh in a moment, Open arms for hugging and plenty of space in my heart and head to listen.  Give me a room full of people and I'll have you cheering when I'm in my grove.

Weakness:

My kids, our family, good, honest and kind friends. Warm days with sunshine, walks alone, softness, tenderness & genuine laughter.

We cannot take a home, car or ring to the grave.  What we leave behind is our biggest legacy and I couldn't be more proud to put all of this in my resume.