Journey With Nikole

We live in a fast-paced world, constantly bombarded with information and stimuli. It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget the most important person in our journey: ourselves. This is where the power of reflective self-thought comes in. Reflective self-thought is intentionally examining your thoughts, emotions, and experiences. It's about taking a step back from the busyness of life and asking yourself critical questions like: What went well today? What could I have done differently? What are my goals and aspirations? What limiting beliefs might be holding me back? By engaging in reflective self-thought, you unlock benefits that can improve all aspects of your life. Here's why it's so important: 1. Enhanced Self-Awareness: Self-reflection helps you understand your core values, motivations, and triggers. This newfound awareness empowers you to make conscious choices that align with who you truly are. 2. Improved Decision-Making: B...

  How often do we rush through life, missing the subtle symphony playing out around us? The rustle of leaves, the gurgle of a stream, the gentle chime carried on the breeze – these everyday sounds hold a profound power to soothe the soul and remind us of life's simple beauty. In this tranquil space, we can rediscover the art of appreciation, learn from the wisdom of silence, and cultivate a profound sense of gratitude for the world we live in. Have you ever stopped to truly listen to the gentle song of wind chimes dancing in the breeze? It's a melody that weaves peace, serenity, and a quiet reminder to appreciate the beauty surrounding us. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to take the simple joys of nature for granted. But the wind chime's gentle music serves as a call to slow down, reconnect with the present moment, and rediscover the profound lessons whispered by silence and appreciation. Wind Chimes and Well-being: Wind chimes can create calming and pleasant s...

Okay, Storytime! See, I have a love-hate relationship with cold showers. I’ll get on a roll for a while, feeling energized and accomplished. Then, bam! The cozy allure of a hot shower wins me over, and I fall out of the cold shower routine. This morning was no different. Standing there, about to turn the knob, my mind went into full-on negotiation mode. “Nikole,” it said, in the most loving voice possible, “why the cold showers? Why not just stick with warm water or even cool water? It feels good, it gets you clean, and your mission accomplished. Cold showers are just pain you inflict on yourself and do you even know why? How about some gentle self-care instead?” See, I talk to myself a lot. Maybe a little too much sometimes. It can lead to some interesting breakthroughs, though! This time, a light bulb flickered on. “Because I don’t belong in the comfort zone,” I shot back, both to myself and the imaginary voice of warm-water bliss. Sure, comfort is nice to recharge, but I thrive on p...

Honestly, vocabulary wasn't exactly my strong suit in school. In fact, I pretty much coasted along, getting by with the bare minimum. Fun activities? Totally down! Boring memorization? No thanks! Looking back, I realize I was shortchanging myself. Who knew a bigger vocabulary could be such a game-changer? It wasn't until I was 40 that I finally decided to tackle reading a whole book. Full disclosure: before then, if I needed information from a book, I'd grab the Cliff Notes (remember those?) or, nowadays, just Google it. Reading the whole thing? Why bother, right? Wrong! Expanding my vocabulary was exactly the push I needed to open up a new world. Turning the Page on My Learning Journey So, how did I actually do it? It all started with a simple habit: taking notes while I read. Every time I stumbled upon a word I didn't know, I'd jot it down. Once I finished the book, it was dictionary time! Understanding the meaning wasn't enough – I wanted to use ...

Hey everyone! Buckle up for a story about how a 6th grade agenda book totally transformed my life (in the best way possible!). Who knew a 6th-grade agenda book could be a life-changer? ‍That was definitely the case for me! Back in the day (think awkward middle school phase!), homework was my nemesis. It would magically disappear from my memory as soon as the school bell rang. This, unsurprisingly, led to some less-than-stellar grades.12-year-old me was a total scatterbrain. Homework? More like "home-wait-what-was-assigned?" To say the least, my grades weren't exactly brag-worthy. This is where it all began with the legendary agenda book. I'll explain... My teacher introduced this system where I had to fill out a daily planner with all my assignments for the day. Not only that, but I had to get it signed by them as proof I knew what needed to be done. Then, after conquering those assignments (woot!), Mom had to sign off too. Talk about double-checking, right?...

Spring bursts onto the scene with a vibrant display of colors and fragrances. It's a symphony for the senses. But beyond their undeniable beauty, spring flowers hold a secret language, rich with symbolism passed down through cultures and centuries. Whether you're crafting a thoughtful bouquet or simply appreciating a floral display in the park, understanding these meanings can add a deeper layer to your experience. Spring has always held a special place in my heart, maybe because I grew up in the Midwest where it truly feels like a rebirth after a long winter. The blooming flowers, the fresh scents in the air, the vibrant colors everywhere – it's all like a giant "WELCOME BACK!" from nature. It fills me with a sense of hope and renewal, like the world is hitting restart and anything is possible. Seeing all the flowers push through the ground and bloom beautifully makes me want to do the same thing! Spring is a natural motivator, reminding us to blossom and embra...

Ok, so I’m at a lost place in life. I’m sure a lot of people get lost from time to time, and we have to find the way through our path for that time and season in our lives. I got married and started having children young, and I decided to commit and dedicate my life to the people and situations that needed me the most. I made sacrifice after sacrifice and somehow forgot about myself in the process. My children (all but one) are grown and out of the house. Now, I am left to figure out the direction of my life, and I must say, I just feel lost sometimes. I have come to realize through my optimistic beliefs that lost is not a bad thing. This can happen to anyone who takes their eyes off of their prior goals and commitments for the greater good for an unselfish sacrifice. The beautiful part of being lost means you are in charge of the direction of your growth. You are also in charge of the speed at which you go in pursuit of finding your personal path. When I first realized I was feeling l...