Sidewalk Chalk – memory makers

Sidewalk Chalk – memory makers

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In life we are going to create amazing, inspiring things, but similarly to our sidewalk chalk drawings, sometimes all that remains is their memory.

Yes, it is hard to move on to the next project or make a picture that is just as perfect, but we always have the ability to focus our new intentions and guide our hands and heartschalk on the side (12) with the beauty that formerly enlightened us. Think back to a time when you did something great!

Smile at that memory. Really smile. Smile on your face, in your eyes, in your heart. Maybe even share the story of that proud moment with someone.

Create a moment of joy and pride for someone else. Point out a friend’s successes or thank someone for making your life better in a special way. Turn your intent to gratitude for the present and your positive energy will never fade.

By: Melanie A. Peters

Season’s Greetings from Spring

Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall – enjoy them all!
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Today take time to notice and give thanks for one element that makes up this miraculous season. Be it the plants, the fresh air, or the sounds that only this season’s nature brings (i.e. crickets chirping, leaves rustling, rain on the roof top, the crunch of snow underfoot.)

 

 

Look, listen, live, and love the uniqueness of this time of year. Do something that makes this season kinder to others. Sweep snow from your neighbor’s walk, hold an umbrella for a stranger, rake leaves for your church or school, clean up the local park. Be a part of the beauty of this season.

Season’s greetings!

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Green starting to pop as my mums make their spring debut.

By: Melanie A. Peters

Free Stuff

Free stuff – Love isn’t the only thing that’s free.
There are so many free things that are available to us all the time. Libraries, parks, those little sample bites at the grocery store, wifi at coffee houses, advice from your mom. 🙂
Take advantage of some free things today. Get a nice cold drink at the water fountain. Check out a book from the local library. Swing on the swings at the park. Drop off recycling at a local receptacle. Play hopscotch with your kids on the sidewalk. Find a pretty rock and give it to someone who could use something beautiful in their day. Take a photo of something cool and send it to someone who would enjoy it.
Free is free, but gratitude for everything around you is priceless.
By: Melanie A. Peters

Tissues

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Tissues – “life is made up of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating” – O.Henry
This line from “The Gift of the Magi” by O.Henry reflects the notion that we run a gamut of emotions in life. O. Henry stated that we find ourselves in the in-between phase most of the time, somewhere between a sob and a smile. In my life I believe there are a lot more smiles than sobs, but on occasion, just like anyone else, the tears come more easily than the smiles. Fortunately for myself (and everyone else) there are these terrific things called tissues. They pop right up when you need them (most of the time) and wipe, catch, dry, and/or protect us from the fluids that flow from our emotions.
I know Kleenexes are not the cure for everything but they sure can soften the blow of a tumultuous moment or fix the mascara marks of a tear-inducing laugh. Think about it! How many times have you in your life offered or asked for a tissue?
My dad always keeps a handkerchief in his pocket. He is not man who tends to make a big fuss about things and always knows what tools he needs to fix a problem. This is a great testament to just how handy and helpful it is to have something there to catch life as it falls from our faces.
I know it might sound crazy but today be thankful for a time when you had a tissue (or a handkerchief) to snag those salty signs left from sniffles and smiles. Be grateful for comfort found in simple things.

By: Melanie A. Peters

Security Blankets

Security blankets – Like Linus in the Charlie Brown cartoons we all have that one thing or place that makes us feel safe.
Today be grateful for your gift of comfort. Linus had his trusty blanket, if your security blanket takes shape in your significant other, thank them for the stability they bring to you. If it is your pet, an extra belly rub or treat might be perfect. If it is your apartment or office or bedroom, maybe a quick clean up to perk up the place is precisely what this day calls for.
Delight in the decadence! Be still in the safety! Celebrate your security blanket!
By Melanie A. Peters

Fortune Cookie Surprises

Fortune cookies surprises – Even if you don’t like Chinese food, you probably like to get a fortune cookie.

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It is exciting to see what secret prediction or advice lies inside that almond-flavored crescent. Today be grateful for surprises in your life. Not all things are expected and that is the coolest part about being us. We may not always know what’s coming but we can always know that there is opportunity in the unexpected.

 

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I was pleasantly surprised by my fortune as I shot the photos for this post. My fortune seemed to be a perfectly positive message about my decision to blog. 🙂

By: Melanie A. Peters

Sticky Notes

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Sticky notes – I don’t really need to explain why these are awesome. 😉
Sticky notes are magical slips of paper that allow our ideas to stick. (Pun intended.)
Find or make your own post-it note today and give it positive purpose. Make a thank you note or an “I love you” note and adhere where it will be seen by someone you appreciate. Or, even better, write a funny note or happy thought on a sticky note and place it where it will be seen by many people or one random person. Give your purpose for your post positive intent and you will definitely reap the benefits of positive energy today.
By: Melanie A. Peters

Elastic

Elastic – Its stretchy support makes our lives so comfortable.
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Cherish the fact that you are like elastic. You are adaptable in your problem solving and communications. You are supportive (in a non-constricting sort of way) for your friends and family. You are not machine washable, but you do have the ability to snap back into things when challenges knock you out of sorts. Maybe even enjoy some sweatpants today with extra zeal because of the comfort you enjoy and the knowledge that you can be just as flexible.
By Melanie A. Peters

You don’t need a pilot’s license

“The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” – Michael Altshler

Yes, it is already the last Tuesday in February. You aren’t even sure if all the Christmas giftwrap is completely vacuumed out of the living room carpet, but you are positive that this month is rapidly getting away from you. Well grab the reins and take wing.

Direct your energy today to getting the most out of every encounter and experience. You are your own pilot (no license necessary). If it helps, look back at the photos you have captured since Christmas, celebrate the accomplishments of this newly fledgling year. If those photos don’t exist, take a really gorgeous selfie with your bestie or snap a shot of something glorious you spied today. Own that image and say, “I made that happen” or “Caught it! Love it!” and share it.

Put your positivity pilot into motion. Intend to be great and you will never get off course.

Share your flight of photo fun! Email or comment. Share the celebration of your moments!

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By: Melanie A. Peters

Require Sun Screen

Require Sun Screen – I love to joke with my colleagues when they are upset that they are going to want sunscreen for their butt because I am about to shine so much sunshine up their keister that they will need it. Be that kind of sunshine for those around you. I am not saying to blister those you love with your intent, but bring brightness into their lives that is beyond that of what they normally receive.

Warm them with your actions and intentions and you will find yourself basking in positive energy and brilliant purpose.

By: Melanie A. Peters