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The Big Reveal

So here’s a snapshot of my 2017 Vision Station. The upper board is used to illustrate the goals that I want to accomplish in the upcoming year. I prefer words overs pictures so that I am free to imagine myself completing the goal as I see fit. Pictures tend to stifle my creativity and don’t exactly give me the motivation that I need.

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The lower board is my interactive space. This is where I post my objectives, resource list, action plan, focus word and theme song. I also have a folder to capture ideas and notes. In the past I created separate boards for my business and personal goals but my Career Confidence Coach, Kandis Webb helped me to realize that the two should be conjoined. As an entrepreneur, I am the face and brand of my business. It’s only right that I incorporate those terrific, quirky and unique qualities about myself into my business model.

Same goes for you.

So what’s the point of a ‘theme song?” It’s a proven fact that music stimulates the create thinking process. While you’re being magnificent and churning out new ideas, you need a song that resonates with you. I chose 2 for 2017. The song Unfamiliar by Common is awesome. I absolutely love this song. It reminds me to be open and receptive to the unfamiliar because great opportunities, relationships and partnerships often show up when you least expect it. My 2nd song is Location by Khalid. I love, love, love it! That one line when he says, “What’s the Move and I Got You,” reminds me to be spontaneous and open to new adventures.

I chose to tackle my fitness goals first. I was ready and there was no point in putting it off. I began training with @sakinareneefit on December 20th. In two weeks I’ve dropped a pant size and gained lots of energy!

Wanna know what goal I may struggle with a little?

 (ex-spouse)

To get to a state of cool may take me awhile but I’m working on it!  ( don’t judge me)

Now the only thing left for you to do is decide that you’re ready to gain focus, clarity and most of all Peace in manifesting your 2017 goals.

Positioned for Peace: Your Action Plan For A Peaceful Lifestyle in 2017 is available throughout the month of January for your employees, community group, ministry, social club or group of friends. The workshop includes a PowerPoint, worksheets and team building exercises. You provide the location and I’ll provide the expertise.

I’m ready to share what I know. Are you ready to receive?  Contact me today!

Peace In Action,

Melissa

 

 

 

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When Peace is Your Business

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and I am spotlighting the Cabarrus Victims Assistance Network (CVAN) for their work in helping battered women and their children find safety and peace during troubling times.

I first learned about CVAN as a Girl Scout Leader searching for a community service opportunity for my girls. I found a cute little boutique full of women’s clothing and toys that accepted donations from the community. Upon researching this store I discovered their mission. The store was just a means of support for the many programs that CVAN provides and the shelter that it operates.

CVAN has been in operation since 1982. They provide services such as: a 24-hour hotline, housing, peer counseling, children’s program, formerly battered woman’s advocacy, woman’s jail program, teen program, court advocacy, community education and support groups.

I’ve been connected with CVAN in various capacities for more than 10 years. CVAN is an integral part of Cabarrus County but that reach is nationwide. CVAN has successfully assisted women throughout the United States in finding safety from their abuser.

The following is a list of patterns and behaviors to look for in an abusive mate:

Safety Planning

Signs to look for in your partner:

  • Quick involvement with you
  • Isolates you from others
  • Blames others for their problems
  • Gets upset easily
  • Controlling behavior
  • Explains how you are always wrong
  • Speaks disrespectfully of women
  • Says hurtful things to you
  • Expects you to be perfect
  • Threatens you
  • Hits, chokes or shoves you
  • Cruel to children and/or animals
  • Inappropriate sexual requests

In the United States a woman is abused every 15 seconds.

If you or someone that you know is a victim of Domestic Violence, there is confidential help for you. You can speak with a representative at the following number:                     (704) 788-2826.

Please check out CVAN’s website at:www.cvan.org for more information.

Peace In Action,

Melissa

 

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Blessings in Disguise

Recently I enjoyed a spontaneous weekend getaway to the beach. I was way overdue for a vacation but only had time for a quick trip. The beach was calling my name. I was thoroughly looking forward to checking into my oceanfront room, pulling back the curtain and taking in the marvelous view of the ocean.

Much to my surprise when I pulled back the curtain there was a HUGE, but beautiful palm tree directly blocking my view.

Needless to say, I wasn’t very happy about it. At first, I was really troubled that I had taken the time to meticulously plan this SPONTANEOUS trip and ended up with a blocked view.

After all it had been three long years since my last summertime getaway.

When I wasn’t out on the beach, I spent the time in my room resting and reflecting on recent life events.

The more I reflected, the more I began to study the palm tree. I studied the trunk , the branches, and the magnificent color. The beauty of this tree made me think about unexplained blessings and beautiful coincidences. I thought about the surprises that life has thrown my way and how I’ve been able to not only survive, but thrive!

Embracing unexpected challenges has a way of making a person strong, better and wiser.

The only thing standing between me and a perfect view of the ocean was this beautiful tree, standing tall and wide with outstretched branches. The branches of the tree reminded me of the possibility and opportunity that are mine to create. Although I had become comfortable with the familiarity and steadiness of the ocean view, I now have a newfound respect for the palm tree.

I know you’re probably saying, why didn’t she just change rooms. I did have that option but I believe the presence of the palm tree gave me the courage to level up and think bigger by appreciating what I already know and anticipating that which lies ahead.

 Three things that I learned from the presence of the palm tree:

  1. A different perspective is good.
  2. Some obstacles are blessings in disguise.
  3. Never take for granted that the familiar will always be available to you.

Peace In Action,

Melissa

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Get Ready To Love Your Job!

SUGA Wellness Boutique, LLC is looking for a Marketing Intern for a six week paid assignment. Your primary job duties will included: new client development and social media marketing.

The ideal candidate should posses the skills necessary to help us move forward into new markets including corporate, government and ministry settings.

If you are creative, hardworking, dedicated, organized, motivated and peaceful, we need you!

To learn more about this exciting opportunity and submit your resume for consideration, send an email to sugawellnessboutique@gmail.com

Find Peace and Be Well!

 

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Choose Peace over Fear

Creating more Peace in our lives begins with changing our thought process and mindset. The way that we think about a thing ultimately shapes your beliefs about the experience and the outcome.

I realize that we live in an world of uncertainty but how much more could we enjoy the life that we’ve been given by simply changing how we think.

Lets talk about fear-based thinking and how it causes us to live a defeated life.

Fear based thinking is defined as having a mindset that focuses on limiting beliefs. What ever opportunities arise, a fear-based thinker will find a reason not to show up for the challenge. Many people miss out on travel opportunities and career advancement because of a fear of uncertainty. Constantly dwelling on why an action shouldn’t be completed instead of focusing on the numerous benefits that a good opportunity can bring is absolutely numbing.

It’s a known fact that you will accomplish every limit that you set for yourself. If you constantly focus on not being able to afford certain things, then you will never afford it. If you focus on never being able to take a vacation, you will never go.  If you truly want to be happy and find Peace within, drop the fear, take action and live your best life!

I’ve laid out three easy to implement tips that will help you eliminate fear-based thinking.

  1. Set goals and take intentional action to accomplish them.
  2. Practice the art of NOW and stop procrastinating.
  3. Establish your choices in truth and stand firm in your decisions.

By taking these steps you’re building your self-esteem, becoming more confident, wiping out fear and establishing Peace!

Find Peace and Be Well.

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Trades of Hope

Trades of Hope empowers women out of poverty around the world while creating entrepreneurial opportunities for the modern American woman by selling ethically produced fashion accessories and home décor.

So many women live in poverty, not because they lack abilities, but because they lack opportunity. Trades of Hope was started to give women the opportunity for a better life. Each woman has a story, and with Trades of Hope’s help, their story has changed from pain and struggle to a story of hope!

We work with the artisans themselves and organizations that are helping women in difficult circumstances. Some women have been rescued from sex slavery. Others are raising handicapped children alone. Some are in war torn countries and others have aids and leprosy. These women have never had the chances we’ve had, yet they are just like us in so many ways. They love their families and hope and dream of a better life for them.

If you’re local to the Charlotte Metro area, JOIN me for a Trades of Hope Party. You will have the opportunity to order one of a kind items for Mother’s Day, grab unique graduation gifts and learn more about how this wonderful ministry is helping to pull women out of poverty. EMAIL me today at sugawellnessboutique@gmail.com to secure your spot!

Find Peace and Be Well.

 

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Tip #31 Do Your Best & Trust in God

Happy Thursday Peaceful Souls! I can’t believe we’re already at the end of Women’s History Month and on our last day of the #loveme2Peace Campaign. I hope you’ve gained some insight on how to attract more peace in your life through self-care, self-love and self-reflection. The whole point of the #loveme2Peace movement is to help you become more intentional with your thoughts, actions and words to positively influence yourself, your space and those around you.

Throughout the duration of our Campaign, I’ve experienced numerous opportunities to utilize the tips and advice that I’ve shared with you. I can honestly say that each time I faced a new challenge, I was able to refer back to the list of tips and intentionally chart a path back to peace. Let’s recap the list of tips and then I will share today’s final tip with you.

30. Don’t Take It Personally

29. Be Flexible

28. Do It Anyway

27. Love Always Wins

26. Don’t Settle

25. Believe There is a Bigger Purpose

24. Make Plans for your Future

23. Choose Wisely

22. Get Uncomfortable

21. Believe that your Efforts are not in Vain

20. Invest in Yourself

19. Laugh Often

18. Trust the Process

17. Consistently Pray

16. Know When to Be Silent

15. Consider the How

14. Be Honest With Yourself

13. Lend A Helping Hand

12. Re-evaluate Your Circle

11. Let Go of the Extra Baggage

10. Never Stop Learning

9. Stop Procrastinating

8. Live Your Life

7. Share Your Story

6. Set Your Heart Toward Peace

5. Take Time to Relax

4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Dream Big

2. Believe that You Are Qualified

1. Start Each Day with Gratitude
Today’s tip: Do Your Best & Trust in God
No matter how good your intentions are, you only have a limited amount of power. Your influence and abilities are limited. You can only love so much, help so much and do so much.
The great thing about all of this is that God only requires a little from us. He never puts more on us than we can bear so what we have, we need to give.
After we’ve done all that we can do there’s this special formula called Grace that God extends to those who love him. Grace to face ever day challenges, Grace to love those who seem unlovable and Grace to help us along our journey.
“If it had not been for the Grace of God, where o where would I Be.”
My name is Melissa Rivers and I am a Peace Empowerment Coach. I didn’t choose this life, God gifted it to me. Through various challenges, setbacks and bad decisions, God showed me how to Find Peace and Be Well. Today I extend that offer to you. If you are at a point in your life where you’re ready to actively pursue peace, allow me to help you.
Email me today at sugawellnessboutique@gmail.com to set up a confidential discovery call. I’ll help you create an action plan for peace and begin living life with intention and on purpose.
Thanks for hanging out with me this month. I’ll be back next week with a weekly blog post.
Find Peace and Be Well
Empty wooden deck table
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Tip#22 Get Uncomfortable

Good Morning Peacemakers! Wow, we are already 22 days into our #loveme2Peace Campaign. Let’s do a quick recap and of the last 21 days and then I will jump into today’s tip.

  1. Start Each Day With Gratitude
  2. Believe that You Are Qualified
  3. Don’t Be Afraid to Dream Big
  4. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
  5. Take Time to Relax
  6. Set Your Heart Toward Peace
  7. Share Your Story
  8. Live Your Life
  9. Stop Procrastinating
  10. Never Stop Learning
  11. Let Go of the Extra Baggage
  12. Re-evaluate Your Circle
  13. Lend A Helping Hand
  14. Be Honest With Yourself
  15. Consider the How
  16. Know When to Be Silent
  17. Consistently Pray
  18. Trust the Process
  19. Laugh Often
  20. Invest in Yourself
  21. Believe That Your Efforts are not in Vain
Today’s tip: “Get Uncomfortable”
The road to success is paved with hard choices and tough decisions. Whatever you’re struggling to accomplish, decide today that you will take the necessary steps to achieve your goal. Love yourself enough to put forth the effort.
Find Peace and Be Well.
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Day#13 Lend A Helping Hand

Good Morning Peace Makers! Welcome to day 13 of our #loveme2peace Campaign. I hope that you guys are having a fabulous weekend. This is our special “Daylight Savings” post which means…I’m running a little behind schedule this morning! My day was packed with things to do yesterday, I stayed up way too late and as a result you’re receiving this post later than normal. Yesterday I enjoyed some good, quality time with both of my brothers. As I’ve mentioned before I’m in the midst of this big spring cleaning movement and my brother’s showed up to help me out. It felt great! Although I am the middle child, I often feel as if I’m the oldest. I’m always taking care of something, supporting someone or being asked to do whatever. I don’t mind, God built me to be a support and foundation, I know that it’s part of my purpose but I have to tell you, it feels good to receive help and support. Both of my brothers played a huge part in helping to create some peace memories for me yesterday.

Today’s tip: “Lend A Helping Hand.”

Right now, there is someone in need of your help. Someone within your immediate circle has a need that only you can help fulfill. I often tell my clients that it’s essential for each one of us to do the work that God has purposed for us. There’s someone out there who is connected to you and they cannot complete their work until you complete yours. It’s all about fellowship, collaboration and love.

This week, make it your business to find out how you can be a blessing to others by lending a helping hand. Lending a hand is equivalent to inviting someone else to share in on your peace journey.

Find Peace and Be Well