Category Making Opportunities

I Think I Can? – Wise Words Wednesday

Intentergy 1 Comment

I Think I Can? – Wise Words Wednesday

I think I can.png

 

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

Intentergy 5 Comments

House Rules

house rules for happiness (1).JPG

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

 

 

Stand Tall (even when you’re drowning)

Intentergy Leave a comment

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)” →

Positive Pants – Wise Words Wednesday

Intentergy 10 Comments

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” →

Feast

Intentergy 4 Comments

Feast

Feast from Family (2).JPG

Vegetables shared with us from our aunt and uncle. Potatoes provided by my father-in-law. Bananas and oranges from the grocery store.

We have an aunt and uncle who garden. By garden I don’t mean a few raised beds and a couple of hanging baskets on the front porch. I mean they GARDEN. Each year they plant four or five vegetable gardens.

They start the seeds in February or March in their home and then transplant them into the long, tilled rows of their various produce fields. They grow sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, potatoes, zucchini, squash, peppers, and more. Their bounty flourishes with their generosity towards us.

As the summer months roll along, I often come home to find a pile of zucchini or corn inside the front door. Sometimes there will be a bucket of tomatoes or a bag of cucumbers on the front porch. We are SO blessed that they share their garden goodies with us!

To show our thanks, I often bake them zucchini bread or angel food cake (Uncle loves this.) Sometimes I will take them a turkey dish or just sent a thank you card. This is all they ever allow me to do in the form of payment for the awesome summer treats.

Summertime really does provide a feast for us (thanks to Aunt and Uncle’s labors and kindness).

It doesn’t always take a box of tomatoes or a bag of sweet corn for us to feast on the blessings our loved ones provide for us. People in our lives grace us with tremendous gifts each day. Take time to identify and realize the wonderful ways your life is enhanced because of the actions your friends and family make.

Take time today to thank someone in your life for the blessings they serve you. Say a prayer of thanksgiving for the opportunities provided to you by your parents or friends. Make plans to do something that shows your gratitude for someone you care about.

Put your energy into positively pursuing your intents of gratitude, and you will surely find yourself feasting on love and added blessings.

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

Taking a Break from a Break

Intentergy 10 Comments

Taking a Break from a Break

Taking a break from a break

 

On our recent fishing trip, my kids could not wait to get out of the boat and climb the big rocks lining the shore. After a ton of whining and pleading, my husband gave in and pulled close enough for the kids to clamor out and explore.

They were wearing flip-flops and life jackets so climbing was not easy but they LOVED it.

With warnings like “Watch where you step,” “Look out for snakes,” and “Don’t throw rocks,” you would think their spirits would be dampened, but no way. My husband was so excited to fish with the kids and I think it was a little hard for him when they were less interested in catching the big one than they were in the monolithic rocks. I was more concerned with snakes hiding in the rocks, but we have to choose our battles (July Positivity Challenge).

After a bit I calmed down and reminded myself we were on vacation and it was supposed to be relaxing and fun. If the kids wanted to get out and roam over the rocks for a while, it might mean I get to relax while they rest up from their fun. 🙂

Soon they climbed as far as was safe and were ready to jump back in the boat. They had taken their break from our fishing break and were ready to get back at it.

In daily life, I often find myself so absorbed in my to-do list that I forget that it is ok to take a break or that a few extra minutes snuggling or drawing with my kids won’t hurt the unfolded laundry or unwashed dishes. We all need to give ourselves permission to climb and explore a little bit. We might find that it makes us more productive in the long run.

Give your intentions a new direction today. Let that direction lead you where your heart takes you, even if it’s only for a few moments. It will restore your positivity and increase your energy and that is what having Intentergy is all about.

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

Eye for an Eye – Wise Words Wednesday

Intentergy 3 Comments

Eye for an Eye – Wise Words Wednesday

Eye for an Eye

 

During Monday’s opening segment on The Talk, Aisha Tyler took a moment to speak to America. She said, “We are just a talk show here. We don’t have all the answers,” and then shared this quote from Mahatma Ghandi. After hearing those words, IAisha Tyler.png thought, “Aisha, you might not have all the answers, but you are off to a darn good start.”

I can’t begin to understand what it is like to live in fear everyday, as  African Americans and police officers do. I can’t begin to understand how people think that killing others is the solution to any problem. I can’t begin to understand how people feel so little love for one another that they do not value the life, liberty, or happiness of others.

What I do understand is that we are all created in God’s image and we are all called to love and honor one another. Stop poking out the proverbial eyes of those that we should love, and live in a world that sees the beauty and value of each individual.

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

 

Mama Catches Happiness

Intentergy 5 Comments

Mama Catches Happiness

Mamas Catch.jpg

After I caught this crappie at Truman Lake, my husband told my kids, “Now Mama is happy.”

I made them take my picture. I was proud of my catch and I wanted my kids to see my pride.

Heavy storms with lots of thunder and lightening blew through two of the three nights we were at the lake. The storm fronts seemed to have scared off the fish because we only caught about 15 fish the entire trip. My contributions to the fishing came in the form of this and one other fish caught, keeping the boys from falling in the water, and having minnows ready to bait my daughter’s hook. I just happened to catch this guy during one of the quieter moments of our excursion. I fished with my youngest son on my lap so he could “catch” one too, but he couldn’t stand the wait so we never snagged one for him.

Fishing with my kids is stressful and scary for me. I am afraid of water.

Water has frightened me since I was a teenager. As a camp counselor, I had to rescue two girls after they tipped over their canoe in a deep and restricted part of the camp lake. A year later I had to provide first aid to a man who sustained a head injury at a local water slide when he flipped off the mat (on which he was supposed to remain seated). People who are not afraid of water get hurt. I am afraid of water.

On our fishing trip, safety precautions were my number one concern. Appropriately fitting life jackets, secured seats, swimming lesson reminders, and safety whistles were all in place.  The waters were calm and my always zen husband sat confidently as he drove the boat. I clutched my youngest son for dear life. Continue reading “Mama Catches Happiness” →

Dog on Vacation

Intentergy 6 Comments

Dog on Vacation

Dog on Vacation

Last week we decided to take an impromptu vacation to Truman Lake in Warsaw, Missouri. We have visited this lake in the past, but this would be our first trip with all three kids and the dog.

Taking the kids was not the shocking part of our planning. Taking the dog tested my husband’s bounds of comfort on many levels. He is not a fan of dogs in cars. He is not a fan of dogs licking faces or hands or legs or any other body part. He is adamantly against dogs in the house. Living up to the July Intentergy Positivity Challenge he gave in and allowed us to borrow a travel kennel from friends and bring our fur-baby along.

Bandit was the picture of puppy grace on the trip. He rode happily and quietly in the kids’ laps on the drive to and from the lake. Quickly did his business in the grass and took a nap in the kennel while we stopped to eat. Never once did the dog ask, “How much longer?”  or complain about what food we chose to eat. Not once did Bandit whine about one of the kids touching him or looking at him or breathing the same air he did. Never did we have to deal with him throwing a fit because he was hot, hungry, or tired. Continue reading “Dog on Vacation” →

Tune into Peace – Wise Words Wednesday

Intentergy 2 Comments

Tune into Peace – Wise Words Wednesday

A Channel of Peace.png

Most people only think of television or the radio when it comes to channels. Way before tv took over our mindscape, channels meant a way to guide or divert things like water or attention.

“Prayer of St. Francis” has long been one of my favorite church hymns but lately it has had a much more powerful meaning. There seems to be so much hurt and hatred in our world caused by the sensitivity we have created amongst ourselves. We need to redirect our emotions and energy toward creating peace.

No two people were made the same. (Thank goodness!) We need to embrace the things that make us different and let go of the things that we believe divide us. This isn’t about race, gender, or religion. It’s about love.

Too many believe that they cannot love or be loved by certain groups. Those kinds of ideas must be derailed and their love and thoughts must be channeled by means of peace.

Please continue to direct your energy and intents to ending unrest and hurt. Bring unity and coexistence to daily routines. Tune out the ideas that only violence and revenge can end the disparities. Let peace be the channel by which we find love for everyone and let injuries find healing through our actions and words.

By: Melanie A. Peters