brief bio
I agree with the Dalai Lama:
Happiness is the goal behind all goals. We are here to be happy.
After 13 years as a litigator, I decided to be the best “me” I could be by transitioning from law to non-profit work.
Ten years later, I turned my attention to writing.
Which, as it turns out, is also not-for-profit.
Spirit Lights The Way connects me with readers who share inspiring thoughts on happiness, freedom, mindfulness, and sustainable living.
When we let our lights shine, we encourage others to do the same.
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
Related post: Mirth & Motivation (4/14/2011)
Spirit Lights The Way 
And it’s about time, too! Welcome to the Blogosphere, Nancy!
Love it Nance!!!!!
Thanks, Danielle! Thought you might.
Just got back from a cruise to find that you have taken a permanent one in blogosphere! This is a lovely site. Thank you for sharing it with us. We will visit it often. Miss you on the island.
Peg and Mike
Hi Mike & Peg!
Thanks for taking a peak at my new project which is aimed at sharing inspirational and uplifting stories, quotes, thoughts, and advice.
Hope the cruise gave you a chance to visit some warm, exotic locales and get away from Jack Frost for a short time. It’s amazing how much of the fluffy white stuff has fallen in the mid-Atlantic, and elsewhere, this winter. I expect that the daffodils will be making an appearance on the island shortly . . . enjoy them for us!
I found you on WEbook and took a peek at your profile. love your sense of freedom and your blogsite. I’ll be back!
Please do . . . we’ll leave the light on for you!
Great blog! I look forward to exploring it.
Thanks, Katharine!
Enjoy the journey . . .
Wow!! You are an amazing woman! Well Done You! I love your way of thinking. You seem to hold so many values dear to yourself as I do. Off to read some more inspirational reading. I will definitely keep reading. Best of luck with writing. XXxxXX Chrissie xx 🙂
Thanks, Chrissie!
I’ve been a work in progress for quite some time. : )
Sometimes we just need to “get of the way” and let the Universe work its magic.
Cheers!
I love that you took this leap of faith Nancy! Look forward to getting to know you.
I’m looking around your site right now!
Loved your piece on happiness/contentment/peace ~ Audacity?
Very beautifully written.
Isn’t it wonderful what happens when we get out of our own way and let the Creator have some room to lead? I am so happy for you that you had and took the opportunity to stretch out and move in such a wonderful, creative direction. Someday, you must come up and visit the mountains of NC and sit and rock with me on our front porch and have a nice L-O-O-O-N-N-G chat (I don’t know how to have any other kind!) If only everyone could figure out that the true secret to being joyful is making the decision to be! Thank you for being exactly who/where you are, and inviting all of us willing folk to sit alongside you!
Where in NC?
We lived in Winston-Salem for 8 years and spent many lovely weekends meandering around the mountains ~ Asheville, Boone, Grandfather Mountain, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smoky Mountains, Cades Cove, etc.
We are encouraged by society to take root . . .
We are encouraged by spirit to take flight . . .
Wow, very inspiring story, really, and one I can relate to because I’ve quit my job and want to attempt to freelance as well plus finish editing my first novel. My Dad lives in Miami, so I understand the attraction to Florida (though it’s a bit too hot for me) Yes, the best gift you can ever give yourself is freedom. Well done!
Good luck with your novel and with your freelance efforts. If you don’t already own a copy, you might check out WRITER’S MARKET: Where and How To Sell What You Write.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for that, I shall look it up and buy it and I will certainly be stopping by here again, it’s a lovely place 🙂
Thanks, Agatha. Glad I stumbled into you today. : )
Love the Dr. Seuss quote!!
PB and Chutney . . . that might be delish!
Thanks for stopping by!
I would love to free myself. But I don’t have enough $$$.
There’s all types of freedom, Jean. And many of them are FREE of charge:
https://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2010/07/01/let-freedom-ring-and-reign/
Good luck moving along the path of freedom!
i have also gift myself freedom on my last birthday and it inspired my post ‘It’s My Happy Birthday’. Freedom to leave baggages behind and live light. I have seen so many magical things in here for living light and free — got to learn that magic tips 🙂
The universal light emits parallel sparks for us to grasp:
Miracles and mysteries
The joys of synchronicity
Magical moments abound!
Enjoy the path as it unfolds.
Congrats on your freedom Nancy (is it?)! I’m trying to work on that myself, boy does it take a lot of courage, a lot of risks, and a lot of overcoming our fears. But I’ll keep working on it. Thanks for serving as an inspiration! 🙂
There is a wonderful little book, Be Happy, filled with inspirational quotes.
I keep it on my desk and refer to it whenever doubts creep in.
“You must take your chance.” ~ Wm Shakespeare
“Freedom to Be Here Now (rather than dwelling on past hurts or future fears”
I’m slowly learning how to do this. Thanks for your inspiration and helping to keep my drive in full swing.
Cool! One step at a time.
It took me a long time to get to where I’m going.
Great story! Very positive and inspirational. Enjoy your freedom 🙂
Will do.
And follow your own road . . . even if you have to rely on the occasional semi-colon. 😉
Your happy, smiling face gives me a happy, smiling face. 😀
It truly is a wonderful gift “Freedom” – be it gifting it to others or yourself!!! All the very best for your journey!!!
Best Wishes,
Addy
Thanks for swinging by, Addy! Enjoy your stay.
Florida is a great place to inspire. We vacation at Ormond Beach nearly every summer. I spend the whole time in the room writing while the family enjoys the beach. I wish I could make a life out of it, too.
http://timkeen40.wordpress.com
This is the best place I’ve ever lived ~ out of NJ, VA, SC, NC, and MD
Love the quote!
It is one of my absolute favorites ~ and I have tons of quotes that I love.
If I am not “me” . . . I am no one. 🙂
That’s very inspiring. Congratulations for having the courage and love to follow your dreams.
We grow in courage over the years . . . or we shrink. We are either expanding or contracting.
It’s a choice we make, day by day.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
I have a saying, it goes, my business is none of your business, and your business is none of mine. Great blog.
Ooh, I have a similar quote: “What you think of me is none of my business.”
Also: “We have as many reputations as we have acquaintances and none is accurate.”
Thanks for swinging by! Hope you’re still enjoying the postadaychallenge.
Congratulations. I am passing the Versatile Blogger Award on to you. Feel free to accept it or not.
You can read about it here. http://randomthoughtsfrommidlife.wordpress.com/2011/03/29/rapunzel-speaks-and-gives-out-awards/
Thanks, CM! I just received the VBA the other day but am delighted to accept again . . . in a small private ceremony. 😉
https://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2011/03/22/the-versatile-blogger-award/
I love your Dr Suess quote. It has taken half my life to realize that.
Same here. I wish I’d realized that truth as a teen. Would have saved me a ton of heart ache.
[…] writings and her commitment to her craft. Nancy is a prolific published writer/blogger, has lived a rich and varied life, and, I am convinced, she rarely sleeps. The other night, I was editing a post, it was close to […]
“Freedom to be exactly who I’ve always wanted to be.”
Gosh, how much I want to be where you are in life!! Compliments, congrats to be there!
cheers,
Samyak
ThoughtTavern
Thanks for stopping by. Enjoyed your post on seeking answers.
The Way teaches us the Way . . . one step at a time.
Just stopping by to say hello! Wanted to also say that I lived in Florida for about 10 years, was at the beach practically every day, truly enjoyed the peacefulness of the ocean!
How wonderful it is that you’re giving yourself that freedom, I know how good that feels! 🙂
Thanks, Kimmie. Enjoyed “meeting” you on Mirth and Motivation the other day.
When we know WHO we are . . . we know HOW to live!
Hi
Just stumbled onto your site. I like your attitude 🙂 I am also working on having a better, healthier, happier life by letting go of some things and opening up to others. Its amazing how freeing it can be. Bless you.
Welcome, Julie!
Topics bounce around a bit on SLTW. If you’re interested in specific categories ~ you can search by category or key word. Speak up if you feel lost.
Enjoy the journey. 😀
Hi, Nancy! I have given you the Irresistibly Sweet Blog award. Check it out here: http://maasmith7.wordpress.com/2011/06/02/the-irresistibly-sweet-blog-award/
Thanks, Maggie! You rock.
Love it! I’ve always followed my intuition and it’s led me exactly where I am today. I’m in the midst of some life changes, but I’m still listening. Your commitment to yourself, your freedom, and doing exactly what you want to do is inspiring! Thanks so much for sharing that. It may be just what I needed to read today. 🙂
I find that following the winks, whispers, and nudges of Spirit helps me to end up facing the right direction at the right time.
Just checked out your site . . . are you still loving the banjo?
I am loving your blog! I am a great believer of “following your bliss”. I wear a necklace, never take it off with a small heart in the center of a hand stamped jewelry small disc that says follow your bliss. There is a large plaque on the wall in the garage right in front of my car that says FollowYB
Sorry I hit the button early 🙂 I should go back to sleep! Your Brain on Bliss, I want to read the article but as I have been perusing your blog I forgot where I saw the link. I won’t mind reading some more to find it again!
The search features on SLTW make it pretty easy to find things. For example, I just typed “brain” and “bliss” into the search bar and 7 or 8 articles on mindfulness appeared, including the one you wanted to read:
https://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2010/11/09/your-brain-on-bliss/
The others popped up because they linked to this article.
Enjoy the journey!
Yep I found it right away using your search this morning! I followed my bliss early this morning ans snapped happy in the fog! Thank you!
Excellent! Glad you’re enjoying looking around SLTW. 🙂
Have seen you on other blogs…maybe “Random Thoughts from Midlife?” Not sure. Sounds like you’ve simplified and are enjoying some wise life choices.
we’re all on the same journey…just experiencing it a little differently, i think…hugs. 🙂
Thanks! Enjoyed your post on Sound Bytes. Like you, I’d rather get the facts and do my own thinking. 😀
I’m not certain either ~ Mirth & Motivation, Random Thoughts From Midlife, Woman Wielding Words, or just the occasional WP Prompt? I’ll watch for your avatar and see where I see you next.
Hi Nancy,
I’ve seen your comments many time and finally came to visit. I’m glad I did. You’ve got a lovely warm home by the swaying palms and turquoise seas …
I love the Dr Seus quote. And love the mystery of whether your deceased blogging buddy really existed. Or not?
Thanks, Rose. Glad you stopped by. The latest installment in the continuing saga is now posted.
Think I’m going to bookmark you.
Love this site, and your courage, and your sense of fun. It is amazing how much Dr Seuss and Albert Einstein had in common
Dr. Seuss was wise . . . and merry! 😀
You have a very impressive bio nrhatch…
Cheers to your freedom. The best things in life are free…
I agree. Here’s to living the life of our dreams! Cheers.
Cheers. Happy thanksgiving! 🙂
Thanks, RV!
You’re welcome!
That is one of my favorite quotes! Can’t wait to follow your journey 🙂
Thanks, I enjoyed your insights today, Angela. Glad that Debra suggested your post.
Just found your blog and I love your bio! How lucky you are!
Thanks. When we follow our own path in life . . . we end up closer to where we want to be.
I have found a moment to stop by and leave a good chunk of personal gratitude in this incredible place in cyber space you have built. To you, my fellow writer, friend, rah-rah encourag-errrrrRRR (great non-word, huh?!), and most of all, ILLUMINATED SOUL … I thank you for being. Namaste _/♥\_
Thanks! What a lovely “chunk of personal gratitude” to receive. I’ve been enjoying your “words” and affirmations each day. Definitely designed to inspire. 😀
Happy New Year! All the best in 2012! 🙂
Thanks, aRVee. Hope 2011 ends on a high note that carries long into the new year. 😀
Right , well done
I’ve nominated you for a Commentator Award: http://bluegrassnotes.wordpress.com/2012/06/24/commentator-award/ Even if you’re not interested in the award biz, wanted you to know I appreciate the comments…
Thanks, Leigh!
What a lovely intro to you, Nancy! And a lovely photo to prove you are who you say you are!
Nancy- enviable position you are. I currently work a desk gig that really does not have fulfillment as much as writing, exploring and creating would. My dreams require money and I’m still hopeful they are diamonds in the rough.
I’m surprised that your legal side brain is this creative and free. What a refreshing surprise that is!
Thanks, squeekchair. Practicing law provided me with the necessary financial resources to listen to my “creative and free” side when it encouraged me to stop practicing law.
My left brain loved all the logic and analysis. My right brain found the legal arena far too confining. 😉
Hi Nancy, I’ve just nominated you for the Sunshine Award (who doesn’t like a little ray of sunshine?). Feel free to accept it or pass it. Sorry if you already got it. Go back to my post to see the questions to answer and how to forward the award to others.
http://perfectingmotherhood.wordpress.com/2012/09/10/yeah-i-got-the-sunshine-award/
Thanks, Milka. I’ll head round straight away . . . to see your answers, if nothing else. 😀
Hi! I’m Sue, and I’m from SlimKicker, a fitness/diet app and site. I came across your blog yesterday and it captured my interest!
I’m contacting you b/c we’re about to release a fitness tracker (similar to FitBit) early next year, and are looking for bloggers who would be interested in receiving 1 for free to review when it is out (negative or positive).
Would you be interested in doing this? You can email me at: sue (at) slimkicker (com) with ‘Review’ in the email heading if you are.
Just to let you know, our site SlimKicker basically turns your fitness/diet goals into a level-up RPG game. The tracker will work with the website, and allow people to track calories burned and number of steps they walk automatically. The more they exercise, the more points they rack up! That’s basically how it will work.
Anyway, hope to hear back either way…
– Sue
P.S. You can choose not to publish this comment as this is more of a private comment 🙂
Thanks, Sue. I’m still on the fence. I’ll shoot you an e-mail when I decide.
I just nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Here is the post, if you choose to accept. http://spiritualworldtravelerblog.com/2012/11/26/very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Thanks so much! I’ll come check it out. 😀
You’re welcome!
I haven’t visited your “about” page before but I am pleased I did today. I really enjoy your writing and your quick wit and creativity… and you look a little bit like my sister 🙂
Thanks, aawwa. Some days my writing is all that I want it to be ~ it satisfies my urge to entertain, educate, create, and/or express our collective existential angst.
Other days, it’s just a string of letters landing with a resounding thud on the cyber runway.
Either way, the journey of writing causes me to look life square in the face and pay attention. So, it’s all good.
Say hi to your sister . . . 😀
I mind and you matter! That’s my quote for you. It’s a pleasure to finally have an afternoon off to read all ABOUT you. And what I think of you is a GREAT deal. It pays to be a seeker. *=) Blessings to you.
Thanks, Seeker. I often follow a blog for some time before I get around to reading their “about” page . . . I find it more fun if I already have picked up a bit about who they are before reading the spread sheet.
[…] Spirit Lights the Way […]
Thanks for thinking of me! 😀
[…] Nancy from Spirit Lights the Way […]
I wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for the Super Sweet Blogger Award. I put a link and short review on my page (http://aprobertsstories.wordpress.com/awards/super-sweet/).
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed the recent spate of book and movie reviews. 😀
I feel like I’m joining the party late. New (two months) the WP community, I’m creating time each day to find blogs worthy of following. I’m pleased to have landed here. As for having found and choosen freedom, bravo! I suspect you know your choice and actions are the envy of many. 🙂 Continue to revel in your bliss, sunshine and beautiful space.
Hi Eric. I took a quick peak at your brand new-ish blog . . . great topics. I have jury duty this morning, but I’ll return later to read more.
Enjoy looking around SLTW. You can search a word (e.g., “happiness” or “laughter”) or by category (“mindfulness” or “books & movies”). Or you can use the calendar to negotiate.
Have FUN!
Love it! Enjoy your freedom :):)
Thanks, Mira! Have a wonder filled day.
It’s my privilege to nominate you for the Liebster Award. You may accept if you wish, but feel free to merely experience the honor of having been nominated and leave it at that. (http://iamwhoiamnowblog.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/liebster-award-acceptance-and-nominations/)
Thanks so much for thinking of me.
You have had a awesome career nrhatch!! And even now you are doing great, enriching others life as you enrich your own.. 🙂 Love your blog!
Thanks, Maddy! Life is good. 😀
I think that living the dream is excellent my friend and what beautiful surroundings to choose, I for one wish you all the very best that life has to offer for it is not always possible to live one’s life in freedom 🙂 What a wonderful feeling that must be 🙂
I am visiting you today from Tom Merriman’s Space…
Have a lovely start to your week 🙂
Andro
Thanks, Andro. I’m glad you mentioned Tom’s Blog . . . I knew your avatar looked familiar but I couldn’t place where I’d seen “you” before. It took 1/2 a century for us to claim our freedom, but I’m delighted we did. It’s been a lovely change of pace and place.
I can certainly see that my friend and good luck with everything, it is a brave step I think but one that will be your finest 🙂 If you ever wish to call into my Space just request access and I will grant it 🙂
Have a lovely week and enjoy
all those special times to come 🙂
Andro
Thanks, Andro. Tonight we’re heading to the beach to watch a meteor shower . . . as long as the skies stay clear.
YES! Freedom. This is what is coming to me as i turned 40 this year – giving myself this gift, as you so beautifully describe it — to follow what delights my heart even more so than in my 30s. Also – letting go of regrets, letting go of being perfect (parenting perfect etc). love to you! Lisa
Thanks, Lisa. Here’s to being who we want to be! 😀
Freedom is invigorating. Isn’t it ironic, though, that once we actively pursue “freedom,” we learn that we were free all along? It just takes courage to let-go and allow ourselves to “own” our freedom and to consciously choose every day how we will show up in the world.
Exactly! It’s a matter of realizing that we do NOT need a signed permission slip to live our life.
I am enjoying following your journey here on your blog.
Thanks, J. I loved the photos, especially of the full moon, on your blog.
Love this! Thank you for stopping by http://www.FindYourMiddleground.com. Its wonderful to meet fellow travelers and other women who are truly free 🙂
Thanks, Val. Here’s to maintaining balance in a world that’s often off-kilter.
I would love to share you post about “10 Ways to Attract Positive Energy” on my site about meditation (http://boostedmeditation.com). Would that be okay with you? I will link the article back to your site.
Yes, fine. Thanks for asking . . . and sharing. 😀
Hi Nancy – just stopping by to say hello and thank you for sending J (I am J) over to my place! I’ve seen your comments on a bunch of other blogs — seems we have a ton of common friends! Finally making my way over to check you out! Cheers! 🙂
Thanks, Nancy! After reading Kate’s blog this morning . . . I went around to your blog to see who had challenged her and shared both links with J. I got sidetracked before saying “hey” to you. So I’m glad you swung round here. Good luck with your fitness goals and have a blast planning your trip to Charleston.
I’m beyond giddy just thinking about it. I may self-combust when I actually meet Andra. 🙂
It sounds like an awesome trip ~ good food, good fun, and good company!
Nancy, thanks for the nice write up. Ed loved it. Can we get permission to link to it. I got it off the Mention App. Could you send me the link and tell me where it appeared or where it lives. You can teach me at 941-778-8705 or chodge@chilesgroup.com. Thanks again.
Sure! Here’s the link:
https://nrhatch.wordpress.com/2014/05/27/pigs-wild/
We had a great time and the restaurant looks FANTASTIC!
I love Dr. Suess quotes.:)
I’m so glad our paths have crossed today. I’ve enjoyed, a great deal, what I’ve read here so far, and I look forward to future encounters. Thanks!
Hi Ann! I’ve seen you over at Kate’s place ~ Did That Just Happen? Thanks for swinging round.
Hi Nancy, I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Award! You have such an awesome site, I just couldn’t help myself 🙂 Here is a link to the post about your nomination. Accepting is off course completely voluntarily 🙂 http://minimalistsometimes.com/2014/07/04/sunshine-award/
Thanks for thinking of me, Anne!
Thanks for connecting with Turquoise Compass! I hope you enjoy my travel journey as much as I do!
Jessica, Turquoise Compass
Thanks, TC! Look forward to more of your posts about turquoise waters. Great that Anne hooked us up.
Yes, I’m glad you found me and I YOU!
Ditto. 😎
Hi Nancy! Well, I must say it sounds like you made a life altering decision and haven’t looked back. Good for you! My husband and I just moved to northern Michigan to the cottage we have had for 20 plus years. Gutted it and it is almost ready to move into. Yippee! I too, wake to gorgeous surroundings every day. I have to pinch myself daily. Life is good. Thanks for visiting my blog (thanks to that sweetheart Pix) and for the follow. I am off to see what you are up to. Cheers, Margie
Glad that you’ll be able to move in before the first snow fall! It should be gorgeous as autumn rounds the bend.
Pix is a sweetheart ~ and those boots you painted for her are FABULOUS!!!
http://sweetdaysundertheoaks.com/2014/08/25/hey-i-got-new-boots-today/
I like your Dr. Seuss quote. May I add another?
“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken” – Oscar Wilde.
I agree with Oscar! So many waste time trying to emulate others instead of tuning in to the wisdom within.
He was something of contrarian wasn’t he, yet on this he was sure-footed. I look forward to meeting your acquaintance further as your articles arrive in my inbox. I gather you are Nancy; pleased to meet you Nancy. Hariod.
Thanks, Hariod. And yes ~> Don’s recent post about Wilde demonstrates that Oscar could be inconsistent, contradictory, contrarian, and even confrontational.
https://candidpresence.wordpress.com/2014/11/26/a-bit-of-wilde-2/
Sometimes the “pot stirrers” get us thinking more deeply.
You will see some thoughts of mine on Wilde in the comments to that very same post of Don’s Nancy.
I saw them and enjoyed your Leonard Bernstein quote: “I hate Wagner, but I hate him on my knees.”
Nice beach. Panama City?
Siesta Key.
Very pretty scene. I’ve been to Sweet Tomatoes. It was very nice.
Nancy, congratulations on finding your place in life! Love the Dr. Seuss quote. My favorite – “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if you really try!” -Dr. Seuss
Christine
I love that! He had such a way with thinks, thanks, and thunks.
You have an awesome site!!!!! Just a great collection of wonderful thoughts and ideas.
Thanks! Have fun looking around.
I celebrate being the 100th like on the page. 🙂
Woo Hoo!
Wow! I’m late to the dance! What an amazing little place you’ve got here! Blow in my ear (read that computer screen) and I’ll follow you anywhere! I can tell your sense of humor is going to give me a smile with every post! I didn’t know there was anyone as skeptical and snarky (that’s a real adjective) as I am! I’m happy just thinkin’ about future posts!
Happy is good! Welcome aboard the Good Ship Laugh-A-Lot!
Ohhh, I’m so glad I found you here~ Yes, yes, yes. I agree. Let’s shine our light in our work and our writing. Namaste.
Thanks, Pam. I got a good laugh out of your April Fool’s “who done it” post.
🙂
Just revisited here to see if I could find out where your two mile beach walk today took place and just want to say – what a lovely smiley face! 🙂
This morning’s beach walk was on Anna Maria Island ~ just south of Tampa, FL.
And thanks! Days with smiles are the best kind of days!
Florida! I bet it was warm! We haven’t walked on the beach for a while as the wind is still so very cold even when the sun is shining. :). 🙂
It’s lovely weather at the moment ~ not too hot & not too cold. Even Goldilocks would find nothing to complain about! 😀
It’s great to connect to your blog and thanks for visiting Book Club Mom. Looking forward to reading your posts!
And thank YOU for hosting Jill on your blog!
Nice to meet you, Nancy! I am visiting from Jill Weatherholt’s blog to find out your name. I love your “brief bio.” I also agree with the Dalai Lama and Dr. Seuss. I look forward to reading your posts. Erica
Thanks for swinging by! I’ll check out your blog soon.
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