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So Refreshing – Jewelry with a Message

Emelda De Coteau
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Emelda De Coteau

Mother, wife, sister, friend, writer / blogger / creative organizer, budding photographer... These are just a few of the many hats I juggle each day. I believe creativity is oxygen for the soul. I created Live In Color blog to celebrate the beauty in every moment, from faith to inspiration and motherhood.And it is soon becoming Pray with Our Feet blog which will focus on the intersection of faith and activism. Follow the inspiration on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/praywithourfeetblog/
Emelda De Coteau
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Photo Credit: The Life Divine

I believe in surrounding yourself with motivation – quotes, scripture verses, images and books – for personal growth. There are countless creative souls who are producing pieces from the heart, jewelry with motivational message. How cool is it to wear words of wisdom on your wrists or neck?

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Photo Credit: The Life Divine

The Life Divine, an online retailer I recently discovered, sells oodles of bracelets, necklaces and rings in sterling silver, along with inspirational gifts.  They run a store in Martha’s Vineyard, too, Sanctuary Martha’s Vineyard.

Photo Credit: Dayspring
Photo Credit: Dayspring

Dayspring, another cool online store which sells inspirational Christian jewelry features the work of designer Lisa Leonard; each of her pieces is connected to the depth of her own faith.  There is a quiet grace and subtly here.

So wear your inspiration close, all while sharing it with the world!

Live In Color – Emelda #FashionFriday

Photo credit: Dayspring
Photo credit: Dayspring
Photo credit: Dayspring

 

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Are You Moving but Standing Still?

Emelda De Coteau
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Emelda De Coteau

Mother, wife, sister, friend, writer / blogger / creative organizer, budding photographer... These are just a few of the many hats I juggle each day. I believe creativity is oxygen for the soul. I created Live In Color blog to celebrate the beauty in every moment, from faith to inspiration and motherhood.And it is soon becoming Pray with Our Feet blog which will focus on the intersection of faith and activism. Follow the inspiration on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/praywithourfeetblog/
Emelda De Coteau
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Nothing in life is arbitrary; even when stuff gets messy or uncomfortable, we must listen. The lesson is there. So earlier this week, when the elevator kept moving, but stubbornly refused to open, I fumed; I sighed, thinking about all the work I needed to do, and then I began thinking, what’s the lesson here?

Are you ready? You can move, but remain still, mired in the muck of low self esteem and despair. As my good friend Shelly says, “The best time to think is when you are stuck, forced to breath.”

As a writer, I believe in the power of metaphors. Perhaps your elevator is a job, stifling view of yourself or judgement you must release. Walk into the freedom of genuine movement.

Take stock of people and situations in your life. Are they enriching you, or diminishing your energy? If it’s the latter, begin to work on a strategy (writing out specific steps) to release them, beloved. We must become more, for ourselves, our children and the world.

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Obstacles, Opportunities in Disguise

Emelda De Coteau
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Emelda De Coteau

Mother, wife, sister, friend, writer / blogger / creative organizer, budding photographer... These are just a few of the many hats I juggle each day. I believe creativity is oxygen for the soul. I created Live In Color blog to celebrate the beauty in every moment, from faith to inspiration and motherhood.And it is soon becoming Pray with Our Feet blog which will focus on the intersection of faith and activism. Follow the inspiration on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/praywithourfeetblog/
Emelda De Coteau
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It’s 9 a.m. and you are racing to work again, pantyhose running, the mind reels with mounting responsibilities, you feel confined, trapped. Breathe, step back and think about this: our obstacles and problems, from the mundane to complex, are opportunities in disguise.

Last week when I interviewed Pebbles Armwood, fellow blogger and mental fitness advocate she said something which resonated: “perception is reality.” Wow. Talk about an aha moment, and apt reminder about the power of attitude.

Carolyn Malachi, one of my favorite artists insists on her song, “Free Your Mind”: “Wherever you are, your mind put you there.” This is no easy lesson; it means you and I must begin the work of turning our issues backwards, and accept responsibility.

Are you frequently late? How could this be altered by practicing mindfulness, leaving ahead of time so that agitation and stress do not overtake you? Do you long to attend school, but feel there is little time to do so? Take one class, and begin looking for periods during the day when study time would work.

Turn your problems into solutions, your obstacles into opportunities. Here are two ways to begin:

1. Change your perceptions – You are not a hapless victim. Look at yourself differently; use affirmations, prayer and mediation.

2. Shift the Focus – My husband always reminds me to shift the focus. Instead of saying “this is impossible” and concentrating on the “problem”, actively look for a solution, shift your focus.

Think of a problem or obstacle. How can you turn it into an opportunity?