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The Peace in Giving Back

When the Call to Action went out to support a sister in the midst of her journey with breast cancer, I felt compelled to respond. It’s not everyday that the opportunity arises to offer support on a personal basis.

Being a breast cancer survivor who’s currently in her 5th year of survival, I understand that everyday choices are a huge part of the recovery process. I decided to gift this beautiful sister with the Planter pictured above in hopes that it would help to boost her mood during these trying times and also add a little peace to her space.

I remember the fear and uncertainty that I felt during my journey, but I also remember the love and acts of kindness that were shown to me during that time. I remember the visits, phone calls and texts. I remember the Banana Pudding Cake from my Sister in Law Lanita and I remember the beautiful Orchid from my Nephew Nicholas.

My hope is that my simple act of kindness will also be remembered as a simple act of love.💖

To this Sister I pray for Peace and Total Healing. ✨

 

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The Calm in Creating

Hi Origins of Peace Family,

How are things going for you? Can you believe that it’s mid-August already? Time surly flies when you’re having fun. I’m doing pretty good. I can honestly say that I have many things to be grateful for, my heart is full with gratitude and love.

I’ve had three family members who contracted COVID-19. Thankfully each has recovered and they’re all doing great. I have to praise God for the 13.6M people globally who’ve recovered and also pay homage to the 774K who’ve succumbed to this virus.

There’s so much to be thankful for but I’m also aware of the continuous angst and anxiety during this challenging time.  It can be difficult to hold on to hope and to peace of mind right now, but in all honesty those two tools are what we need in order to make it through. To help maintain my Environmental Wellness, I’ve been super focused on exercising my creative freedom to spruce up my space.

I’ve found my calm through creating unique pieces. I’ve designed flower pots, created Planters, made home décor and I’m currently working on a new line of earrings.

For me it’s the act of developing a product from start and watching it become something excellent that calms my spirit!

I shared a video below to show you how things have been going. Check it out and let me know what you think!

 

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Serene Surroundings

It is officially Spring and I am excited! I am jumping at the chance to create new experiences and to really show gratitude for all that I have and for all that I have overcome. Spring represents newness and rebirth to me. Some of my most challenging experiences have happened during the Spring season, which lead to a new perspective. I now view those experiences as methods that helped me to gain confidence and a new outlook on life. Now more than ever I am determined to live better, make smarter choices and to simply be happy.

It’s easy to overlook the need for change and understand when a fresh start is necessary. Falling into habit and sticking with the routine of how things are traditionally done is simple to do. It’s important for you to know that you are a unique and creative individual. You have the ingenuity and innovation to create space for new opportunities in your life. Maybe you’re just stuck and can’t figure out what’s next. Maybe you’ve told yourself numerous times that you’re not able or that you are incapable of achieving your dreams. Sometimes all it takes is some fresh perspective and a little readjusting.  Readjusting your mental space and your physical space. I appreciate when my space (both mental and physical) is conducive of peace and creativity. When I am at Peace in my space, I can work and create without feeling stifled, but when things are out-of-order, I am totally out of alignment. How about you? What are you looking forward to in this new season and what’s holding you back from going after it?
Many of my ideas are inspired while I am in my backyard, my sacred space. There’s this spot between two of my plum trees that provides me with peaceful and serene feelings. Where’s your space? Have you created a special place in your home or office that sparks your creativity. If you’re feeling stifled and your space is offering you everything but peace, it’s probably time to switch things up.   

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I’ve created a free, easy to follow, six step checklist that will help you to create a more peaceful space. You definitely want to get your hands on it if you want to bring calm and relaxation into your midst. It might be just what you need to usher in the newness that Spring has to offer. Once you download your checklist and implement the changes, you will be on the right road to start creating new experiences. It doesn’t stop with your space, you have 8 areas of wellness that require attention. Your next step is to decide what new experiences you’re going to create and what does the process look like for you? Decide what brings you peace and then go get it! Peaceful Space

If you’re ready to do the work and design a more peaceful life, I would love to work with you and help discover your origins of peace. Schedule a Discovery Call by clicking the button below. Let 2019 be your year to succeed.  Schedule Appointment

Peace!

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Slay The Day With an Intentional Morning Routine

Good Morning PeaceMakers!

If this is your first time on the site, my name is Melissa Rivers of OriginsofPeace.com. I am a Peace Coach helping individuals and business owners take action to solve problems using their unique gifts and talents.

Last week we spent time developing a routine with our 3 Day Fast, The Fundamental Necessities of Success. We denounced procrastination and made room for process, completion and reward in our lives. We completed a fast, studied scriptures and affirmed positivity. Click here to grab this essential free tool.

In keeping the same momentum, let’s talk about the importance of having an established morning routine.

If we’re honest with ourselves, routines are difficult to implement. Getting started can be tough.

I would like to encourage you that establishing a morning routine is totally worth the effort. Waking up at a designated time, and putting a few tasks in place will set the tone for your entire day.

My morning routine includes 3 fundamental necessities:

  1. Waking up to a musical alarm. I’ve programmed Alexa to wake me up to some good, inspirational, soul-stirring music. This week’s song of choice is “Thank You”, by Benita Washington. Listening to this song reminds me of how grateful I am for life. I lay in bed while the song plays listening to the words and thinking about all the victories in my life and the obstacles that I’ve overcome.
  2. I read scripture or an inspirational quote. I am very much an Old Testament girl. A Torah girl to be exact. I love the first 5 books of the bible. Most days you will find me in Exodus. I love Proverbs and Psalms as well.
    1. I love the book of Exodus because it reinforces the necessity of progression for me. It inspires me to keep moving forward through conflict, doubt and uncertainty. The only way out of a tough situation is to keep going. Exodus gives the direction to “gather & go” when dealing with situations like anxiety, unfaithfulness and lack of resources, just to name a few. You gather the lesson that you need from the event and then you move on! There’s so much instruction in Exodus. I encourage you to spend time reading this extremely informative book if you haven’t recently.
  3. I speak positive affirmations over myself and silently meditate. I believe in positivity and I very much believe in the gift of silence. In a time when things seem to be extremely negative and moments of silence are hard to grab, you have to make time to be kind to yourself and speak life affirming words of encouragement. I am providing an example of a few affirmations that I speak over myself throughout the day:
    1. I am loved
    2. I am appreciated
    3. I am rewarded
    4. I am successful
    5. All things work together for my good

After repeating the affirmations 3 times, I sit in silence for a few minutes and take time to absorb the words. I visualize what each phrase represents in my life.

Next week I will break down each phrase and tell you what each represents to me.

The 3 practices that I’ve mentioned are the core foundation of my morning routine. Some mornings I add journaling while enjoying a cup of herbal tea from http://www.handsofsage.com.

If you currently do not have a morning routine established, I encourage you to get one. Doing so will be one of the best and most strategic decisions that you can implement along your path of peace.

Have an awesome week!

Much Love,

Melissa

**Bonus content included in the audio!**

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Allow Me to Re-Introduce Myself

My name is Melissa Rivers and I am a Peace Coach. My mission is to help entrepreneurs and individuals manage conflict, make brave choices and take action to achieve their goals. I’ve been in business for myself for nearly four years and I’ve successfully helped dozens of clients achieve their own personal measure of success.

Like many others, I’ve made some pretty lofty goals for 2019. The most important one for me is to do more of what I love.

I think after my divorce, cancer, job loss and a handful of other setbacks, my focus shifted from hope and expectation to survival. Survival is necessary but there has to be a healthy balance between obligation and enjoyment.

My obligation for 2019 is to show up for myself and to do the work for my clients. Enjoyment for me comes in the form of writing & blogging. There’s definitely more of that coming this year.

So, I will end this year with a declaration: I make room for intentional enjoyment in my life!

Here’s to a year filled with bold, confident and powerful prayers. Intentional declarations of progress, growth and opportunity. Resources to be a blessing to others and invitations that will set you in the presence of Kings and Queens. May your focus be consistent and intentional, may your actions be deliberate and kind, may your opportunities be often and abundant. May you find peace in all you search for and may you empower the good in yourself, others and life. Release anything that no longer serves you, add all things that give you positive vibes and love!

Much Love,

Melissa

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Blessings in Disguise

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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