Featured Blogger: Nancy Hatch – Spirit Lights The Way
“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
Featured Blogger: Nancy Hatch - Spirit Lights The Way...
At different points in our lives, we come across people who make us sit up, listen and then applaud because they bring an incisive wit and brilliance to every conversation; and they do it without compunction. If you’ve read the indomitable Nancy Hatch’s blog, Spirit Lights The Way, you will understand what I mean. From the first day I connected with Nancy in the blogosphere, I knew I was connecting with a woman of great substance, an indomitable spirit, and a golden heart. As Nancy’s many blogging buddies would attest to, when Nancy is on your side, she’ll climb Mount Everest to support you, comment on your blog, rib you and even challenge you to push through the BS. If you’re a blog buddy, you are blessed; she never misses a post and she always leaves a comment… She’s fun and funny; that’s our Nancy.
Freedom, in all its permutations, matters to Nancy and when she took up the personal challenge to become a freelance writer, move to Florida and live her best life, she put her heart and soul into it and it shows in her 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 1:00am and I see a ping from Nancy’s blog and then a comment. While this might not seem like much, just take a look at her blog buddy blogroll list, she does this regularly for us all. So you can imagine that as I prepared to post Nancy’s feature, I remembered the saying… if you want a project completed on schedule, give it to the hardest working, busiest person. I gave Nancy three extra questions and yes, she responded … promptly. The answers are below. Please welcome this week’s “Get To Know” blogger – our friend and blog buddy; Nancy Hatch. Leave a comment here and then go visit her blog and say hello! Her interview with her favorite quotes follows… 🙂
What led you to/away from Law/ the legal profession?
I agree with the Dalai Lama . . . we are here to be happy. Happiness is the goal behind all goals. After 13 years of practicing law, I awakened to the realization that my choice of career was detracting from, rather than adding to, my happiness. Once I identified the primary source of unhappiness in my life, I eliminated it by transitioning from law to non-profit work and eventually to writing full time.
“We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.” Carlos Castaneda
How do you find endless topics to write on?
I’m not sure whether I find them . . . or they find me. I’ve published 1,273 posts since starting SLTW in February 2010. I currently have 110 draft posts waiting to be polished and published. Each day, more ideas swirl around demanding to be explored on topics that center on Freedom, Autonomy, Courage, Mindfulness, Sustainable Living, and Happiness.
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” C.S. Lewis
Happiness is?
“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” Mahatma Gandhi
Life is not intended to be one-size fits-all . . . it’s not a game of “Monkey See ~ Monkey Do.” We have far more freedom than many people realize. We don’t need a signed permission slip to live life as we choose ~ we just need to conquer our ego-based desire for approval from others. We need to conquer our fear.
Independent thinking is not easy, especially if we choose to swim against the stream of societal expectations . . . but it’s worth it. After all, our freedom is at stake. When we stop hiding who we are, we have more energy to become more fully who we want to be.
Where did you grow up and why do you blog?
I grew up in NJ, attended college in VA, and law school in SC. After 13 years practicing law, I switched to non-profit work ~ first running a Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Team in NJ, and then assisting with an AmeriCorps program at Salisbury University in MD. When we moved to FL two years ago, we didn’t know if the move would be permanent or temporary since we still had a house to sell in MD. Instead of looking for a temporary job, I wrote . . . and loved every minute of it.
“Writing is the only thing that, when I do it, I don’t feel I should be doing something else.” Gloria Steinem
I started my blog, Spirit Lights The Way, last February to enjoy the creative outlet of writing, as well as to share, connect, inspire, explore, dream, and discover. My goal in writing, and life, is simple: to enjoy the journey.
“Trust yourself and you will know how to live.” Goethe
Featured Blogger: Nancy Hatch – Spirit Lights The Way ... Nancy in spirit shines
What is most important to you/about you?
Freedom and autonomy. Many people allow others a “vote” in what they should do, be, say, think, wear, eat, watch, etc. Religion is in the control business. Schools are in the control business. Families are in the control business. Media and Advertisers are in the control business. The problem is not that “they” want to control us; the problem is that “we” let them.
When we look to others for guidance (for what to be, do, say, or think), we’re relying on a constantly shifting external reference point. When we attempt to predict and accommodate the vastly divergent opinions of those we meet (rather than being, saying, or doing what we feel), we’re engaged in an energy-draining guessing game.
What do you mean by “energy-draining guessing game”?
Looking outside ourselves for guidance is akin to navigating through the woods. . . across shifting terrain . . . in the middle of an earthquake . . . by looking at a compass gone haywire. Using an internal reference point, our internal compass, to guide our actions is a less exhausting, and far more accurate, way to interact with the world. We become more mindful of the moment and our place in it. And when we understand who we really are, we free ourselves from the illusions that hold us back.
“Look deep, the answers lie within.” Anon
What motivates you to get out of bed?
Aches and pains. Seriously, after seven hours in bed, my body starts screaming, “Get Up!”
How would you like to be remembered?
Here. Now. That’s where the dance of life really takes place.
We have as many reputations as acquaintances, and none is accurate. As a result, I don’t spend much time wondering or worrying about my reputation with others. I expect that I shall care even less about my reputation after I’m gone. Instead of looking “out there” for approval from others, I look within for guidance on how to be the best “me” I can be. I focus on enjoying the journey here and now ~ and inspiring others to do the same.
You may reach out and converse with Nancy through her blog – Spirit Lights The Way. Again, take a moment to leave Nancy a comment here, and join me in welcoming our blog friend/buddy extraordinaire — Nancy Hatch. 8)
What are your thoughts? Do share? If you’d like to be featured, leave a note and let me know how to reach you. Thank You! 🙂
Positive Motivation Tip: Follow your spirit’s calling and light your own path… The rewards are endless.
Related Articles
- Featured Blogger: Penny Marsh – Life’s A Beach Journal… (eof737.wordpress.com)
- Our Attitude: The Last of the Human Freedoms… (eof737.wordpress.com)
- If You Are Going To Tell MY Story . . . (nrhatch.wordpress.com)
- Featured Blogger: Laura Saenz – Phrogmom (eof737.wordpress.com)
- Featured Blogger: Dietmar Fritze -Philosopher … & more (eof737.wordpress.com)
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Featured Photos are courtesy of Nancy Hatch
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Elizabeth, this is a brilliant interview with Nancy – there is obviously more to her than meets the eye – a strong woman with depth of character. I feel privileged to be on her blog roll after your interview with her!
Nancy, you are one person I would love to meet one day, you stimulate my mind with your interesting and thought-provoking posts; I just love your blog.
I would love to meet you too, Barb, but I’m torn as to the meeting place ~ your current backyard to meet the Kookaburra and watch the Kangas and the Roos wandering down the street? Or your childhood home in Scotland on the bonnie banks? 😀
Great summary as always! I just subscribed to her blog!
Thanks, Stacey. 😀
Hi there Nancy! Nice to meet you, I’m gonna check your blog now 🙂 And Eliz, great post as always!
Thanks, Liannouwen. Have FUN looking around.
“Courage is not simply one of the virtues but the form of every virtue at the testing point.” C.S. Lewis
greetings!
Love the NIETZSCHE quote in your article, Frizz:
“The trick how to win: Make a good posture sitting on horseback! That steals the opponent’s courage! That steals the heart of the audience too! Why do you want to attack first? Sit proudly as one who has already won!”
Thanks, Eliz!
I am honored to be a featured blogger on Mirth and Motivation. The best thing about blogging is being exposed to ideas from around the world, instead of just “around the corner.”
It’s been great meeting you and following your blog.
BTW: I do sleep ~ a good 7 hours a night ~ or I become CRANKY. 😉
Great interview Elizabeth. Nancy is a woman of many talents and insights. We could all benefit from emulating her sense of self and freedom. I subscribed to her blog after my feature here. She’s got very interesting insights.
Thanks!
Thanks for visiting and subscribing to SLTW today, Barbara! Hope that I’ll be able to live up to Eliz’s overly generous introduction. 😀
Elizabeth, thank you for this interview and Nancy, thank you for your story! I feel “centered” once again and am working on trusting myself these days as Goethe suggests! I love your words, “When we stop hiding who we are, we have more energy to become more fully who we want to be.” I’ll need to remember this when I wake each morning.
All the best,
Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. It’s exhausting to try to hide our essence from others. When we let our lights shine, we encourage others to do the same. Shine on!
I’m a regular visitor to Nancy’s blog. Nancy is a genuinely nice person. She’s friendly and supportive. I visit her blog because I enjoy reading and commenting.
Thanks, Nancy. I appreciate you. Thank you for the opportunity to stop by Mirth and Motivation. Blessings to you both…
Thank you, Carol Ann. Your friendship and support have been a delight! When you get a chance, join one of Eliz’s blog hops. It’s a fun way to hop around and meet some new faces.
Great interview Eliz. The quote that rings truest for me at the moment I think is “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”
I’m inspired by Nancy deciding that the law wasn’t the answer for her. I do love my job, but that is after I also made a career change – I decided debits and credits were not for me! We are best at what we enjoy doing, there is no doubt.
I envy the 110 posts ahead – I’d need a crystal ball to do that in my case – perhaps one day I’ll be in that situation.
Thanks, Team Oyeniyi. Probably having that many draft posts waiting to be polished demonstrates a lack of “follow through” on my part. 😀
Interesting blog! I went and read a few posts and decided to subscribe! 🙂
Thanks, Sharon! For visiting and subscribing.
And thanks again, Eliz. It’s been fun meeting still more new faces in the blogosphere. 😀
Eliz…you honor us all by presenting us with such amazing people! I already visit Nancy’s blog and yes, she does read and comment on all of mine as I’m sure she does for many others. It is hard to keep up…but both she and you are inspirational…so I keep trying. 🙂
Every quote I read made me smile and shake my head in agreement…but the one that resonated most with me was the one from Gandhi about happiness…happiness is when what you think and what you say and what you do are in harmony…yes!
It is really late…and I work tomorrow…but when I saw this post, I knew I had to read it and comment or I wouldn’t have been in harmonywith myself. 🙂
Thank you, Vivian. Your posts are always a delight to read ~ upbeat and positive.
That’s one of my all time favorite quotes ~ it reminds me to follow Dr. Seuss’s advice and just be ME.
And this is for Nancy…you are truly a light for others…and obviously for yourself as well. Kudos, Nancy! I’ll be visiting more often…I just keep running out of hours in the day. 🙂
Visit when you can . . . we’ll leave the light on for you. 😀
I am impressed and amazed at how many inspiring and talented people there are in the world of blogging. I love your answers to Eliz’s questions, Nancy. And I especially love what you said about freedom. I’ll surely to check out your blog. 🙂
Great interview, Eliz. You and your writing are a great inspiration as well.
Thanks, TRYC! I feel the same as I move around the blogosphere. So many wonderful words and thoughts shared with heart and soul.
Look forward to your visit.
I too have enjoyed the interview with Nancy. Her Spirt Lights the Way blog inspires me to look into myself for the answers about this life. Fantastic job Elizabeth with the selections of questions for Nancy.
All the best Nancy, thanks
Walter
Thanks, Walter.
I LOVE this comment because that’s exactly what I set out to do with SLTW . . . encourage people to look to themselves for guidance about what resonates. Enjoy the journey!
Nancy says, “I started my blog, Spirit Lights The Way, last February to enjoy the creative outlet of writing, as well as to share, connect, inspire, explore, dream, and discover. My goal in writing, and life, is simple: to enjoy the journey.”
Elizabeth, Nancy is so beyond what I can imagine and I will aspire to be able to do as you wishes to do. She is one great individual who has learned lessons in life that taught her to be who she is today. I loved this interview and the photo’s too. Wow, she looks like a friend of mine and Nancy is in Florida. 🙂
Thanks, Jackie. My secret? I stopped gauging my progress vis a vis others and focused on being the best ME I could be. I started to trust myself and began to live MY LIFE. That made all the difference.
Turns out that I am better at being ME than anyone else on the planet. No one else is even close. I have cornered the market on being ME.
“We can’t all be Mother Teresa . . . that was her job.”
Enjoy the journey!
*Blush* Shame on me for waiting until today to comment here on this wonderful exposition on SLTW and Nancy! She deserves all the accolades and more. Nancy’s blog is always worth more than the brief time it takes to read. She’s short and sweet – at least her posts are. Not so sure about her height, and as for sweetness. . .the judges are still out on that one! 😀
Love your Blog as well, Eliz – I’ll be back!
I’m short . . . not so sweet. 😀
Thanks, PTC. And definitely come back and visit Eliz’s blog. Her writing is right up your alley.
Really enjoyed reading this interview with fellow Floridian Nancy – her story is quite inspirational! It’s so refreshing to meet someone who will leave something like a lucrative law career to pursue something else that means more to her heart.
One thing that made it easier for me than for others . . . we didn’t have children to feed, clothe, and support. Not having kids to raise gave us a bit more flexibility . . . and that may have been “in the cards” from the beginning. 😀
When I look back on my life . . . it seems that the life I’ve lived was designed “just for me.”
So nice to meet you Nancy-you have a desire and determination for reaching for your desires, as well as to share, connect, inspire, explore, dream, and discover. My goal in writing, and life, is also very simple: to enjoy this journey of life. 🙂
Excellent, Penny. As you say . . . Life’s a Beach!