Journaling – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

Benefits of Journaling

LaPorterMarch 20, 20239 Replies

Journaling is paying attention to the inside for the purpose of living well from the inside out. – Lee Wise

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, let’s talk about the benefits of journaling. Journaling allows you to gain clarity inside and out. Journaling also helps you to make positive changes in your life. If you allow it, journaling will offer you a glimpse into your soul in its purest form.

Before we get started, please make sure you have the following:

An open mind; Meditation ready
Willingness to express oneself; Eager to move from one place to another freely
Humble and caring spirit; Broken soul
Journal or Notebook
Pen or Pencil

I want to encourage you to pause for a moment and look within. Create awareness of your overall energy, how you feel and what you’re thinking. Believe it or not, journaling can be another form of self-reflection. Journaling can make you aware of negative patterns in your behavior so you can focus on the present moment.

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

Journal writing, when it becomes a ritual for transformation, is not only life-changing but life-expanding. – Jen Williamson

What’s the message that you need on today? What is it that you need to focus on within your life, right now, in this very moment? During your lifelong journey, it’s important for you to speak positive words into your soul. Despite the hurt you may feel or the sadness you experience in life, often times you forget that the power to overcome life’s challenges is already inside you. If you feel lost or defeated, it’s because the heart and mind are not working in harmony, when they work together you will find peace. Although, there’s a lot of benefits of journaling, here’s a few that I want to share with you.

Journaling:

Helps you think more critically about your life.
Reduces stress and anxiety by keeping you in the present moment.
Allows you to recognize and release negative thoughts and feelings.
Increases your happiness in life and improves your mood.
Encourages inner peace and a feeling of well-being.
Provides self-discovery, self-awareness, and moments of reflection.
Helps you gain clarity in your life, better memory.
Increases creativity, positivity, and mindfulness.
Builds resilience and confidence.
Helps to organize and process your thoughts and feelings.
Improves your sleep and overall mental wellness.

As you can see, making the decision to practice journaling will bring mindfulness, peace, and emotional healing into your daily routine.

JOURNALING TIPS

Journal writing gives us insights into who we are, who we were, and who we can become. – Sandra Marinella

There is no wrong or right way to practice journaling, just write! Journaling is a great way to release restless thoughts and emotions so you can be in a better headspace. Include journaling in your daily routine so you can heal any emotional, physical or mental wounds that may have been caused by negativity from others or internally. Here’s some great journaling tips to help you get started:

Create a safe place to write; Declutter your space; Add your preferred lighting and scented candles; You should feel good, happy and calm in your writing space.
Let it all out; Allow your thoughts to flow freely and write about anything.
Dedicate time and write regularly; Try to write in your journal on a regular basis; Every day is ideal.
Try new things; Move out of your comfort zone; Try things that make you happy; Write letters to yourself or to loved ones (past or present).
Don’t get too negative; Shift your writing in another direction; Avoid rereading your negative writing, but instead have a balanced point of view.

What’s your story or experience concerning journaling? It’s important to allow yourself to feel and to express yourself honestly throughout this process. I choose to reflect on inspiring quotes, affirmations and/or scriptures that are hidden in my heart during my journaling time in order to rise up above my problems, situations, depression, sadness, hurt, etc. Remember, this is a personal journey. Be sure to show yourself some grace while starting the journaling experience. It’s important for you to find your safe place and surround yourself with God’s love, peace, and joy throughout the process.

AFFIRMATIONS

Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion. – Jim Rohn

Affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Self-love, positivity, open-mindedness, help set you in the right direction. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it a personal experience.

Here’s a few of my favorite affirmations to help you get started:

I am a unique, creative, and wonderful black woman who keeps growing by the day.
I am learning to love, cherish, and respect myself.
I am using the wisdom within me to navigate through my life.
I am releasing my connection to things that don’t serve me.
I am patient and know that growth may take time.
I am blessed with every challenge I have faced.
I am consciously working hard to bring the best out of every moment I am given.
I am always creating a new course of action because I am unstoppable.
I am embracing my full potential even if it makes others uncomfortable.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

In the journal I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself. – Susan Sontag

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey, and everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

What is something that has been weighing on your mind lately?
What do you see as your biggest accomplishment? failure?
Do you have any regrets about how you’ve lived your life so far?
What have you done to make amends and/or forgive yourself?
What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself in the past year?
If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
What can you do right now to lift your mood?
How can you make this week a better one than last?

Let’s Talk. As you can see, journaling has many benefits that can help you overcome any obstacle that you face in life. Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges in life? After reading this blog post, what resonates with you? I would love to hear from you? Please answer these questions in the comment section.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

How to Navigate Life’s Journey

LaPorterDecember 11, 20224 Replies

Life is a journey, and I’m finding myself every day. – Kim Richards

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Thought to Ponder – Every day you wake up should be a fresh start on your life’s journey.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! This evening I pause to bless this special day that is a beautiful gift from God. Today, I am celebrating my 49^th birthday. What better way to celebrate my life’s journey than to ask you to complete a brief survey so I can become more engaged with you in 2023? In addition, your name will go into a drawing to win a copy of my Renew Inspiration Journal that can also be purchased via amazon.com.

Here’s the survey link:

https://forms.gle/mQtzmragA4udomED7

Please be so kind and submit your responses by Friday, December 23, 2022. I will announce the winner in a blog post during the last week in December.

Although there are many ways to navigate life’s journey, it’s important to pause and spend quality time practicing personal reflection. Before reading any further, take a moment to read and answer the following reflection questions:

What are you passionate about in life?
How do you navigate in life when obstacles occur?
How do you set or reset the direction of your life?

WAYS TO NAVIGATE LIFE’S JOURNEY

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Lao Tzu

Today, right in this present moment, I want to take time to reflect on how to navigate life’s journey. I honestly look at where I am today, and I look at how I came to be here. I acknowledge the darkness and the light that shines within. Each day I focus on my vision of positive changes that I need to make in my life so that I may heal and grow in the most beautiful way possible.

Here’s some great ways to help you navigate life’s journey:

Every day do something that will lead you closer to God. (Read & Study God’s Word, Pray, Meditate or Listen to Gospel Music)
Thrive on happiness, a calm mind, and good health. (Reading, Journaling, Exercising, Walking in Nature, Practice Meditation or Listening to an Inspirational Podcast)
Have faith, be courageous, and dream big. (Keep Believing, Trusting, and Hoping)
Strive for greatness and embrace change along the way. (Be Your Own Inspiration, Be Flexible, and Open Minded)
Don’t procrastinate. Think positive and plan ahead. (Observe Everything Around You, Stay Focused, and Create a Vision for Your Life)
Love to no end, be grateful, choose joy and be kind. (Spread Love to Others, Nurture Your Grateful Heart, and Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti)
Be strong enough to let go and wise enough to wait for what you deserve. (Show Strength, Courage, and Wisdom)

Now, this will not be an easy task, but it is a necessary one for you to grow into your better self. However, I do realize this journey has no rules, no right or wrong answers. I accept my journey for what it is, and I acknowledge that only I can do my healing work. Don’t be afraid to make this process personal.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds. – Unknown Author

Next, in order for you to embrace this new way of thinking and living, it is important for you to feed your spirit with positive affirmations on a daily basis. For example, I choose to feel good about myself and life’s journey each day. Even when I am feeling sad or depressed, deep inside I aspire to be a giver. A giver of life, a giver of good vibes, and a giver of strength. This kind of thinking will help you overcome life’s challenges and help you navigate life’s journey.

Here’s a few positive affirmations and a pep talk I would love to share with you:

I am blessed and in charge of my life.
I am proud of who I am – limitless, brave, and beautiful.
I embrace respect, love, and kindness.
I am fearless and capable of so much more.
I am bold, strong, and free to make my own choices.
I have the power to create all the change I want to see.
I am enough and perfect just the way I am.
I am happy today, tomorrow, and every day of my life.
I heal from every pain, hurt, and disappointment.

AMAZON PRODUCTS

Journal To Overcome Grief

Renew Inspiration Journal

Healing Depression for Life Workbook

The Examined Life Workbook

Self-Love Workbook for Women

JOURNAL PROMPTS

I love journaling because it is a safe place for me to put my feelings and emotions into words, then put my words into action. Remember, journaling is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes, and failures. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Ready, set, write!

MIND

What thought patterns do you have and how do they impact your life?
What did you do today that brought you closer to your dream?
What is your life’s vision for the next 3 years?

BODY

How can you love yourself today?
What is one of life’s little pleasures that you appreciate?
Who/What brings the most joy to your life?

SPIRIT

What do you need more of in your life?
What is something you would love to learn in your lifetime?
What are the best choices you have made in life so far?

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. How do you plan to navigate life’s journey moving forward? What is your favorite positive affirmation or quote? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

How to Navigate Life While Coping with Grief

LaPorterNovember 29, 2022Leave a Reply

I didn’t give you the gift of life, life gave me the gift of you. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Thought to Ponder – Those who think there is a time limit when grieving, have never lost a piece of their heart.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! In case you were wondering, I took a mental health break to gather my thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Today, my mother would have been 80 years old, but she passed away in December 2015. This has been a stressful time for me, to say the least. However, I want you to know that I appreciate you and all of the support you give to my writing and blogging platform.

5 STAGES OF GRIEF & LOSS – On Death and Dying written by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Loss and heartache do not define you. They are part of your story. – Unknown Author

Even though there are 5 stages of grief and loss, people who are grieving do not necessarily go through the stages in the same order or experience all of them. The stages of grief and mourning are universal in nature and are experienced by people from all walks of life, across many cultures. Mourning occurs in our lives in response to an individual’s own terminal illness, the loss of a close relationship, or to the death of a valued being, human or animal. While mourning, we spend different lengths of time working through each step and express each stage with different levels of intensity. Here’s the 5 stages of grief and loss as defined by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross:

Denial & Isolation – The first reaction is to deny and isolate yourself from the reality of the situation. Most people block out the painful words and hide from the facts. Some people will believe that nothing is of any value any more, not even life itself. For most people, this stage of grief and loss is a temporary response that carries us through the first wave of pain.
Anger – As denial and isolation leaves us, reality and its pain re-emerge. Now, the intense emotion people feel turns into anger. The anger may be toward objects, complete strangers, friends or family. Even though deep down inside the person knows this feeling of anger is wrong, they may even be directing it toward dying or deceased loved ones as well.
Bargaining – In the next stage, there are feelings of helplessness and vulnerability as a way to regain control through a series of “if only” statements, such as “If only we had sought medical attention sooner” or “If only we got a second opinion from another doctor.” Unfortunately, this is an attempt to bargain with God or our higher power in order to postpone our pain. Guilt often accompanies bargaining as well. The person believes there was something they could have done differently to have helped save their loved ones’ life.
Depression – In the next stage, the person may start to be overwhelmed with sadness or regret which turns into worry. This phase may be eased by simple reassurance from others around them. Another phase of depression is when the person is more private and tries to bid a farewell to their loved one in silence. In this case, a hug or a kind gesture will comfort them.
Acceptance – Reaching this stage of grieving is a gift not afforded to everyone. Death may be sudden and unexpected, or we may never see beyond our anger or denial. Unfortunately, this phase is marked by withdrawal and calm.

Please keep in mind that everyone grieves differently. There is no right or wrong way. Some people will wear their emotions on their face and be outwardly emotional. Other people will experience their grief more internally and may not cry at all. Remember, do not judge how a person choose to experience grief, as each person will experience it differently.

WAYS TO NURTURE YOUR MIND, BODY & SPIRIT WHILE COPING WITH GRIEF

You must learn to master a new way to think before you can master a new way to be. – Marianne Williamson

Sometimes I wish time would stand still and I don’t have to relive the pain that comes during this time of the year. While everyone else is excited for the holidays, I dread it with everything within me. The holidays are just not the same without my mother physically being here. No amount of journaling or therapy sessions will save you from the emotional turmoil that you experience and continue to feel throughout the grieving process.

Nevertheless, I’ve learned that it’s important to nurture your mind, body and spirit while coping with grief. Here’s a few different ways to help you get started along this journey:

Read and study God’s Word.
Seek God’s face each day through prayer and guided meditation.
Pray a specific prayer for positive change in and around your life.
Practice mindfulness and stay in the present.
Set personal goals and a plan to achieve them.
Fuel your body with healthy food options.
Exercise daily and/or try new yoga poses.
Change your mental focus and environment.
Setup a daily routine using a To-Do List.
Focus on gratitude and find what you are grateful for each day.
Write in your journal to get your thoughts on to paper and out of your head.
Make time for self-reflection. Go for a walk, read, listen to music, meditate or color.

However, if you feel your mental stability is getting worse throughout the grieving process, seek professional help in the form of therapy from a licensed therapist or social worker, medication to treat depression or anxiety, or support groups to help share your feelings with like-minded individuals.

AFFIRMATIONS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE LIFE

Affirmations can be used to change your current mindset, boost your self-confidence, mood, and self-esteem. Through the power of repetition, you’re able to reconstruct your thought patterns, beliefs, and ideals in your subconscious mind. I will allow change to take place in my life on today. I plan to water my roots, so my soul can blossom. Now repeat after me:

In my sadness, I love myself.
It’s okay to take time to grieve.
I am patient with my healing process.
I allow myself to grieve then move on.
I feel my angels holding me today as I grieve.
I will embrace change in my life.
I will step out on faith throughout my journey.
I plan to endure and overcome heartache, pain, suffering, sadness and loneliness.
I am finding strength in myself as I grieve.
I focus on my blessings, goals and memories.
I will commit to improving my personal well-being.
I am gentle with myself as I heal.
I release my resistance to this situation.
I graciously accept help when its offered.
The universe lifts me, supports me and guides me.

Unfortunately, many of us struggle to overcome many obstacles in life, such as grief, and don’t understand that the root cause is often times hidden within. Whether you sometimes feel stressed out, anxious, sad or depressed, there’s one important fact that you need to remember. You need to learn that your mind, body and spirit must become ONE in order for you to be at your best. Only then, will you begin to navigate life while coping with grief.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. – Lao Tzu

Keep calm and write on. Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey, and everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

MIND

How can you create a space to help clear your mind?
What are some of your mental obstacles in life that are holding you back?
Our passion is typically something that brings us pleasure. What are some of your most passionate thoughts and how do you nurture them?
What is your greatest quest in life?

BODY

Sit or stand very still. What are you feeling right now in this very moment?
What are you having a hard time accepting in your life?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How are you mistreating your body or compromising your health?

SPIRIT

What steps do I need to take to become spiritually grounded in God’s Word?
What is holding you back from trusting and believing in God?
Does my life reflect what my heart desire? If not, what changes can I make?
How do you plan to feed your spirit on today?

JOURNAL TO OVERCOME GRIEF: A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO HEALING

No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. – Faraaz Kazi

Journal To Overcome Grief: A Personal Journey to Healing can be purchased via Amazon.com. This beautiful grief journal includes thought provoking journal prompts and quotes that will help you navigate life after loss.

There will be times when you’ll want to cry and other times when you’ll smile as you explore your personal reflections. This is a unique way to honor your loved one and connect with their spirit through writing while creating your own personal keepsake for years to come.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

We all are different and unique, but I do know that our minds, bodies, and spirit must be as ONE in order for us to feel complete. What are some things you do to help calm your mind, body, and spirit? I look forward to reading your comments and feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Writing to Escape While Standing Still

LaPorterJune 19, 2022Leave a Reply

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. – Maya Angelou

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Today’s Special Thought – Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! It has been a while since I’ve written an inspirational blog post for you. Today, I want to express the reasons why I choose writing to escape while standing still. Sometimes I write because I am happy, and sometimes I write when I am sad. However, the main reason why I have a passion for writing is to escape. When I write, I like to escape from life as I know it each day. I like to escape the pain and misery of losing my parents some years ago. Losing your parents leaves a hole in your heart that can never be filled. I like to escape the stress and frustration of parenting adopted children with disabilities and behavior problems. I like to escape the racism of this wicked world for not only having black skin, but also for being a woman. I like to escape from mental illness both depression and anxiety. I like to escape from those sleepless nights when I just listen to my thoughts go on and on. If you allow it to, writing will help you express your feelings and help you cope with challenges that you face throughout your life.

Here’s a few questions to ask yourself throughout your journey:

Have you taken time to renew your inspiration lately?
Are you inspired to become better than you were yesterday?
What drives you to push forward when obstacles arise in your life?
Who inspires you to reach for your dreams and goals throughout your life?

10 STEPS FOR WRITING TO ESCAPE WHILE STANDING STILL

The fact that I’m still standing on my own two feet, in a world that has tried its best to knock me down over and over again, proves only one truth; I am unbreakable. – Stephanie Bennett-Henry

As you’re thinking about the previous questions, I have another one for you to think about. Have you ever felt like you keep moving and moving throughout life, but you are actually standing still? But when you really think about your internal happiness, health and spiritual well-being, you have to be honest with yourself. Your life is really not changing in a positive way. There is no personal growth. You’re scared to be spontaneous and have fun. You never want to leave your comfort zone. There is very little sparkle within your circle of friends.

Now, if this sounds familiar have no fear. Just keep reading and I promise you will receive an inspirational word that will not only help you overcome this season in your life, but you will be able to make a mental connection with your body and spirit as well.

Here’s 10 steps for writing to escape while standing still:

Step 1. Make sure to be realistic while putting your thoughts into perspective honoring your personal beliefs.
Step 2. Don’t be afraid to prioritize things that matter most to you in your life right now.
Step 3. Remove all negativity, both people and things.
Step 4. Don’t be afraid to say NO to others and think positive thoughts throughout your day.
Step 5. Start using a calendar or planner to organize your appointments and errands.
Step 6. Create a separate To-Do List daily to stay organized and stress free.
Step 7. Treat your body well and with respect.
Step 8. Exercise daily and eat a well-balanced diet to include plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Step 9. Set realistic goals, create a plan to reach your goals and track your progress.
Step 10. Spend time in prayer, meditation and reading God’s Word to receive the proper guidance in your life.

As you can see, writing to escape is real and takes little effort on your part. If you don’t currently write in a journal today, take a moment and think about how journaling could help you cope with the daily challenges of life. Believe it or not, sometimes I just pick up my pen and just start writing words, not sentences. Before I even realize it, I am writing paragraphs. Writing to escape can help you clear your mind and offer you an opportunity to break free from internal bondage. Writing to escape can help you lose yourself on paper and forget about time. Most of all, writing to escape can bring about a peace and comfort that is more powerful than the stress in your life right now. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get our journals and write to escape while standing still!

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. – Lao Tzu

Keep calm and write on. Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey, and everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

MIND – Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)

Meditate on escaping from something from within and write about it.
What takes your mind away from God?
What brings you the most joy in life? Describe it in detail.
What qualities do you think others admire about you?
How much do you truly love yourself? How do you show it?

BODY – No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it. (I Corinthians 10:13)

What do you feel right now in this very moment? Listen to your body and write about it.
Do you feel courageous on today? If so, take time and write about it. If not, how can you build courage in your life?
Where do you struggle with pride, dishonesty, or being discontent?
In what area of your life do you need to improve self-discipline?
Do you de-stress and relax during the week?

SPIRIT – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

How do you cope with pain, misery, sadness, being alone, etc.? Write about it.
How is God your strength and protector? Write about it.
When do you feel God’s presence most in your life? How do you respond?
What is one way that you can improve your spiritual walk?
How can you improve your prayer and meditation routine?

POEM – STILL STANDING – Written by Latisha Porter

This poem was written based on Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God.

Despite what my life may look like from your perspective, I am still standing.

I have endured heartache and pain, but yet I am still standing.

I have been broken time and time again, but yet I am still standing.

I have known hardship and I have lost myself time and time again, but yet I am still standing.

I have experienced hurt like no other from a defiant child that I chose to adopt, but yet I am still standing.

I have suffered the loss of my parents which put a huge hole in my heart, but yet I am still standing.

I have struggled through the grieving process, anxiety and depression, but yet I am still standing.

I am standing on God’s Word and His principles which gives me inner strength to move forward in life and my faith which gives me these inspiring words to encourage you as well.

Remember my friend, God will make a way for you and me, we need only to be patient and be still.

JOURNAL TO OVERCOME GRIEF: A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO HEALING

No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. – Faraaz Kazi

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Please share what you escape from as you write, think or just meditate. How do you plan to escape the challenges of life? What is holding you back from journaling? I look forward to reading your comments and feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Happy Mother’s Day

LaPorterMay 8, 2022Leave a Reply

A mother’s heart is like a rose, always open, always loving. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Happy Mother’s Day to all of the well-deserved women reading this blog today. My prayer is that you got a chance to relax a bit and enjoyed time with family and friends.

Mother’s Day is a holiday honoring motherhood that is observed in different forms throughout the world. However, Mother’s Day is bittersweet for me since I lost my mother in December 2015. In honor of my mother, Rosalynn K. Russell, I wrote this poem as I struggled through my first phase of grief:

STILL HERE – Written by Latisha Porter

Still here…your spirit lives within me, I can feel you, but I cannot see;

Your beautiful face that often lit up a room, makes us wonder if you left too soon;

Still here…your presence surrounds me day by day, sometimes I cannot find the words to say;

I love you, I miss you, I cry myself to sleep;

No one seems to understand me cause my emotions are so deep.

Still here…your love will forever be in my heart, even though you’re gone, we’ll never be apart…Still here!

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS FOR MOTHERS

Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher. – Oprah Winfrey

Did you know that positive affirmations are used to reprogram the subconscious mind and to encourage us to believe certain things about ourselves or about the world and our place in it? Positive affirmations are also used to help us create the reality we want in life. Now, with that said, please recite these positive affirmations every day and look in a mirror as you say them. Repeat them until you feel it in your soul, and you begin to believe every word.

I am divine love.
I am a good mother.
I must take care of myself so I can take care of those I love.
I am an amazing mother, even as I work hard to become a better one each day.
There is value in everything I do.
Love flows into my life easily and effortlessly.
The love I give comes back to me tenfold.
I am worthy of love, support, and appreciation.
My needs and desires matter and they deserve to be met.
It’s okay to need, want, and take a break from my family to be alone.
Taking care of myself is not selfish, it is necessary for me to be a great mother.

MOTHER’S DAY FUN FACTS

Mothering is the gospel lived out as you hold your child’s heart in beauty, prayer, and patience. It’s not the big decision, but the little ones, trusting God through it all. – Elizabeth Hawn

DID YOU KNOW…

Ann Reeves Jarvis of West Virginia helped start Mother’s Day Work Clubs to teach local women how to properly care for their children.
In 1868, Ann Reeves Jarvis organized Mother’s Friendship Day at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation.
In 1870, Julia Ward Howe wrote the Mother’s Day Proclamation which was a call to action that asked mothers to unite in promoting world peace.
In 1873, Julia Ward Howe campaigned for a Mother’s Peace Day to be celebrated every June 2.
The official Mother’s Day holiday arose in the 1900s as a result of the efforts of Anna Jarvis, daughter of Ann Reeves Jarvis.
In May 1908, Anna Jarvis organized the first official Mother’s Day celebration at a Methodist church in Grafton, West Virginia.
By 1912 many states, towns and churches had adopted Mother’s Day as an annual holiday.
In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson signed a measure officially establishing the second Sunday in May as Mother’s Day.

JOURNAL TO OVERCOME GRIEF: A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO HEALING

No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. – Faraaz Kazi

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

A mother instructs with wisdom, guides through example, trains by love. – Roy Lessin

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey, and everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

Write a letter or poem to your mother expressing your gratitude and appreciation.
What do you like about yourself as a mother, sister, aunt, friend, etc.?
What makes you feel nourished in your mind, body, and spirit?
How do you add value to the world and those around you?
How can you show yourself more love?
What is your favorite part of your daily routine?
What do you want your legacy to be?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

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Practice Self-Care During Your Grief Experience

LaPorterApril 30, 2022Leave a Reply

Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you. – Katie Reed

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s discuss how important it is for you to practice self-care during your grief experience. Although everyone grieves in their own unique way, the emotional turmoil you feel during your grief experience can be complicated and have you feeling depleted. Whether you want to admit it or not, grief also leaves you feeling as though you have no voice when other people are not willing to listen to how you feel.

WHY SELF-CARE IS IMPORTANT

Give yourself the same care and attention that you give to others and watch yourself bloom. – Unknown Author

So, what is self-care? According to The Self-Care Solution written by Suzy Reading, self-care can be defined as any life-giving activity that restores, sustains or improves your health. Self-care is nourishment for your mind, body and spirit. Self-care can also help people become the best version of themselves when they learn effective ways to navigate through life.

Suzy Reading provides three reasons why self-care is important:

Stress is not going to go away. Stress is a normal part of life. In fact, life would be boring without some stress to keep us on our toes, right?
Stress has a cumulative effect. Stress can add up very quickly so make sure to plan for regular pressure releases throughout your day. For example, go for a walk, do a stretch routine or meditate.
Too much stress is dangerous. It’s a fact that too much stress makes us ill and greatly diminishes our ability to enjoy life.

In other words, self-care is necessary and can lead to:

A relaxed mood and improved state of mind
Improved thinking, organization, and personal relationships
Clearer understanding of where we are mentally and physically, and the ability to address our personal needs before we tend to others

SELF-CARE TIPS FOR GRIEF

Self-care is how you take your power back. – Lalah Della

Let’s be honest. It’s hard to think about yourself when you’re experiencing grief. Grief is hard and painful. There’s so many thoughts, feelings and emotions swirling around in your head all at once. Unfortunately, grief takes over your reality and your own needs tend to fall by the wayside. Make the time to implement some of these tips into your daily life routine. The tips are in no specific order, so scan through and pick those you relate to. As you can see, self-care is not selfish, but it is necessary to help keep you calm during your grief experience.

Take a moment and use these self-care tips for grief that can help you keep a calm mind, body and spirit:

#1 – Breathe Mindfully – Take time to breathe slowly and focus on your natural breath. This process will put your mind in the present moment.
#2 – Be Kind to Yourself – Being kind to yourself has tremendous healing power. Treat yourself as you would treat a beloved friend. Give yourself space to feel the pain of grief and allow your heart to break. Self-compassion
#3 – Let Yourself Cry – If you feel the need to cry, then let your tears flow. Crying is a gate way to your total healing experience.
#4 – Pray and Meditate Regularly– Despite how bad you’re feeling inside, it’s important to spend time in prayer and meditation. This process will help clear your mind and keep you in the present. Consistency is key so start with 10 to 20 minutes per day.
#5 – Connect with Others – No matter how difficult it may be, it’s important for you to have interaction with people you trust. However, if you feel like your support system has fallen apart, then find a compassionate grief counselor or therapist to speak with.
#6 – Move Your Body – Push yourself to move your body. Take a walk outside, practice doing yoga or try a new exercise class. Exercise does the whole body good. Exercise will help you sleep better and offer you a healthier option to release stress during this difficult time.
#7 – Express Yourself Through Creativity – Allowing yourself to spend time writing in your journal, drawing, coloring or knitting can help you focus on activating your creative side of your brain.

As you can see, grief can manifest itself physically, mentally, and emotionally. If you are not careful, grief can throw off your whole life balance and really have an effect on your future health.

HOW TO CREATE A SELF-CARE PLAN

Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation. – Audre Lorde

The best way to practice self-care during your grief experience is to create yourself a self-care plan. A self-care plan will allow you to be proactive and to take action when you need it most.

Here’s the five components necessary to create a self-care plan:

#1 – Identify personal needs and values – Keep in mind that your personal needs and values change when you experience life events, such as grief. Question – How do you feel?
#2 – Boundaries in regard to relationships and time – Set healthy boundaries with people and stick to them. Question – Does people energize you or deplete you?
#3 – Support system and circle of trust – Put a dependable support system in place that you trust. Question – Who is it that you lean on and trust?
#4 – Community resources and creative outlets – Research valuable community resources that will assist you throughout this journey. Question – What resources do you have available to you?
#5 – Personal and professional goals – Set personal and professional goals to improve your life. Question – Where do you want to see yourself I the future?

When done correctly, you will have time to reflect on the past, consider the future, and make most of the present.

JOURNAL TO OVERCOME GRIEF

No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. – Faraaz Kazi

SELF-CARE AFFIRMATIONS

Be enough for yourself first, the rest of the world can wait. – Unknown Author

Self-care affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Self-love, positivity, open-mindedness, help set you in the right direction. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it personal.

Here’s a few of my favorite self-care affirmations to help you get started:

I love and respect myself.
I know my value and self-worth.
I care about myself and listen to all of my needs.
I am strong, resilient, and smart.
I treat myself with love, kindness, and acceptance.
I am powerful, healthy, and capable.
I am free of self-doubt and insecurities because I am confident.
I am centered, at peace, and in love with myself.
I affirm empowering and kind messages to myself.
I set healthy boundaries and stick to them.
I always focus on the positive side of life.
I embrace my past and learn from it every day.
I am not my mistakes or my past.
I release myself of any misery and suffering.

Remember, there’s no time limit on the grief process. Instead of avoiding grief, take time to address the pain and heartache you feel while you practice self-care. Then, go through the grieving process at your own pace and release the negative feelings by:

Crying or laughing about a past memory
Talking about your loss and sharing the memories with others
Writing about it or writing a letter to them, or even keeping a journal

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. – Oprah Winfrey

What was the last self-care thing you did?
What is one thing you need to let go?
What is one way you like to recharge your energy levels?
What is holding you back from improving your lifestyle?
How can I honor my body on today?
How important is self-care to you while you grieve?
What would you like to include in your daily self-care routine?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

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Journaling to Heal Within

LaPorterFebruary 17, 20225 Replies

Journaling is paying attention to the inside for the purpose of living well from the inside out. – Lee Wise

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, let’s talk about journaling to heal within. Journaling allows you to gain clarity inside and out. Journaling also helps you to make positive changes in your life. If you allow it, journaling will offer you a glimpse into your soul in its purest form. Before we get started, please make sure you have the following:

An open mind; Meditation ready
Willingness to express oneself; Eager to move from one place to another freely
Humble and caring spirit; Broken soul
Journal or Notebook
Pen or Pencil

I want to encourage you to pause for a moment and look within. Create awareness of your overall energy, how you feel and what you’re thinking. Believe it or not, journaling can be another form of self-reflection. Journaling can make you aware of negative patterns in your behavior so you can focus on the present moment. Journaling is an effective way to accelerate your emotional healing.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

Journal writing, when it becomes a ritual for transformation, is not only life-changing but life-expanding. – Jen Williamson

What’s the message that you need on today? What is it that you need to focus on within your life, right now, in this very moment? During your lifelong journey, it’s important for you to speak positive words into your soul. Despite the hurt you may feel or the sadness you experience in life, often times you forget that the power to overcome life’s challenges is already inside you. If you feel lost or defeated, it’s because the heart and mind are not working in harmony, when they work together you will find peace. There’s a lot of benefits of journaling, but here’s a few that I want to share with you.

Journaling:

Helps you think more critically about your life
Reduces stress and anxiety by keeping you in the present moment
Allows you to recognize and release negative thoughts and feelings
Increases your happiness in life and improves your mood
Encourages inner peace and a feeling of well-being
Provides self-discovery, self-awareness, and moments of reflection
Helps you gain clarity in your life, better memory
Increases creativity, positivity, and mindfulness
Builds resilience and confidence
Helps to organize and process your thoughts and feelings
Improves your sleep and overall mental wellness

As you can see, making the decision to practice journaling will bring mindfulness, peace, and emotional healing into your daily routine.

JOURNALING TIPS

Journal writing gives us insights into who we are, who we were, and who we can become. – Sandra Marinella

There is no wrong or right way to practice journaling, just write! Journaling is a great way to release emotions so you can be in a better headspace. Include journaling in your daily routine so you can heal any emotional, physical or mental wounds that may have been caused by negativity from others or internally. Here’s some great journaling tips to help you get started:

Tip 1 – Create a safe place to write; Declutter your space; Add your preferred lighting and scented candles; You should feel good, happy and calm in your writing space
Tip 2 – Let it all out; Allow your thoughts to flow freely and write about anything
Tip 3 – Dedicate time and write regularly; Try to write in your journal on a regular basis; Every day is ideal
Tip 4 – Try new things; Move out of your comfort zone; Try things that make you happy; Write letters to yourself or to loved ones (past or present)
Tip 5 – Don’t get too negative; Shift your writing in another direction; Avoid rereading your negative writing, but instead have a balanced point of view

What’s your story or experience? It’s important to allow yourself to feel and to express yourself honestly throughout this process. For example, I survived throughout my journey because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me. I had to reflect on scriptures that were hidden in my heart in order to rise up above my problems, situations, depression, sadness, hurt, etc. Remember, this is a personal journey. It’s important for you to find your safe place and surround yourself with God’s love, peace, and joy.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

In the journal I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself. – Susan Sontag

What is something that has been weighing on your mind lately?
What do you see as your biggest accomplishment?
Do you have any regrets about how you’ve lived your life so far?
What have you done to make amends and/or forgive yourself?
What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself in the past year?
If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
What can you do right now to lift your mood?
How can you make this week a better one than last?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Journal writing is a voyage to the interior. – Christina Baldwin

Sharing is caring. I would love to hear from you. Please answer these questions in the comment section. You never know, your comment may help someone else along their journey. Journaling can help you heal within so you can overcome any obstacle that you face in life. Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges in life? If so, please share your experience(s). What advice would you give yourself to begin the healing process? After reading this blog post, what resonates with you?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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7 Ways To Create Healthy Boundaries

LaPorterJanuary 17, 20221 Reply

Healthy boundaries are not walls to block others out. They are barriers that set us free to love the right people, most importantly ourselves. – Ann Lesuer

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I want to pause to say HAPPY MLK DAY! Hope you plan to reflect on how you can keep Martin Luther King’s dream alive. For me, I will continue to treat everyone with love and respect no matter the color of their skin. Also, I will continue to speak up when people of color are not treated fairly. It’s a shame that we are still speaking about this matter in 2022, but it is our reality.

How has 2022 been treating you so far? I have to be honest there’s a few areas of my life that have been stressing me out lately, but I continue to move forward each and every day. One area in particular that concerns me the most is the idea of setting personal boundaries to protect my mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. With that in mind, I want to share ways to create healthy boundaries within your current lifestyle. Although, creating healthy boundaries can be empowering and life changing, this process will also help you to:

Honor your personal values and beliefs.
Communicate your needs in a relationship.
Make time and space for positive interactions.
Set limits in a relationship in a way that is healthy.
Strengthen your inner self, mind, body, and spirit.

When you recognize the need to set and enforce limits that impacts your life in a positive way, you not only feel a sense of freedom, but you also improve your self-esteem, maintain self-respect, and enjoy healthy relationships along the way.

DEFINE BOUNDARIES

Boundaries are limits you set for yourself that determine what you will or won’t participate in. – Unknown Author

Before going any further, let’s take a moment to define boundaries.

Boundaries (noun):

Guidelines, rules or limits that a person creates to identify for themselves what are reasonable, safe and permissible ways for other people to behave around them and how they will respond when some people steps outside those limits.

It’s important to note that unhealthy boundaries may cause emotional imbalances in your life that can lead to dependency of alcohol or drugs, depression, anxiety, or other stressed-induced physical illnesses. However, if you commit to creating healthy boundaries within your lifestyle, you will:

Have good mental and emotional health.
Develop your own personal identity.
Avoid mental, emotional, and physical burnout.
Influence others’ behavior.
Improve self-awareness.
Maintain healthy and friendly relationships.

Remember, to always strive to live a well-balanced life throughout this process. I want to share the following barriers you may experience if you don’t establish healthy boundaries within your lifestyle:

- Fear of rejection.
- Fear of abandonment.
- Fear of confrontation.
- Feeling guilty.
- Lack of understanding.
- Safety concerns.
- Poor self-esteem.

BENEFITS OF CREATING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

I allow myself to set healthy boundaries. To say no to what does not align with my values, to say yes to what does. Boundaries assist me to remain healthy, honest and living a life that is true to me. – Lee Horbachewski

Creating healthy boundaries is an important aspect of loving one-self and practicing self-care. Many people strive to understand the benefits of creating healthy boundaries throughout this fascinating journey called life. It’s important to have a set of values, principles, morals, and beliefs that provide a sense of purpose and meaning to life, then using those principles to guide your actions. Finding meaning and purpose may be a lifelong process for most people that evolves based on unique circumstances or individual life experiences.

The benefits of creating healthy boundaries allow you to:

Improve your self-esteem and self-respect.
Establish trusting relationships with others.
Protect your physical and emotional space.
Establish an equal partnership where responsibility and power are shared.
Separate your needs, thoughts, feelings, and desires from others.
Recognize your boundaries and needs are different from others.
Empower yourself to make healthy choices and take responsibility for yourself.

Keep in mind that it’s natural to experience a variety of emotions, such as hope, forgiveness, acceptance, doubt, fear, disappointment, or conflict along the path to creating healthy boundaries. Just be open, honest and allow yourself to feel all of the emotions that are taking place throughout your journey.

HOW TO CREATE HEALTHY BOUNDARIES USING SELF-CARE

A lack of boundaries invites a lack of respect. – Unknown Author

So, how do you create healthy boundaries while living your best life? The answer is quite simple. You must practice and implement a consistent self-care routine. Self-care is nourishment for your entire soul, mind, body, and spirit. Self-care can also help people become the best version of themselves when they learn effective ways to navigate through life.

Here’s some great ways to create healthy boundaries in your life using self-care:

Clearly define your desired boundaries and limitations to protect your well-being.
Communicate well while keeping your personal needs and values in the forefront.
Give yourself permission to express how you feel in any given situation.
Keep it simple and don’t feel the need to over explain yourself to anyone.
Seek positive support from people you trust.
Be assertive and bold when expressing yourself to others.
Set consequences and voice your concerns when people fail to respect your boundaries.

Learning to create healthy boundaries takes time and effort on your part. Set your healthy boundaries in your own time frame, not when someone else suggest you do so. Give yourself permission to take time out for you. From time to time, make an appointment with yourself. Don’t wait for good moments to arise, they rarely come. Plan your time wisely and create healthy boundaries that help nurtures your mind, body, and spirit. Peace, love and blessings!

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others. – Brene Brown

MIND

Meditate on peaceful thoughts. Define those thoughts in detail and write about them.
What is your favorite memory or life experience?
Write about a mental obstacle you overcame today.
Did you make time for mental relaxation today?

BODY

What do you feel right now in this very moment? Listen to your body and write about it.
Name one area of physical health you excel in, and one you would like to improve.
Write down 5 ways to relax and commit to doing at least 1 per day.
What gives your life meaning and purpose?

SPIRIT

How do you cope with spiritual struggles that occur in your life?
What set a spark in your soul today? this week? this month?
How do you respond to setbacks or failures? How could you change from within?
How does your spiritual values guide my daily decisions and actions?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS

The only people who get upset about you setting boundaries are the ones who were benefiting from you having none. – Unknown Author

As I stated before, I look forward to hearing from you. Please take a moment to reflect on these questions. Then, share your answers in the comment section below. You’ll be surprised how much we learn from one another. How often do you spend time journaling? What kind of improvements do you need to make in your life? Have you defined your meaning and purpose in life? Do you ever spend time reflecting on healthy boundaries? Why or why not? How do I get through tough times? Where do I find comfort?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Improve Personal Growth Through Self-Reflection

LaPorterJanuary 12, 2022Leave a Reply

Self-reflection is a humbling process. It’s essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things…then, better yourself. – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Happy New Year! It has been a few weeks since I’ve written or posted an inspirational blog post for you. Unfortunately, I’ve had some family issues arise that needed my full attention and for that I truly apologize. Before I dive into my topic today, I want to express appreciation for ALL OF YOU who have taken the time to read, subscribe, and follow my Renew Inspiration blog. It really means a lot to me. My prayer each and every day is to find the right words to say to help you along this journey called life. I look forward to reading your personal thoughts and experiences in the blog comment section for each post. It’s not only refreshing to hear your point of view, but it is also healthy to have on-going dialogue with one another.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can improve personal growth through self-reflection. Am I happy or sad? Am I willing to make the necessary changes that are needed to excel in all aspects of my life? Am I content right now or willing to step out of my comfort zone to explore new endeavors? These are just a few questions that I have found myself thinking about over the last couple of months.

Have you ever just sat down in a quiet place and allowed yourself to think without interruption? This process is called self-reflection. It’s really important to spend quality time in self-reflection mode so you can:

- Increase self-awareness
- Gain clarity inside and out
- Make positive changes in your life
- Develop genuine self-confidence
- Present new perspectives and insight
- Offer up a glimpse into your soul in its purest form
- Provide a safe outlet for your personal thoughts and feelings
- Give a creative space of self-expression without criticism

AMAZON RESOURCE #1 – A Year of Self-Reflection Journal

DEFINE SELF-REFLECTION

Time spent in self-reflection is never wasted. It is an intimate date with yourself. – Paul TP Wong

Before moving forward, I think it is important to understand what self-reflection is before you can commit to practicing it on a regular basis.

Self-reflection (noun):

Meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions, and motives.

To take it a step further, you must be willing to learn more about your fundamental nature, purpose, and essence of life. Take a moment and look in a mirror. What do you see? You see a reflection of who you are on the outside. For example, you notice your physical facial features, the color of your skin, your hair color and style, etc. However, self-reflection is not only your outward appearance, but it is a way of assessing yourself deep within – mind, body, and spirit. In addition, re-evaluate your goals, attitude, and mindset often. Then, don’t be afraid to make appropriate and necessary changes that will help to improve your personal growth.

HEALTHY WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-REFLECTION

Life is only a reflection of what we allow ourselves to see. – Paul TP Wong

As you begin to improve personal growth through self-reflection, you will notice a shift in your mindset, an increase of positivity in your life, and discover a deeper connection within. Here’s some healthy ways to practice self-reflection throughout your journey:

Prayer and meditation – Take a moment to quiet your mind, read a scripture, pray, and meditate. Allow your mind, body, and spirit to only connect with God so you can hear His voice.
Yoga and exercise – Every day is important to do some form of yoga and exercise. Movement gives you more energy and helps keep you healthy.
Reading inspirational books – Reading keeps your brain healthy, but reading inspirational books also keeps you in a positive mood.
Reciting positive affirmations – Reciting positive affirmations will give you hope and encourage you to focus on your goals/dreams.
Listening to music – Music can be soothing and a great way to calm your spirit.
Writing or journaling – Writing is a form of self-expression. Capture every moment of your life in a journal so you can pause to reflect on the good times and make changes to avoid bad situations.
Listening to an inspirational podcast – Strive to be inspired by listening to your favorite and uplifting podcast. Listen to what your mind, body, and spirit needs, but also listen to your heart.
Drawing and painting – Showing your creative side will help to open your mind to different aspects of life. You become calm and relaxed as if you have no care in the world.
Vision board – Create a vision board so you can have a road map to success. Be creative and use pictures from magazines or from online, quotes, goals, etc.

FIND YOUR ZONE FOR SELF-REFLECTION

Honest self-reflection opens your mind to reprogramming, change, success, and freedom. – Vikas Runwal

As we stated before, self-reflection is a personal way for you to learn more about yourself. It’s important to find your zone and comfort level so you can reap the positive benefits of self-reflection. Here’s some helpful tips:

- Tip 1 – Be honest with yourself and with the process. Honesty is key to success. It’s important to remind yourself how things are going and how you are behaving throughout the process.
- Tip 2 – Notice behavior patterns. Be aware of your behavior patterns so you can strengthen the positive/healthy ones and remove the negative/unhealthy ones from your life.
- Tip 3 – Be able to articulate your core values. Take time to identify what’s most important to you so you can evaluate if you’re living those values throughout life. Your lifestyle has to shift at some point, and you should notice the change from the inside out.
- Tip 4 – Be forgiving. Be gentle with yourself when you don’t seem to get it right along the journey. Offer yourself patience, forgiveness, and grace. Remember, we’re all human and we all make mistakes.
- Tip 5 – Keep track of your self-reflection. Start a journal where you record your observations and monitor your personal growth throughout this process.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – 52 Weeks of Self-Reflection

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

My body is healthy, my mind is focused, my soul is calm. – Unknown Author

MIND

What are you thinking right now in this very moment?
What thought patterns do you have and how do they impact your life?
How does meditation guide you through your day?
Has your mind spent more time today focused on the past, present or future?
How do you deal with difficult thoughts or failures?

BODY

How do you feel right now in this very moment?
What is one old habit you want to eliminate in your life?
What do you consider to be your most challenging flaw?
How often do you exercise during the week?
How do you relax your body?

SPIRIT

Are you spiritually grounded right now in this very moment?
What is something you need to be free from and surrender to God today?
What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
Are there areas of your life where you need to learn to trust in God?
How has journaling helped you get closer to being spiritually grounded?

Instead of doubt, sadness, anxiety, and depression, choose to improve personal growth through self-reflection to help you cope with life challenges. You will think differently, feel better, and strengthen your spiritual being. Your whole being will thank you and those people surrounding you each day will thank you as well. Peace, love and blessings!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS

As I stated before, I look forward to hearing from you. Please take a moment to reflect on these questions and share them in the comment section. You’ll be surprised how much we learn from one another. What are your thoughts related to self-reflection? How often do you practice self-reflection? How has self-reflection changed your life?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Find Hope Through Journaling

LaPorterDecember 20, 20212 Replies

When the world says, “give up.” Hope whispers “try it one more time.” – Unknown Author

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! When I think of hope, I think of beauty that’s all around me and positive vibes that flow from within. Hope is like a beautiful flower that thrives on sunlight and water. In a spiritual sense, hope relies on your daily commitment to God’s Word, prayer, faith, and worship.

BUILD A SOLID FOUNDATION OF HOPE

Never underestimate the power of hope. Hope fuels us with the energy and courage to go forward. – Adele Basheer

But how do you find hope through journaling as you grieve? Learning how to safely navigate through the grieving process can be scary for some and hard for others. It requires you to feel vulnerable, yet it forces you to find your way through the sense of loss and loneliness. At times you feel like pushing everyone and everything away. I challenge you today that instead of running away from your pain, heartache, and misery, choose to invite God in to comfort you during this difficult time.

Here’s some steps to help you build a solid foundation of hope that will carry you through the storms of life, such as grief:

Step 1 – Submit yourself to God because He has not given up on you. God is the source of our hope. Come to God in humility and He will restore you. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Step 2 – Strengthen your faith because there is an eternal life to come. Allow God’s previously fulfilled promises from the Holy Bible to renew your hope. “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the Glory He will give us later.” Romans 8:18
Step 3 – Trust God’s timing because God is truly in control of everything. Remember, sometimes God answers prayers quickly and at other times God allows us to wait. If God is God, then nothing happens in our lives apart from His knowledge and permission. We have to learn not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8, 9
Step 4 – Thank God today because you’re not facing this difficult situation alone. Every day set time aside to thank God through worshipping, reading God’s Word, praying, and meditating. For God said, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.” That is why we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:5, 6

Remember, hope is what helps us deal with grief, find positives in our current situation, help us continue searching for something better, and to have faith that everything will work out in the end.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – A Guided Journal for Healing & Hope

WAYS TO RESTORE HOPE IN YOUR LIFE

Each day, there is a new beginning, a new chance, a new hope, a new light! – Unknown Author

Did you know that having hope in life will give you courage in the midst of a storm, such as grief? Hope is seeing light in spite of being surrounded by darkness. Hope is the only thing stronger than fear. Hope is the ability to hear the melody of the future.

Here’s some ways to restore hope in your life:

Be kind to yourself and others.
Listen to another person’s story.
Treat each day like a precious gift.
Look for meaning in the most challenging moments.
Reconnect with nature.
Focus on your spirit and shift your expectations.
Listen to music and channel your energy into productive change.
Show gratitude and compassion.
Think about the essential goodness of humanity and volunteer.

Despite what you may be experiencing in your life right now, never stop believing in hope because miracles happen every day. Be brave and take risks. After all, nothing can substitute your true experience, whether it is positive or negative. So, continue to hope for a positive outcome to happen in your life.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Grieving with Hope: Finding Comfort as You Journey Through Loss

FIND HOPE THROUGH JOURNALING

Hope is that beautiful place between the way things were and the way things are yet to be. – Unknown Author

In reality, most people fail many times before they succeed so never stop hoping for positive change to happen in your life. One way you can do this is by journaling on a regular basis. Journaling provides a safe place for you to speak truth and to find comfort without judgment.

Here’s some ways to find hope through journaling:

Set realistic journaling goals each week and establish a writing routine that fits into your current lifestyle. You may need to rearrange your daily tasks, wake up earlier or spend time writing before bedtime.
Begin to visualize yourself finding hope again after your goals are achieved. Take a moment and ask yourself what life looks like after the goals are reached, then spend a few minutes every day picturing yourself in that very same life. Of course, writing in your journal will help you stay committed or spend some time creating a vision board.
Evaluate your progress as you move through the steps you’ve identified as necessary to reach your journaling goals and adjust your efforts as needed along your journey.
Prepare for your journey. Look at what you’ve already achieved, think about your strengths, think about what’s important to you, and where you want to go in life.
Set out on your journey. Build the knowledge you need to succeed, focus on the basics, set small goals, and achieve them.
Make time for self-reflection often to examine one’s own thoughts, feelings, and emotions to gain better insight of one’s life.

The importance of hope is immeasurable. Continue to seek out positivity and recognize you can change your life at any point. Many of us need to look forward to the future and stop focusing on past experiences. You never know what tomorrow may bring so keep hope alive through journaling. Until next time, have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

How do you define hope?
What do you hope for each day?
Do you find hope through journaling? If so, please explain.
Did you see or hear anything today that gave you hope?
How did this feeling of hope change your perspective in life?
Why do you find it difficult to find hope when you’re experiencing hardships in life?
Have you lost hope along your journey? If so, why do you feel this way?

BONUS – Here are five suggestions on how to use journaling during times of grief:

Have your journal with you at all times. Since grief comes in waves, always have your journal with you. You will find that your journal will provide relief and comfort during your difficult times.
Do a brain and pain dump. Write in your journal without editing or worrying about grammar checks until you feel better. This process allows you to reflect on your thought patterns and overall physical well-being.
Write a gratitude list. A gratitude list is a powerful way to focus on what is positive during a time when it seems that you will never find hope again. You can start your list by writing…Today I am grateful for ____________.
Do timed writing exercises. Scheduling timed writing exercises will help you develop a regular writing routine that provides productivity and encourages creativity.
Use writing prompts when you feel stuck. It can be helpful for you to pause and select a writing prompt during your journal writing time. Examples – 1) Today my grief feels like… 2) My happiest memory of you is … 3) What I treasure is this …

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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