Posted on Leave a comment

 What’s On Your Mind

Imagine lying comfortably on your bed gazing up at the ceiling. Picture little thought bubbles floating in the air above you and each bubble is filled with a short phrase or descriptive word. One bubble says loyal, the next says smart and the next one says dependable. The next bubble you see says lazy, followed by hopeless and disgusting. It’s amazing how the messages in the bubbles changed but your position didn’t. You’re still the same loyal, smart and  reliable person who’s relaxing on the bed. The only thing that changed was your mind. You allowed your thoughts to go off course and disrupt your peace.

You have the power to choose your thoughts. You can decide which thought bubbles fit your life. 


Our thoughts are the means in which we communicate to ourself. Its our self-talk.

What are you saying to yourself?

Do your thoughts empower you or do they make you feel weak? Does your self-talk make you feel strong or does it make you feel incapable?

Positive self affirmations are an excellent tool to help you manage the way that you speak to yourself. Practice reciting the following three affirmations to help you get started.

1. I am wonderfully created.

2. I am here to fulfill a unique purpose.

3. I purposely demonstrate love to others.

Now ceate your own affirmations and watch how amazing you feel after reciting them.

PeaceMode,

Melissa

Posted on Leave a comment

Specificity

“They deserve my specificity” -Kofi

Gratification is one of the most peace fulfilling prophecies alive today. 

When we give thanks for the people in our lives, it automatically generates peace, love and wellness in our areas of influence.

Oh but something extra special happens when a man who holds the key to a woman’s heart specifically acknowledges all the wonderful and unique attributes about her. She could be wife, sister or close friend. She immediately feels at ease, protected, vindicated and valued.            She is at peace.

PeaceMode,

Melissa

Posted on Leave a comment

What’s On Your Peace Map

As a Peace Coach, I’m often asked why I choose to pursue Peace and what kind of things bring me Peace. In all honesty, I choose Peace because it wasn’t present in my life for a very long time. In my early years I had to deal with a lot of stuff. One of the most memorable is a relationship in my mid-twenties that made me question who I was and what I stood for. I wish that I could say I made all the right choices in handling my hurt, but I can’t.

Today I’m a completely different person. I made a lot of selfish choices that have had lasting affects in my life. What I know now is that I forgive myself for not taking the time to properly grieve the loss of the relationship and for not allowing myself sufficient time to heal.

As a commitment to my peace and mental health, I surround myself with people and things that bring me Peace and provide opportunities to release tension.

I created my first Peace Map several years ago to intentionally call Peace into my life. My Peace Map has evolved over the years but I can truly say the things that are on it now, bring me unspeakable Peace.

Did you notice A Different World seasons 2-6 on my Peace Map? I am absolutely in love with the evolution of Dwayne and Whitley’s love story on the show. I’m also captivated by the quality and substance of the show. It really details some serious life lessons and cultural awareness. A piece of my heart has been broken since Netflix removed the show from their catalog on March 15th. If anyone reading this has any influence at Netflix, please tell them to add it back.

Another one of my peace providers is Brussels Sprouts. Yes, I said Brussels Sprouts. No matter how you cook them, I will eat them. I’ve even chopped them up and added them in my green smoothie recipes. 

If you haven’t already, take a few minutes to consider those things that accentuate Peace in your life and create a Peace Map!

PeaceMode,

Melissa

Posted on Leave a comment

The Importance of Sincerity

When’s the last time you had a tough conversation? One of those gut wrenching discussions where you had to be the bearer of bad news. A conversation where you knew that you were about to deliver news that could rock someone’s foundation and be detrimental to their wellbeing.

I’ll never forget the day I told my ex that I wanted a divorce. It was tough to figure out how to say those words because I had never been an advocate for divorce before.

What I realized when delivering the news to him was that I needed to be direct in my approach, clear with my words and my energy needed to be sincere. It was important to me to reaffirm the work that we had put into trying to save our marriage but I was also sure to acknowledge the reality that things just weren’t working out.

Are you may facing a tough conversation? Are you unsure about what your approach should be?

My advice to you is to speak from your heart, say what’s on your mind and sprinkle in a little sincerity and grace.

Delivery is key.

PeaceMode,

Melissa

Posted on Leave a comment

A Prayer for Restoration

Dear Lord,

   Thank you for restoring those things that were once lost. I appreciate your willingness to restore them better than they previously were. Its been said that time heals all wounds but I’m a firm believer that you make things right in your time and then you redeem the time that was lost. You are amazing. Always watching over us and guiding us through life. I pray to trust you more. I pray for a better understanding of your love for us. I thank you for blessing us according to your love and I am thankful that in you all is well. 

In Jesus Name, 

Melissa

Posted on Leave a comment

3 Month Check-In

Hi Peace Seekers!

We are exactly three months into the new year and it’s time for a quick check-in to see how you’re doing on your goals and if it’s time for some re-adjustments.

I pray that things are going well for you and that Peace is still your top priority.

At the top of the year I set some pretty lofty goals for myself. I am on a mission to achieve Peace in several areas of my life. My strategy plan includes goals for my health, my career, my spirituality and my relationships.

I am happy to report that I am making strides in all areas. So far I’m down 12 lbs. I’m gaining clients in my business, my prayer life is terrific and best of all, I’m getting gold stars for being the “coolest ex ever!” I’m happy to report that I’ve let go of some grudges and sprinkled some forgiveness on a few situations!self-belief

So how’s it going for you. Are you making strides and working toward your goals or are you at a stand still.

If you’re stuck, let me help you get back on track. If you’re really ready to start crushing goals peacefully, contact me today.

704-659-3424 or support@myactionplanforpeace.com

Peace In Action,

Melissa

Posted on Leave a comment

“No Love” on Valentine’s Day

pink-text-happy-valentines-day_001

Do yourself a favor and show “No Love” to feelings of loneliness and depression this Valentine’s Day. So what if you’re not in a relationship or you’re unable to spend time with your significant other. Today is the perfect day to show love to yourself and do things that you enjoy doing. Better yet, take time to do something nice for someone else.

Maybe you won’t be able to have a romantic meal with your sweetie, but you can surprise a friend, family member or someone else by paying for their lunch.

Maybe you’ve been waiting for the perfect day to take off work and enjoy some “me” time. There’s no better time than the present. Take a mental health day and enjoy it!

Personally, I love to listen to old songs on my record player and enjoy a nice glass of wine.

The options are limitless as to what you can do today. Whatever you do, do it well and enjoy the experience!

Peace In Action,

Melissa

Posted on Leave a comment

How’s your week going so far? Do you have any plans or exciting events that you’re looking forward too?  These are the types of questions that you can ask yourself in order to gain direction in your life. Start out small and work your way up to bigger things. Direction provides Purpose and Peace in your life! direction

 

Posted on Leave a comment

762

Before we get too much further into the New Year, I have to take time to acknowledge the 2016 record-breaking violence in the city of Chicago. 762 represents the number of shootings that occurred in that city last year. More surprisingly than that, 61 of those shootings occurred on Christmas Day.

There have been many attempts to curb the violence but as of yet, nothing has worked.

I chose to make this post to offer my condolences to all the family members, friends and to the community of those who were lost or wounded. 762 is a large number. I’m sure my words give you little comfort but please know that my heart aches with you and my mind works overtime thinking of solutions that could possibly make a difference.

To the City’s West Side: I am sorry you do not see hope in your situation. I am sorry that options are scare. I am sorry that you feel unheard. I am sorry that you feel defeated. I am sorry that your lives aren’t valued. I am sorry that gangs have overtaken your community. I am sorry that the lives of infants and children aren’t cherished. I am sorry for all the lives that have been lost or forever changed by senseless violence.  I pray for hope in your situation. I pray for more options for you to choose from. I pray that you use your voice to speak your truth. I pray that you realize your value. I pray for victory in your lives. I pray that you know you are worthy. I pray that gang violence is eliminated. I pray for the lives of your children and their families. I pray that your community is revitalized.

Praying for Peace,

Melissa

 

Posted on Leave a comment

And So It Begins…

Happy New Year Everyone!

I hope that your holiday season was filled with love, light and peace! I appreciate you hanging out here with me on the blog in 2016 and I am hopeful that 2017 will bring awesomeness for everyone!

My focus for 2017 is to have a more Interactive blog. I would love to receive your thoughts, comments and questions on the content that is posted each week. For that reason you will see more of a variety going forward. The topics will still focus on peace building and conflict resolution but instead of taking the informational approach, I would love to hear your thoughts on various issues that are important in community.

There’s no better time than now to be involved in problem solving and peace building in our own communities. Our family, friends and even ourselves are going through so many different issues that collaboration is necessary if we expect to overcome.

Each week you can expect motivational quotes, a focal word of Peace and a blog post from me. Hopefully in return I will receive your thoughts and comments on the topics.

Who knows…we may even come up with the perfect solution to someone’s pressing issue.

Okay, so this week’s Peace Word is: Integrity. How do you feel about it? Do you think it’s been lost in today’s society? Do people still value integrity?

I personally feel that a person without integrity is out here lost. Without morals, standards and principles we’re being solely guided by feelings and we all know that feelings are full of unexpected surprises!

integrity

Peace In Action,

Melissa