Category: Milk & Honey

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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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Don’t Lose Your Melody

From the desk of Melissa Rivers

Most people who are experiencing conflict withdraw from doing the things that add peace and enjoyment to their lives. On top of the already solemn mood that is being displayed, a decision is made to stop doing things that are enjoyable, in order to sit in the conflict and ride the wave of emotions.

When it comes to conflict, I often think of the quote by Mahatma Gandhi that says, “happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” 

Nice quote, but how often does this truly happen? How frequently are your thoughts, words and actions completely aligned? Most of the time, one of these three elements isn’t showing up for the party, or ready to play nicely. The words you speak proclaim your intention of doing great things, but your mind tends to disrupt things by ushering in fear or overthinking.

To be real, life is absolutely happening, and we are the benefactors of what happens, good, bad or indifferent.

You have every right to feel sad when you want to or to take a break for as long as you need to, but in doing so, don’t give up doing the things that add peace and joy to your life.

Don’t retreat.  In times like this, you have to remember your melody.

I like to think of my “happiness triggers” as my personal melody.

My melody consists of painting, writing, long walks, beautiful bodies of water and of course music! These are the tools that I depend on to get through my challenging moments. These are the gifts that help me overcome when I feel defeated or less than my best. These are the same gifts that I turn to when I am celebrating a win.

When you find yourself feeling stuck, remember your melody and push Play!

Now there are things that knock the very breath from our lungs when we experience them. I know this feeling all too well. These are the things that leave us speechless or constantly guessing how, why, and what happened! Yet and still, you are an overcomer.

I want to share three things that you can do to realign your thoughts and breathe again when you are left feeling depleted.

  1. Start each day with an expression of gratitude. Ask yourself, “what am I grateful for today,” When you start thinking about things to be grateful for, you allow your mind the opportunity to reflect on your melody.
  2. Celebrate previous wins. Remind yourself of all that you’ve accomplished. If you are reading this right now, you’ve overcome 100% of the things that have been sent to challenge you. Celebrate that!
  3. Find something to focus on.  You need a reason, a purpose or a person to get you over the hump. If making pancakes gives you joy, focus on that!

Your melody is your personal song. No one has the same song. The elements might be the same, but the style and vibe belong to you.

If you resonate with anything in this post, I invite you to join my next Peace by Design Academy or sign up for a CREATE! Empowerment Session.

Both offerings are a great way to extract lessons from past experiences in order to move forward with integrity and a detailed map of what’s next!

You have work to do in this world, and you cannot do it if you do not show up for the opportunity. Grab your melody and let’s go!

Peace,

Melissa

 

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“It’s Ok to Feel What You Feel”

The truth is, it is okay to feel what you feel.

Giving yourself permission to allow your emotions to flow is human and absolutely necessary.

If you’ve been struggling with finding the words to describe your emotions, remember….

“this too shall pass, but in the meantime…it’s okay to feel what you feel”

Lately I’ve found myself asking others questions like, “Is it wrong for me to feel___________?

  AND

Am I wrong for feeling like____________________?

 

After taking a minute to coach myself back from the realities of Imposter Syndrome, I realize that……….

I do not need permission to express my feelings, and regardless of the circumstances, my feelings are mine.

If you’ve found yourself feeling anything like I’ve been feeling lately, take a moment, close your eyes, and exhale.

Trouble is such a loaded word, and there is nothing fun about it. I don’t know about you, but my excitement level about experiencing trouble is pretty much non-existent.
Facing trouble is often painful, isolating and just hard.
HOWEVER
I want to challenge you to consider trouble as an opportunity for you to build your muscle for self-awareness.
Trouble is often a trigger that alerts us to be a little more patient with ourselves, and to get the extra support that we need to get through the situation.
When you honestly acknowledge the presence of your painful feelings that are associated with the troubles that you experience, you can create an honest space of reflection, which allows you to move forward in peace.
This is my prayer for you….
May all the things that weigh heavy on your heart be lifted….
May all the things that trouble you, bring you gladness……
May all the things that make you doubt how amazing you are, vanish….
Be encouraged.
#originsofpeace
Let’s make this a great week.

 

 

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Draw A Circle Around The Things You Love

What do you love and how do you keep it sacred?
Anyone or anything that is near and dear to my heart has a specific prayer strategy attached to it.
This is important to me now more than ever because the world is different, people are different and the expectations that are placed upon us can be quite daunting.
It can be A lot!
No matter how challenging times may seem, if I hold something sacred to my heart, I tend to protect it…sometimes more than I should.
                                                                           I can be guilty of protecting relationships that I have no business entertaining.
With this being the case, I place everything that is near to me in a prayer circle. I identify it as something special and then I create specific prayers around it.
My prayers include guidance to know if I should protect it, nurture it or eliminate it.
It is extremely important to classify accordingly. My circle includes family, friends, acquaintances, career & business and anything else that is significant to me.
I am definitely not a “good vibe” only type of person. I believe in genuine interactions and meaningful connections, however; when I’m done, I am done for real.
                           BUT TRULEY, I tell you, if anything that is within my circle allows outside influences to deteriorate what we have, a realignment is in order.
                As we prepare for Love & Culture Month (February), let’s get clear about what is important. If it is important to you, you should be important as well.
                                                                                                   What’s in your circle and do you have a prayer strategy for it?
On February 1st I will begin re-reading the book Draw the Circle The 40 Day Prayer Challenge.
Want to join me?  
We can check in with one another every 8 days or so to see how things are going and to discuss the revelations that are being shown to us.
Will you join me? Grab your copy here.
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Create!

Do you have a 2023 Vision for Career Development or Personal Travel?

Do you have the resources to lead your team or family to make intentional decisions in the New Year?

Quick suggestion:

Make plans for Sunday Dinner & pull out your Vision Board Kit to get the conversation started.

I would love to curate a personalized Vision Board to fit your needs. Complete the form below & let’s chat.

 

Origins of Peace,
Melissa
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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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Allow Me to Reintroduce Myself!

Welcome to all new community members of Origins of Peace!

I am so delighted that you have found your way to my small corner of the internet. Please come on in, make yourself comfortable and enjoy the peaceful view of life, love and all things in between.

Thank you all for being here!

 

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: (1) Melissa Rivers – YouTube

Sign up for my email list: Origins of Peace, LLC – Continuous Improvement Coach, Personal Development Mentor, Professional Growth Educator! (melissaarivers.com)

If you have questions about our services, you can email me directly at melissa_rivers@originsofpeace.com

 

Sponsor a breast cancer Survivor for our Sister Support Circle.

Give the gift of inclusion and belonging by financially supporting a survivor who would enjoy an opportunity to commune, grow and become empowered.

A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Heal Recover Grow Incorporated, a non-profit agency dedicated to assisting 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:

  • Credit or Debit Card

  • Cash App: $originsofpeace07 

  • PayPal

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

Peace,

Melissa – Your Creative Peace Coach

www.originsofpeace.com

 

 

 

 

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Let’s talk about Creative Freedom 

Happy Sunday to you!

Today I am sharing one final lesson from my eBook Pray with Ease.

Creative Freedom 

Exercising Creative Freedom is much like wandering and exploring.

Have you ever taken a long walk in the woods or through a botanical garden? Maybe you’re adventurous and like to hike alongside a mountain waterfall.

When you have creative freedom in God’s word, it’s much like an exploration. You can freely move at your own pace and immerse yourself in everything that is around you while expressing your gratitude for the experience. 

Creative Freedom allows you to be bold, powerful and intentional. Once you set your intentions and find your Energy Enhancers take a moment to immerse yourself in the words. Explore the scriptures and feel the inspiration that is embedded within. 

Focused Intention + Energy Enhancers + Creative Freedom = The Ability to Pray with Easy

You are now ready to pray those bold, powerful, impactful prayers!

Here is a list of a few of my favorite tools for enhancing spiritual wellness: 

  • T.D. Jakes Woman Thou Art Loosed Bible 

  • The Bible Experience Old & New Testament 

  • Woman Evolve by Sarah Jakes Roberts

  • Journal & Writing Pen 

I wish you great success in all of your endeavors.

Stay in the know:

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: (1) Melissa Rivers – YouTube

Sign up for my email list: Origins of Peace, LLC – Continuous Improvement Coach, Personal Development Mentor, Professional Growth Educator! (melissaarivers.com)

Peace,

Melissa – Your Creative Peace Coach

www.originsofpeace.com

If you desire individual coaching to help enhance your spiritual wellness email me directly at melissa_rivers@originsofpeace.com

Sponsorship Opportunity

Sponsor a breast cancer Survivor for our Sister Support Circle in need.

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 assisting 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. 

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The Happenings This Week at Origins of Peace

So much is happening at Origins of Peace, and I can’t help but to be excited about it.

Listen to the video below to learn more:

 

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Doing the Absolute Most!

 

There are so many Rhymes & Rhythms to

understanding Peace and the Pursuit of it.

Before I jump into the discussion about people pleasing, I want to explain the concept of Acknowledgement to

strengthen your Spiritual Wellness.

Increase your Acknowledgement of what is around you in order to build trust, knowledge and foresight to manage your personal struggles.

There will be times when you do not understand why “a certain thing” happened in your life, and you will not know if it happened to you or for you.

There will also be times when you cannot seem to shake the residual effects of “that certain thing”    BUT

There are special promptings and messages that show up as direction for your journey.

Biblical Scripture is my personal compass because the content found within it has helped me to elevate out of various dark places in my life.

You can utilize whatever word inspires you to take action, you just need discernment to notice the direction that is found within the text. 

I’ve used the word direction repeatedly because the word that inspires you needs to have a layout of forward progression.

 

Take a look at the diagram above.

The Energy Enhancer/ (Scripture) is: Genesis 50:20-21

The direction found within is: “Don’t Be Afraid.”

The knowledge gained is: God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives

The Trust Factor is: I will provide for you and your children

The Personal Struggle Statement is: You intended to harm me

Acknowledgement of all the factors contained in the scripture allow you to freely move in Peace. You are essentially giving a head nod to the fact that the opposition had it out for you, they tried everything in their power to trap you, but the intention for your life is greater than any plan they could think of or imagine SO THEREFORE God’s word over your life cancels out their plan. 

PERIOD.

You will find your blessing (Peace) on the other side of your personal struggle.

Face whatever you need to face and deal with whatever needs to be dealt with. By doing so you remove its power over your life.

You were designed to be a creator, an innovator, a mountain mover and an overcomer.

It’s time to live!

Now, a quick word about being a people pleaser or as I sometimes refer to them as “a performer.”

 

  • Are you the type of person who feels like you always have to be doing something to gain attention or support from others

  • Do you often feel overlooked or isolated if you are not helping someone by providing a solution to their problems

  • Do you neglect your self-care needs by putting the needs of others before your own

If any of these people pleasing/ performer traits sounds familiar to how you move in this world, it’s time to have a long talk with yourself and make different choices.

Neglecting your needs to appease others is a quick way to achieve mental, physical and emotional exhaustion.

When we fail to establish boundaries with others and we willingly perform in order to gain their acceptance, we are merely acting, and just like in the entertainment industry, we are not showing up authentically. You are uniquely and wonderfully made. Acknowledge that and walk in the acceptance that your needs matter too.

I am sharing 3 tips to help you put down the script and stop performing:

  • Realize that your needs are important

  • Develop an Action Plan to prioritize what you need

  • Ask yourself this question each day: “Did I choose me today?”

I’ve shared a lot today so let’s seal it with a prayer.

Click here to hear this message in its audio version and to receive the special prayer at the end.

You know how to reach me if I can be of service to you:

Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: (1) Melissa Rivers – YouTube

Sign up for my email list: Origins of Peace, LLC – Continuous Improvement Coach, Personal Development Mentor, Professional Growth Educator! (melissaarivers.com)

Purchase my Course entitled Create! and let me help you start your journey to Peace.

Peace,

Melissa – Your Creative Peace Coach

www.originsofpeace.com