Find Hope Through Journaling

Find Hope Through Journaling

Renew Inspiration, Find Hope Through Journaling

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 1Submit 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 2Strengthen 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 3Trust 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 4Thank 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!

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

Finding Peace and Comfort During Grief

Finding Peace and Comfort During Grief

Renew Inspiration, Finding Peace and Comfort During Grief
Renew Inspiration

Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions. – Pema Chodron

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, I want to talk about finding peace and comfort during grief. Whether your grief experience is recent or not, it takes internal strength to find true peace and comfort while coping with the pain after the death of a loved one. So, instead of living your life worrying about the “what ifs”, spend time preparing your mindset with peaceful thoughts. Here’s a few examples to help you get started:

  • Find & recite your favorite scripture or prayer
  • Recite positive affirmations & quotes
  • Listen to motivational podcasts
  • Read an inspirational book
  • Receive uplifting words from a family member or friend

At the end of the day, what’s important is that you’re at peace because your intentions are good, and your heart is pure.

FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF

Grief…for those of us who understand, no explanation is needed. For those of us who do not, no description is possible. – Fran Solomon, Founder HealGrief.org

Now, let’s go over a few important facts about grief. First, we all experience grief differently. Second, there are no set rules to follow when grieving. Third, grief is often described in five stages as described by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross:

  • Denial – This can’t be happening.
  • Anger – Why did this happen? Who is to blame?
  • Bargaining – Make this not happen and I will …
  • Depression – I can’t bear this: I’m too sad to do anything.
  • Acceptance – I acknowledge that this has happened, and I cannot change it.

Although grief is often described in stages, each stage may last for a different period of time and  it’s important to note that everyone may not experience all of the stages. Either way, make sure you acknowledge some or all of the stages as you experience them so you will understand what may be happening in your life.

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GRIEF

I’m unsure which pain is worse…the shock of what happened or the ache for what never will.  – Unknown Author

Next, let’s discuss the common signs and symptoms of grief so we can begin the healing process a lot sooner.

  • Shock and disbelief – You may feel numb or question whether the loss really happened.
  • Sadness – Profound sadness can lead to a feeling of isolation.
  • Guilt – You may feel guilt over things you said or did.
  • Anger – You may be angry with the person, caregivers or God/Higher Power.
  • Fear – You may begin to fear your own mortality or facing life without your loved one.
  • Physical – Nausea, fatigue, lowered immunity, weight loss or gain, insomnia, aches and pains.

It’s my hope that you may be able to cope with life once you understand what’s happening during the grief process.

Renew Inspiration, Finding Peace and Comfort During Grief

WAYS TO FIND PEACE AND COMFORT DURING GRIEF

Today I choose: calm over chaos; serenity over stress; peace over perfection; grace over grit; faith over fear. – Mary Davis

You can find peace and comfort during grief by speaking peace into your life every day. Examples – 1) Today, I am totally safe and surrounded by love, light, peace, and joy. 2) Today, I invite peace and harmony to dwell in me and surround me at all times. 3) Today, I have the freedom and power to create the life I desire.

Here’s a few more ways to find peace and comfort during grief:

  • Talk to someone you trust – family, friends, therapist, grief counselor, etc.
  • Take a walk outside and enjoy nature.
  • Listen to your favorite music to help calm your spirit.
  • Practice meditation and deep breathing exercises.
  • Establish a self-care routine for yourself.
  • Find something that you enjoy doing – a new hobby, learn a new skill, take a class, etc.
  • Stop feeling shame and guilt.
  • Make gratitude a part of your life.
  • Acknowledge and release negativity.
  • Practice doing relaxing activities – writing in a journal, reading, painting, coloring, etc.

Keep in mind that you already have peace within you, right now, in this very moment. Instead of ignoring and judging others, let’s be more supportive to others who may be struggling with finding peace and comfort during grief. After all, just lending a listening ear will do wonders.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

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!

MIND

  • Meditate on peaceful thoughts. Define those thoughts in detail and write about them.
  • What takes your mind away from peaceful thoughts?
  • What is one thing I can do this week to improve my meditation time?

BODY

  • What do you feel right now in this very moment? Listen to your body and write about it.
  • How can I honor my body on today?
  • Does your self-care need improvement? How would you improve it?

SPIRIT

  • How do you cope with struggles? What set a spark in your soul? Write about it.
  • Wat am I grateful for and why?
  • How much you are trusting God with your life right now?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

Please share what brings peace into your life during grief. What stages of grief are you currently experiencing? Are you familiar with any of the common signs and symptoms of grief? How do you find peace within? How can you write yourself into a peaceful state? Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from you.

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