Category Creative Energy

Autumn Shine

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Autumn Shine via Photo Challenge: Shine

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The turning of the leaves is undoubtedly the greatest wonder of the autumn season. The multitude of crimsons, greens, and golds transition us from the long days and hot temps of summer. Leafy piles form in our yards and roadsides providing fall fun. The uniqueness of each leaf’s new color could be symbolic of our own special traits as we encounter changes in life.

Our uniqueness is defined by the way we let our talents shine. No matter what you are going through in life, there is something about you that is beautiful. Show the world just how special you are in this stage of life and embrace the constant change.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. Happy fall!

 

Flawsome – Wise Words Wednesday

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Flawsome – Wise Words Wednesday

flawsome

Pinterest is often my go-to for seeking inspirational quotes. Recently I pinned an image that said, “Flawsome (adj.): an individual who embraces their “flaws” and knows they’re awesome regardless.” (Source: TheMindsJournal.com)

The term “flawsome” totally caught my attention so off to Google I ran. When I typed in “flawsome,” there were 212,000 results. That is A LOT of flawsome!

The Urban Dictionary was one of the first links to appear. A few entries down was Tyra Banks’ use of the word. Both the Urban Dictionary and Tyra Banks are much cooler than me, so my shared interest in this word was … well… flawsome.

According the Urban Dictionary, “flawsome” is defined as, “something that is totally awesome, but not without its flaws.” I am pretty sure this definition can be applied to most things in my life and I bet it is appropriate in your life as well.

I think we should get excited about our flawesomeness.

I believe we should celebrate just how trully flawsome we are.

I know we should learn to forgive and accept ourselves and those in our lives because we are all flawsome. Continue reading “Flawsome – Wise Words Wednesday” →

Evil Flourishes – Wise Words Wednesday

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Evil Flourishes – Wise Words Wednesday

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So many are unhappy with our choices in the upcoming elections.

I understand.

I am unhappy with the ugliness that has become our electoral process.

I guess I can’t be unhappy about my choices. At least someone stepped up to run for government.

Some of my students asked me why “good people” don’t run for office. I told them because “good people” do not want to expose their loved ones and themselves to the brutality of our election process. I could not explain why “good people” should be afraid of this process, but in my heart I knew the real ugliness could be found somewhere in the truth behind Edmund Burke’s quote:

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” Continue reading “Evil Flourishes – Wise Words Wednesday” →

Feed the Machine and other Voluntary Acts

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Feed the Machine and other Voluntary Acts via Daily Prompt: Volunteer

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Seriously, how long does it take to put paper in a copier? How hard is it to hold open a door for someone? Does picking up a piece of trash cost you anything but calories?

This may seem like a sassy start for an Intentergy post, but I was really just trying to grab your attention on this fine Tuesday morning.

The fuel, behind my intent-powered program, is energy that burns because of kindness and consideration. Voluntary acts of kindness should not always be random or rare. They should be intentional and blatant. Let others know you care enough to do nice things for them and your surroundings.

As often as possible, I make it to the workroom on my plan time and feed the copy machine. Why? Because it stinks when you are running copies right before class and the dumb machine is starving. When people see me feeding the machine, they usually join me and help unwrap the reams. We share conversation and an intentional act of kindness. It is a very fulfilling act (not just for the poor, hungry copier).

Make these intentional acts frequently. Your frequency of kindness will result in greater consideration from those around you and that leads to even more intentional kindness and before we know it, people could actually have a good day. Smiles might actually appear without provocation. Thoughtful actions might occur without having to think about them. Who knows, maybe we might get a little bit closer to that whole world peace thing and start to put an end to starvation (not just the kind that happens to copiers).

Put your energy and intent into committing acts of charity and compassion and you will never starve for kindness or consideration. You will be filled with love and gratitude and that is what having Intentergy is all about.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. This post was not intended to make you hungry, but if it did, be sure to share your snack with someone. It will taste even better.

You Are Enough – Wise Words Wednesday

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You are Enough – Wise Words Wednesday via Daily Prompt: Value

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Often the greatest struggle in life is finding value in ourselves. I know I find it a lot easier to give compliments than to recieve them. Why is that?

Why do we question our own value? How is it that we find loving ourselves to be so hard to do. Clearly, we are loveable.

Here are the wise words for you to put into effect in your life:

You are Enough

You are one of God’s unique and valuable creations. You are special, talented, smart, and priceless.

If you ever doubt your worth or your ability to live up to expectations, remember: You are Enough.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. This might have been a little bit of a personal pep talk, but it is one we can all benefit from.

Band-aids Only Cover Up the Hurt

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Band-aids Only Cover Up the Hurt

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We have a “No Blood = No Band-aid” rule at my house. I know this sounds kind of mean but my kids would go through a box of band-aids every day, if I didn’t enforce this.

There is something about covering up a boo-boo that seems to make it feel better but does the cover-up really help?

I am as guilty as anyone about covering up my hurts with busy work or eating chocolate. Sometimes I feel the need to lash out because of my shortcomings or put up a front when I just don’t know what to do in a situation. These are my behavior band-aids.

Think about the ways you cover up hurt in your life. Is it food? Alcohol? Shopping? Unhealthy relationships? What do you do to fill the empty spaces in your heart?  Continue reading “Band-aids Only Cover Up the Hurt” →

Dirt Don’t Hurt

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Dirt Don’t Hurt

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The expression, “God made the dirt and dirt don’t hurt,” is one that I have heard a lot since childhood. Now that I am doing my darndest to provide my children with a quality upbringing, I have to let the dirt fly sometimes.

This spot of loose sand and dirt brought so much joy to my three kiddos (and the puppy), while hubby and I took care of a water and weeds problem. Too many weeds, too little water for the cows.

They loved making mountains out of the powdery gravel and watching it filter through their fingers and toes. Pretending to cast spells and watching their sandy smoke fall was another magical practice. Seeing how dusty they could get our poor dog was another favorite challenge. While the dirt was flying, so were their imaginations and laughter. It felt so good to watch them be KIDS. Continue reading “Dirt Don’t Hurt” →

Advice From Cavers

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Advice From Cavers

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This sign hangs in the Visitors’ Center at Onondaga Cave State Park near the entrance of the Onondaga Cave.

The message is simple. It asks those that visit the cave to make memories there and not destroy future opportunities for others.

I love this message!

It is a terrific reminder that when we slow down, capture moments in our hearts, and appreciate what is in front of us, we leave opportunity for the future.

When we treat opportunities, like the ones provided by the caves with respect and appreciation, we present ourselves with greater understanding of what miracles are available to us. By dedicating time to experience what is beautiful in our world, we make our lives more beautiful. queens-throne-room

The memories we made visiting that cave are so special to me. My children and husband love talking about what we saw and did.It was a fantastic experience. I am excited to visit more caves so that we can compare and reminisce on what we  have seen and done. I like to think that these explorations will leave happy and memorable footprints on the hearts of my family.

Today take time to reminisce on fond memories of your own or make new ones with someone you love. Leave a positive footprint where you tread and make sure the time you kill is well spent.

 

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My son checking out the newest formations in the Lilly Pad Room at Onondaga Cave

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

Happiness is an Inside Job – Wise Words Wednesday

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Happiness is an Inside Job – Wise Words Wednesday

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The more I teach, write, pray, and live, the more I realize that happiness really does come from within. Perspective anchors everything. When we face the daily encounters of life, our perspective magnifies our happiness or sadness.

It is easy for me to write, “Oh, let’s all be happy all the time.” Is is not so easy to physically do so. That’s ok.

We are only human. We have emotions. We have guilt. We have hurt. We have anger. We have confusion. We have imperfections. We also have perspective that comes from within ourselves.

While you may have some negative aspects to your day, take a moment to refocus your perspective. Direct your energy to a brighter, more grateful outlook. Channeling your perspective to the thankful and appreciative light will enhance the joy you feel in your life. Allowing the good to shine in your perspective will strengthen the happiness in your heart. Continue reading “Happiness is an Inside Job – Wise Words Wednesday” →

No Open Doors for Old Ways – Wise Words Wednesday

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No Open Doors for Old Ways – Wise Words Wednesday

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While change is the only constant thing in our lives, we often find changing ourselves to be one of the hardest.

Consider what aspect or element of your life could use a new approach. Open your heart and mind to the possibilities change could bring.

If a problem area for you is spending too much, slow down your cash flow and open a new savings plan.

If gossip is your go-to vice, find ways to redirect your focus. Find pleasure in the gifts of daily life in place of the downfall or tragedy of others. Open your conversation to positive and insightful messages instead of rumors or “he said/she said.”

If you need to find a healthier lifestyle, start small and work your way to a new you. Maybe just drink more water and less soda or save the change that you would normally put into a vending machine and deposit it into a savings account or the basket at church on Sunday every week.

Find a way to become the you that you are glad to have come through the door.

By: Melanie A. Peters