Category: cancer

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Reflect & Write Affirmation Jars

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of delivering Affirmation Jars for our Reflect & Write breast cancer Survivors, Thrivers and Caregivers Valentine’s Day Celebration.
We donated 20 Affirmation Jars to a local non-profit organization that provides second chances to community members who’ve fallen on hard times.
By gifting our jars to this organization, we were able to empower the residents to sow seeds of love into the lives of their loved ones. The principle of “each one teach one” was in full effect!
 Checkout the BTS Reel below
The second half of our project is a monetary donation to the 2nd annual Hats and Dresses Tea for Pink Party hosted by Elizabeth House Foundation

You can support this wonderful organization by purchasing a ticket to attend.

Join me at this event for an afternoon of tea, fashion, and empowerment on March 23, 2024, from 11 am – 2 pm.
Let’s come together to support a great cause! We will be vending as this event under through our sister company, Planters with SOUL!

 

 

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Affirmation Jars for Valentines Day

Our upcoming Write & Reflect Valentine’s Day Celebration will now take place online. Although we did not meet our intended financial goal, our mission to create Affirmation Jars and to make a donation to a breast cancer awareness organization is still in full swing.

We have a request for 20-30 jars, currently we have 10. I made the decision to host the event online to reallocate funds for the purchase of additional materials.

You can still make a donation by clicking the link below.

https://square.link/u/UWJVAvPcB

Thank you to everyone who donated to this event. Your generosity is appreciated.

Be on the lookout for details about how to join this online event.

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Better Late Than Ugly

It’s the official kickoff of 2024 here at Origins of Peace.

Some may say we’re a little late in showing up, but I say better late than ugly. I am using ugly in the context of feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stressed and unprepared. That is certainly not the vibe that we aim to generate over here. Our intention is to show up with intention, purpose and of course Peace!

I like the feeling of kicking off the year after MLK Jr. Day. The theme of vision and purpose is set, so hey…that’s our que to make a grand entrance.

I wanted to spend a few minutes to re-introduce myself and let you know what Origins of Peace is all about.

I am Melissa Rivers, Creative Peace Coach and Founder of Origins of Peace, LLC. My mission is to help individuals close the gap between conflict and peace personally and professionally. I created the Peace by Design Coaching Academy where I provide personal development coaching (Peaceful Lifestyle) professional development coaching (Peaceful Profits) and teambuilding workshops (Peaceful Collaborations). You can learn more by visiting my website.

Additionally, I am a Corporate Contractor, certified in facilitation, change management and process improvement. I use these highly sought after skills to develop learning and development courses for corporate clients.

One of my favorite things to do is to empower Survivors of breast cancer. Being a Survivor, I find it very beneficial to stay connected to this community and reach back to offer a hand of support where I can.

Personally, I am on a journey to show up AUTHENTICALLY by investing in my health, finances and relationships. As I strive to be more transparent in my business, some of my personal endeavors might show up in this blog because, it’s all about my origins of peace. We all have them.

I invite you to connect with me on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. All links are listed below. As you go about your day, remember this: “God is with you every step of the way.”

Peace & Blessings for a happy, exciting and peaceful year,

Melissa.

#cre8apeacemap #originsofpeace

 

 

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Change the Narrative!

If the definition of worrying is using your imagination to create something you don’t want, what is the definition of manifesting?

It is extremely easy to waste time worry about things that you do not want in your life.  Troubled relationships, career challenges and financial setbacks are just a few issues that can have your thoughts wondering aimlessly out of control.

Several years ago, as I experienced several major crises simultaneously, I often worried if I would survive it all.

First there was the divorce. It was hard and I was stressed. How would I survive, how would it affect my daughter, how would dating and relationships look for me afterwards and how would others perceive my choice? That 12 months of required separation in the state of NC was difficult.

I worried myself to the point of being unhealthy. I was stressed, consistently anxious, not sleeping well, over-weight and extremely unhappy with myself. Just when I thought things were about to get better, the cancer diagnosis appeared.

The week of my divorce hearing, I took time off of work to spring clean my home. I was ready for new beginnings and a fresh start. I wanted so badly to cleanse myself of the constant turmoil and self-imposed worrying. I had my first mammogram, which lead to a callback and subsequently to the diagnosis.

Up until the point of getting married, I was fairly consistent with my physical and nutritional health. Marriage added a level of stress in my life that I wasn’t fully prepared for.

How could this be?

On my last day of radiation treatment, I lost my job and the constant worry continued.

What now & What next?

I share part of my story today because this week marks my 8-year survival story!

I am surviving and thriving. 8 years post-divorce & post-cancer

My journey hasn’t been the easiest, and there have definitely been a few setbacks. What I’ve learned along the way is to focus my time, energy and attention toward the things that I actually want for my life.

I am spending less time focused on things that do not bring me peace, joy or purpose. This involves understanding and owning my values and taking intentional action to reset my personal expectations. It takes discipline to train your mind to focus on manifesting and not worrying.

Many of the traditional methods that are talked about for stress reduction and developing discipline actually work if you work them to your advantage.

  • Journaling is great for getting your thoughts and concerns out of your head and down on paper so that you can create a strategy to effectively manage your challenges. I recently saw a post on Instagram that says, “If you avoid conflict to keep the peace, you start a war inside yourself. I couldn’t agree more”. Get those thoughts out of your mind and create peace within!

  • Exercising is a great way to re-direct your energy and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Imagine the heightened sense of awareness you can generate from a little physical movement.

  • Understanding earth’s elements are a non-traditional method of dealing with stress and redirecting your thoughts from worry to manifest. The elements are air, water, fire, earth and space. Find the element that speaks to you intently. I personally feel most relaxed by varying bodies of water. The crashing sound of ocean waves, or the stillness of a calming lake are both great at helping me to relax and find peace.

For my present and future, I am manifesting an everyday life that is filled with reciprocal love, amazing opportunities, genuine friendships, harmonious family interactions and all the blessings that God has planned and purposed for me.

On June 2, 2015, I had surgery to remove the cancer tumors from my body and on June 4, 2018, I re-entered the workforce with new skills and a highly viable career path. Origins of Peace exist today because of the multiple challenges that I experienced in 2015.

Dating and relationships in this survivor era offer the biggest area of opportunity for me. I’ve come close to manifesting the relationship that I desire, but nothing has panned out completely as of yet. Stay tuned for future posts to see how that plays out. I am hopeful.

What am I manifesting for this area of my life?

A love that is never selfish, always of service, and precisely on purpose.

    From My Mouth to God’s ears

My definition for manifesting is to demonstrate the things that I desire in life prior to actually obtaining them. This is easier said than done, but it is possible, and I am actively doing it.

As I celebrate 8 years of surviving and thriving, I choose to demonstrate good health, love and understanding, progressiveness and forward thinking, spiritual fortitude, and all the desires of my heart while God continues to add blessing upon blessing to my life.

My prayer is that you will change the narrative that you repeat to yourself. May your thoughts of worry turn to offerings of praise and gratitude.

Peace & Blessings to you!

If you are ready to create a strategy of manifestation for your life, let’s work together. Schedule a complimentary consultation today by clicking here. 

Much Love,

Melissa

 

#instagram #joy #loveyourself #meditation #love #positivevibes #mindfulness #follow #photooftheday #beautiful #yoga #photography #happiness #happy #god #selflove #peace #art #instagood #inspiration #healing #life #quotes #hope #music #faith #spirituality #believe #motivation #nature #manifest

 

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Intentional Gatherings by Origins of Peace, LLC

There’s something new and exciting happening at Origins of Peace, LLC.
We’re introducing Intentional Gatherings by Origins of Peace, in an effort to unite small groups of like-minded people with the intention of building community and friendship while supporting a worth-while cause.
Our first event takes place on Sunday, February 12th with a trip to the Mint Museum in Uptown Charlotte and Brunch at a local restaurant. If you are a lover of art and food, this event is perfect for you.
Our purpose is to raise funds for our non-profit sector, Heal, Recover, Grow Inc., where we support survivors of divorce, chronic unemployment and breast cancer by providing tools and resources to live a confident and empowered life after tragedy.
The cost of this gathering is $40, which includes admission to the Mint, including a timed visit to the Picasso Exhibit ($25), donation to Heal, Recover Grow Inc. ($15) and the collective company of a great group of soon to be friends. Tickets will be sent from Origins of Peace, upon purchase.
The cost of brunch is not included. 
Secure your space asap, tickets are going fast.
This Intentional Gathering is limited to 10 people.
Secure your space and make your contribution by clicking the link below.
Peace
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Join the Sister Support Circle

Bring your Journal, Pen, Markers and a little creativity as I host The Sister Support Circle.

The Sister Support Circle is a virtual, safe space for breast cancer survivors to tell their story through reflection and creativity.

We will use mindful techniques, storytelling and journaling to connect with one another.

Register by clicking here. If you know a survivor, share the love by sharing the link!

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Black Women Making A Difference

October is packed with purposeful causes to support. Here are two opportunities for you to get involved.

 

Join me on 09/18 for a Tea & Tell. You sip while I tell you all about the activities that I have planned for breast cancer Awareness Month.

Let’s join forces to make a difference in the lives of those who are experiencing this terrible disease.

Click here to register.

 

Are You Ready For Another Brisk Morning Run?

On Saturday October 22, 2022, at 7:30am we are excited to welcome our Charlotte Community together for our inaugural A Princess’s Closet 5K Race Edition. Whether you are a seasoned runner, someone that is just getting started or someone that prefers walking; we invite you to register for a brisk morning run. 

This race is geared for families to come together and cultivate community, contribute to their health and wellness and fellowship with other families in the Charlotte Metro area. All are welcome on this fun, fast and flat course on October 22, 2022. Register using the link below.

https://chantelgrier.com/lets-run-apc-5k

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Are You A Survivor…

If so, join our Sister Support Circle

Every breast cancer Survivor needs a support circle.   It’s time to find yours.

Your circle should be filled with those who are rooting for you when you feel down, who sit with you when you don’t feel well and who push you when you fail to show up as your best self. A breast cancer Survivor is already powerful – but when survivors who are determined to thrive become a collective, great things always happen.

  • Are you a woman who has survived breast cancer?

  • Are you ready to find and connect with your sister support circle?

  • Do you find it challenging to get genuine support and find people who can empathize with you?

  • Are you ready to offer the support that you are desperately in need of?

If you can relate to any of the questions above, join us for the Sister Support Circle. This exclusive event is especially for woman breast cancer Survivors to unite through a common bond, gain support from other Survivors, and foster a life-long support network.

Mark Your Calendar for the following dates:

  • October 5th

  • October 12th

  • October 19th

  • October 26th

  • November 9th

  • December 14th

There is a $100 dollar investment to join. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

You can expect to experience the following:

  • Become an empowered survivor

  • Gain empathy and support from like-minded sisters

  • Increase your happiness and awareness

  • Find a safe space to share your thoughts

  • Regain your confidence

  • Make lasting friendships

  • Improve your sense of belonging

The Sister Support Circle only has 5 openings in 2022. Sign up now to reserve your spot.

Upon registration you will receive a welcome kit and next steps on how to join the circle.

Your welcome kit includes the following key items as well as other essentials to celebrate your arrival into the circle.

  • Manifesting your Intentions Journal

  • Herbal TEA Variety Pack

  • Weekly Affirmation Cards

  • Instructions on how to make the most of each week and attract the support you need from the circle

Sponsorship

Do you know a Survivor?  If so, you can…

Sponsor a sister in need. You can Sponsor a woman to join this unique circle.

Give her the gift of inclusion and belonging by financially supporting a survivor who would enjoy this opportunity to grow.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Heal Recover Grow Incorporated, a non-profit agency dedicated to assist women who have experienced breast cancer, job loss or divorce re-engage in society as skillful, confident and empowered citizens by offering, self-improvement opportunities, skills development classes and mentoring relationships. 

There are several ways to donate:

  • Cash App: $originsofpeace07 

  • PayPal: paypal.me/originsofpeace 

  • US Mail: P.O. Box 481599 Charlotte, NC 28269. Check or money order made out to Origins of Peace. 

Thank you for donating to this worthwhile effort.

Your donation is nonrefundable, and it is not tax-deductible. 

 

Great health is the greatest wealth!

Melissa

 

 

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Wakanda Forever!

It has taken me a few days to compose this post. I’ve started and stopped numerous times, overwhelmed by the emotional burden that has presented itself with the loss of Mr. Chadwick Boseman.

I am seriously grieving this man and the loss of his life. I didn’t know him personally but I know a cancer diagnosis personally and watching my uncle rapidly decline from colon cancer, I’ve felt that journey, and it’s a hard one.

To reflect on the many accomplishments of Mr. Boseman in spite of his diagnosis is an absolute honor. cancer has a way of making you feel small, fearful, inadequate, weak and incapable. Five years after my diagnosis and I still struggle with the anxiety of it all.

I commend Mr. Boseman for living out loud and giving black people something to believe in and to strive for, through his many roles. Tonight I watched Black Panther along with much of the nation. I’ve seen it a few times before, but tonight I watched with pride and reverence. I appreciated the land and the waterfalls, the sunsets and all the imagery that make that movie spectacular! Wakanda means possibility to me and Wakanda Forever means “Oh the Possibilities!” https://youtu.be/r8nxdAGg2FY

Tonight I was reminded to show up even when I do not feel like it, stop over-thinking and serve my purpose.

I pray that we all learn to live out loud in the possibilities.

#RIPChadwickBoseman

“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen”. Jude 1:24-25

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The Peace in Giving Back

When the Call to Action went out to support a sister in the midst of her journey with breast cancer, I felt compelled to respond. It’s not everyday that the opportunity arises to offer support on a personal basis.

Being a breast cancer survivor who’s currently in her 5th year of survival, I understand that everyday choices are a huge part of the recovery process. I decided to gift this beautiful sister with the Planter pictured above in hopes that it would help to boost her mood during these trying times and also add a little peace to her space.

I remember the fear and uncertainty that I felt during my journey, but I also remember the love and acts of kindness that were shown to me during that time. I remember the visits, phone calls and texts. I remember the Banana Pudding Cake from my Sister in Law Lanita and I remember the beautiful Orchid from my Nephew Nicholas.

My hope is that my simple act of kindness will also be remembered as a simple act of love.💖

To this Sister I pray for Peace and Total Healing. ✨