Category: Wisdom

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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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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.

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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!

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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

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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!

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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

 

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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.

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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.

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You Should Definitely Write This Down!

Today my mind kept pondering on one thought….”I wonder how America’s response to this pandemic will be documented in history books.”

I mean we are directly in the midst of a pandemic and America basically said enough playing it safe, we have to re-open, we must re-open! Covid-19 cases are continuing to rise and social distancing is becoming non-existent.

No vaccine, no documented way of slowing the spread beside staying put and all 50 of the United States of America are in some variation of the re-opening phase.

Personal thoughts aside, it’s happening. I just wonder how we’re going to look on the other side of this. When the federal government initially predicted 100k deaths everyone was like what, wow, why would they say that but last time that I checked, we were at 96k. Not too far from 100k. I guess WuTang Clan called it in 1994, when they said, “Cash Rules Everything Around Me!”

I say all of this to remind you to journal. You should definitely document this period in time and document your personal thoughts. It’s a great way to release tension and also to reflect on current events.

Some of the greatest solutions are developed after the fact. So grab your pen & notebook and be sure to journal.  

I’ve added a journal to my product offering and I would love for you to purchase one. Head over to my site: www.melissaarivers.com/products and grab your Origins of Peace Journal.

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Day 14: Find Someone To Thank

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Today’s challenge is to find someone to thank.

Think about your relationships. Is there anyone in particular that you miss having contact with. Is it time to pull out your pin and paper and compose a sweet note of adoration?

Handwritten notes go a long way. Get creative and bless someone with a hand written thank you note today!

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DAY 12: Keep Shining!

Good Morning! It’s Saturday and we’re still standing. As we conclude another week of the Stay At Home Order, remember….it’s okay to celebrate what you’ve accomplished thus far. Let’s do a quick recap:

  1. You’ve become Superintendent, Principle and Teacher at your new homeschool academy.
  2. You’ve become the new Supervisor of HR at your remote work location.
  3. You’ve become Head Strategist of Sanitation at your home.
  4.  You’ve learned how to purchase and apply Personal Protection Equipment for times when leaving the house is necessary.
  5. You’ve learned how to memorize your shopping list and create a mental blueprint of where each item is located in the store.
  6. You’ve learned to budget accordingly, knowing the #Walmart is no longer accepting returns!
  7. You’ve become a personal trainer and nutritionist, making time for exercise and selecting foods that will boost your immune system.

My list could continue, but I’ll stop right there….

Today’s challenge…continue to be great, and if you want to have a Margarita…do so! (responsibly)

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Day 10:Just Breathe

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!

 

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Day 7: Do A Lil Something Extra To Boost Your Immune System

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. 1  horseradish root
  2. 1 ginger root
  3. 1  onion
  4. 1 garlic head
  5. 1 turmeric root or 1 tablespoon of ground turmeric
  6. 2-4 habanero peppers
  7. Apple cider vinegar
  8. 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.
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Day 5: Make Time For Rest

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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.

You need rest to stay well.

You need rest to think clearly.

You need rest to be available for your family.

Get some rest.

Melissa