tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48058224004665816652024-02-06T21:25:11.588-05:00STRIVE DAILYAnticipate great things! Sharing tidbits that can help us be better and do better. Strive daily means that we each are on a journey of continuous improvement. It is great to be able to share the trials and triumphs with others.Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-85907145582670018072017-03-15T20:10:00.000-04:002017-03-20T09:18:07.503-04:00Hues of Promise<div class="MsoNormal">
Born on a Tuesday<o:p></o:p></div>
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Skin the color of <span style="color: #bf9000;">Turmeric</span> and <span style="color: #783f04;">Cinnamon </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Fierce hues of promise<o:p></o:p></div>
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Personality<o:p></o:p></div>
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Savory like foods<o:p></o:p></div>
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from Mama's pepper pot<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sure Nuff!<o:p></o:p></div>
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As she grows, she is told to brace for the storms her life
will hold....<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the meantime, ......<o:p></o:p></div>
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Indulging on the sweetness of Innocence<o:p></o:p></div>
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Juju beans and ice cream cones<o:p></o:p></div>
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Shaved ice from the corner store. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Fast Forward yet Time Travelled <o:p></o:p></div>
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only to bring back the pain rooted in a time<o:p></o:p></div>
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so far but not far away at all.<o:p></o:p></div>
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She with a hue so beautiful finds herself immobilized<o:p></o:p></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/96/0d/b3/960db3e5ab2f17eb9020053cb4abb4cf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Angel Wings by Laverne Ross" border="0" height="276" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/564x/96/0d/b3/960db3e5ab2f17eb9020053cb4abb4cf.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork entitled Angel Wings by Laverne Ross</td></tr>
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Shackled by the spirits that seek dominion over her story.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Generational darkness<o:p></o:p></div>
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Demonic host staking
claims to eradicate her future glory.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Purposed legions of invisible defense<o:p></o:p></div>
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Angels, Ancestors come to her rescue and carry her on their
wings to safety.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ministering and Equipping her with <o:p></o:p></div>
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the succors of strength<o:p></o:p></div>
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the elixirs of hope<o:p></o:p></div>
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the food of fortitude<o:p></o:p></div>
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the refreshing waters of resilience<o:p></o:p></div>
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the ground for grit <o:p></o:p></div>
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the anointing of abundance<o:p></o:p></div>
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the light of liberation <o:p></o:p></div>
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and a compass that leads to a destination set by the Divine</div>
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Yes, greatness lies within her <o:p></o:p></div>
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like still seeds in fertile low country soil<o:p></o:p></div>
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ready for the first rain to explode.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Inspired by a trip to the AAHM-the African American History Museum. It is truly a museum that everyone should make a priority to visit. </div>
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Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-89203807303465311572016-02-21T23:40:00.001-05:002016-02-22T21:24:12.552-05:00Monday Meditation:You Are An Overcomer!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXINtYxb4nYniE8fw39qCo8X1-zwSDHwsV1OMjkOZkX9XnUEHrVVdRUf58Rf13eAMcC3djE-DTi1yghj5MF5djgZqt9vpDwBW3KHGFt48pL-BmeeydMDR-z0y3lX6LgDYnXJDq3LMv4VGH/s1600/IMG_20140729_153056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXINtYxb4nYniE8fw39qCo8X1-zwSDHwsV1OMjkOZkX9XnUEHrVVdRUf58Rf13eAMcC3djE-DTi1yghj5MF5djgZqt9vpDwBW3KHGFt48pL-BmeeydMDR-z0y3lX6LgDYnXJDq3LMv4VGH/s320/IMG_20140729_153056.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">You are an overcomer more than just a survivor. You are healed and blessed!</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span> Sometimes we hear these words and can not receive them. However,<b> creating affirmations </b>allows one to shift the negative paradigm that we often feel after a serious life changing event. <br />
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Personally, I have incorporated <b>affirmations</b> into my daily ritual. It has removed years of calcified damage and I believe it could do the same for anyone who commits to it.<i> 'Scripturally'</i> speaking, "<i> the power of life and death lies in the tongue</i>"..... <b>Speak Life over your healing and future.</b><br />
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2 <b>Prayer, meditation and keeping a journal or diary </b>can also serve as excellent methods to <b>get back to center and honor the God within. </b><br />
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3. <b>Surround yourself with positive people.</b> Family and friends can give us so much strength but sometimes the shame of trauma makes it difficult to be transparent . It is hard to tell the person that has gone through so much anguish as your care taker that you feel hopeless or helpless. Sometimes, survivors may harbor resentment for loved ones too. They may not be able to understand "your blues" when you have survived and should be ecstatic.<br />
When you begin to feel yourself internalizing your true feelings, you may need to garner strength from other sources. You may want to consider<b> professional counselling or support groups for the type of trauma</b> you have experienced.. It is so powerful to meet with others with a shared experience. Do not let shame or pride stand in your way of getting the<b> circle of grace and support</b> that you need.<br />
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<b>We pray that you continue to shift shame to strength and continue to commit to Strive Daily.</b><br />
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<br />Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-2291427984625564422016-02-13T23:10:00.000-05:002016-02-20T11:06:22.731-05:00Embrace Your Grown<img alt="Image result for breaking chains" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" 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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> <span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>ix months before my birthday, I started feeling a little different from the inside.. deep within. Those of you who are reaching milestones may know what I mean. Kind of like the developmental charts we have for babies..milk to solid food. creeping to crawling.. </i></span><br />
<u><img src="http://www.itassetmanagement.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Four-Stages-of-SAM-Maturity.jpg" height="161" width="200" /></u><br />
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I<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> felt a change......a shift. .....I coined it ........<span style="font-size: large;">Ownership! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Not home ownership ... car ownership ..designer bag ownership, this was not material in nature even a little bit </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">but. rather .....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Ownership of my life... on my terms....... My Stage...My Story......My Life...YASS!</b><img src="https://media.licdn.com/mpr/mpr/p/1/005/07f/13a/2d8fc03.jpg" /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> A</b><i> "I don't really care how you feel or take this but ___________ "</i><b>attitude.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> A</b> <i>" Well, that is not quite the look I am going for but I have a plan and am fabulous anyway"</i> <b>attitude</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>A</b>" M<i>y time is better spent doing X (fill in the blank with anything.. taking a bath, feeding the homeless, putting my kids to bed, painting my toe nails, A girl's night in the city! anything but that) </i><b>attitude</b><i><b>.</b> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This feeling of <i><b>ownership </b></i>sprang up in situations where I least expected it. It was almost Euphoric.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Areas where I would naturally acquiesce due to some level of loyalty for whatever reason,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i> "No!" or a "No, I will not be able to! "</i> became so much easier.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I felt like Steve Urkele, "Did I do that!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Each time I asserted myself, a shackle to my invisible chains of people pleasing, looking for people's approval about my own life choices and self deprecation seemed to break and I began to move closer to my own emotional freedom. If you had asked me prior to this "new awakening" I would have said I had acquired this type of freedom when I turned 18 and left for college. </span><br />
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" 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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I, a prisoner who did not realize that she needed to be set free like the people depicted in Plato's Allegory of the Cave. I began to finally see the light. I was alarmed at first.even scared that my new found "ownership" would be off putting , should I retract my statement, cover up, make up something... a little lie to keep the peace.</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> I have been an executive for many years, so I would not say that I was afraid of asserting my position in the boardroom but in areas of the heart.. family, friends and even to myself, I struggled like so many other <b>Strong </b>women do.</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I </span>sat with my sister- in- law at my 40th Birthday party and she said, "You feel different don't you?" and finally I realized that I was not alone.It was an 'AHA' moment like Oprah says. My sis-in-law understood and I understood. She laughed. We took a shot of something strong and the merriment continued.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> This was one of those moments in life when you do not learn the secret until you join the club like a <i>sorority</i>, <i>Mommyhood or Wifedom</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"You gave me life like oxygen!" I told her. I told her that I have been grown a long time but now I feel like I am Embracing my GROWN!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> "Embrace my GROWN is my new mantra!"</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>Embrace My GROWN</b></u></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> means: </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">G- Giving more of myself to myself</span></span></b></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">R- Realizing my full worth and not settling for anyone or anything that blocks my shine!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">O-Owning my life in every sense of the word!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">W-What I feel without apology. I am wise enough to make my own decisions and old enough to live with the results!</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">N- No! No is not a bad word. People pleasing is so last decade.</span></h3>
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<tr><td><img alt="Adinkra Symbols of West Africa: Adinkrahene sign of independence" src="https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/a1/2b/3d/a12b3d1aef8f57da411a2c90310384d2.gif" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Adinkra symbol for independence<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 14px;">"Independence comes with its responsibilities."</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">No matter what your age is Embrace your GROWN!</span></h3>
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<img alt="love self" src="http://heddmagazine.co/wp-content/plugins/jquery-image-lazy-loading/images/grey.gif" /></h3>
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<b>How do you "Embrace Your GROWN?" Let us know and do not forget to Strive Daily!</b></h2>
Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-25017899884068676382015-11-23T22:46:00.002-05:002015-11-23T22:46:23.147-05:00Meditation Monday:Serenity Prayer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-66136564252983908312015-11-16T08:13:00.001-05:002015-11-16T08:15:42.027-05:00Monday Meditation: Prayer of St. Francis<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://stfranciswindsor.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/St_Francis_Prayer.298165546_std.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="508" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Pray for Peace and to be used as an instrument of God's Peace! Continue to Strive Daily!</span></b></td></tr>
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Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-41715606526423090672015-11-15T08:53:00.000-05:002016-02-21T01:24:17.359-05:00The Dreamer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dreaming always seemed like a luxury to me</div>
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A wasted opportunity for sound sleep or a safe plan</div>
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To dream is to risk but I believed that the risk never was worth the cost</div>
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I would tell myself </div>
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To Dream brings dischord to the daily drum of our lives</div>
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Like the white noise that used to happen when a tv station turned off for the night</div>
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It makes us shudder</div>
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Dreams steal the security of knowing what to expect.</div>
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Like a home security system ...locking out dreams.. protects us </div>
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One day when my gaurds were down. </div>
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I did it, I dreamed!</div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4805822400466581665" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a>That one dream unlocked my soul and unchained my spirit<br />
<span style="text-align: center;">The dream was like a blue pill transforming my black and white monotony to a 3d Panaromic multicolored capacity</span><br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">The dream was a seed that impregnated me</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Do I abort this vision that seem too good for me.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;">Relagate myself back to the solace of monotony</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4805822400466581665" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zVaTBwRgcCxfctNIHPIzzydx2uFJhUdbCkj0oqOr1g0rItNDa8WLpFwO1kLe7k8IwdLLZXstuvt3-QAYyTmjK8VNhwWqWNqaw85QRWyV-M62vSbLuKqw6f4trAYxH4RpCQPWRrbwosfi/s1600/IMG_20140811_191457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zVaTBwRgcCxfctNIHPIzzydx2uFJhUdbCkj0oqOr1g0rItNDa8WLpFwO1kLe7k8IwdLLZXstuvt3-QAYyTmjK8VNhwWqWNqaw85QRWyV-M62vSbLuKqw6f4trAYxH4RpCQPWRrbwosfi/s320/IMG_20140811_191457.jpg" width="240" /></a>Am I capable of laboring and giving birth to such a plan?</div>
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The hardwork, the struggle, the unknown </div>
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The scrutiny, the tears, the vales and hills that certainly lie ahead</div>
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A dreamer on the same path as I turned to me and said,<br />
"Whatever you choose<br />
to pursue or to forget your new awakening"<br />
Your world, Your life and Your Purposed destiny are now in your hands.<br />
<br />
Nicole Peltier Lewis<br />
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Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-51751641726769014192015-11-11T18:29:00.000-05:002015-11-12T21:12:53.212-05:00An Attitude of Gratitude<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">"Be Grateful!"</span></i></b> I hear myself nagging and challenging my two sons.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/cache/72/ba/72bac89017aecb58721c6922bb55f616.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Google's Pouting Face" border="0" src="http://emojipedia-us.s3.amazonaws.com/cache/72/ba/72bac89017aecb58721c6922bb55f616.png" style="cursor: move;" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Gratitude Grinch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://us.123rf.com/450wm/elosa/elosa1408/elosa140800102/30841944-autumnal-background-with-a-label-with-be-grateful-on-it.jpg?ver=6" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="gratitude: Autumnal Background with a Label with Be Grateful on it Stock Photo" border="0" src="http://us.123rf.com/450wm/elosa/elosa1408/elosa140800102/30841944-autumnal-background-with-a-label-with-be-grateful-on-it.jpg?ver=6" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start your Gratitude Practice Today!<br />
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I hear myself doing<i> Gratitude Self Talk</i> while stuck in traffic and expletives are two seconds from parting my lips. <i>Thank you God for this time in traffic. Time to reflect on your goodness!</i> (this does not always work)<br />
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<a href="http://us.123rf.com/450wm/pixelsaway/pixelsaway1007/pixelsaway100700016/7343219-thank-you-in-sixteen-languages--colorful-sticky-notes-with-handwriting-on-cork-bulletin-board.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>November is the month to be Thankful. Sandwiched betwwen the spookiness of Halloween and the chaos and cheer of Christmas.</div>
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It is the greatest time of the year to form an <b>Attitude of Gratitude</b> while preparing for all the joys and sometimes the pain of the holiday season. </div>
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<b> Gratitude</b> helps us to gain appreaciation for the little things that we so often take for granted. According to many clinical studies, people who practice gratitude are healthier, have more meaningful relationships and grow spiritually.</div>
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If all the talk about red Starbucks cups and November 1st Black Friday sales have you feeling less grateful by the day, exhale and take a look at these suggestions to help gain or regain and <b><span style="font-size: large;">Attitude of Gratitude.</span></b></div>
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<b><u>1. Keep a Gratitude Journal or Jar.</u></b> </div>
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Having to reflect on all that we are thankful for and the kind and loving things that happen to us daily is transformative.</div>
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Keep a daily journal for the remainder of the month or keep it until January 1st to truly affirm a true gratitude practice.</div>
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Your entries can be as simple as saying I am grateful for......</div>
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Or </div>
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It can also ask the following questions</div>
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What attribute/skill am I thankful for? (<i>the ability to forgive</i>)</div>
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How did I show or was shown love today? (a<i> great welcome from my pup</i>)</div>
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What do I take for granted daily but today am truly grateful for? ( <i>clean wate</i>r)</div>
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I do this activity with middle schoolers and you would be astonished and so excited to see how they mature in their awareness by the end of the month and so do I.</div>
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<b><u>2. Get in Touch with Nature</u></b></div>
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Spend time taking in Nature. Even if it is looking at the stars for a moment or taking a nature walk and enjoying the last of the vibrant fall leaves. </div>
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<a href="http://us.123rf.com/450wm/petarpaunchev/petarpaunchev1211/petarpaunchev121100013/16118885-happy-young-girl-enjoying-the-beauty-of-sunny-autumn-day-high-in-the-mountains.jpg?ver=6" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="gratitude: Happy young girl enjoying the beauty of sunny autumn day high in the mountains" border="0" src="http://us.123rf.com/450wm/petarpaunchev/petarpaunchev1211/petarpaunchev121100013/16118885-happy-young-girl-enjoying-the-beauty-of-sunny-autumn-day-high-in-the-mountains.jpg?ver=6" height="133" width="200" /></a>Take your Gratitude journal with you and jot down the vastness of possibilities and the overwhelming thought that you are loved and are a part of this expansive universe of possibilities. </div>
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<a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; 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Here is a link to an amazing article by the Chopra Center that sums up gratitude in a nutshell. http://www.chopra.com/ccl/cultivate-the-healing-power-of-gratitude</div>
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Remember to Strive Daily and Be Grateful.</div>
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November 11, 2015 </div>
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What are you grateful for? </div>
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How about freedom? Democracy? The pursuit of happiness? Thank you to all of our Veterans.</div>
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Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-21328321382738473222015-10-26T08:07:00.001-04:002015-10-26T08:08:18.828-04:00I LOVE SATURDAYS!!!! <br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
do you like to do on Saturdays?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I
Love Saturdays!</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> tells
the story of an energetic little girl named, Ciana. She loves Saturdays
and all the adventures she could have with her mom. The sky is the limit
as they create a Family Adventure List!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #404040; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 18pt;">With universal themes of love and family,
I love Saturdays is a book that will make you feel energized and happy
about enjoying life's little adventures with those you love the
most</span></i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #404040; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 18pt;">.<span class="apple-converted-space"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Meet the Author </span></i></b><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">: Nicole Peltier Lewis is a mom and
educator. Originally from Boston, Mass., she hopes to empower families to
embrace love, time together and finding joy in the little things. She resides
in Maryland, with her two sons, Isaiah and Nicholas, and her husband, Kito.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br />
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<b><i><span style="background: white;">Meet the Illustrator:</span></i></b><span style="background: white;"> Devin Foss is a native of Maryland. He is an
illustrator and artist. Devin can be
reached via email at caprixice@gmail.com.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9S0MOlNFgHqXjeQiALtvaChXMleIcBcSoYibx8QBD9204ov16MO9Ym1fWKVpZxiM1f13jtROThXFjE6e5tolbwVRnU-EbLoD7wwsy1JVHNs10_6oMewsKc5Vs0PzaqkrcwyAAdloe9xYn/s1600/image+6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9S0MOlNFgHqXjeQiALtvaChXMleIcBcSoYibx8QBD9204ov16MO9Ym1fWKVpZxiM1f13jtROThXFjE6e5tolbwVRnU-EbLoD7wwsy1JVHNs10_6oMewsKc5Vs0PzaqkrcwyAAdloe9xYn/s320/image+6.jpeg" width="247" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="background: white;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Love-Saturdays-Nicole-Peltier-Lewis/dp/1498420230/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1445861052&sr=8-1&keywords=i+love+saturdays+by+nicole+peltier+lewis">Purchase Your Copy Today!</a></span></span></div>
Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-76038175961069583692015-10-25T12:34:00.000-04:002017-10-08T07:30:58.608-04:00A sneak peak of the family adventure list from the book I LOVE SATURDAYS!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsnCJDl_h1PE6kNALcDYtAZgCLUAKq4nlSYsQ1KwfQ-XBbPZJDT0W-D0wFNDO3O4OI9uEAHi1Se6WZaM5kMDfPyRjCgZKtmoXWZjMT1BgAxkOXrB7Vtqwc1xsfeWs2ukT7xcJH16mBP1M/s1600/image+1+and+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsnCJDl_h1PE6kNALcDYtAZgCLUAKq4nlSYsQ1KwfQ-XBbPZJDT0W-D0wFNDO3O4OI9uEAHi1Se6WZaM5kMDfPyRjCgZKtmoXWZjMT1BgAxkOXrB7Vtqwc1xsfeWs2ukT7xcJH16mBP1M/s400/image+1+and+12.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An image from my first children's book, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB0QFjAAahUKEwin1I7sn9_IAhWEcz4KHevEAlA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLove-Saturdays-Nicole-Peltier-Lewis-ebook%2Fdp%2FB015WWVUE0&usg=AFQjCNH15YLpw2MDKQYQfvpGHA0Kz06uTg&sig2=UcsLAAEyzsSeAo97FxOncQ&bvm=bv.105841590,d.cWw">I LOVE Saturdays!</a></td></tr>
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Like Ciana and her mom in the book I Loved Saturdays, we all have to decide how we are
going to spend our Saturdays. <o:p></o:p></div>
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What fun inexpensive activities are you going to do this Saturday? Here are
some suggestions A-L (excerpt from the book)<o:p></o:p></div>
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A<o:p></o:p></div>
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Arts and Crafts<o:p></o:p></div>
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Audubon visits <o:p></o:p></div>
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Archery Class<o:p></o:p></div>
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Apple Picking <o:p></o:p></div>
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Aquarium tour<o:p></o:p></div>
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B<o:p></o:p></div>
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Boating<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bowling<o:p></o:p></div>
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Baseball Game<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bird Watching<o:p></o:p></div>
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Backyard Fun<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bottle volcanoes<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bike Riding<o:p></o:p></div>
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Bakery Trip<o:p></o:p></div>
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Backyard Camping<o:p></o:p></div>
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Baking<o:p></o:p></div>
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C<o:p></o:p></div>
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Canoeing<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cookie Making<o:p></o:p></div>
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Candle Making<o:p></o:p></div>
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Car washing <o:p></o:p></div>
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Children Museum<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cake decorating<o:p></o:p></div>
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Community Service<o:p></o:p></div>
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Chef for a Day! Time to Cook<o:p></o:p></div>
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D.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dance Party<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dancing Lessons<o:p></o:p></div>
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Diary writing<o:p></o:p></div>
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Diving Lessons<o:p></o:p></div>
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Donating Toys<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dress Up Box and Photo shoot<o:p></o:p></div>
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Dodge Ball<o:p></o:p></div>
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E.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Egg hunting<o:p></o:p></div>
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Errands <o:p></o:p></div>
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Exercising with the family<o:p></o:p></div>
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Exercising outdoors <o:p></o:p></div>
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Eating at a new restaurant
with food you have never tasted<o:p></o:p></div>
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F.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Feed the birds<o:p></o:p></div>
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Field Day<o:p></o:p></div>
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Flying Kites<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fishing<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fire station Visit<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fort Building<o:p></o:p></div>
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Fire fly Catching<o:p></o:p></div>
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Farmers Market Visit<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsnCJDl_h1PE6kNALcDYtAZgCLUAKq4nlSYsQ1KwfQ-XBbPZJDT0W-D0wFNDO3O4OI9uEAHi1Se6WZaM5kMDfPyRjCgZKtmoXWZjMT1BgAxkOXrB7Vtqwc1xsfeWs2ukT7xcJH16mBP1M/s1600/image+1+and+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
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G.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Go Karting<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gymnastics<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gym time<o:p></o:p></div>
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Game Day. Board Game
Tournament<o:p></o:p></div>
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Gardening<o:p></o:p></div>
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Go to church, place of worship<o:p></o:p></div>
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Geography, Where in the world game?<o:p></o:p></div>
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H.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Horse Back Riding<o:p></o:p></div>
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Horse Shoe Game<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hair dresser day<o:p></o:p></div>
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Helping a neighbor<o:p></o:p></div>
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Hike a trail<o:p></o:p></div>
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I<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ice cream shop visit<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ice cream making<o:p></o:p></div>
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Indoor camping<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ice skating<o:p></o:p></div>
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J.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jump Rope<o:p></o:p></div>
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Josting lesson<o:p></o:p></div>
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Just Hang Out<o:p></o:p></div>
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Just enjoying each other<o:p></o:p></div>
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Jewelry making<o:p></o:p></div>
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Juicing your favorite fruits and veggies<o:p></o:p></div>
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K.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kick Ball<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kite flying<o:p></o:p></div>
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Kayaking<o:p></o:p></div>
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Karaoke party<o:p></o:p></div>
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Karate Class<o:p></o:p></div>
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Knitting Class<o:p></o:p></div>
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L.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lazy River Day<o:p></o:p></div>
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Library Activity Visit<o:p></o:p></div>
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Learning a magic trick<o:p></o:p></div>
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Learning a language<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lego competition <o:p></o:p></div>
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Library Visit<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-size: 22.0pt;">Like Ciana,
write <i>a <span style="color: #e36c0a; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Family Adventure List </span></i>and
See How Much Fun You and Your Loved Ones will have together!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br />
The story is fun and will leave you and your child excited about the little things in life and spending family time together.</div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.3333px; line-height: 15.3333px;">Follow the link to purchase a copy of I LOVE SATURDAYS!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CB4QFjAAahUKEwjJ8Zjshd7IAhWDdj4KHcHhAj8&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FLove-Saturdays-Nicole-Peltier-Lewis-ebook%2Fdp%2FB015WWVUE0&usg=AFQjCNH15YLpw2MDKQYQfvpGHA0Kz06uTg&sig2=LxJ7f8xVfCa64hCYthDI2A">Purchase the e-book or paperback on Amazon!</a></u></span><a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CDMQFjADahUKEwjJ8Zjshd7IAhWDdj4KHcHhAj8&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.xulonpress.com%2Fbookstore%2Fbookdetail.php%3FPB_ISBN%3D9781498420235%26HC_ISBN%3D&usg=AFQjCNF3g2H8hxWzylPpTHJxy9Ul_WChdw&sig2=UGdaKPv0zLJ3NCtchwokvg"><br /></a>
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Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-90679534872768988582015-03-13T12:18:00.002-04:002015-10-26T08:10:05.248-04:00GETTING UNSTUCK! <div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYHGlqT5qvXSH_bfy9xS-mI-5DGXpkZEA6Xgza2WM1gBXpuFnCnklfiNhwbTUJSgLKZAy-x5l5mdWG-rn1SiiszYofQoiwYG_lZGFOLprUJNf_yl0S_iNACL9Mcgjh5K8UIKozsjRO_SK/s1600/IMG_20140811_185540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYHGlqT5qvXSH_bfy9xS-mI-5DGXpkZEA6Xgza2WM1gBXpuFnCnklfiNhwbTUJSgLKZAy-x5l5mdWG-rn1SiiszYofQoiwYG_lZGFOLprUJNf_yl0S_iNACL9Mcgjh5K8UIKozsjRO_SK/s1600/IMG_20140811_185540.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Stones Move Big Mountains</td></tr>
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<div>
<h2>
<b>Have you ever felt stuck?</b></h2>
<h3>
<b> Literally, like you just can't move. Overwhelmed! The To Do List Keeps Growing but your</b><b> feet are nailed to the floor. Your mind is going one million thoughts per second but your body remains frozen in place.</b></h3>
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<h2>
<b>How do you motivate yourself at that moment to STRIVE?</b></h2>
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<h2>
<ol>
<li><b><u>Allow yourself to take a moment to breathe.</u> Relax or do a mindless activity and savor it. Make sure that you time your free time so that you can move forward a little less stressed and ready to start the task without feeling deprived.</b></li>
<li><b><u>Analyze the Cost and the Benefit of completing the task. </u> Seeing the Value of the task will help you feel more motivated.</b></li>
<li><b><u>Close your eyes and Visualize yourself doing the activity. </u> Do not just think of the warm and fuzzy side of doing the activity like the spoils after the war approach, but imagine the obstacles, what you need to do to counteract them. Remind yourself that you can definitely overcome and accomplish it. </b></li>
<li><b><u>Write it down and make it plain</u>. Writing the task down and chunking the task into smaller more manageable "mini do's" or "mini- tasks" makes whatever the task from washing dishes to home renovation projects much more "do-able".</b></li>
<li><b><u>Commit to completing the first step.</u> Let the first "mini-task" be something small that you are able to do with a clear result like making a phone call or doing a web search. </b><b>An old friend use to say "Small Stones Move Big Mountains" . This has stayed with me for years.</b><b> </b></li>
<li><b><u>Celebrate!</u> Celebrate the fact that you were able to motivate yourself to accomplish at least the first "mini task". </b></li>
<li><b><u>Commit to accomplishing the other " mini -tasks" and create a timeline to do so.</u></b></li>
</ol>
</h2>
<h2>
<b><br /></b><b> </b><b><br /></b><b>Be Strategic, Stress Free and Do not forget to Strive Daily!!!!</b><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><b><br /></b></h2>
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Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0United States37.439974052270571 -75.937511.917939552270571 -117.246094 62.962008552270575 -34.628906tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-30750326416647601512014-10-11T19:45:00.002-04:002014-10-11T19:45:30.338-04:00B.E.L.I.E.F<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtw7MZQWp-4YxZk3SKNCY7ZsjdFsyfNJbzgQL8Za7fFEy9xHabFtaR1XZdzWrxJ_sl1_XJDdwSFRc1FuIBDq-IKcISUAuuUlOaMSo_vRMeaqin_BPOXIWxONIMdjcosGTZI1-RCnvy1kC/s1600/IMG_20140811_200500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMtw7MZQWp-4YxZk3SKNCY7ZsjdFsyfNJbzgQL8Za7fFEy9xHabFtaR1XZdzWrxJ_sl1_XJDdwSFRc1FuIBDq-IKcISUAuuUlOaMSo_vRMeaqin_BPOXIWxONIMdjcosGTZI1-RCnvy1kC/s1600/IMG_20140811_200500.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a>Seeing my life in Panoramic View<br />
God is so Real<br />
I can feel his presence like the morning dew<br />
<br />
Created Anew<br />
Possibilities lay in waiting<br />
for me to make them<br />
Manifest in the flow of Contentment<br />
and Peace<br />
<br />
Building<br />
Exploring<br />
Loving<br />
Inspired<br />
Empowered<br />
Faith<br />
<br />
Never to look back<br />
Blossoms bloom delicately<br />
Roots grow Strong<br />
Life flows On.<br />
<br />
<br />
By Nicole Peltier Lewis<br />
<br />
<br />Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-75816181248494633052014-08-18T00:00:00.000-04:002014-08-18T00:45:06.164-04:00Meditation Monday!<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.39px;"><b>Welcome to Strive Daily and Meditation Monday. </b></span><img height="267" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSr3j7lRScgwT80ZSn5KrJ-uEclRKPqJ6IUnW6pQDzreQ6HS2k9zA" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.39px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.39px;">An excerpt from a Meditation that blessed me recently. The lines that stood out to me I highlighted.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.39px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.39px;">Respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours.</span><br />
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<b>Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life.</b><br />
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<b>Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people.</b><br />
Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.<br />
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend,<br />
even a stranger, when in a lonely place.<br />
<b>Show respect to all people and grovel to none.</b><br />
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When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living.<br />
<b>If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.</b><br />
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<b>Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools<br />and robs the spirit of its vision.</b></div>
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<div style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; line-height: 22.39px;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> words by Chief Tecusemeh </span></div>
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Meditate on these words and feel free to comment.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22.39px;">
Do not forget to continue to Strive Daily!</div>
Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-32643907923765413332014-08-16T22:05:00.001-04:002014-08-16T22:05:40.368-04:00ORDER MY STEPS IN YOUR WORD - YouTube.flv<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/A3FXgRHOXfE" width="459"></iframe>Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-23579059686068859052014-08-15T21:36:00.000-04:002014-10-11T20:09:00.854-04:00Frankly Speaking Friday<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxyZ4z7hQorwQoTiyE33V1tFZ7qA6BBUcO57VD1a8SDST3sAc7vqmII1NPJEYPDVqjkWgmw3WlqdfrPYz4v6mmChzyrcjUPD-1PlFrMadAlAfowJb2n9-9oDPzn9dCbRZxTil9jD9-UWt-/w457-h609-no/IMG_20140811_185300.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="150" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Majestic Beauty of Wyoming!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: small;">What is your Fear? My fear has always been the Woods even sparsely forested areas. I have had panic attacks going into a park. <br />Frankly Speaking, I am the stereotypical CITY GIRL. Scared of the woods, and all the critters big and small that reside there.<br /> But guess who road through the back country of Wyoming? You guessed it, This Chic Right here. <br />WHY?<br />I felt called.. a part of my life's journey and an invaluable experience laid on the other side of those mountain ranges, valleys and prairies.<br /><br />What was the Result?<br />Nerves on TEN! Mountain Air! A face full of stress bumps! Invaluable connections with people! <br />An undeniable respect for the true and awesome power of God and the Beauty of Nature!<br /><br />Lesson Learned?<br />FACE YOUR FEAR AND DO NOT FORGET TO STRIVE DAILY!!!!<br /><br /> </span></b></td></tr>
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Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-61706582806342876822014-04-17T08:37:00.001-04:002014-10-11T20:13:18.050-04:00Little Me, If You Only Knew!<b id="docs-internal-guid-f64510b8-6fae-b176-d18c-5ebd7a8b0a1e"><span style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0rad); font-weight: normal;"><img alt="File:Wooden crafted mirror" height="165px;" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/M3LiDJF8jDL1Oj0ECTODGcN3_TCsNFdzXh0rFav7p9WvzpFjSZizrlIzeqC_FR59AC1dloI_8Pl1Lz0vG2-0fhrV319HJkZKXil5Ljll423ban_8llkU2ER8WXXoQAuVvA" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="105px;" /></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Twenty year reunion!!!!!!!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I can not believe that I am twenty years removed from prom, college acceptance letters and the anticipation of what the future would hold. In two weeks, I will have the opportunity to blast into the past and see my amazing classmates who were amazing even 20 years ago. I could not help but to think about that naive, bubbly 18 year old me and what are some </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">l</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ife </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">lessons </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that I wish I could have retained from those young optimistic years or learned so much sooner. So I came up with my top </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><u>Twelve </u></i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lessons </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A gift from </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Me</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to my former </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Little Me</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></b><br />
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Passion propels progress</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. Protect your time, talents and treasures</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3 Friends exist for a reason, season or lifetime. However, be a great friend regardless and let the chips fall where they may</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. Honesty Matters and Integrity Counts</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">5. Hard Work never killed a soul </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">6. Creativity and Uniqueness should always be embraced.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Do not place yourself in a box. No labels necessary.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">7. Faith in God and Faith in yourself can not be replaced with any other riches. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">8. Acts of kindness are treasures for the soul. Giving opens the doors to Blessings.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">9. At every intersection life brings your way ….look before you leap</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><i> but </i></u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">don’t stay put.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">10. The world has a long memory. Choices do in fact follow you, so make decisions you can live with. </span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">11. Peoples’ craziness are not always an assault on you or your deeds. It could very well be their problem do not make it yours. </span></div>
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</b><br />
<b>12. Your Body is sure to change but your essence, your confidence, your well being and your joy does not have to change along with it.</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Feel free to comment and share the lessons </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Mature, Fabulous, Wise and Striving</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>YOU</b></i></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> would share with </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Your Little You</b></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> if you could.</span></div>
<br />Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-37693153635769516062014-04-12T18:14:00.000-04:002016-02-21T01:30:42.149-05:00Dreams- A Dichotomy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVP34-uvX9c-cNg3HPh8aCD0IPwOR7CQdp8yg0Je6rZ2o4Tn0ylG0-aiHWTgofGMu7FodMv4rewbhDd8wrCdX4Ibv4fkTrEtG7Urp-Yb0NpwEd0LdbVZO6vgdFQuwLDBDrYbCJbDloO8L/s1600/progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVP34-uvX9c-cNg3HPh8aCD0IPwOR7CQdp8yg0Je6rZ2o4Tn0ylG0-aiHWTgofGMu7FodMv4rewbhDd8wrCdX4Ibv4fkTrEtG7Urp-Yb0NpwEd0LdbVZO6vgdFQuwLDBDrYbCJbDloO8L/s1600/progress.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: blue;">Dreams</span></i><br />
<br />
Fleeting<br />
Must be captured<br />
like oxygen for the soul<br />
sometimes Derailed, Detained or Destroyed<br />
Rise like a Phoenix<br />
Grinding like a pestle to stone<br />
<br />
<br />
Dreams something I can not let go<br />
My Spirit Craves the Continuum from spiritual to physical manifestation<br />
<br />
Deviation Due to crisis no more<br />
My Dreams are captured<br />
My Dreams are restored<br />
like life in the in the inanimate<br />
Breathing once more<br />
<br />
Contained in my mind as I continue to Strive<br />
Liberated by my dreams<br />
Haunted by their in-completion<br />
Empowered by their fruition<br />
Devastated by their delay<br />
Encouraged by the promise to fulfill them that I have just made.<br />
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<br />
By Nicole Peltier-Lewis<br />
<br />Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-27214840430766414012014-04-03T13:54:00.000-04:002016-02-21T23:31:01.305-05:00Shifting Shame to Strength <img src="http://www.pencilshavingsstudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Slide1.png" height="149" width="200" /> The more I read and reflect on <b>Surviving Trauma</b>, I realize that Shame is often associated with the overall feelings that living through a debilitating illness or experience can muster. It is amazing that although you have survived, the depression and shame that can set in could be equally if not more crippling as the actual challenge one has faced.<br />
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Brittany Daniels, actress from the BET Show, The Game, survived Stage 4 Lymphoma. In an interview with Good Morning America's Robin Roberts, she said, " I am so blessed" (she goes on to say that) "I went through a lot of depression".<br />
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There are stages in healing and often times when we receive a clean bill of health, the people around us and we also believe that we will be overjoyed and pick up life where we left off. However, many trauma survivors are unable to do that. Although physical health may be on the mend, shame and depression are like acid corroding one's spirit and keeping the survivor in a mental and emotional prison. <br />
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<b><u>How do we shift Shame to Strength?</u></b><br />
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1. <b>You are an over comer, a survivor, you are healed.</b> You are blessed! Sometimes we hear these words and can not receive them. However,<b> creating affirmations </b>allows one to shift the negative paradigm that we often feel after a serious life changing event. Personally, I have incorporated <b>affirmations</b> into my daily ritual. It has removed years of calcified damage and I believe it could do the same for anyone who commits to it.<i> 'Scripturally'</i> speaking, "<i> the power of life and death lies in the tongue</i>"..... <b>Speak Life over your healing and future.</b><br />
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2 <b>Prayer, meditation and keeping a journal or diary </b>can also serve as excellent methods to <b>get back to center and honor the God within. </b><br />
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3. <b>Surround yourself with positive people.</b> Family and friends can give us so much strength but sometimes the shame of trauma makes it difficult to be transparent . It is hard to tell the person that has gone through so much anguish as your care taker that you fell hopeless or helpless. Sometimes, survivors may harbor resentment for loved ones too. They may not be able to understand "your blues" when you have survived and should be ecstatic.<br />
When you begin to feel yourself internalizing your true feelings. You may need to garner strength from other sources. You may want to consider<b> professional counselling or support groups for the type of trauma</b> you have experienced.. It is so powerful to meet with others with a shared experience. Do not let shame or pride stand in your way of getting the<b> circle of grace and support</b> that you need.<br />
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<b>We pray that you continue to shift shame to strength and continue to commit to Strive Daily.</b><br />
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<br />Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-13052366782486098472014-03-18T22:30:00.001-04:002014-03-18T22:30:38.126-04:00Striving to build our relationship with the Most HIgh<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ld1cXry5nyM" width="459"></iframe>Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-11064589478858475652013-06-04T11:33:00.000-04:002016-02-21T01:25:41.480-05:00An Actualized or An Unfulfilled Life!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRKFKkclsWCpzLzN3oKAeHwNdQCY-pNOOYByo5gnmE2ieElBoY39mZVAgU6aoZ2e9YEc5XMBNyRVllpeqQ7rw6ZdZ4lS71Ppjh3BwWtJtLLEczTgsG3tv-HHIYf8KwZXNf-yXTuYKDG5N/s1600/IMG_20140729_153056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRKFKkclsWCpzLzN3oKAeHwNdQCY-pNOOYByo5gnmE2ieElBoY39mZVAgU6aoZ2e9YEc5XMBNyRVllpeqQ7rw6ZdZ4lS71Ppjh3BwWtJtLLEczTgsG3tv-HHIYf8KwZXNf-yXTuYKDG5N/s1600/IMG_20140729_153056.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-5235aa4e-0fc5-8abe-f2d3-bec5bf5623ac"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What makes the difference between an actualized life and one that remains unfulfilled? <span style="font-weight: normal;">Let’s consider the following steps as we continue to work and strive daily to become our best selves.</span></span></b></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-5235aa4e-0fc5-8abe-f2d3-bec5bf5623ac"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1) Clarify a Vision</span></b></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-5235aa4e-0fc5-8abe-f2d3-bec5bf5623ac"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2) Actualize Measurable Goals</span></b></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-5235aa4e-0fc5-8abe-f2d3-bec5bf5623ac"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3) Chart a Detailed Plan </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4) Create an Accountability Relationship</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Clarify a Vision</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I believe that a clarified vision and a clear purpose allows for a target to be drawn in what otherwise appears to be a maze of unchartered terrain. Without a clear vision, a person can be working so hard but never have an iota of fulfillment because they never worked in their purpose,their divine assignment. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are so fortunate as to already have a life vision and know your purpose, Dance and count it all joy because many people never attain that level of Clarity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Actualize Measurable Goals</span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> You may know that you are a fine musician, creative designer. eloquent speaker but without goals , you may feel like a hamster on a wheel trying with all your might to attain your highest potential. Your purpose and vision are clear targets, but you have to have beacons in order to light your path. Goals assure you that you are moving in the right direction.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Chart a Detailed Plan</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your goals (beacons) are set but how are the landmarks to be reached without a guide? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hand in hand with clear goals, we must ensure that we have clear plan on how to implement our goals. Without a clear plan, goals are just ideas, strokes of a rainbow that as beautiful as they may seem in the sky are not tangible and carry no weight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A plan should include:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Detailed actions</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. The goals that they will help meet</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Resources necessary to attain the action</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">4. The target date when this action should be met and when it is actually completed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Create an Accountability Relationship</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br class="kix-line-break" />Congratulations, you have taken the time to write a wonderful plan to meet your goals and achieve your purpose. However, a plan without accountability from others may just be a beautiful labor of love, that collects dust like a grave marker of killed dreams, goals and purpose. Accountability energizes your plan and life is breathed into your goals . Accountability and wise counsel are keys to success</span><b id="docs-internal-guid-5235aa4e-0fc5-8abe-f2d3-bec5bf5623ac"></b><br />
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-5235aa4e-0fc5-8abe-f2d3-bec5bf5623ac"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5235aa4e-0fc5-8abe-f2d3-bec5bf5623ac"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. In the Bible it is said that " One man sharpens another".</span></b></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As we continue on life’s journey we remember to Clarify(our vision), Actualize (our goals), Chart (our plan), Create ( an accountability relationship).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Continue to Strive Daily!!!!</span></div>
<br /><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 15px; font-weight: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b>Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-89863910793458748862013-01-03T23:17:00.001-05:002013-01-03T23:17:31.300-05:00Cheers to Balance! It is the new year and I wish everyone great love and blessings. I have been on hiatus for a season as I try to create calm in chaos and stability in flux.<br />
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This has been a season of advocacy for not myself and not for stroke survivors but for my son who has been diagnosed with Autism. There is so much to learn and so much to do. The idea that brain trauma<br />
stops life is just not true. My life has not stopped instead it has become increasingly more complex in the last three and a half years. More struggles, more reliance on my faith and an increasing craving for balance which at times seems almost unattainable.<br />
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Balance and Blessings is my new mantra for the new year and I hope that you also continue to strive daily despite your situation, your status or your set backs. Let's remember to just look Forward...ahead to a bountiful future and look above for serenity and peace.<br />
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When prayers go up..... blessings do indeed rain down. So raise your glasses to Balance and to 2013!<br />
<br />Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-6505413683979343342012-09-26T00:02:00.000-04:002012-09-26T00:02:09.448-04:00Summer's Last Hurrah!<br />
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<img height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5BucLO2iZ8GllTL-_1thZ2HTj2aMR8TFqICdoULuySjg56m_zO8R4x3xXoEw9yqMfgj6565HzVwFLu6iLp1xbpwmutCsGJh-kBxoFHw0zjdbL2dt7o-bI2SSdvvuejd4d5fIzK82ovvF/h120/2012-07-23" width="240" /> Joy comes in all shapes and sizes. The big promotion, the genuine love of a companion, the sweet taste of victory over any and all obstacles. <br />
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Joy also comes in little packages . This is a picture of my little guy Nicholas and me. This picture is just of the two of us but the memory is so much bigger than that.<br />
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You see, we were invited to a little league game by one of our favorite families. Their eldest son was playing and they asked if we would tag along. We, my husband and I packed up the car and made a family day of it picnic and all. Nicholas was enamored by the clay on the baseball field and saw it as a massive sandbox and dug in.<br />
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This is just a quick reminder to enjoy the little things. Everything may not go according to plan but we need to savor the moments. EVEN IF negativity may lurk around many a bend on our life's journey, the moments of genuine JOY must be created in our daily lives to break up the monotony and arrest worry.<br />
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So enjoy the life you have been blessed with and do not forget to Strive.Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-4168034712042281762012-09-17T00:00:00.002-04:002014-10-11T20:13:41.170-04:00Striving with Kaizen!<br />
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The last post that we wrote, shared the need for paying attention to every aspect of our lives. We talked about 'Self Care' and how without it we can never fully reach our Divine destiny.<br />
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After trauma, we have a choice to make. <br />
Once we begin 'Self Care' we can determine that we should just be excited that we have improved some or we should make a real commitment to <b><u><i>continuously improve.</i></u></b> Striving with Kaizen is not a stroll with a friend. Kaizen is a principle of continuous improvement.<br />
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I have heard and adopted improvement models in business and of course people always talk about " being our best self: <br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Recently, I stumbled upon Kaizen - <span style="background-color: white;">The Japanese principle of continuous improvement. The Japanese subscribe to this philosophy not just in business but in every aspect of their lives. </span></span><br />
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How do we incorporate Kaizen into our daily lives?<br />
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Taiichi Ohno, a former executive of Toyota was a pioneer of Kaizen. He stated " <u><i><b>Where there is no Standard there can be no Kaizen</b></i></u>". We can see in our own lives that if we do not set goals or have clear expectations we can settle for much less than what we desire or deserve.<br />
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Here are some ways we can adopt Kaizen into our daily lives.<br />
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1. <b><u>Write down an area you want to improve and why.</u></b> Envision the benefits of this area improving and how this will positively impact your life.</div>
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2. <b><u>Small stones move Big Mountains</u></b>. Remember that Kaizen is about continuous self improvement. It calls for small incremental steps/changes that lead to great results at the end.</div>
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3. <u><b>Assessment/Reflection is Key! </b></u> Keep track of your progress. It is important to note the changes you have made and how it has impacted the area that you are trying to improve. </div>
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4. <b><u> Reward yourself for your steps towards efficiency</u></b>. Reaching a goal even if it is solidifying a household routine like washing evening dishes or organizing cabinets should be celebrated. So set a goal then celebrate once it is reached.</div>
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I wish you amazing PERSONAL KAIZEN and do not forget to<b><u><i> Strive Daily!</i></u></b></div>
Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-6758859841131971792012-07-30T23:32:00.002-04:002012-07-30T23:32:50.955-04:00Just a Thought<br />
"The only security in life comes from knowing that every single day you are improving yourself in some way."<br />
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~Tony Robbins<br />
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Continue to Strive!<br />
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Read more: Self Improvement Quotes - Quotes On Personal Growth - Quotes On Personal Develop http://www.evolutionarypathways.com/self-improvement-quotes.html#ixzz22AQwDhMINicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-59583942582085430082012-07-29T10:52:00.000-04:002014-10-11T20:19:20.993-04:00A Panoramic View<br />
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Pursue God<br />
Adversity- while in it, remember it too shall pass for with fire Gold is tested<br />
New wine skins- God can not place new wine in old wine skins..Discard of all that limits you<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Open- Be open to help, peace and love despite your situation</span><br />
Redeemer- He Lives and is still on the throne. Trust Him<br />
Awesome -your future is Awesome. Expect Great things ...our God is limitless<br />
Royalty-Remember you are a child of the Divine ...You are Royalty<br />
ME- You are your most important investment, invest in More Education and More Efficacy<br />
Incline-Incline your ear to the Word of God speaking in your life, meditate and pray without ceasing<br />
Change- Change your mindset,we can so often be our biggest obstacle.<br />
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View your life like a marathon not a sprint. Enjoy all things great and small and adopt a view that no weapon formed against you shall prosper. You are a conqueror... Continue to Strive and enjoy the view.<br />
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Adopt a Panaromic view of your life.Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4805822400466581665.post-2423857914865044862012-07-22T22:57:00.000-04:002012-07-23T15:50:03.043-04:00Manifest<br />
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Sometimes a song can provide so much encouragement. The song "Manifest" by Bishop T.D. Jakes and the Potter House Choir absolutely inspires me to Strive Daily. No matter what your circumstance might be, as long as you are still here on this earth, I believe that God still has so much for each one of us to accomplish. Life may not always go according to our plan nevertheless our possibilities are still endless. Enjoy the lyrics written below and a video of the song ministered by Brenda Ellis, Bishop T.D. Jakes and The Potter House Choir and be encouraged to Strive. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AZH6prfGmas?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<u><u style="background-color: white;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />"Manifest" </u><span style="background-color: white;"> by Bishop T.D. Jakes and the Potter House Choir</span></u></div>
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Pregnant possibilities now birth anew,</div>
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travailing to obtain it for it must come to pass.</div>
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I decree it, declare it, and call it in the Spirit</div>
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to become what God's designed me to be.</div>
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Your future, your promises shall be fulfilled,</div>
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yes, you shall obtain it for it must come to pass.</div>
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I decree it, declare it, </div>
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and call it in the Spirit</div>
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Manifest, manifest, </div>
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manifest, manifest.</div>
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Become what God's designed me to be.</div>
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Become what God's designed you to be.</div>
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Become what God's designed you to be.</div>
<br />Nicole Peltier-Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12171603659983517375noreply@blogger.com0