Category: Mental Health Awareness

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Protect Me Like Academy Sports Protects its Online Purchases

Audio Companion

 

See the picture above, this was me last week relaxing in my new RIO Beach Backpack Lounger from Academy Sports.

Please forgive my nearly closed eyes, but I’ve been dealing with some major sinus congestion for more than a week now. Sheer agony!

Anyway, for weeks I had been searching for a beach lounger, when I came across the perfect one on the Academy Sports Website. The color scheme perfectly matched my beach dining accessories from Tabitha Brown’s latest release at Target, it was light weight, and the straps were perfect for easy portability.

I ordered the lounger using a gift card that I received on my birthday last year. When I arrived at the store to pick up my order, I decided to use curbside pickup, since I was not feeling well. I selected the appropriate options to alert an associate that I was outside waiting. When the associate arrived, he immediately asked me for my ID. This posed a problem for me because I had lost my driver’s license at the beach, the previous weekend. Before uttering a word, I looked in my purse and retrieved the gift card that I used to make the purchase, my confirmation email, and my temporary driver’s license.

As I am doing all of this, I told the associate that I had lost my driver’s license, but I had all the items that I listed above as verification that I was in fact the person that placed and paid for the order.

The associate’s initial response was to refuse delivery. My response was, how will my picture ID assure you that I am the person who made the online purchase? Your website didn’t ask for a picture, so how would that help you validate the purchase and me as the purchaser?

We discussed the dilemma for a few minutes and then a second associate came out to my car whom I assume was a manager.

After about a 10-minute delay, I was able to get my order.

As I began driving away, I immediately thought to myself, I need this kind of protection in my life.

Protect Me Like Academy Sports Protects its Online Purchases!

The intention, the verification, and the validation of transacting with the appropriate party was top tier for me. Although I was the one who could not provide the needed information, I appreciate the steps taken by the store to ensure that I was in fact who I claimed to be.

Imagine if each of us took that same level of care in our everyday relationships. Instead of rushing into agreements with others, what if we took time to actually validate who they really are? I was able to gain the trust of the associates because I described the color of my dining accessories and how the colors complimented the lounger that I purchased. I also talked about my past trip to the beach and my intention of going back. All of this discussion helped the associates get to know a little about me and become comfortable with the decision to give me my lounger.

I’ve had a number of representatives show up in my life claiming to be someone whom they really were not. When I thought that I was dealing with someone who had integrity and was trustworthy, but in reality, they turned out to be just the opposite.

The lessons that I am taking from this encounter are:

  1. I will always show up as my authentic self, and I will expect others to do the same
  2.  I will value the connections that can be made by simply engaging in a little small talk
  3. I will respect the boundaries and values of others, and I will expect others to show the same respect to me

These are simple truths that are now part of my #originsofpeace.

How about you? Are you showing up authentically, and do you have set expectations and values that others must adhere to?

There is a quote that says,

“Intention is one of the most powerful forces there is. What you mean when you do a thing will always determine the outcome. The law creates the world.”

 

My intention is to be protected as well as Academy Sports protects its online purchases! What’s your intention?

Peace & Blessing!

Melissa

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We’re are Hiring!

Hello Origins of Peace Family!

   My sincere hope is that you are having a fabulous day.

I wanted to reach out and let you know that we are intentionally growing at OOP!

I have two part-time, contractor positions available.

Please see the images below for an overview of both.

If you are interested in learning more, send your resume to: melissa_rivers@originsofpeace.com.

I will be back next week with more peaceful content, to help you own your values and enforce your expectations of peace.

 

#peaceismypriority

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Is the First Impression the Only Impression?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you were judged based on a version of you that existed long ago?

If so, were you bothered by it?

As a continuously evolving individual, there are so many different versions of you that will exists, over the span of your life.

I’ve found myself in that situation, and I can truthfully say that it didn’t feel good at all.

As a youth, I dealt with so many insecurities which often left me feeling inadequate, unsure of myself and isolated in a huge world.

These feelings caused me to retreat in certain situations, and to avoid settings that felt uncomfortable.

As a forward-thinking adult, therapy and self-reflection played a huge part in my process of becoming whole.

When others decide to judge you, based on who they knew you to be, during your impressionable years, it can trigger a setback and cause feelings of inadequacy to become more profound. You can also simply acknowledge what was said, glean any lessons that you need to take with you, and continue to move forward.

This week, I challenge you to move forward and celebrate yourself for making progress.

The level of value placed on the thoughts and opinions that others have about you, is totally up to you.

If you decide not to allow those opinions to weigh too heavily on your mind, don’t.

We all know those people who like to remind you of your past or who they think you are in their mind, and it can be a detractor from your progress.

Don’t allow it to be.

If you are doing the best that you can at this moment in life, keeping going. If you are placing too much value on the thoughts and opinions of others, stop doing that.

The purpose that God has placed in you, can’t be measured by another human being. Your purpose is God given. 

Place people in the categories where they belong in your life and keep this scripture close to your heart….

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

Before you were born, I set you apart….. -Jeremiah 1:5

“You can’t find peace in a place that you do not trust. Trust yourself.”

Much Love,

Melissa

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Greater Than What I See….

 

Tribulation is a term that can mean trouble or affliction of any kind.

I don’t know about you, but my excitement level around experiencing tribulation is pretty much non-existent.

There is absolutely nothing fun about it……………….it is often painful, isolating and just plan hard.

I am learning to use my feelings about different tribulations that I experience, as a sign of self-awareness.

I’ve begun asking myself, what type of support do I need in order to get through the situation?

While I am very aware that those feelings of pain and isolation are most likely temporary, it sure feels like an eternity when you are experiencing them.

I thank God for Romans 8:24, because within it I am made aware of the hope for something greater…..

Greater than the hurt

Greater than the isolation

Greater than the disappointment

Greater than……..

More often than not, tribulation is not directly about you, but it is definitely for you.

Acknowledging your feelings about an experience creates a truthful space that allows you to see more deeply into your own needs and perceptions.

Yes, tribulation can create an awareness of what you need in order to make it through, but it can also make you aware of your hidden judgement toward others.

#somethingtoconsider

Tribulation produces Patience

Patience produces Experience

Experience produces Hope

This week I challenge you to use the knowledge that you gained about yourself when you were experiencing a trying time, AND THEN extend those lessons learned to others who are experiencing tribulation as well.

#originsofpeace

 

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Happy Valentine’s Day to You!

Happy Valentine’s Day to you from Origins of Peace!
Valentine’s Day means so much more when you truly love who you are inclusive of the challenges, scars and tears that have been shed.
Valentine’s Day is an expression of true love with a whole-hearted understanding of the person whom you’ve decided to commit to.
 Origins of Peace, LLC sends the biggest hug and warmest wishes for genuine love of self to you on this day.
May your day be full of magic!
Peace & Love,
Melissa
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3 Day Vision Board Challenge!

This morning, I kicked off my annual Vision Board Workshop. This is a three-day experience where you will gain the tools you need in order to do the following:
1. Perform a Mindset & Wellness Analysis
2. Create a usable Vision Board
3. Identify your opportunities for growth, that will help make your vision a reality!
 
If you haven’t already created your Vision Board for 2023, I invite you to join me.
Copy and paste the link below in your browser to gain access.
 
 
I hope to see you in the group.
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Themed Dinner Parties Are the Best!

Themed Dinner Parties are so much fun! 

The ambiance, the spirit, and best of all the intention!

The smiles in this photo share so many stories. Stories of celebration and tragedy, but most of all friendship.

When we gather, we gather to commune, to share, and to uplift. 

This is the mission of Intentional Gatherings with Origins of Peace.

 
Five opportunities remain for you to connect for community and cause.
 
With a mission to promote social wellness and support our philanthropic efforts for Heal Recover Grow, Inc.,
our first gathering, takes place on February 12th @ Noon. We are meeting at the Mint Museum in Charlotte, NC.
Click the link below to secure one of the remaining opportunities.
If you have already purchased your ticket, consider purchasing one for a friend, or you can simply make a donation.
 
 
You can learn more about Heal Recover Grow Inc. by checking out our Facebook and Instagram pages.
 
It’s time for you to gather with intention.
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Peace by Design Academy

New year, new goals, reaffirmed commitment.
We are already through the first week of the new year and hopefully you’ve had a chance to reflect on and consider the work that is involved in achieving your resolutions.
Goal Setting is simple, Vision Boards are inspiring, and the true work is done when you map out your goals for the year and make a plan to implement.
The next cohort of Peace by Design Academy begins on Monday, January 16th.
Is this your year to start that business that you’ve wanted for so long? Are you tired of feeling frustrated in your career but unsure of what’s next?
Are you the friend that’s called on to support your family and friends while they walk out their purpose?
If you’re ready to start your next chapter, Peace by Design Academy has a place for you.
We focus on all things peace by analyzing your wellness dimensions and then each month we strategically create an action plan to help you realize your purpose and walk in it, in the most true and authentic way.
The next academy begins on Monday, January 16th. Make a decision to join the academy and create a new vision to find your purpose, develop your plan and get the support you need to take action.
 
Click the link to get started.
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Let Go to Reconnect!

Of course, you are a fierce superpower, making the most strategic personal and professional moves for yourself and your family. Of course, you have it all together, there’s nothing missing, and nothing broken and yes yes to #goodvibesonly!……but as the new year rapidly approaches, what if you adopt a new method of operation…. what if….

you reconnected with the softer side of life while still remaining impactful.

As for me, I’ve spent most of my adult life as a mom, a caretaker, a business owner and devoted family member, which means I’ve had to be a leader, teacher, mentor, and supporter among many other things.

It’s easy to activate a super focused mindset and get into the mode of doing, doing, doing.

If this sounds like you, I challenge you to get back to being, being, being.

Being loved, being heard, being valued, and being seen for who you are, and not for what you can do.

In all honesty, I too look forward to reconnecting with gentleness toward self. I’ve heard after a few adjustments; the experience is quite invigorating.

Next week I am kicking off the 7 Day Purify Challenge. It’s the perfect time to release the old and create a welcoming space for gentleness and compassion.

I only have space for 5 participants to take the challenge with me. If you would like to join me, click the link below to learn more.

https://linktr.ee/melissa_a_rivers

Origins of Peace,
Melissa