I think that I’m all caught up now and on schedule with the 30 Day “Keeping My Peace During COVID – 19 Challenge. Day 10 is brought to you by my grandbaby. She loves the Puppy Dog Pals and Tula’s Yoga Song is one of her favorites. So just as the puppy says, breathe in, breathe out….while practicing #socialdistancing of course.
Focused breathing is a proven method to reduce anxiety, sharpen your memory and improve your heart health. It’s a simple tool that you can use throughout your day to help you keep your peace!
If we’re anything alike, you’re doing the most trying to boost your immune system and stay healthy. A few of my daily rituals include adding a little Apple Cider Vinegar to my morning cup of Herbal Tea to kill viruses and bacteria and also eating more citrus fruits to boost my Vitamin C Level. Be sure to check out my website for all your Herbal Tea needs.
While scrolling through Instagram I came across a recipe for a mixture called Fire Cider and I am definitely curious to give it a try.
From what I’ve read, Fire Cider has many health benefits, with the two most common being boosting your immune system and fighting cold and flu. The instructions say to take 1 tablespoon daily to prevent illness and 1 tablespoon 3 times a day if you are not well.
I’ve included a recipe below so that you can try it. I’ve also included a link for you to read more about Fire Cider and all of it’s amazing benefits.
Your second challenge of the day is to find additional ways to boost your immune system.
Peace.
Ingredients:
1 horseradish root
1 ginger root
1 onion
1 garlic head
1 turmeric root or 1 tablespoon of ground turmeric
Honey (added after the fermentation process is done and fire cider is strained to balance the spicy taste)
Instructions:
I usually start by grating ginger and horseradish roots and chop garlic, onions, and hot peppers and place them in a tight lid jar.
It’s recommended to do the grating and chopping in a well-ventilated area if you can’t tolerate the strong smell and fumes, especially when you are grating horseradish root and onion
Add apple cider vinegar to the jar and make sure everything is submerged and shake well.
Screw the lid tightly in place
Place the jar in a dark, cool place and let it sit for 2-4 weeks and don’t forget to shake it every day.
After 2-4 weeks strain the fire cider and transfer the liquid part into a tight lid container and discard the herbs and veggies.
Remember to keep the lid tightly sealed when you are not consuming it, so it stays fresh potent for longer
Store fire cider in the fridge at all times. Fire cider has long shelf life and can stay good for up to 1 year.
As I scrolled through my Photo Gallery trying to find a picture of me actually resting, there wasn’t one. I made it all the way back to December 2019 before I found this picture. It doesn’t illustrate rest, it illustrates exhaustion.
Yes, I know, there are so many resources available right now to help you become the certified, master of all trades guru, I get it. I almost clicked on the free photography course offered by Cannon ( I still might), but today…I will make REST a priority and I challenge you to do the same.
I pray that everyone is well. It’s been a while since my last check-in, so I wanted to stop in and make sure you’re good. This memo is to inform you that we are officially operating in an online capacity only. With all that is going on with COVID-19, it’s important that we mitigate the risk of exposure and move to online engagement.
Effective immediately, I’ve moved to a strictly online operation. For my personal development clients that I meet with several times a month to work on action plans and develop strategies for various life goals. I am now taking those calls using Zoom and other resources that are available.
For my professional development clients who are starting new businesses, working on their Resume’s and acquiring new skills for a new career. Our meetings are also taking place online utilizing Microsoft Teams to collaborate on ideas and develop Roadmaps to Success.
By changing my method of operation, I am able to assist while being safe. Right now, the safest place for any of us is Home. I ask that you do your part as much as possible to keep yourself and those you love protected. With that being said, I am still accepting new clients. If you have the desire to get started on a new personal or professional journey, let’s create your Peace Map!
I pray life has been good to you and good for you! I am slowly getting back into the groove of things after a looonnnnggg holiday hiatus. Real quick, let’s check in, how are you doing?
I know this time of the year can be a bit overwhelming because everyone is attempting to live their best life and construct the perfect Vision Board. It can become a bit much.
I did things a little different this year, as far as creating my Vision Board. I decided to allow my Spirit Needs to be the governing body for all that I manifest this year. That means I’ve chosen 4 Scriptures to guide me in all things Melissa…personal and professional. I have 4 overall objectives to accomplish: 1. Celebrate the good things daily, 2. Maximize my health, 3. Do more of what I love and 4. Grow my business.
I’ve listed several goals under each objective to help me achieve them. I turned my goals into an Action Plan that I visit and review daily. I’ve learned that I need to be more specific in asking for what I want, and Make Accommodationsto receive!
I’ve already met my January financial goal for my business!
It’s not enough to have good intentions and an Action Plan. You need a good word to stand on. You need a good scripture or quote that will help you get through the challenging times when things begin to look bleak. I’ve chosen 4 Scriptures that are my building and stumbling blocks for 2020. If I start to stumble I want to rest in the assurance that I am stumbling on a good word – Amen!
Here are my 4 Scriptures. You can feel free to use the same four or find others that will help you Make Accommodationsto receive!
Philippians 4:8 – Whatever is honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent and worthy of praise..think about these things
3 John 1:2 – Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.
Hebrews 1:14 – Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?
Philippians 4:19 – And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
I want to hear from you! Have you created a Vision Board for 2020, if so how do you feel about it? Has it been beneficial so fare? If you haven’t created a Vision Board, what’s stopping you? Comment below and tell me what’s on your mind.
Being sure of yourself * Acknowledging your strengths & opportunities * Trusting qualified partners to help you make it work * Seeking opportunities to glean wisdom * Being open to continuous improvement
November has been an extremely busy and rewarding month for me. With renewed intention and focus, I am serious about seeing the fruits of my labor manifest.
It’s interesting because I was certainly struggling a few months ago. I couldn’t find the time, energy, focus or resources to strategically grow my business.
Things have definitely change.
I had a meeting with my team (me) and came to the realization that things would never manifest if I did not take the time and make the effort to accomplish my dreams.
What happened?
I realized that I needed a written, executable plan of action.
Why?
That’s simple. There is clarity in the written word and when you have clarity, you can move in confidence.
So, my top tip for turning up your confidence in your personal and professional life is to always have a written plan. PERIOD. Your plan serves as your blueprint to success.
On Black Friday, I am releasing my newest course, Peace By Design. This course will help you get clear about what you want in all areas of your life. I am equipping you with the knowledge and understanding of what it means to set executable goals and to determine who you will need to become in order to achieve those goals. Along with the course, you will receive my signature Herbal Tea Collection which includes Peaceful, Focus & Rejuvenation to help you design your way to peace and clarity.
There will only be 10 bundles available for purchase with all three Herbal Tea Blends. You can make sure you receive your bundle by pre-ordering yours today for $97.00.
As an added bonus I am including a 30 minute one-on-one Consultation with me to help you develop your plan. https://www.paypal.me/originsofpeace
I’m excited about it and looking forward to sharing it with you!
One of my top 5 Strengths from Strengths Finder is Connectedness. This means I am certain that things happen for a reason.
It all started in April when @Shermikathelight posted on Instagram about an event that she would be speaking at in October. From that point forward I knew I had to be in attendance. Shermika and I were classmates in Grad. School. We both had aspirations of starting our own businesses after graduation. I watched on social media as Shermika started her company, going door to door marketing her business. I also had a social media front row seat when things took off for her. I watched in amazement as she nurtured her business into a powerful brand. I knew that in order to successfully and intentionally grow my business on my terms, I needed to gain some knowledge and insight from her. I did just that!
Just over a week ago, I jumped on a flight to Atlanta and I attended #werkprayslay. It was absolutely everything that I’ve never imagined. I mean never, ever. This Women’s Empowerment Conference was one for the books. The colors, the lighting, the details, the information, the vendors, the volunteers, the attendees, the speakers, the hostess, the D.J. and the fabulous visionary @Koereyelle made this a life changing event for me. Before I attended, I had no idea that this beautiful community of women business owners existed.
I have a solid plan for my business now. No more taking bits and pieces of information and trying to figure out how it all ties together. Some of the strategies discussed were, how to land Corporate and Government Contracts, how to Slay Procrastination, how to Change Your Mindset and Secure the Bag, how to Be Your Own Publicist, how to use Video to Slay Your Personal Brand, and so much more! I’m telling you, this ain’t even half of it.
As I said in my previous post, I had a chance to thank @ChefAhki for positively impacting my life after a cancer diagnosis. You can find that post by clicking here.
I can safely bet that I was one of the older women at the conference, but I didn’t feel left out. @Koereyelle and her team did a phenomenal job of making it a safe space to learn and be vulnerable. I even swagged and surfed for the first time ever! (that wasn’t a thing when I attended an HBCU)
Why am I telling you all of this??? Because it matters who you are connected to. My connection with @Shermikiathelight through social media exposed me to a whole new world of confident, brilliant and paid Sistas who are out here doing their thang! It matters who you follow and who you’re connected to.
If you are a female business owner, I highly recommend the @WerkPraySlay Conference. I’m sure planning has already begun for 2020. You definitely don’t want to miss it. I know that I won’t miss it!
One of the top traits of a person with Connectedness as a Strength is having confidence in their gifts, but knowing they do not have all the answers. As a reward for my humility, God made room for me in a place that I didn’t even know existed, and it is a place of overflowing resources!🤲🏾
I won a free Website Copy Audit by Word Stylitz to amplify the impact that I have on my ideal client. April Beverley of @baabwriting will definitely get me all the way together.🙌🏾This brilliant lady is out here commanding coins with the power of her words.
If you are a female business owner looking to connect with a like-minded Sista on the move, email me. I would love to join forces and hold one another accountable to do the #werk!
Do you Journal? If not, what’s holding you back and if you do, what keeps you going?
A lot of people journal to release emotion and organize their feelings. To be honest, we’re all out here experiencing about 27 emotions daily. That is quite a ride and it’s tough to manage it all. So, what we’re doing is taking the emotion adding to it our daily responsibilities plus the needs and expectations from others and then attempting to get through the day without a method to release. This is the perfect formula for a mental breakdown.
I get it, we want to appear like we have our stuff together with little resistance, add to that this whole self-care trend of “don’t kill my vibe, “don’t interrupt my peace” and “don’t bother me with that”, this leaves us feeling obligated to hold in our emotions.
I’ve found journaling to be a helpful outlet. During those times when I am overflowing with emotions, both positive and negative, journaling helps me to reflect on events, organize my thoughts, release some pinned up energy and even generate solutions. It’s one of the many tools that can be used to re-direct your energy.
There’s another benefit of journaling that very few people notice. Journaling helps you to identify trends. If you journal often and notice a trend of negative or low-energy words and phrases, it’s safe to say you are probably suffering with Imposter Syndrome, self-sabotage and maybe even low self-esteem. If this is you, it’s time for a change in perspective.
I deal with those feelings too. I doubt my abilities, second guess my capabilities and I will overthink a scenario to the very extreme. It’s quite exhausting but I’ve figured out how to manage those feelings.
If you’ve been a member of the Origins of Peace community for any amount of time, you know that our #1 goal is to empower you to get out here and Impress Yourself. There are two reasons why this is important:
If you don’t impress yourself, no one else will ever stand a chance of impressing you. This is important for business deals, relationships, money goals, all of that. You must set a standard and stick to it. Example, if you want to be in a loving relationship, you must first love yourself. Impress yourself by doing things you enjoy and going to places that make you happy. This produces impression and excitement. It’s mentally stimulating, and it gets you into the habit of Impressing Yourself so that you will know when others are meeting and exceeding your expectations!
A whole lot of time is spent impressing other folks. You impress your boss when you show up for work and do an exceptional job, you impress your kids by showing up for them daily. It’s time to Impress Yourself!
For the month of November, I am challenging you to use journaling as a tool to change your communication message to yourself! There are 30 days in November. I am giving you 1 word each day to use as a prompt. You will reflect on how the word shows up in your life on that day and compose a journal entry. Your entry can be written or a short video that you keep on your phone. The words that I provide to you should evoke feelings of happiness, bravery, calmness, rejuvenation and friendliness.
I would love to know how this challenge goes for you. You can find me on both IG and Facebook at Origins of Peace to get the word for the day.
You can leave a comment one either platform to get the dialogue started.
Oh yea, if you’re not on my email list, you should be. Our next gratitude offering winner will be announced on Monday, November 4th. You must be on the list to get included in the drawing! Visit www.melissaarivers.com to sign up. You can see the prize for Monday’s drawing on my IG page.
Can you remember the last time that you were excited by the ordinary? I’m talking about those simple pleasures that we often taken for granted like nature, peace, love and even silence. Oftentimes we find ourselves caught up in acquiring more, achieving more and constantly looking for the next promotion, elevation or fancy purchase that we believe will help us to find happiness.
This past weekend, I had the pleasure of watching my grandbaby experience excitement from being able to play with a lid. As I watched her face glow with amusement, I could only think about how easy it is to forget about the simple things that once provided us with joy.
“I have three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures.” `Lao Tzu
Today I am sharing 3 tips about simplicity, patience and compassion that may help you live a happier life.
Living a life of simplicity will help you focus on what is important. Let me first start by saying that simplicity looks different for everyone and only you can decide what simplicity looks like for you. Personally I enjoy things with low or no maintenance, little fuss and very little worry. I normally spend more time, money and energy researching a product or service before making a purchase to alleviate or reduce the amount of stress that comes with a lot of wear and tear. Because I am a person who experiences anxiety when things are out of order, I attempt to maintain as much order as possible by keeping it simple.
Be patient with yourself and others. Patience is important because it helps you build empathy for others and accept people for who they are. That last statement is so true but please understand that having patience with yourself is priority number one because it helps you become more tolerant of the different stages of life that you will experience. There will come a time when you feel inadequate. Instead of getting discouraged and beating yourself up remember to exercise patience!
Extend compassion as often as possible. Have you ever found yourself saying, “it’s always something,” or “why can’t I ever catch a break?” The people around you are saying the same statements to themselves. Be kind and extend compassion to the next person because everyone is experiencing life and sometimes life can be tough.
Fill your life with simplicity, patience and compassion to not only live happier but also to live healthier. Incorporating these tips can reduce your stress level and boost your immune system.
In my last post I challenged you to make a list of the people, places, things and experiences that add peace to your life. If you’re not familiar, catch up by reading
Now that you have your list, use the following scale to rank the level of peace each item adds:
1-not much peace
2- moderate amount of peace
3-extreme peace
To elevate your Peace Factor spend more time focusing on the items ranked with a 3, determine if items ranked with a 2 can be elevated to a three and consider what changes should be made to remove or redefine items ranked with a 1.
This exercise can be challenging. If at anytime you feel yourself needing support simply email me at: info@designedbymelissarivers.com
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