Category Love

Read + Know + Grow + Smarter = Stronger Voice

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Read + Know + Grow + Smarter = Stronger Voice

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“The more you read, the more you know. The more you know, the smarter you grow. The smarter you grow, the stronger your voice when speaking your mind or making your choice.”

I memorized these words from a bookmark I found at the library when I was 12.

Whenever people tell me they don’t like to read, I recite this poem to them. Often they ask me to repeat it a few times and agree there is merit to my message, but they still don’t like to read.

I understand. There are ways of learning that don’t appeal to me either.

Reading books or references works can be cumbersome. Reading instructional texts can be torture. Reading something you are interested in can change your life.

Books like You are a BadAss (Jen Sincero) and 29 Gifts: How a Month of Giving Can Change Your Life (Cami Walker) helped me to find my voice in creating my blog. In the Meantime (Iyanla Vanzant) got me past the greatest heartaches of my life. The Holy Bible is a centuries old guide of how humanity has time and again been called to serve God and one another. I find a lot of advice in its pages. Continue reading “Read + Know + Grow + Smarter = Stronger Voice” →

First Day’s Wrong Way: A back-to-school story

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First Day’s Wrong Way: A back-to-school story

Wrong Way

Fourteen years ago I walked into MLK hall on the campus of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO ready to start my journey as an education major. I studied my schedule and made my way up two flights of stairs to my first classroom. It was Humanities 101. I wasn’t sure what a humanities course would be about, but I knew I was eager to get started.

The instructor was a wiry, animated man, who admitted to being technologically challenged, so his syllabus would be ready at our next meeting. (“The stupid copier wouldn’t give up his papers.”) His movements were jerky and delibrate and his build gave him the aura of a scarecrow. But clearly this man had a brain and was a talented storyteller. The story he told about names in the local telephone book and where they came from was intriguing. He shared the historical roots of names and explained how they were related to those of famous American writers. It was a really cool start to my semester but I could not figure out how this would tie into my humanities course, so I sat tight.

As the discussion got deeper, the clever man upfront began talking about the expectations of an advanced level literature course and a sinking feeling of “wrong place at the wrong time” grew in the pit of my stomach. Soon he asked everyone in the course to share what they hoped to get out of the class and what their plans were beyond graduation. I officially knew I was in the wrong class. Continue reading “First Day’s Wrong Way: A back-to-school story” →

Share, please

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Share, please

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JC Rock found at Shiver Me Ice Cream in Linn, MO. JC Rocks is a community activity where people decorate and hide rocks to bring fun into the lives of those who find them.

Sharing is hard. Letting go of something we really like or giving someone time with our favorite items can be very challenging. Telling people how we feel or what we think is another way that sharing is tough. Donating our money or time are wonderful ways to share, but again, oh so hard.

Once we start to share freely, sharing comes so much more easily. It takes away from the unnecessary attachment we give to “things.” Whether those things are toys, money, clothes, time, or words, they are still just “things.” We must find a way to give value to what is really important.

When we allow ourselves to share our time or treasures our lives become so much richer.

6 Monthaversarie.pngSix months ago I set out to share positive daily messages. While I have not succeeded at sending a message via Intentergy every single day, I am so proud and excited about the stories, images, and ideas I have been able to share.

Intentergy is a mixture of intent and energy. Hopefully those that read the Intentergy posts find a bright spot in their day or inspiration to make the days of those around them brighter. Continue reading “Share, please” →

I Think I Can? – Wise Words Wednesday

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I Think I Can? – Wise Words Wednesday

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Today is August 10th. May 28th I injured my shoulder in a spectacular feet of parenting. I lifted my 3 year-old up to dunk on a 7 foot rim (like the big boys) and felt something pop in my shoulder. Again that was May 28th and today is August 10th.

By June 28th I decided my shoulder hurt enough to actually call a doctor. I had continued to tell myself, “I can get past this stupid shoulder pain. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.” Well the pain had started waking me up at night and was shooting to my finger tips occasionally. Again, I thought, “I think I can work through this. I think I can tough it out. I think I can.” When I did see a doctor on June 30th, she lectured me on the importance of taking care of myself, gave me a cortisone shot, and directions to take it easy on my shoulder for a week or so. Again, “I think I can keep being super mom. I think I can keep farming. I think I can just rest my shoulder in the evenings.”

Two days after I received the cortisone shot my arm hurt so badly I didn’t even want to drive.  I iced it and took ibuprofen. Again, “I think I am tough enough to keep going. I think I can. I think I can?”

The pain did seem to diminish after a few days of reduced activity but, hey, life is busy and I thought I could just keep going. Pushing forward with daily activities I only stopped for surging pains and burning shocks in my shoulder. I think I can?

On July 10th I finally decided I should call the doctor back for a follow-up. Of course it would be a week before they could see me again and I already had stuff I thought I had to do during their first available appointment. I saw the good doctor again on August 2nd and she told me that an MRI was necessary and then we could talk about my options.

The MRI required me to have a driver. Really??? I thought I could drive myself after a simple MRI. I thought wrong.

They would not schedule me until I could assure them I would have a driver and would not even do the test if my driver was not with me. I really think I can do this by myself. (Wrong!)

Thank goodness my best friend said she would drive me, because after the tubular torture of the MRI and the nausea that ensued after the dye injection, I was definitely not thinking about driving.

The MRI showed two small tears in my shoulder. (I think I may have needed to get help sooner.) The immediate solution offered by the orthopedic doctor was surgery, but of course I didn’t think that was necessary. So we decided to give therapy a try. I think I can just treat this shoulder with some stretches and it will be good to go. I think I can!

Yesterday I met with a wonderful physical therapist. She asked me some wonderfully insightful questions and measured my mobility and pain levels with the movement. “I think I can. I think I can. I think I can get through this evaluation,” was all I could say in my mind. The therapist gave a weary look and said, “Your shoulder has hurt how long? Your pain is this bad? You don’t think you need surgery?”

I smiled sheepishly and shared my belief that I am a cowgirl and can get through any pain.

She informed me even cowgirls need their shoulders and biceps to work so therapy may not be the fix for my shoulder problems, but we would give it a try. I think I can?

So here is sit trying to type with ice on my shoulder and the firm belief that I think I can get through my shoulder injury and greater understanding that my thoughts really should have been, “I think I am smart enough to seek medical attention.” Or “I think I can fix this with a real doctor’s opinion.”

A lot of people out there are too proud to ask for help when they need it. They think they are weak, if they seek assistance when a problem arises.

Here is the lesson of today’s post: Always know that you can ask for help or support.

Pain is not something that you have to bear alone. Injuries, physical or emotional, need to be treated so that life can move forward in a positive and productive manner. Therapies exist so that we can heal and become stronger. Speaking from painful experience, I want to encourage others to go the doctor, seek a counselor, or talk to a loved one if you are in need of healing.

Put your intent into knowing you can get better. Use your energy to produce positive motivation. You can do it. I know you can!

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

 

House Rules

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House Rules

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Every home has its rules.

I purchased this set of lovely limitations from the bargain bin at Target. Each day I find myself creating new rules for my rowdy household. Rules like: Don’t put your feet on that, don’t put that in your mouth, we don’t use those kinds of words, NO you may not use knives. The list could go on and on.

The more I find myself repeating the mantras of motherhood; the more I believe them to be true. I really do want my kids to buckle up, keep their rooms clean, eat their vegetables, and keep their feet off the table. I really, really do believe that “Because I said so” is a reason for completing a task.

Often my husband and I discuss our fears about parenthood. Are we strict enough? Are we too strict? How does so-and-so deal with their child’s behavior? Whose side gave our kids their crazy habits? 🙂 I think all parents have these concerns and I believe that all families have to work their way through the perils of parenthood.

The best thing we can do for our kids is to establish expectations. If we set standards for behavior and communication, our children will grow into adults who value hard work, respect, and healthy relationships. We may feel like the meanest moms and dads in the world but in reality we are making the world a less “mean” place when we guide our sons and daughters to act and interact with appropriate behavior. Manners, pleasantries, common courtesies are all elements of civilization that must be upheld. If we don’t expect our children to demonstrate these basic behaviors, how can we expect society to reflect kindness and compassion for all?

Take time to establish your house rules. Take even more time to uphold them. If your kids see you stick to your guns, they will know it is important to you and that will make those rules important to them.

Put your energy into raising families that consider dedication and courtesy to be the standard. Demonstrate clear intent when it comes to showing your kids how others should be treated and how work should be completed. Giving positive feedback for appropriate behavior will only encourage children’s understanding for the importance of respect and reliability.

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

 

Slow down, child

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Slow down, child

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Eager to grow fast
Slow down, child. Time is fleeting.
Cherish each moment

My children refuse to stop growing so quickly. They refuse to be my helpless babies anymore. They refuse to let anything hold them back.

As the new school year approaches, my children seem to have grown inches taller and smarter than I know what to do with. I am so blessed to have healthy, thriving children but, like any other parent, I would love just a few more weeks or months of them being little.

Today my schedule is packed with appointments and errands, but I have planned a fun “mommy day” tomorrow and am looking forward to making memories.

Find time to make memories with those you love. Time is fleeting. If not for them, but for yourself, slow down, child.

By: Melanie A. Peters

Stand Tall (even when you’re drowning)

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Stand Tall (even when you’re drowning)

Above water

When man-made lakes are formed, trees, fields, plains, and old homesteads are all covered with the collecting waters. What was once a forest or a small civilization becomes sights unseen. In spite of the hundreds of years put into growing those trees, we now only see a small tip of what made its way past the 30 or 50 or even 75 foot mark. The treetops are the only reminder of that tree’s grandeur for us.

Yes, there are still things we value in this tree. For example, tying your boat to the tree’s tallest boughs provides a successful spot for fishing, because now fish make their nests in its branches, instead of birds.We know that the roots still run deep, holding the foundation for the lake in place, and continuing to provide shelter for the animals that call the lake “home.”

The clusters of once mighty leaf-bearers are now skeletons reaching for the sky, proving they are still standing strong, leafless, broken, and drowning, but strong. Continue reading “Stand Tall (even when you’re drowning)” →

Elusive – I’ll Sleep When I am Dead

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Elusive – I’ll Sleep When I am Dead

Nap Apology

Sleep eludes me almost every night. Sleep eludes my children almost every nap time. 🙂

Sleep is elusive.

Our bodies need rest. Our minds need rest. I need rest.

My poor boys do not know how to sleep through the night. I am pretty sure they get their night owl status from my husband and their restless brain syndrome from me. They are doomed.

People ask me all the time how I keep going on such little sleep, I smile and say, “I’ll sleep when I am dead.” We laugh and then I worry that might actually be when I truly am able to find rest.

I have done a lot of research on parenting and sleeping and even more research on how to get my body to be at rest. All of the research suggests limiting caffeine and sugar intake, establish bedtime routines, and avoid stimulating media devices before bed. Tried all of these, but the lack of caffeine may kill me before the lack of sleep.

The bedtime routine seems to make my kids crazier. The second I mention baths, pajamas, or bedtime all hell breaks loose and my sweet angels are hanging from the ceiling fan throwing down remnants of their uneaten suppers. It is hard to find a restful state in this situation.

When I talk to other parents and my pediatrician about getting them to sleep, everyone has advice or ideas. We welcome any and all ideas, but my favorite ones involve my friends taking my kids for the night so I can get some sleep. (For some reason, my kids will sleep anywhere but at home.) The problem with this idea is that when my kids are gone, I still can’t sleep.

What is wrong with me????!!??! Continue reading “Elusive – I’ll Sleep When I am Dead” →

Positive Pants – Wise Words Wednesday

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Positive Pants – Wise Words Wednesday

Positive Pants Wise Words Wednesday

When we face trouble in our lives we are often told to strap on our boots and wade on into the battle or put on our big girl panties and do what we have to do. In keeping with the theme of dressing for success, I would like to challenge you to put on your positive pants.

Don’t worry about how fashionable your positivity appears or if the fit compliments your curves (at least you have curves.) Let your happiness radiate from your heart. Wear your worry-free outlook on your sleeve and show just how good positivity can look.

If you start your day with the intent to make it a great one, you are much more likely to make that happen. When you say, “This is a good day,” you are more likely to believe it and good things will manifest themselves. Continue reading “Positive Pants – Wise Words Wednesday” →

Carefree? When the Angels Let Loose

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Carefree? When the Angels Let Loose

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When I was a little girl, we were told that rain was the result of the angels crying. This idea always made me sad because I thought heaven was supposed to be a place where everyone was carefree and happy all the time.

In my innocent mind, the angels just had to be carefree.

As I got older, I started to believe that those angel tears had to be caused by more than sadness.

Those drops fall because the angels feel compassion or understanding for the earth below and know that the world needs to be refreshed or washed of the sorrows mankind has brought on itself.

Angel tears are sent to free us from our cares. They are to remind us that Heaven knows what is going on in our lives and that our hurt and sins can be washed away. Our souls can soak up all we need to live and love. Continue reading “Carefree? When the Angels Let Loose” →