Miracle Season Contest: Week Two

Contest with bestselling women's fiction author Christine Nolfi.We’ve all been through difficult times—frustrating days or longer periods when life seems to offer nothing but heartbreak. Rarely in those crisis moments do we appreciate the lessons in perseverance, humility, and love that become available when life tests us to our limits. The hard times are hard. They also shape us into stronger, wiser adults.

To enter this week’s contest: If you could go back to a difficult time in your life, what advice or encouragement would you give to your younger self?

You have until Tuesday, January 30th to respond with a comment below. For extra points, copy & paste your reply below the post on my Facebook Author page and inside the post in Women’s Fiction Fans (look for the starry night image, used here).

On Monday, February 5th, I’ll announce the winners in my newsletter (sign up here). Winners will be chosen randomly.

If you haven’t yet responded to last week’s question, enter here. You’ll also find last week’s contest on my Author Facebook page, and inside Women’s Fiction Fans (scroll down to find the post with the image of the girl in the forest from last week’s question.)

Grand Prize: $100 Gift Card to J Jill or Bed, Bath and Beyond and a signed copy of Sweet Lake or The Comfort of Secrets (winner’s choice with gift card and paperback)

Second Place: $50 Gift Card to J Jill or Bed, Bath and Beyond and a signed copy of Sweet Lake or The Comfort of Secrets (winner’s choice with gift card and paperback)

64 Comments

  1. Jeannie D. on January 15, 2018 at 11:32 am

    To tell myself my favorite motto of “This to shall pass” and to hold your head up and carry on

    • Christine Nolfi on January 15, 2018 at 11:40 am

      Wonderful advice, Jeannie! Thanks for entering.

  2. Amy on January 15, 2018 at 11:41 am

    To keep moving forward and ignore what others are saying about me.

  3. Arletta on January 15, 2018 at 11:46 am

    It’s always so easy to think positive thoughts in hindsight! I’m going through a tough time right now with my car in the shop and they won’t be able to look at it until tomorrow at the earliest. So I had to take today off work. My husband left today on a business trip so all of the arrangements are left up to me. On top of that, it’s -32 outside and that just makes standing outside with a non-working vehicle not a lot of fun. Yes, in a few months, I’ll be able to look back and see how I could have responded to all the different circumstances but when you’re in the thick of it, staying pleasant and cheerful isn’t really easy. And today is called Blue Monday! Irony at it’s best!

  4. Linda Hewitt on January 15, 2018 at 12:06 pm

    I’ve been very lucky, I haven’t had very many times in my life that were difficult, and I have a positive outlook more often than not! My Mama always said, “There but for the Grace Of God go I”! I’ve always taught my children that there is always someone somewhere worse off than we are. We’ve eaten crackers (figuratively speaking) many nights for dinner. My advice to my younger self would be to wait and marry for love and not because that person fulfills a present need.

  5. Alisha Collins on January 15, 2018 at 12:08 pm

    Follow your dreams, don’t be side tracked by false promises.

  6. Bambi Rathman on January 15, 2018 at 12:10 pm

    Those lessons that come with the trials and hard times are difficult when they’re happening, for sure. My husband and I have been in a difficult trial since April when he had complications from surgery. It’s been a long road. I think the lesson I’m learning is how he’s kept a positive attitude during this whole time. He’s amazing! We have a long way to go still but doing it together is how we’re doing it. I don’t know if sharing a link to a song is ok here…I can take it off if I need to…but your question reminded me of this song. It’s by a group called Mercy Me.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXlD–GRhZ8
    Manage

    MercyMe – Dear Younger Me (Lyrics)
    YOUTUBE.COM
    LikeShow more reactions · Reply · Remove Preview · 1m · Edited

  7. Sonnetta Jones on January 15, 2018 at 12:21 pm

    I would tell myself that this is just a dot in my life. It will pass and I will not be the same but it is okay. It will change me for the better. I will be more understanding of anyone going through some, more patient and loving. Most importantly I am loved beyond measure.

  8. Amy Coats on January 15, 2018 at 12:26 pm

    I’d tell myself to turn to God sooner.

  9. Dawn on January 15, 2018 at 12:29 pm

    I have learned that to get thru the trials of life that communication is the key to happiness! If you don’t talk to each other in good as well as bad you don’t stand a chance of succeeding! Waiting until your both calm helps you to talk out the problems!

  10. peggy clayton on January 15, 2018 at 12:52 pm

    It would be hold on and don’t make a rash decision as those are mostly the wrong decisions. If i would of waited then looked in at the situation i would of made a better decision and not be in a world of hurt.

  11. Melissa Henderson on January 15, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    I would advise myself to pause, breathe and pray. Responding in the moment of adversity might not be the best idea. Most often, listening will help with learning. 🙂

    • Christine Nolfi on January 15, 2018 at 1:10 pm

      Such wonderful advice, Melissa. Many thanks for entering. x

  12. Vivian on January 15, 2018 at 12:57 pm

    When we’re young we take the ugly and hateful words from others to heart. Know that as time passes we will not only forget those ugly and hateful words but the people that voiced them as well.

    • Christine Nolfi on January 15, 2018 at 1:01 pm

      You are a wise woman, Vivian. Thanks so much for entering. x

  13. Louetta Waters on January 15, 2018 at 1:04 pm

    This is only but a very brief moment in your life..it will pass, and when it does you will be better for it. Stronger and more confident, a much better person.

  14. Nins on January 15, 2018 at 1:31 pm

    I would tell myself NOT to marry him. The screaming and yelling turned to guns and more. Just not worth it.

  15. Tina Treece Argo on January 15, 2018 at 1:54 pm

    I would tell myself to march alone and keep punching thru you for this girl.
    And as a young teenager I would say think before you take that step would have lined out my life a lot better. Thank you for a chance to win.

  16. Anne L. Rightler on January 15, 2018 at 2:12 pm

    I would say, just stop it, stop it. and hope that I would listen and make better choices.

  17. AndreaStoeckel on January 15, 2018 at 7:36 pm

    To remind myself to “Do what you can, and pray that G-d will give you the strength to do what you cannot”.

    It was hard to be little me

  18. Lisa Hudson on January 16, 2018 at 1:23 am

    I’ve been blessed. I grew up in a home filled with love and the most supportive parents imaginable! I have a wonderful husband and two young adult children. For 38-39 years of my 59 years I was super skinny. I mean I’m 5’ 9 1/2” & weighed 128 lbs S.K.I.N.N.Y! I had a total hysterectomy at 38 ( & had an 18 month old child!). About 18 months later I had an ACL Allegraft to correct a horrifically damaged knee. Because I had put it off (18month old child & other surgery), we had to completely rebuild the muscle in my leg. Since then, I’ve had many, many surgeries (mostly orthopedic because I had a LOT OF FUN in my past) & my very active lifestyle has screeched to a halt. Yes, it’s all fixed as good as new, but I don’t really care to be a “repeat offender”! My weight has skyrocketed due to my lifestyle changes. Well, that … and I did marry the World’s Most Fantastic Cook who likes to use real butter, heavy whipping cream and sugar! I would tell my younger self to not stop exercising – even when it hurts! Also, quit worrying about what other people think of you! I read a quote that I love: “Never trust a wo(man) without a limp.” I think you could also interchange “scars” for “limp”. Think about it. We all have life experiences we need to share with each other so we can learn from shared mistakes and victories.

    • Christine Nolfi on January 16, 2018 at 8:57 am

      Love your motto, Lisa. Even if we all don’t have limps, we do have scars.

  19. Linda Moffitt on January 17, 2018 at 4:05 pm

    You don’t need THOSE Kind of Friends They are not really your Friends and will ruin your life and any goals that you have for yourself

  20. Denise on January 22, 2018 at 12:31 pm

    I wish I could have learned this saying sooner. It is none of my business what other people think of me.

  21. Jan Crossen on January 22, 2018 at 1:51 pm

    Hang in there. It gets better.

  22. Andrea on January 22, 2018 at 2:35 pm

    I would like to remind myself that everyone has feelings and words can’t be taken back. I would tell myself that others will not be able to properly love you until you in fact love yourself first.
    I would also remind myself that you’ve got this! As long as you give it you’re all, you will persevere. That all things are possible, WITH GOD!

    Don’t sweat the small stuff!

    It can be so much worse…remember what you have in your life to be thankful for!

    THIS TOO SHALL PASS!

  23. Margie Shaw on January 22, 2018 at 3:53 pm

    I would tell myself to learn to be more independent, be self sufficient and learn to take care of yourself because in the end, when it’s all said and done, you really only have yourself to count on.

  24. Darlene Holley on January 23, 2018 at 1:41 pm

    Don’t ever give in to peer pressure, be who you are and don’t change for anyone.

  25. Jonella Moore on January 23, 2018 at 1:45 pm

    In 2001, I unexpectedly suffered a severe injury while working as a nurse. This Triggered a rare disease that took almost everything from me- my job, my health, my friends, my home and my marriage all dissolved under its onslaught. If I could go back to that dark time I’d tell myself that change is not necessarily a bad thing, as it caused me to open my eyes and appreciate life in a way I did not before. Now, 17 years later, I have reached an equilibrium in my life where I’m closer to God and my family than ever before. I know that this would not have happened unless I went through that shadowy time.

  26. Diane Dicke on January 23, 2018 at 1:45 pm

    Listen to your heart and be true to yourself.

  27. Donna Coder on January 23, 2018 at 2:02 pm

    Don’t let people step all over you.

  28. Jeana K. on January 23, 2018 at 2:09 pm

    Trust the Lord completely without reservation. Like the poem ‘Footprints in the sand’ says he will carry you.

  29. Rita Wray on January 23, 2018 at 2:09 pm

    I would tell myself you are as good as everyone else. Have more confidence because you are a good person.

  30. Vicki Spillman on January 23, 2018 at 2:56 pm

    I would tell myself that I could raise two children by myself. Also, that I am a very strong and loving woman. Take one day at a time. Talk to God, He is always there for you.

  31. Kim Kight on January 23, 2018 at 3:29 pm

    To not let what others say or think of me get me down. To live each day to its fullest. Enjoy life!

  32. Becky Frank on January 23, 2018 at 3:31 pm

    We are born in innocence, no matter what events led up to our existence in this world. Then we are given knowledge by the person who will raise us from birth to adulthood. With luck, there will be love, compassion, and the freedom to explore our own heart and souls—to be our own person.
    What a shame that we, in our purity, are exposed to the cruelty of this world. The negativity, the hurtful taunts, the lies that fly freely from mouth to ear, the words that cut like a surgeon’s scalpel into our souls, thus destroying the core of who we are.
    However, on the golden horizon, there has been a shift, just a sliver of change, but one that is making an impact. People are starting to listen to their hearts, their souls. The wave of inhumanity is being replaced by benevolence—that quality that was living within us the moment we were brought into this world.
    What I would have told little Becky, follow your heart and listen to your soul energy, walk your own path, for this is your journey. Many will cross your path, bless them on their way and don’t pick up the garbage they toss for that mess is theirs and theirs alone.

  33. Rita on January 23, 2018 at 4:15 pm

    I would tell my younger self not to be afraid to tell someone that my friends father came after me in the bathroom of their house. I was at their house for a pool party. He then kept after me in the pool making me promise not to tell. He promised never to do it again. The ten year old child that I was said o.k. I was so loved by my father that I was afraid that he would go after the man. I did not want to lose my father. I am 70 years old. I finally told another friend of mine when I was 65. Every time I go into a bathroom I think of that day. Parents say, my daughter would tell me if something happened to them. Don’t be too sure. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to tell my story.

  34. Anne on January 23, 2018 at 4:38 pm

    Since several life threatening illnesses over the past 5 years life has been a challenge but I have managed to triumph over every hurdle in my path without help form anyone. It was disappointing and demoralizing to be ignored and not given any help or kindness even though I reciprocate when others are ill, sad or need help. I love to help out and continue to do so with my family and friends. I would say to myself do not dwell on it since life is short.

  35. Toni A Laliberte on January 23, 2018 at 4:57 pm

    My parents divorce when I was sixteen, was a very difficult time for me. I would tell myself to keep going and not give up so easily and blame myself, for their mistakes.

  36. Jeanna Massman on January 23, 2018 at 6:09 pm

    I would tell my younger self-“Don’t sweat the small stuff and in the end, it’s all small stuff.”

  37. Anne Youakim on January 23, 2018 at 6:51 pm

    I would quote a country song – if you’re going through Hell, keep on going. You might get out before the Devil knows you’re there.”

  38. Rose Johnson on January 23, 2018 at 6:57 pm

    Trust your intuition and listen to that. It’s right more than you know. And, it might just be the Holy Spirit whispering to your heart.

  39. bn100 on January 23, 2018 at 8:06 pm

    try again

  40. Peggy Hyndman on January 23, 2018 at 8:09 pm

    I would tell myself that everyone makes mistakes and that you learn from them (and hopefully won’t make the same ones again) … it’s not the end of the world and to pick myself up, dust myself off, and move forward with my new knowledge instead of having my mistake(s) paralyze me.

  41. Cecile VanTyne on January 23, 2018 at 8:21 pm

    Something good comes out of every bad situation! It never fails!

  42. Natalya Lakhno on January 23, 2018 at 8:23 pm

    Be still and know that He is God and He holds you in His hand.

  43. Yvonne on January 24, 2018 at 5:25 am

    Dont be afraid to do something that you want to do. You dont always have to be what others expect of you. They should love you no matter what

  44. MelK on January 24, 2018 at 7:32 am

    ‘Say yes!’ and ‘Don’t leave the house!’

  45. Bobbie Warren on January 24, 2018 at 10:16 am

    You will find someone to love you.

  46. Tracy on January 24, 2018 at 10:24 am

    If I could go back in time and give advice to my younger self I would tell her “You do not need to be at certain places in your life at certain times. Everyone has their own timeline. If you are not married at 25 and all of your friends are, do not worry about it. If you are in your 30s and do not have children and all of your friends do, do not worry about it. Things tend to happen the way they are supposed to and you do not need to judge your own success by other people’s time lines.

  47. Meg @ A Bookish Affair on January 24, 2018 at 11:23 am

    Trust your gut and hang in there!

  48. Vicki Evans on January 24, 2018 at 12:24 pm

    I would tell myself that I am enough! I am a beautiful person inside where it counts most, and not to compare myself to others because eventually you will always lose. There’s always someone prettier, skinnier, more intelligent. I just need to use MY God-given talents and abilities and be thankful for all things because everything I go through in life will (and has) make me stronger. I’d tell myself that when I am an older person (as I am now) that I will be proud of the human being that I will become because she’s pretty darn awesome. Non-judgmental, intelligent, caring, generous, a good listener, God-loving, and just downright a good woman.

  49. Jean White on January 24, 2018 at 12:25 pm

    You are not alone. You have friends and family who will help once you make your decision.

  50. Sandy on January 24, 2018 at 3:08 pm

    I’d tell myself that I am not a statistic. That there is a reason that this occurred and to make the best of it and set some goals. And to not let others opinions shape my life. I found as a young teenage mother and a high school dropout, I wander around a lot those first few years. I was a hopeless statistic, a failure yet I knew internally I wasn’t. It took time to turn myself around. Not wasted years as those years, I learned a lot about myself and others. I did a lot of growing up.

  51. Jan Tomalis on January 24, 2018 at 7:05 pm

    In my battle with cancer I lost a lot of sleep worrying. After going through it all I think I need to take the attitude of what will be will be. I didn’t change the results by worrying and I came through it all a stronger person.

  52. Becky Pennington on January 24, 2018 at 9:07 pm

    If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self to spend more time with my Grandmother, leave abusive men right away, read more and take better care of your teeth. I read a book the other day and I don’t want to say what the name of it was as to not spoil it but in the book one of the characters was so excited for the next book to come out in the series he was a fanboy of … but he ended up dying before it was released. That is one thing I fear most. That I will not get to finish the series whether we are talking about books or life in general. So I would tell myself to finish the series asap. Don’t leave anything open ended.

  53. Angie Miller craig on January 25, 2018 at 12:16 am

    I would tell myself to go with my gut at all times.

  54. Colleen Bergman on January 25, 2018 at 1:49 am

    Listen to your intuition!

  55. Gail Demaree on January 25, 2018 at 10:18 am

    Do the best you can and pray that God will help you through this.

  56. Sheri on January 25, 2018 at 11:30 am

    I found I could go back in time, I would tell myself I not marry my ex and to not let him have so much power over me.

    I would have learned the mantras ‘what doesn’t kill me makes me stronger’ and ‘not my circus, not my monkeys’ sooner.

  57. Lacey Waters on January 25, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    Never say yes if you want to say no

  58. Medenna Walton on January 26, 2018 at 12:53 am

    My advice would be to surrender to God sooner rather than later, love your parents better, record their memories and thoughts, and travel more.

  59. Brandy Mesa on January 28, 2018 at 7:07 am

    I have a mouthful of clichés that actually are kind of mantras and they always hit me AFTER the season of difficulty has passed.
    A few years ago I had a particularly hard time and I am still working to get through it completely.
    So here goes:
    Never make a decision when you “can’t see the forest for the trees.” While in crisis, you can never process all the aspects of a situation. Take the time to analyze, soul search, and reflect while you are working towards resolve. You will avoid making decisions based on emotion and achieve better results in overcoming the situation.

    Everything happens for a reason. You are not in control of everything in your life. Remember to breathe, and take a beat, before spiraling out of control due to an occurrence. Examine your choices and make alterations accordingly!

    This too, shall pass! Whatever is going on in your life, this is but one brief moment. Ride it out because regardless of how long it feels, it won’t last forever.

    You are stronger than you think! When you think you are at your worst, you will find out just how strong you are. Even if, you or something in life becomes broken, you will find the strength to rise from downfall and you will be even stronger. You will always learn somethings about yourself in these times.

    Just a few of the affirmations I have learned and continue to use to keep myself in check!

  60. Rita Pacchiana on January 28, 2018 at 10:35 am

    I would tell my younger self to be more patient everything happens in Gods time. I also would tell myself not to be so trusting not everyone has your best interests at heart and not everyone is what they seem. I learned the hard way and was used and emotionally abused by trusting the wrong people. One thing for sure is there is always time to listen to what others have to say the loves that love you and you are never too old to learn

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