Light at the end of the tunnel according to Kim Anderson

Kim Anderson

Kim Anderson’s light at end of the tunnel – I didn’t really know how to start this post, but I knew the moment I heard Kim Anderson’s quote, I had to write about how the truth of it hit home for me.

I am a Missouri native but I have been a Kentucky Wildcat fan my entire life. (Growing up one of the only TV stations that came in clear was from Paducah, Kentucky and so I began to bleed blue at an early age.) My husband, on the other hand, grew up 45 minutes from Columbia, MO, home of the Missouri Tigers, and is a tried-and-true Mizzou man. I always cheered for the Tigers when we watched them (except when they played Kentucky), but was never really a “fan.”

Not, that is, until Kim Anderson became their coach last season. Coach Anderson has had some mountains to climb with his young team, but he has always addressed their adversities with honesty and humor.

A few weeks ago I watched a press conference with Coach Anderson and he talked about a light at the end of the tunnel. His light had a different glow than most traditional talks that coaches preach. He said he could see a “light at the end of the tunnel… there might be a train coming in that tunnel” but there is light. His message basically said, we have to face the light when we get there and work to get past and appreciate the view beyond that  adversity. No matter what light was shining their way, as a team, they could not jump track.

This view on determination and focus is something that we should each make part of our own personal game plan. It might be the whistle of a distracting thought or a speed bump in your daily routine that you find glaring in your direction.It could possibly be a heartache rolling towards you or maybe it is a life-threatening disease or injury rambling your way.

Whatever beam flashes, bumming you out, try to find a way past it. Don’t derail from your established priorities. Consider changing speeds, looking for a new conductor, or simply say to yourself, “I think I can. I think I can.” Coach Kim Anderson is well respected for his ability to coach basketball teams but even more so for his clear view of any situation.

Thanks you, Coach Anderson, for providing a positive spin on what lies beyond that darkened tunnel.

By: Melanie A. Peters

Omelets

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Omelets – Unless you are someone who doesn’t like their foods to touch, you appreciate a good omelet. No matter what your tastes are, anyone can enjoy a tasty recipe. Success is found when the separate ingredients come together to make something balanced and delicious. They enhance and accent one another in new flavorful ways.
Be like those ingredients. Reflect on how you are a beneficial part of the elements of your life. omelet.pngYour family. Your friends. Your job. Your church. Your neighborhood. Your underwater basket-weaving team. Whatever it is, applaud yourself for being such a delectable part of the cosmos for which you are an integral element.
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

Helium

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Helium – As a kid I never sucked helium to make my voice go squeaky. I was too self-conscious about how it would make me sound. I really regret it now.
Today we have an apparent helium shortage, and I see stores with signs up apologizing for their inability to fill balloons because they can’t get any of the precious anti-gravity gas. Even one of my favorite tv shows, “The Big Bang Theory,” recently showed an episode where Leonard and Sheldon sought illegal helium for their research experiment because of its rarity.
This post isn’t about trying to get people to run out and buy helium tanks in a mass of panic and terror. It is about regret. Don’t let the helium in your balloon run out today. If there is something you have been saving for another day or an action you would like to take, but are afraid of sounding weird (not like chipmunk squeaky weird – but weirdo weird), GO FOR IT. NOW. Don’t let your opportunities run out.
You might find yourself soaring above the crowd or at least above your normal every day experiences. You might find a way for a new relationship to take flight or you might inflate your self-worth and confidence. Heck, you might even find a way to expand your dream or desire into a purpose that takes you beyond your original intent. Don’t let a precious opportunity blow past you!

 

By: Melanie A. Peters

A diamond under pressure

A diamond is a just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well. – When we hit the middle of the week (or the semester for those academics out there), things can get pretty tough to handle.
This week don’t let the tension get to you. Shine under the pressure. Know when you need to take a break or when it is important for you to speak up. You never know who might be feeling the same or enduring even greater stressors around you.
I did some research about how diamonds form and, according to Smithsonian.com, diamonds are formed when carbon atoms bond under extreme heat and pressure. Those bonds are what give diamonds their strength and luminosity.  It takes billions of bonded carbon atoms to form a one carat diamond. Think how valuable just one stress-relieving bond could be for you.
If you are able to step away from your stressful situation, I bet you can see what elements bond you to the people who share your situation. Release some of that pressure by initiating a positive discussion, making a joke, bringing everyone in your department or class a cold bottle of water, or schedule a reward for yourself. If you make it through this, you celebrate with your own shiny or precious thing. Make it a dinner out, a car wash, a nap! Whatever is going to make you strong enough to get through this stressful time is what you need to set as your intention for yourself.
Shine, baby, shine! You are more than a diamond in the rough. You have Intentergy about you!

By: Melanie A. Peters

Source: Smithsonian.com
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/diamonds-unearthed-141629226/?no-ist

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

29 Gifts

29 Gifts by Cami Walker provided me with a new understanding of what it means to have purpose and intent.

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Cami Walker’s narrative in 29 Gifts shares her struggles and triumphs in battling multiple sclerosis and her own emotional demons. Cami accepted a prescription to give intentionally and journal her giving for 29 days. Her acceptance and dedication to generosity enhanced her physical and emotional health, while creating new avenues in her family life and career. You HAVE to read it!

I have been rattling ideas around in my head for quite some time about Intentergy, but Cami Walker’s book served as a guiding light to many outlets for my inspiration. Through her journey of self-healing and giving, I was able to redirect my efforts to live a more meaningful life.

29 gifts and me

Today is the 29th day of my first 29 days challenge and I am ecstatic about continuing my intentional giving. I hope that some of my gratitude and generosity is able to be manifested through my Intentergy efforts.

By: Melanie A. Peters

 

29 Gifts by Cami Walker ISBN 978-0-7382-1430-6

Highlighters

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Highlighters can bring attention to the good that you see. 

I use highlighters in my classroom as a tool for students to reveal what they know and when they have made corrections. For example, when we analyze poetry, I have my English students highlight the examples of literary tools, such as alliteration or simile. This exhibits to me that they are able to identify written examples, while showing them just how “bright” they are. With my yearbook staff, highlighters are implemented after someone has corrected an editor’s note on their proof. They may only highlight over the editor’s marks when the issue is resolved. It is a vivid exhibition of improvement and evolution within the spreads. This is how a great book is made. Illuminating where we have made progress.

Today use an imaginary or real highlighter (either way is great). Brighten your energy and the energy of those around you by pointing out something extraordinary that you witness. Make note of a marked improvement in an area that you know someone has been struggling. Revivify your workplace with some fresh cut flowers or a snack. Flash a smile or a warm greeting to everyone you meet.

Highlight something for yourself as well. Feed off of your own intent and you will radiate with renewed energy.

By Melanie A. Peters