Life Lessons:
Nicole Morgan
Hi, Everyone! With Rene hosting the 2013 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in Orlando, we wanted to try something a little different. We asked the moms and dads heading down to the conference May 9-12 to answer our Life Lessons questions with a Disney twist, of course. Like the GEMS they are, they took to the task. We will be running their answers in the regular Life Lessons slot. Oh, and don’t worry. You still have a chance to share. Just email Ella and she will get the information to you. Now, we present our Disney Social Media Mom of the day, Nicole.
Are you happy at the moment?
There has been a lot of unhappy and life changes and woe is me in the last few months, so much so, I started prefacing posts with this belongs in the Doom and Gloom category – sad but true. But the reality of it all is that I have my girls, my family, my health, my friends – that makes for a lot of happy. Looking at all I have to be grateful for and the many blessings in my life, I would say, yes, each day is a new beginning, and so how can you not be happy – when you have a shiny new day ahead.
If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
Honestly, I would probably slap her once or twice in anticipation of some of the stupid things she is about to do … but I would tell her to be gentle with her soul, more in tune with her self worth, to realise that the world is her oyster and she needs only to look within and Above for that reassurance.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
I have learned to trust in myself more, go with my gut feel, believe in my capabilities and know that I am stronger than I ever believed possible.
What’s your secret to happiness?
Living in the moment. To simply stop, breathe, enjoy my children and be thankful for the moments that I am sharing with them each and every day.
What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Drinking wine? No seriously. Making sure that I pick up the phone and speak to those who care. My friends and family have kept me grounded this year. They have been the affirmation I have needed to keep it all together and of course, prayer. Prayer, just taking it there, speaking your truths and fears and hopes and dreams, even in a hushed whisper. Peace from speaking to God when there were days where I truly did not believe the light would shine – kept me grounded.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
This last year has been a lesson in just picking yourself up and moving forward. Sadly, my fairytale marriage is no longer a happily ever after story and my children are simply devastated by this unexpected ending. But life brings a new chapter, the pages keep on turning and focusing on all the good that we have, all that we can do for others and the many blessings that we do have is a lesson. Finding our strength together, building our family back together in a way that keeps us whole is bringing moments of sweet joy every day. My girls are understanding in this all ‘about me’ culture, that we can find happiness in every day … and their mantras – ‘happiness is a journey and not a destination’ and ‘happiness is a choice.’
What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
OMGawsh, procrastinating or doing things over and over because I expect too much from myself, always second guessing … I need to occasionally put my needs before the needs of others and start saying no. But a part of me is inclined to see that as a good habit rather than a bad one. sigh.
Aside from motherhood, what are you most proud of in your life?
I would have to say right now – my blog. Writing my blog has brought friends into my life that have been lifechanging. To think that I would never have known them without this little part of the blogosphere to call my own. To be able to use my words to make a change in the world is such a gift. I am so blessed to be a champion for shot@life and one of the Global Team of 200 for social good, using my writing for social awareness makes my heart happy and I hope sends the right message to my girls. I am also super excited to get our little online store The Sisters Hood off the ground.
When were you happiest?
I am about to set sail on the Disney Wonder with my two princesses – we need to sail away into the sunset, forgetting our cares and woes … so shall I dare say that with Disney being the Happiest Place on Earth – this coming week is going to the happiest? Plus did I mention I get to go to Disney Social Media Moms in just a few sleeps with three allcaps AWESOME girlfriends? (without our children)
There is much happy coming up!
Who is your favorite Disney princess and what has she taught you about parenting?
Mulan …
Without a doubt.
My girls will be be quick to tell you that I err on the side of the more kick*ss princesses over the 16 year old I just met the love of my life types.
For me, Mulan is a great role model for my girls – more of the stand for what you believe in even if you stand alone. In this world we live in today, I really want my girls to grow up thinking for themselves, not just going with the flow – doing what they believe is the right thing and not just what everyone else is doing; making a difference. If there is one thing I strive for more than anything else, it is for my girls to have a heart for doing for others, taking risks and putting themselves out there. Mulan embodies that spirit, she stands up for herself and what she believes in. We watch her character grow throughout the movie as we see her accept herself for who she is without conforming. She finds her confidence and her strength. Yes, she gets the guy in the end in true Disney style, but not just because of her beauty. I like to think he is drawn to her being herself, honest, brave, confident and true. She brings honor to herself, her family and to her country – a strong independent woman, of course he cannot resist her!
At the end of the movie, Fa Zhou says to his daughter ‘The greatest gift and honor is having you for a daughter,’ – I know just how he feels.
What ten words best describe you?
Okay just going to go as fast as I can and not look back on this one.
Mom, daughter, friend, advocate, creative, honest, loyal, caring, affectionate, vulnerable.
OMgoodness – that was hard!
Nicole Morgan studied marketing, worked in advertising, put in years volunteering, fundraised ’til she had given her all, and then this ‘lifestyle’ blog, Sisters From Another Mister, was born. You can find Nicole on Twitter @TheSisterhood.
