Category: Peace

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Happy Women’s History Month!

Today kicks off Women’s History Month and this time around, at Origins of Peace we’re putting our own spin on things. Normally we would highlight the achievements of innovative women who’ve contributed their brillance to advance society. Of course we acknowledge and honor these courageous woman and their significant advancements, but this year we’re taking a different approach.

During Women’s History Month 2021, we’re challenging ourselves and all women to reclaim their feminity through self-preservation!

It’s time to feel again, to have again and to make time again, to be intentional again!          What am I talking about?

It’s time to…… Feel free, feel loved, feel creative, feel beautiful, feel brilliant, have energy, have time, have conversations, have a waistline, make time to date, make time to laugh, make time to love, make time to exercise, make time to shop, make time to read, make time to cuddle, make time to meditate, make time to chill, make time to dress up,  be intentional by wearing colors, slow down to appreciate our curves, take a second to nurture our edges, set goals to drink enough water, make time to just be a woman…………

Of course we recognize there are so many more layers to who you are as a woman but for the next 30 days let’s do some of the things we’ve been neglecting.

I’m kicking off the month by sharing this awesome sermon by Sarah Jakes Roberts  entitled Girl, Get up! This is a good word so make time to listen

Later this evening join us online for Strength, Courage & Wisdom Book Club. We’re reading Happy Women Live Better. Here’s all you need to get started:

In preparation for our kick-off, go to www.happywomantest.com to understand which happiness triggers will be most effective for your personal journey.
Title: Strength, Courage & Wisdom Book Club
Join the meeting on your computer or mobile app

 

We’re also excited about our Love Boards & Laughs with Girlfriends Online Event coming up on Friday, March 5th! I’m so excited for this one! Here’s the details for you to join in:

Love Boards & Laughts with Girlfriends!
Register: Online: us02web.zoom.us
Pay: $9.99 via CashApp: $Irie4Me
Grab your girls, your favorite wine and show up with an open mind!
We’re creating Love Boards!
Similar to a Vision Board, Love Boards help you set your intentions around love and your relationships! You will leave this event with tools yo help you set healthy boundaries in love and you’re sure to gain a few new girlfriends in the process.
Don’t be shy, we’re all in this together!
This event is for ladies only.
Ladies, if you’re over 30, Single, Divorced, Separated or Widowed, we’re looking for you.
Let’s go!
There are so many opportunities this month for you to join in and grab on to your feminity! Let’s go!
Posted on by — Leave a comment

Don’t Waste Your Pretty!

We are a little over a week away from our Love Boards & Laughs with Girlfriends event. I’m looking forward to some real, genuine conversation with my girls about love, life  and NOT wasting our pretty! Gotta keep it cute!

You should join us! click below for details on how to Register & Pay:

Love Boards & Laughs with Girlfriends! | Facebook

Don’t wait too long to register. There are materials that you will need for the event. Email me with any questions! Originsofpeace@gmail.com

To get us in the mood for our event, check out “Don’t Waste Your Pretty” this Sunday on TV One. This movie is based on a book by one of my all time favorite Authors, Demetria L. Lucas. I’m sure you’ll love it!

 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Strength, Courage & Wisdom Book Club

Best selling author Valorie Burton unlocks the secret to your personal happiness. She reveals 13 happiness triggers – choices that can boost your joy right now, even in the midst of deadlines, dating, marriage, parenting and squeezing in a workout or girls night out. Throught these happiness triggers, you will learn how to bounce back from stress and adversity faster, enjoy deeper satisfaction in your marriage and friendships, maximize career opportunities and increase your income and fight off illness. We’re kicking things off on March 1st.

Click below to join in.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/732626267442849

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Maker of Pretty Things!

Good Morning Origins of Peace Family,

I pray all is well for you. It has been soooo long since my last post. Things turned extremely busy for me at the end of 2020. I will spare you all the details but please know that I was thinking of you daily and quietly praying for your success.

With that being said, “I’m Back!”

For my first post of 2021, I want to talk to you about Confidence, and the importance of nuturing it daily.

What is your personal definition of Confidence. The textbook definition of Confidence is “possessing the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust. My definition varies a little. I believe Confidence is utilizing your ability to be present and engaging. We all know it’s one thing to show up, but there’s a whole different level to engaging once you are in the room. With COVID-19 throwing many of us into remote situations, we haven’t had to show up like we were accustomed to in the past. Some of our Zoom Calls consist of a pretty blouse and some sweats or that morning routine that would usually take an hour has now been reduced to 15 mins of a quick shower, slicked back hairstyles and a quick run down the steps to your home office. We know this pandemic won’t last forever so now is the perfect time to plan our comeback.

Oh and Sis, how’s your dating life? Those of us single ladies who had plans to “get our groove back” in 2020 were completly side lined, plans were totally derailed!  How many of us are approaching that age where we want to get out of the house more but COVID-19 has us messed up ASF.

It’s alot! It’s way too much to write about, but I’m here with a Confidence Reminder.

You Are A Maker of Pretty Things! 

Your confidence, your character, your demeanor, your beauty, your attire, and your boldness all make up the person you are, and that is a Maker of Pretty Things!

It’s the small things like taking accountability and showing up for yourself (even when no one is watching) that accentuate your uniqueness, nuture your confidence and make you PRETTY!

So let’s put in some work!

I love a good challenge, but not those Facebook Challenges, I don’t trust those.

For the week of February 8th – 12th  let’s do the “Maker of Pretty Things” Challenge on Instagram.

  • Monday, February 8th – Favorite Scripture or quote Challenge
  • Tuesday, February 9th – Favorite Earrings Challenge
  • Wednesday, February 10th – Favorite Red Lip Challenge
  • Thursday, February 11th – Favorite Hobby Challenge
  • Friday, February 12th – Favorite Hat Challenge

The premise of this Challenge is to show off your Confidence. We know these things don’t make us who we are, but they certainly help us feel good and confident when we are flossing for the the ‘gram.

Don’t be shy, come on and join me in this challenge!

You can either tag me in your post on your Instagram page with the hashtag (#makerofprettythings) or you can email your post to me directly to be included in a collage of other beautiful sisters who choose to nurture their Confidence.

Let me know you’re in by liking this post and heading over to Instagram to follow my page @originsofpeace

Maker Of Pretty Things,

Melissa

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Wakanda Forever!

It has taken me a few days to compose this post. I’ve started and stopped numerous times, overwhelmed by the emotional burden that has presented itself with the loss of Mr. Chadwick Boseman.

I am seriously grieving this man and the loss of his life. I didn’t know him personally but I know a cancer diagnosis personally and watching my uncle rapidly decline from colon cancer, I’ve felt that journey, and it’s a hard one.

To reflect on the many accomplishments of Mr. Boseman in spite of his diagnosis is an absolute honor. cancer has a way of making you feel small, fearful, inadequate, weak and incapable. Five years after my diagnosis and I still struggle with the anxiety of it all.

I commend Mr. Boseman for living out loud and giving black people something to believe in and to strive for, through his many roles. Tonight I watched Black Panther along with much of the nation. I’ve seen it a few times before, but tonight I watched with pride and reverence. I appreciated the land and the waterfalls, the sunsets and all the imagery that make that movie spectacular! Wakanda means possibility to me and Wakanda Forever means “Oh the Possibilities!” https://youtu.be/r8nxdAGg2FY

Tonight I was reminded to show up even when I do not feel like it, stop over-thinking and serve my purpose.

I pray that we all learn to live out loud in the possibilities.

#RIPChadwickBoseman

“To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy— to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen”. Jude 1:24-25

Posted on by — Leave a comment

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. ✨

 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

Blackout Tuesday 2020

Today I am highlighting several of the Black Owned Businesses that I’ve worked with this year, to bring more attention to the innovation and creativity of black people. Black people inspire, design and exude greatness each and everyday, but our genius is often overlooked. I invite you to learn more about the following companies and support them if you can.

www.mikesellseverything.com

In February of this year, I had the pleasure of setting up Mike Sells Everything, LLC (MSE), which is a Variety Store located in Kannapolis, NC. The owner, Michael Rivers is passionate about helping his community find quality merchandise at affordable prices. At this very moment you can find a Violin ready for purchase as well as Small Appliances and Toys for the kids. Mike believes in doing right by people and does his absolute best to accommodate everyone. Today’s special at MSE is the Crockpot pictured below. The original price is $79.99 but today’s price is $25.00. If you’re located near Kannapolis, NC, stop by MSE at 1905 N. Cannon Blvd. Kannapolis, NC 28083 and grab you one.

IMG_2881

www.kbeautycos.shop

Kyla Rivers, owner of K.Beauty, LLC has scaled and expanded her business into a beauty empire. Kyla started creating makeup at the age of 16 and has added Skincare and Bath and Beauty products to her offerings. Kyla is passionate about being successful and helping other young adults find their passion and launch businesses they  love! Shop K.Beauty. LLC!

IMG-2876

www.stylesbylanita.com

Lanita is the owner of Styles by Lanita which is a Hair & Clothing Boutique. Lanita can style you from head to toe and she offers custom T-shirts and Apparel. For Blackout Tuesday 2020, Lanita is offering $15.00 Roller Sets and Blowouts and $10.00 Boss Racerback Tanks

IMG-2882

www.baileyshaulingandlandscaping.com

Steve Bailey started his business in April of this year and he is your go to guy for all of your hauling and landscaping needs. Head over to Steve’s website, he’s open for business!

IMG-2878

Other business that I am currently working with include BBZ Lawncare and Maintenance, The Nina Symone Collection and The Glamm Cartel. Be on the lookout for these names coming soon!

Origins of Peace, LLC

I am Melissa Rivers, and I am the Owner & Creative Peace Designer at Origins of Peace, LLC. I use my passion for conflict resolution to help individuals over life challenges and design their next life chapter by starting businesses, adding income streams, expanding career paths, bouncing back after divorce and much more. My passion derives from my own challenges of cancer, job loss and divorce all within a six month time period. I love to encourage others and support them in their journey forward.

Additionally, I am a Corporate Consultant providing Continuous Improvement and Change Management Services to businesses. I invite you to check out my products page. Today I am offering my E-book, After This Crisis & my Upcycled Cosmetics Mini Bags for 50% off.

use code: blackout2020

I would love to help you design your Peace. For more information on my services or any of the business listed above, please feel free to contact me.

#blackoutday2020

Peace & Love,

Melissa

 

Posted on by — Leave a comment

North Carolina Voter Registration Information

Peace Family,

New week, same focus.

This week at Origins of Peace, LLC, we are focusing our intentions on providing residents of North Carolina with information about Voter Registration. I’ve created a spreadsheet with a direct link to the Board of Elections Website in all 100 counties in NC. You can directly access the Board of Elections Website, print a Voter Registration Form and send it to your local office.

I pray you find it useful. I pray that those who are not registered will register and vote!

NC Board of Elections all Counties.xlsx

Last week I mentioned the 8cantwait initiative. The purpose of this movement is to require your local government to reform policing strategies by:

  • banning chokeholds and strangleholds
  • requiring de-escalation
  • requiring a warning before shooting
  • exhausting all alternatives before shooting
  • having a duty to intervene
  • banning shooting at moving vehicles
  • requiring comprehensive reporting

I’ve emailed my mayor to demand change. I’m asking you to do the same. Visit www.8cantwait.org for more information

Have a great week.

 

Posted on by — 1 Comment

I had A Phonebook and He had a Shotgun

In my mid-twenties, struggling financially, I decided to get a part-time job to help make ends meet. I signed on to be a part-time delivery person who delivered telephone books. My instructions were to deliver the phonebook to local residents. If no one was home, the directive was to place the phonebook on the front porch.

My second day on the job, I arrived at a residence, got out of my car with phonebook and identification in hand. As I walked down the driveway to place the phonebook on the front porch, a white gentleman came around the house from the back yard with a shot gun in his hand. As I tried to identify myself and state my purpose for being at his home, he yelled obscenities at me, held up his shotgun and told me to get off of his property.

I retreated to my car, phonebook and identification in hand and I drove away crying.

20191101_1853181533156304589022893.jpg

I will never forget my feelings from that day and I can’t help but think I was greeted in such a way because of the color of my skin. I was a small-framed, 24 year old single-mother to an infant baby girl. I had a phonebook and he had a shotgun.

At Origins of Peace, LLC, my mission is to create an all-inclusive space welcoming all who’ve experienced hardship, conflict and turmoil. My goal is to help you create a new way forward. We are founded on Romans 12:18 NIV – If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

In this season, I am focusing my intentions on promoting the health, safety and well-being of Black Americans. Our struggle is real and it deserves extra attention. My experience occurred over 20 years ago and to still live in a society were we are judged, disrespected and in many cases killed because of the color of our skin is awful and heartbreaking.

I am outraged over the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, Eric Garner, Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown and all the other murders that have occurred because of racism and police brutality. These people had families, careers, hopes and dreams. It’s terrible to have it all taken away simply because of someone else’s opinion of who they think you are.

There are so many changes that need to occur but let’s start with informed, intentional voting. Can we please demand more from our government leaders? We need healing, justice, and a progressive way forward.

There is an initiative called #8cantwait. were you can demand change right now.

1.Visit8cantwait.org

2. Find your city

3. Call your mayor

4. Demand change

8cantwait

Peace.