Horrendous things have happened, all in the name of righteousness. History looks back on them in horror. From the Catholic belief in separating and destroying Native families and their teachings, to Hitler’s armies – with a belief so strong there are those who still see it as right.

Now we have wars that magnify the blood lust of force. What is it they see that makes them feel it’s worth fighting for – or are they fighting without the full picture of the situation? “What do they see” is the first question that needs to be answered. The whys will reveal themselves when they are.

Attack is never the right approach. If your belief causes suffering and violence, it cannot be righteous in itself. Convince and persuade become pressure and a forceful shove, instead of an invitation to what is good. Persecution will not show Christian works and love. The Salem Witch Trials were the evil that were born out of that.

What do they see?

The Palestinians and the Israelis are drawing lines of opposition that radiate far beyond Hamas themselves. Even in distant countries like the US. Perhaps now is the time to give voice to the best of both sides rather than what criticism is focused on by the other.

Palestinians – what is it you love about and what does it mean to you to be Palestinian? Israelis – what gives you pride and warmth in who you are? Surely there is much about it that makes your soul smile – and that is your why.

If we could learn about each other – we could reduce the power of Hamas. Love and acceptance of each other is a powerful energy that does not require force. A battle does not need to be fought if you change a perceived enemy into a friend.

Be the lamp in the darkness

There is wisdom you have acquired that you could share with all. But we need, all of us, to hear each other beyond judgment and hatred and fear. Look for the light in each other and you will find it. Will you be one of the lamps that lights the way, or a part of the darkness that surrounds us?

Who are we?

“A child died” as a result of fear, anger and hate – and it’s not just one. Who are we? We all need to work on being able to say “that’s not who I am”. We need to come together to find ways to be of help, not become a growing part of the hatred. There is never a good resolve when hate is the guiding factor.

Violence is only about force – and that cannot be a win with their choosing. Convincing them to work together and support you is the true win. Force does the opposite. Oppression is like a dam that will eventually break.

We are all in this together

We are living in a powerful time in every aspect of the world. Mind, body and spirit are being tested and our character and our integrity are being shaped with our response.

Taking a stand must mean more than suffering, war and bloodshed – otherwise, how are we expected to support you? True connection has a value that can be treasured. Working together is only impossible if one is choosing not to – being open allows it. Can those who see be a Beacon of good? Seek divine guidance and the right path will open up.

Written by Melody Belliveau

Both Capitalism and Socialism have negative and positive connotations. Many believe and support one while seeing the other as evil. That is no different a perspective than “you can’t see the forest through the trees”. You need a higher view.

Caring about others

The theme of Socialism is caring about others, but an imbalance of it creates limits to both what one can achieve, and the incentive to work at trying. One needs to know their efforts matter. Even those receiving the least amount of compensation and respect.

It is essential that we care about those around us. Judging others as not worthy is a continuous wound of our society. The belief that others are not deserving of help with food is one of our biggest, along with the sting of student loans that crush the reality of millions in our country.

The Freedom

Capitalism is a freedom – it can be used to show the world what we’re capable of. The most amazing products as well as non-profit organizations and foundations have been created with the help of that freedom. What would you do with the chance to impact the world, if you were the steward of abundance? Answer that with definite purpose and then the next question is what steps do we take to make it a reality. That’s the freedom of Capitalism.

The Responsibility

But with great abundance comes great responsibility. It can create a great light for others – or it can enslave others with the darkness of poverty.

From the wealthiest family in the country, as the largest employer – to their workers being paid so low they qualify for food assistance. The workers need to shop at the very place that enslaves them because they can’t afford other choices. They work hard but live in survival mode. That freedom of Capitalism takes away the freedom of those who build it.

It’s a freedom that adds the freedom to care or not to care. Either way it will still affect others – positively or negatively by the choices that are made and the integrity of the business.

Business or Corporation

Small businesses are built with pride, reputation and caring about others. They are successful when they have character and soul. But corporate and franchise has become a breeding ground for the mindset of “it’s just business” because it focuses on the bottom line of monetary profits. They become numbers instead of people, where they no longer matter – even though they do.

The bigger your business – the more impact you have, and it’s your responsibility to see it for what it really is. Do the majority of your hard workers have what they need for a fulfilling life? Are they able to earn the extra things in life when they put in extra hours for you? Or does that even lack the ability to cover the necessities?

Creating the Balance

We need a balance of Capitalism with caring about those we affect. But that starts with our own freedom and choices. It doesn’t start with rules and regulations because that’s where the loopholes are. It is shaped by our integrity. What we create is a reflection of our soul.

“The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much, it is whether we provide enough for those who have too little.” Franklin D. Roosevelt. In the words of Danielle from the movie Ever After, “A country’s character is defined by those everyday rustics as you call them. They are the legs you stand on and that position demands respect…” So perhaps this is the view that needs reflection and change.

Written by Melody Belliveau

Here’s a shocking thought and idea that may just be the solution to uniting us better than we are. Please read all the way through, even if you do it while laughing or scoffing.

The Primaries

What if you researched candidates of the opposite party you are behind and voted in the primaries for the one that you see the best Character and Integrity from? Perhaps change your party registration (for the primaries if required) and help the other side choose a candidate, and when the general election comes up, and you vote for your own, you will be okay with whatever the outcome is.

Watch and really see them

Get interested in what they have to say and watch the debates (the first Republican one is tomorrow) from the opposite party you support – watching for cues of the integrity in them. Look for the positive rather than the negative. Vote in the primary for the one you see the best character in. Maybe you could even learn something others have been trying to get you to understand.

Where we are

The political climate presently is more focused on hate than Integrity. In the past two elections, votes were chosen based on who they hated less. “The lesser of the two evils” does not give a desired result for anyone. Some are even simply chosen based on whether they can beat the opponent. So, the problem may very well be, how are we choosing who leads. So let’s choose based on what Character we truly want to lead our country – together. One cannot lead effectively if they are disregarding the values of half the country. We cannot be Patriots of a United country that way.

Working together

All have valid perspectives – so perhaps we can work together to find the best of them for us all; because the thing is, whoever wins will be representing you, whether you voted for them or not. Let’s make sure they have the Integrity to work with everyone. No one, whether your chosen party or not, will have all the same views on policies as you. Doesn’t that mean there is something more important?

If we adopt this perspective, our actions can help bridge the divide, and maybe, just maybe, healing can begin.

Written by Melody Belliveau

We cannot make America great again, we can only make it better. To see it as ever having been great is to turn a blind eye to the mistakes we have made. They were and still are there – even if we do not see them. Why else do you think we have so many wounded souls?

The damage we’ve done

We’re still wounding them with our greed and righteousness. What we can do, and what we will do to help those native to Hawaii, are two very different things. Do we help them with compassion or do we cash in on their tragedy for our own wealth? These are people – not commodities. Does your envy of what you view of the place as paradise, reduce your ability to have compassion for them? We had already created hardships for them with our desire for it, with dollar signs and luxury vacations directing our path.

A new beginning

It’s the perfect time to stop and help them return it to the environment they once knew and loved. Their own way of life. If we listened to their voices – would they tell us that?

Perhaps this is a crossroads for healing. They are an indigenous people and if we are not trying to learn their way – we need to give them back their peace, for we have stolen it in the name of luxury.

So can we pour our resources into a new healing beginning for them – but step back first and ask them how they want it to be? What would make their people proud? The wisdom is there if they can shed our foolish ways.

Let’s bring forth a “habitats for humanity” approach and gift them something besides destruction and debt. Otherwise, why would it be thought of as a paradise?

Who we are

Perhaps those who have enjoyed a time there – and maybe even those who have aspired to, could be first in line to want to help. With a perspective of paying it forward to them for the ability to have experienced it. Perhaps we could all give back when we visit someone else’s native land. What we have done with ours, versus what they want for theirs are often very different things.

They need our help – what we do in response is a reflection on who we truly are. What will your response be?

Written by Melody Belliveau

People talk about how important your mindset is. It makes a huge impact on your life and those around you. But when your mindset is filled with darkness, turning it around can seem like an impossible task. So where does one begin?

The voice

The voice inside our heads – for many – it’s the horrible and cruel critic that often is labeled as the ego we need to silence or destroy. But does fighting really work? If you try, they tend to sneak out at the worst of times.

Perhaps the way to peace lies more in the perspective. That voice in your head will always be with you – so why not shape it instead? Would you say the things it says to you to your best friend? Most would say no. But that voice is your best friend. Why not create it into an honest best friend? One that treats you with respect and compassion?

It’s you

Ultimately that voice is you. It doesn’t happen overnight, but when the thoughts are negative towards you, look up and say “nice try” with a smirk and then put some thought into what an honest best friend would say instead, because that voice is what you’re telling yourself. Step in and stand up for yourself. It matters because you matter.

Just this one practice, and that’s what it is because it takes time, can turn your mindset into one that is more open to the best of life. It becomes a habit of personal growth that can take you from the darkness into light.

Ask yourself – are you ready to try a new way? Or are you at peace with the voice inside your head?

Written by Melody Belliveau

I watched the movie The Help recently and the movie gave me some intense feelings – first of anger that made me want to step back in time and make a stand myself. It was soul-wrenching to watch. But as a white woman myself, it also brought me a sense of shame. How could someone treat other people that way?! How could they see themselves as a superior race?! I don’t understand how anyone could look into the eyes of someone else, hear what they have to say, and decide what you think of them based solely on the color of their skin. It truly boggles my mind!

How could their heart, their character, and their integrity not matter?! So many incredible people were surely lost without the opportunity to shine their light for others. No one has the right to take away someone’s personal power based on the color of their skin.

The wounds of a bully

Upon reflection I wonder about who the first person was, that decided (yes, it was a decision) that another’s skin color made them less of a soul. The wound they must have been carrying that made them feel inferior to the character of the person standing in front of them, led to the words of a bully.

Contempt for oneself brings it spilling onto others. If only they understood the evil their pain was giving birth to – and it would never truly make them feel superior, no matter how much they tried. Healing doesn’t come from the outside – it can only be done from looking within.

To those who truly believe their value is above another’s, you need to look inside. It is a sore that needs attention – even if it was seeded generations ago. For no matter what cruelty your words and actions dish out – it will not erase what’s searing on the inside. It only serves to intensify it.

Look, listen and reflect

Those who trigger that emotion in you are the ones you need to understand. Listen…and then reflect on your why. Perhaps you will learn something about yourself; if you have the courage to look and be honestly vulnerable with yourself.

I can’t change what injustices have been done. I can only attempt to understand and help shed a light on the chain that still has a hold on a portion of our humanity.

For the beautiful souls

For those whose futures were challenged because of it, you have my respect for the strength and courage your ancestors had in order to survive and stand up and be heard. For those who still face that mindset from others, you have my deepest apologies. Be the best you that you can be because there are many who see your character, integrity and strength. Those with bad behavior reflect on themselves, not you. Don’t give them the power to dim your light. Shine it bright for all to see.

Your decision

For those of you who identify with being white, you cannot be indifferent to it. At some point in your life you will need to decide whether to speak up against it. When that time happens – you will be deciding whether you are okay with your silence being the voice of condoning it. It would be wiser to examine your thoughts and decide now if you have that wound, even if it’s not fresh enough to acknowledge it’s even there. I urge you to watch the movie or read the book. It cannot help but impact your soul.

The healing world

The world is healing, despite all the anguish and anger spilling out from those who haven’t. Are you going to be on the side of the light or the darkness?

We are all in this together and we are each responsible for our part. It is up to us how much we value character and integrity – both from inside ourselves and those around us.

Where do you stand? Do you have the courage to shine your light? Only you can decide.

Compassion not contempt.

Written by Melody Belliveau

Continue reading “The Sins of Our Forefathers”

This is the time of year we see it in our lives the most. We start the year off with internal pep talks and New Year’s Resolutions (or goals, depending on your perspectives) and when we start to slide backwards after our progress, we look hard on ourselves. We doubt we’ve really made any progress, especially when we’ve struggled to overcome challenges and life throws us another curve ball that knocks us back off our feet.

The journey of life is not always easy, and sometimes we carry forward our battle scars of wounds to our mind, body and spirit. Often we work hard at “getting ahead” and find the road difficult and long. We persevere with all our strength through the struggle. Those steps back can get us discouraged and we wonder “what’s the point when you’re always knocked back down?”.

The One Step Forward….

Those are the moments we need to see that one step. The one step we still moved forward. You are more than you were before those three steps. That one step is part of who you are now with what you’ve seen. You are one step higher than you were and you need to see that success now more than ever before. It didn’t come without effort from you.

The Two Steps Back….

They hold their own value. They contain insights you could not have been given by any other way. Experience is a powerful teacher if we’re willing to really look at the lesson it has for you. You’ve seen what doesn’t work – are you willing to open up to new possibilities of what could? Sometimes the answers lie outside the box.

Reflection is a lens that, when colored by compassion for ourselves, can show us the opening of another path. Can you give that to yourself? The more we give it to ourselves, the more we are able to give it to others.

Where You Are….

We’ve still gained that one step forward and with it we’ve gained experience in the other two. So don’t sit down and give up…. You’re further ahead than you give yourself credit for. Look inside and see what you’ve learned from the challenges. That’s where your personal growth is. It’s where the seeds of wisdom are planted, and if carefully cultivated, can serve others.

You matter more than you know.

Written by Melody Belliveau

The past few elections have been votes based on who people hated less. It wasn’t about belief in the candidate we chose, it was about how much we detested the opponent. We chose by colors and waves for red or blue with contempt for the other side. All that does is bring greater divides. It doesn’t have to be that way.

For our voting system to matter in its true spirit, it needs to be about who shows us the best character, the one with outstanding integrity that you see. One who will do their best for the country as a whole – not just one side of the divide. Are they looking for power, or do they genuinely care about those on every street? American Pride must include us all.

Do they place their votes while in office based on what’s good for our country, or is it based on party lines? We cannot say that either side has not been right or come up with good ideas at least part of the time. Both have value and need to work together. Votes in office on party lines is a failure to work together. Does that make them blind to what the other side can do that’s good?

Ballots received by mail

Getting ballots in the mail can be a great opportunity if we look at the benefit it gives the voter. We can research who they really are before choosing. The majority of people don’t know ahead of time all of the candidates listed on the ballot before choosing. This gives you the chance to know with the time to choose wisely, with open eyes.

Then you have a choice of how you want to deliver it, either by mail or town hall or drop box. If you bring it in, remember to show kindness to the workers. They have taken on a job that we as a nation, have turned into a dangerous position. What does that say about us? Don’t be part of that. Use your own character and integrity to show them support and kindness. Show gratitude that they are willing to serve us. Being in service to others does not mean they lack value that’s worthy of respect – on the contrary. Sometimes it requires an an admirable amount of patience to serve through the disrespect, and that’s a reflection on the public they serve. Let’s change that together and in the words of Peter Clarke, “Just be kind out there”.

So go out there and vote with character and integrity, and spread the energy of hope, rather than an energy of hate. Our country really needs that more than ever now.

Written by Melody Belliveau

You are living in your pain and anguish and your actions show that to the world. You are feeling like life is closing in on you. We need you to face your humanity. To deny it only hurts you more. The only view you see is that you will defend yourself at the cost of all others, and you are not bluffing.

The truth of the matter…

But there is a truth you are refusing to see. One that needs to be pointed out to you and to the world. You have the power to stop it all. With one declaration from you of a cease war, it will end all of what is going on. Your very own words would end the threat you see for yourself. And it would be the bravest thing that you’ve ever done in your life.

You may never become a hero to those you have already hurt, but to the parent who stays up through the night worrying that their children will be the next to be sacrificed – they will be grateful for your strength to have the guts to stop this. Once we admit we were wrong – we aren’t wrong anymore.

Make no mistake – all this is on you because you are the aggressor and peace is literally in your hands. But you can’t feel it because you haven’t had it in your heart. Even with the power you have, happiness still alludes you. Stop and think of the possibilities of what peace can accomplish if that were your focus. Destroying others will never lead to peace of the soul it only feeds the ego that can never be satisfied. Why is it better to create destruction instead?

The why of it all ….

Your why is very important – facing it will require integrity because the answer is inside, not in the possession you seek of other land. You are not the man and leader you still have the ability to become. Do you have the courage it takes to serve your soul instead? Hitler did not – and only those who live in their wounds admire his legacy. The rest of the world sees him as a monster in human form to this day.

We understand that you are powerful – but can you really see what your power has created? Death and destruction to both sides. You can’t ignore that. It will take much more courage to stop this, than it does to escalate the destruction.

“He who wishes to fight must first count the cost” Sun Tzu

Your actions are hurting those you lead, you must see that. What is the best course of action for the greater good of your own people? The true measure of a leader can be seen by the answer to this question: “Is your legacy one that evil benefits from?” If it is, it is your responsibility to change that. While you are still here, you still can. Now is the time for you to change course and you will have sent a powerful message of true courage.

Hope ….

Do you have that? I pray you have the strength to become a true legend. The world needs you to find it inside yourself. Oh how I wish your own eyes could see and your ears could hear the message in the words I’ve written here! But I have hope like the depth of the seas that you will find the strength to do this and start to heal your soul. I have hope that the ripples of light energy here will have an impact – no matter how they get to you or by whom. Words touching a soul will touch others and the ripple widens. Perhaps someone who reads this will carry it forward even if only in their thoughts at first. Maybe then into seeds of a brighter future filled with peace. Who knows? Maybe prayers will come out of this for you from the world that reach your soul. What will you do when it does?

Written by Melody Belliveau

As a society, America tends to look at holidays as simply a day off of work to celebrate. Cookouts are a common way to spend Labor Day. Tuesday it’s back to the grind and nothing was gained by the day before. But can there be more to it than that?

Your Value

There can be, if we use it for reflection of our labors. To acknowledge your value in the workforce – no matter what your station is. The view of essential workers was spotlighted during the pandemic and included those that many take for granted.

But you matter

And Labor Day is a day for reflection of that. Know that you are valuable and take the time to recognize that you are. With the struggles of today, you need that for yourself or work is just another stressor of your life. Let the truth of your value energize you, and find a way to love what you do so it doesn’t drain you instead.

Whether it be raising children, corporate or Foundation work, or the minimum wage service industry, you have value. Know it, feel it, and let that empower your soul. We are all in this together and you are an important part of community, even when others overlook that fact. So when you go in to work tomorrow, keep that in mind if you start doubting yourself. We need you, so thank you for being there to do the job you do.

Melody Belliveau