Category: Women of Faith

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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

 

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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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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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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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” You Can’t Find Rest in a Place That You Don’t Trust”

What are you praying for, hoping for and dreaming of accomplishing?

Are you all in and ready for the next level or is there something that is holding you back?

During my month-long hiatus, I had to ask myself these same questions about my business, my relationships and life in general.

The resounding answer came to me in the form of a sermon from @jadaedwards, of #OneCommunityChurch.

The answer that was revealed loud and clear said, “you cannot find rest in a place that you don’t trust.”

I was immediately convicted and had to ask myself….

  • Do I fully trust that I will be successful in my work?
  • Do I believe there is safety and acceptance for me in relationships?
  • Do I trust that God will allow me to experience true peace on this side of heaven?

To truly experience the rest that I desire, there are several growth gaps that I need to work through, to build trust in those areas.

“My Action Plan for Peace” includes more authentic connection, more play and more movement.

What about you?

Is it time to hit the reset button?

Is it time to do things differently?

Are there areas in your life where you are trusting God to make a major move, but you lack the complete trust that will transport you to your next destination?

Let’s talk about it.

Schedule your Create! Session today and together we will build your Action Plan for Peace!

“Father God, I thank you for giving me beauty for my ashes and praise where there is pressure.”

– Amen

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Mention My Name

It’s a celebration, and I could not have did it without you!

Today marks our 4-year anniversary. In true transparency, Origins of Peace has existed in many forms since 2011, but today marks four years of being intentional about our purpose, our name, and of course, our brand.

We’ve definitely come a long way by beginning as an online blog, repositioning as a community needs trainer in the back of Breakfast Time Restaurant and now transitioning into the corporate arena.

 

“For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” Habakkuk 2:3-4 NKJV

Thank you to everyone that has mentioned my name and offered a word of reference on my behalf.

I am grateful!

Origins of Peace,
Melissa

 

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The Beauty of Your Dreams

I am definitely in the small audience who loved the series, “The First Lady,” starring Michelle Pfeiffer as Betty Ford, Viola Davis as Michelle Obama, and Gillian Anderson as Eleanor Roosevelt.
Although the criticism was loud and the series was cancelled after the first season, it is still nominated for 3 Emmy Awards.
The intention of the series is to reframe the idea of leadership through the feminine perspective, inclusive of family, relationships and contribution.
My point in sharing this is to encourage you to stay with your dreams. Your vision was given to you, in order to share it with others. Everyone will not understand your perspective. Some might even disagree with your point of view. In the end, there are those who will applaud you and reward your work. Those are your people!
I welcome the opportunity to learn more about your dreams. Comment below and let me know what you are working on.
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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.