Finding Hope Within

Finding Hope Within

Renew Inspiration, Finding Hope Within, Prayer, Meditation, Love, Kindness
Renew Inspiration

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. – Desmond Tutu

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! As I sit here thinking about life and what people are experiencing on this day, I cannot help but feel a sense of frustration, anger, loneliness, and sadness. But why? Maybe it is because most people that I observe seemed to have lost the basic fundamentals of life which are love, kindness, and hope. We’ve become selfish individuals who disrespect ourselves and our neighbors. Our society says that it is okay for us to watch people be viciously attacked and murdered because of the color of their skin. But why? We are still in the midst of a pandemic and everyone has not received the covid-19 vaccine, but some states have fully reopened and no longer requires people to wear masks. But why? It’s spring break in most states and people are traveling having a good time while covid-19 cases are increasing and people are still dying from this awful virus. But why? Some of our loved ones have died or have been extremely ill due to covid-19 in the last year, but it seems like society has chosen to overlook the pain and heartache that these people are still feeling today. I know and you know that this is not right, but yet it happens every day.  Today, I choose to be hopeful, not hopeless and press my way to find hope within.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1 – A Prayer a Day for Hope & Encouragement

BENEFITS OF FINDING HOPE WITHIN

Hope is the ability to hear the melody of the future. – Unknown Author

Instead of allowing negative feelings to overwhelm you during these difficult times, let’s focus on the benefits of finding hope within. So, where does the thought of finding hope within come from? It’s simple. Deep inside we feel an expectation that something good will happen in the future. Despite all the negativity that goes on around us, most people strive to anticipate positive outcomes in their lives. Believe it or not, finding hope within:

  • Offers one a reason for living.
  • Helps build resilience in the face of adversity.
  • Helps control your emotions and sets the mood for the day.
  • Gives you room for self-expression.
  • Allows you to believe in your dream.
  • Reduces stress and anxiety.
  • Supports mental strength and happiness.
  • Improves overall health and encourages a healthy lifestyle.

WAYS TO EMBRACE HOPE WITHIN YOUR LIFE

May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears. – Nelson Mandela

Once you find hope within, it’s important to find ways to embrace it wholeheartedly. After all, hope is our energy, our fuel for living each day. Without hope in our lives, we lack the necessary energy to engage with life itself. Living a hopeful life is to recognize that everything and everyone matters, even you.

Here’s some ways to embrace hope within your life:

  • Regain control of your life and destiny.
  • Recognize that you can change your life at any time.
  • Be mindful of your expectations and shift them when necessary.
  • Disconnect from news outlets and social media often.
  • Listen to another person’s story to help clear your head.
  • Find creative ways to handle stress and disappointment (yoga, meditation, reading).
  • Establish a daily self-care routine that helps to calm you (journaling, to-do list).
  • Create honest and authentic relationships with active listeners and learn to forgive.
  • Develop a daily journal writing habit to release negative experiences and emotions.
  • Get outside and enjoy the big world that surrounds you.

 AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Christian Art Gifts Floral Notebook Set

Being hopeful during difficult times will not be easy, but is necessary. It is important to no longer hold onto what has happened in the past. Today, I chose to use my Renew Inspiration blog platform to express how I feel because our feelings and our voices matter. It’s important to not only be honest with yourself, but be open and honest with others as well. You will be surprised how many people are feeling the same way as you. Have an open mind to something new and you will find healthier ways to overcome life’s struggles. Then, you will be at ease and have a peace of mind while moving forward in life. After all, life always offers you a second chance. It’s called tomorrow. Don’t lose hope. You never know what tomorrow will bring!

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles happen. – Unknown Author

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. In addition, 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 be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!

  • Define hope and make sure to provide examples.
  • What are you hopeful for on today?
  • Have you ever given up hope on something or someone?
  • Did you ever regain that hope again over time?
  • How can you change your negative thought patterns and become hopeful?
  • What words inspire you, move you and make you feel hopeful?
  • What advice would you give a person who has lost hope?

BLUEHOST RESOURCE

LET’S TALK

Hope helps us to appreciate life and everything life has to offer. Do you struggle with being hopeful while living in a negative world? Do you find yourself hoping for a brighter future? 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).

Copyright © 2021 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Spoken Truth

Spoken Truth

Spoken Truth, Love Yourself, Honesty, Truth, Respect, Trust, Relationships, Reflection
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The truth is rarely pure and never simple. – Oscar Wilde

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).

There are 4 very important words in life: love, honesty, truth, respect. Without these in your life, you have nothing. – Unknown Author

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Spoken truth can be defined as an individual who speaks facts only. For example, God is the spoken truth. When I think of spoken truth, I think of love, honesty, truth, and respect. How do you define spoken truth? As you think about your personal experiences, remember how important it is to love yourself, have honesty, know truth when you hear it, and respect yourself and others.

Thought for the week – Wake up, smile, and tell yourself today is my day.

HOW TO LOVE YOURSELF

Love yourself first and everything falls into line. – Unknown Author

Have you ever heard of the saying, “Remember to take care of yourself; You can’t pour from an empty cup?” Take a moment, right now, right where you are, and commit to loving yourself. Choosing to love yourself is not a selfish act. Believe it or not, when you begin to love yourself, your whole world will become better. You will have a whole new way of thinking about yourself and others. To love yourself will give you a deep appreciation for who you are.

Today is the day you can love yourself totally by doing the following:

• Falling in love with yourself.

• Being kind and positive.

• Acknowledging your effort.

• Guarding your energy.

• Carving out me time.

• Forgiving yourself for your mistakes.

• Don’t believe everything you think.

***FREE***Positive Affirmations***CLICK HERE***

BENEFITS OF HONESTY

Honesty has a power very few people can handle. – Unknown Author

Honesty is a good way to live your life. One of the main reasons why honesty is important in our lives is trust. Trust is important because happiness cannot exist without it. Honesty is one of the key components to character and one of the most admired traits of any successful, responsible person. In addition, honesty helps to build trust and improve relationships.

In addition, being honest offers the following benefits in our daily lives:

• Honesty is the easiest choice – Believe it or not, it’s your choice to live an honest life.

• Honesty reveals your character – Allow others to see a snapshot of who you really are.

• Honesty gives you freedom – You have the ability to live free from false representation.

• Honesty gives you credibility – People will believe you and trust you mean what you say.

• Honesty keeps you out of trouble – You will have a greater chance of staying out of trouble throughout life.

TELLING THE TRUTH

The truth is still the truth, even if no one believes it. – Unknown Author

We were taught as children that telling the truth is good and telling lies is bad. As you can see, honesty and truth work together. Also, telling the truth causes one to back it up with actions which shows respect as well. Remember, truth will always prevail. Truth also gives closure from the past and provides a clear path to the future. Truth brings hope to people and helps to identify who you are.

Keep these thoughts in mind as you communicate with others throughout life:

• Look for the truth.

• Accept it when you discover it.

• Forgive and correct your mistakes.

• Seek professional help if you need it.

• See yourself in the future.

• Give yourself time to adjust.

• The truth will set you free.

SHOW RESPECT

Respect is one of the greatest expressions of love. – Unknown Author

Respect is a positive feeling or action shown towards someone or something considered important or held in high esteem. Respect conveys a sense of admiration for good or valuable qualities. When you show respect, you strive to be polite and kind.

Below you will find some other ways to show respect in your life:

• Be honest about who you are.

• Be sincere and show gratitude.

• Compliment the achievements of others.

• Offer your assistance to others.

• Respect the abilities of others.

• Maintain integrity and listen to others.

Jetpack

HOW TO BUILD TRUST

Trust can be rebuilt. It takes time, communication and pure honesty. – Unknown Author

Trust is something that two people in a relationship can build together when they decide to trust each other. When you decide to build trust it’s important to know yourself and your intentions. Be open to positive and negative feedback from others. Make sure to be reliable nd allow others to have confidence in you.

Here’s some ways to help you build trust in your life:

• Be honest and keep your word.

• Be transparent and share yourself.

• Give without any strings attached.

• Honor your promises.

• Be consistent.

• Speak from the heart.

• Express your feelings.

Spoken Truth, Love, Trust, Respect, Honesty, Reflection
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TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom. – Thomas Jefferson

• How do you define spoken truth?

• What am I feeling today and what thoughts are creating that feeling?

• What would be my ideal life?

• Who do you see when you look in the mirror?

• What are 5 things I could do to take better care of myself daily?

• Who do you want to be surrounded by?

• What learned beliefs are you holding on to which aren’t true to your authentic self?

• How do you feel about honesty?

• Is the glass half empty or half full?

Today, I face my life experiences with an open mind, plenty of love, honesty, truth, and respect. Today, I speak with kindness and I am gentle. Today, I will act with intention. I am grounded. I am loved. I am enough. Spoken truth allows you to stay patient and trust your journey!



Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Copyright © 2019 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Be Strong and Courageous

Be Strong and Courageous

dream, strong, courageous, goals, fears
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Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s face it, it is hard to start projects, whether it is writing a book, training for a 5K, going back to school, changing jobs or any other dream you may have. The moment you take that first step on your journey, the moment you start working toward your dream, little seeds of courage starts to sprout all around you. Take a deep breath and capture the moment. Despite the fear you may feel because you are entering an unknown territory, embrace your true feelings and know that courage is not just around you, but within you as well.

Face Your Fears

Sometimes what you’re most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free. -Unknown

Be strong and courageous throughout your journey! Remember, how far you’ve come, not just how far you have to go. It’s important to face your fears in life and realize that being afraid is okay. When you allow yourself to “feel” during a situation, then and only then, you will be able to overcome the obstacle at hand. For example, I have a fear of writing a book. It’s okay for me to feel a certain kind of way about writing a book because I have never done this before. Despite my hesitant feelings, I have started to face my fears and just started researching and writing down ideas for my first book. Remember, being honest with yourself is key to facing your fears and communicating with positive people who support your endeavors.

Here’s some ways to help you face your fears:

• Pray to God for strength and courage to face your fears
• Ask your family and friends for encouragement or share your feelings
• Seek out professional help – Examples: pastor, therapist or local support group
• Research the topic online or at the library to get a better understanding
• Read an inspirational book related to the topic
• Take a class or start a hobby related to your topic
• Write a journal entry related to the topic and how you feel

lion, woman, courage, fear, strength, overcome
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Strengthen Your Heart

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

You are not where you want to be in life, but neither are you where you used to be. As we continue our journey through life, we often spend a lot of time trying to discern God’s will for our lives. Now, let’s think about that for a moment. We ask God to direct our paths every day or to help us make important decisions that will impact our lives in some way. We often find ourselves waiting to hear a voice from God. Then, once we hear God’s voice we begin to listen to cowardly advice from those negative people around us which cause us to be frightened and timid throughout the situation. There’s no magical wand that is used in these situations. Remember, God can call you to do great things as He did with Joshua in Numbers 13:30. In this scripture, Joshua believed that God could help them take the promised land while others were afraid.

Here’s some ways to help you strengthen your heart:

• Read and meditate on God’s Word
• Attend church and bible class regularly
• Participate in support groups within your church or local community
• Read an inspirational book, positive quotes or positive affirmations daily
• Make time for personal reflection throughout your day or week
• Seek out professional help – Examples: pastor, therapist or local support group
• Keep a journal so you can express your feelings and thoughts honestly

Life is too short to start your day with broken pieces of yesterday, it will destroy your wonderful today and ruin your great tomorrow. Do you believe this on today? I sure hope so. Let’s begin to live for today and make positive choices in our lives that provides us with an uplifting future. Almost every successful person begins with two beliefs: the future can be better than the present and I have the power to make it so. In addition, your mind, body and spirit must work together as one unit. Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but actually you’ve been planted. Sprinkle your soil with the Fruits of the Spirit: Faithfulness, Self-Control, Patience, Goodness, Gentleness, Joy, Kindness, Peace, and Love. Remember, never lose hope because miracles happen every day.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Three Life Rules

1. If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it.
2. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no.
3. If you don’t step forward, you will always be in the same place.

-Unknown

Special Quotes

Courage doesn’t mean you don’t get afraid. Courage means you don’t let fear stop you. -Unknown

Courage is the power of the mind to overcome fear. -Martin Luther King, Jr.

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. -Nelson Mandela

Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision. -Winston S. Churchill

Journal Expression – It’s Time to Pray, Meditate, and Write

Take some time today to listen to God. Pray, meditate, and sit in the quiet, think, and listen. Also, have your Bible and journal nearby, and see what God has for you today.

• What does it look like for you to take a step of courage today that will help you start?

• What is one question you’ve been afraid to bring to God? Ask God the question right now, out loud, and listen for His answer.

• List one dream you have for your life. What would this dream look like to be full of hope, even if you don’t know how your story is going to end?

• Write about a door you know God has closed in your life. How did you find the courage to work through this experience?

Prayer for Strength and Courage

Heavenly Father, I want to hear from you on today. Speak to me right now in this very moment. Teach me how to hear you in my heart. Please show me what you want me to do to live out my calling. Give me the strength and courage. In Jesus Mighty Name, AMEN.

ACTION: After you pray to God, wait and listen. Then, journal what you hear and have the courage to share with a family member, a friend, or a mentor you trust. Remember, the best way to grow in your ability to hear God is to practice and let others help you.

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Journaling for Good Health

Journaling for Good Health

journal, writing, feelings, emotionsHave you ever tried journaling for good health? For those of you who are not familiar with the term journaling, here is the definition:

Journaling is a record of experiences, ideas, or reflections kept regularly for private use (diary).

When you decide to do some journaling, make sure to start with the date and start with small talk. If you are stuck, just ask yourself a question to get started. For example, “what was the best thing that happened this week”?

Journaling Tips:
1. Slow down and write down how you really feel – Be realistic, be honest and hold yourself accountable
2. Journaling is a life worth living – Personal journey – Your life’s story
3. Journaling is time for reflection and to find out who you are
4. Journaling offers you an opportunity to leave a written legacy to those around you
5. Giving yourself balance – putting everything on paper to get it out of your heart and mind

Journaling is a way to express yourself on paper. There’s no right or wrong way to do it. Just write. Write all the time no matter where you are. Write yourself out of creative blocks. Write even if it’s complete garbage in your opinion. Just don’t stop writing. It’s important to write what you want to write. Not what others expect you to write. Don’t let people’s opinions shape your first draft. Remember, this is your personal journaling experience so what are you waiting for? Let’s get journaling for good health!

Journal Prompts:
Mind
Write down everything in life that gives you pleasure or joy.
What in my life makes me feel alive and energized?
What are your successes and struggles?

Body
Dear body, I love you because…
When I look in the mirror, I feel…
How do I connect food with my body?

Spirit
What do I need more of in my life?
What words do I wish someone would say to me right now?
How can I give that to myself today…this week…this month…this year?

Quote:
Write what disturbs you, what you fear, what you have not been willing to speak about. Be willing to be split open. -Natalie Goldberg