In the journal I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself. – Susan Sontag
Something to Think About – There is no wrong or right way, just write!
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I sure hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends. Today, I want to talk about journaling to overcome anything and everything that may happen in your life. 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 up a glimpse into your soul in its purest form. Also, journaling can provide an outlet for your personal thoughts and feelings to be expressed freely without criticism. From my experience, it’s important to have your guard down when making the decision to start journaling to overcome. After all, journaling helps you to gain better control of your emotions and thought process, which improves your overall mental health.
MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF JOURNALING
• Less stress, feel calmer
• Increased happiness in life and improves your mood
• Developing self-awareness and empathy
• Ability to heal past or present traumas
• Gain clarity in your life, better memory
• Increased creativity
JOURNALING HELPS YOU OVERCOME
• Makes you more aware – Helps you get to know yourself better; Brings your thoughts and feelings to the surface
• Let you take control – Minimize the chaos in your life; Journaling helps get things into perspective
• Shifts your viewpoint – Offers a safe place to practice positive self-talk; Retraining the brain to think positively
• Let you notice patterns – Helps you see how you’re doing over time
JOURNALING TIPS
• Create a safe place – Declutter your space; You should feel good, happy and calm in your 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 – 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
• Make it easy – Set yourself up for success; Keep your pen and paper handy at all times.
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TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS
• What did you achieve today?
• What can you do right now to lift your mood?
• Define 3 things you can do to improve yourself.
• Describe a time when you had to make a really hard choice.
• Right now, my greatest challenge is _______________.
• My greatest qualities are _________________.
SHARE YOUR COMMENTS
It’s all about finding the calm in the chaos. – Donna Karan
Journaling can help you overcome any problem or obstacle that you face in life. Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges in life? If so, please share your experience(s). Do you like to journal? If so, how often do you write in your journal?
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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Something to Think About – Those who think there is a time limit when grieving, have never lost a piece of their heart.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Sweet November is here. November holds a special place in my heart. November is National Adoption Awareness Month and my mother’s birthday is on November 29th.
I didn’t give you the gift of life, life gave me the gift of you. – Unknown Author
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November is recognized as National Adoption Awareness Month. For over two decades, National Adoption Month has been promoted and celebrated in communities across the United States. We must recognize the importance of providing loving and permanent families for children in the United States foster care system. In 2011, my husband and I did just that. We fostered, then adopted our two sons to help support these efforts and to grow our family. This initiative focuses on outreach and builds awareness throughout the month of November. Let’s help celebrate this month by spreading the word and helping our children find loving and safe homes.
Adopt a child…if you can’t adopt,
Foster a child…if you can’t foster,
Sponsor a child…if you can’t sponsor,
Volunteer at a local agency or homeless shelter…if you can’t volunteer,
Donate to a local agency or charity of your choice…if you can’t donate,
Spread the word and educate others!
A child born to another woman calls me mommy. The magnitude of that tragedy and the depth of that privilege are not lost on me. – Jody Landers
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Needless to say, my emotions are all over the place around this time of the year. It’s so ironic how my mother was born in November 1942 around the Thanksgiving Holiday. Then, she became very ill around the Thanksgiving Holiday in 2015 and passed away right before the Christmas Holiday. 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 not the same without my mother physically being here. Yes, I have memories and pictures, but it is not the same. No amount of journaling, blogging or therapy sessions will save you from the emotional turmoil that you experience and feel throughout the grieving process.
Grief never ends, but it changes. It’s a passage, but not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith, it is the price of love. – 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.
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
• 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 experiences their grief, as each person will experience it differently.
Grief is not a disorder, a disease or sign of weakness. It is an emotional, physical and spiritual necessity, the price you pay for love. The only cure for grief is to grieve. – Earl Grollman
When I Think of Death written by Maya Angelou
When I think of death, and of late the idea has come with alarming frequency, I seem at peace with the idea that a day will dawn when I will no longer be among those living in this valley of strange humors. I can accept the idea of my own demise, but I am unable to accept the death of anyone else. I find it impossible to let a friend or relative go into that country of no return. Disbelief becomes my dose companion, and anger follows in its wake. I answer the heroic question ‘Death, where is thy sting?’ with ‘it is here in my heart and mind memories.’
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TIME FOR REFLECTION – COPING WITH GRIEF
It’s hard to forget someone; who gave you so much to remember. – Unknown Author
• Pick a quote. One that you like seems to be the most obvious choice, but you also might find it helpful to write about a quote that you feel yourself wanting to push away from.
• Write about what you find meaningful in the quote. How does it fit with your own journey and learning?
• Write about what you resist in the quote. What makes it hard to live with?
• What invitation do you feel in the quote?
• What do you need in your life to live into the invitation?
No matter how long it’s been, there are times when it suddenly becomes hard to breathe. – Unknown Author
• Today, I am really missing…
• I am having a hard time with…
• The hardest time of day is…
• The hardest time of the year is…
• I have been feeling a lot of…
• I could use some more…
• I find it helpful when…
• I feel most connected with my loved one when I…
• A comforting memory of my loved one is…
• I can honor my loved one by…
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS/COMMENTS
Have you ever thought about fostering or adopting a child from a local agency? If so, please share your experiences.
Coping with grief and loss is ultimately a deeply personal experience. Nobody can help you go through it more easily or understand all the emotions that you’re going through. But loved ones and friends can be there for you to help comfort you through the process. The best thing you can do is to allow yourself to feel the grief as it comes over you. Remember, as long as there is life, there is hope. As long as there is hope, there is life.
Have you experienced any stages of grief? If so, how did you cope throughout the stages? Were you alone and isolated or did you allow your family/friends to comfort you?
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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It’s not what you gather, it’s what you scatter that tells the kind of life that you live! – Unknown
Something to Think About – Scatter love wherever you go.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Lately, I have felt so scattered about. Busy home life, school meetings for the boys, therapy sessions, trying to find time to write and research, and thinking about my mother a lot since this is her birthday month. My mind is constantly on the go and sometimes I just want to shut it off just like a light switch. Other times, I just struggle to organize my thoughts in a manner that is helpful for me in that moment. Can you relate to what I am talking about?
Organizing your thoughts can be very difficult for some people. Depending on the situation, there are many different ways to help gather and organize your thoughts, so you can continue going about your day. The most important thing is to realize that some ways to organize your thoughts may be practical for you, and others may not be. Being open for change is key to a healthy balance. It’s important to be flexible, kind to oneself and willing to adjust your thought process in any given situation. Remember, your mind will always believe everything you tell it. Feed faith. Feed it truth. Feed it with love. Peace and Blessings!
Gather up all your scattered dreams and build the life you love. – Unknown
ORGANIZING YOUR THOUGHTS
Here’s some helpful ways to help organize your thoughts:
• Use sticky notes and a wall – Write down a thought on a sticky note, then stick the note on the wall. Then, spend time sorting your thoughts.
• Take notes on index cards – Use the top red line for the main thought and list the other related thoughts underneath on each of the lines that follow.
• Develop a list – Capture your thoughts on a good old-fashioned list. Then, sort it later.
• Sit quietly or meditate – Meditation can calm the mind and body. Also, it can help you sort out your thoughts subconsciously and help to improve focus.
• Sleep on it – If you cannot seem to make sense of thoughts in your mind, go to sleep for the night and revisit your thoughts in the morning.
• Exercise – Move your body and exercise to give your mind a break which will allow your subconscious to work on your thoughts in the background.
• Spend time in nature – Spend some time outdoors to get out of your head and let your eyes take in the sights. Take a 5 minute walk to help boost your creativity, burn calories and reduce your blood pressure.
• Find a hobby you enjoy or have a passion for, such as drawing, painting, sewing, journaling, blogging, dancing, playing a musical instrument, etc. Get lost in your hobby and forget the sense of time.
A friend gathers your scattered pieces and gives them back to you in the right order. – Unknown
We come spinning out of nothingness scattering stars like dust. – Rumi
• Besides your looks, what could use a makeover in your life?
• If you could change one thing in your life what would it be?
• Describe a recurring dream you have had at any time in your life. What do you think it means?
• Sit for a minute and consciously breathe in good. What good are you envisioning? What good do you want to bring into your life?
• Sit for a minute and consciously breathe in bad. What bad do you want to leave your life? How can you take one step to do this?
• What gives you the strength to keep going when you feel confused about your thoughts?
• Do you make enough time for what’s important in your life?
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YOUR LIFE CAN BLOSSOM – (SaratogaOcean.com)
Each new day is like a tiny bud of possibility for your life to change for the better. All you have to do is let go of whatever has happened so far, and step into a new threshold of opportunity. Use your imagination and envision a renewed blossoming of your life!
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
I realize that everyone has a moment in life when they feel scattered about. Think about this for a moment. How do you organize your thoughts when you feel scattered about? Do you feel in control of the situation or out of control? Do you feel confused and anxious? What is required of you to get back in control of your life?
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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All great changes are preceded by chaos. – Unknown
Something to Think About – When it comes to making a big change in your life you have to want it more than you fear it.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I want to dedicate this blog post to Mental Health Awareness. Today, I want to focus on “change” as it relates to our total life experience – MIND, BODY and SPIRIT. I don’t know about you, but I honestly feel a positive change is coming in my life. I can feel it in my mind (positive thoughts), body (feeling relaxed) and my spirit (spiritually grounded). I can see it all around me each day. How about you? Can you see and feel the change that is meant to be in your life right now in this very moment?
When you hear the word “change” what is the first thing that come to mind? For me, I think of the weather. This week Michigan’s weather has been in the low 80s, but by the weekend it will be in the low 50s. Talk about change, right? On a personal level when I think about change I cannot help but think about my life and how my thoughts are constantly changing from day to day. One day I can be positive and upbeat then the next day I may feel anxious or depressed. One day I may be enjoying my writing experiences then the next day I may just sit on the couch just looking out the window. Let’s face it, feeling anxious and depressed are all so real for many people. There are many people who continue to live their lives alone and broken without any help to work through these most difficult moments. To be honest, it may not be no one’s fought at all. Some people are born with mental health issues and other people experience life changing situations, such death of a loved one, divorce, foster care, adoption, bullying, rape, unemployment, financial hardship, etc. Our internal emotions are very strong forces that sometimes have a mind of their own.
Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong. – Unknown
When my mother passed away in December 2015, it changed my life completely. I have not been the same since. I am still going through the grieving process but realized throughout the early stages that I needed help. I could not handle all of my emotional feelings and I felt my mental state was all over the place. At that time, I did not realize I was experiencing depression. Sometimes it creeps up on you and if you are not careful, it will cripple your inner being. It is important to share your personal story so that others who may be experiencing similar situations will know that it is possible to endure, go through and overcome.
Today I plan to close the door to the past, hold my head up high so I can open the door to the future, then take a deep breath, step out on faith to go through the open door and start a new chapter in my life. Are you with me? I know it feels scary sometimes and you may feel like you are all alone. It takes courage to let go of the familiar and embrace the new. Sometimes our lives have to be completely shaken up, changed, and rearranged to relocate us to the place we’re meant to be. Always remember, YOU are allowed to change, but you must decide to take the first step.
The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. – Unknown
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Positive Affirmations
Every next level of your life will demand a different version of you. I will allow change to take place in my life on today. No exceptions. No excuses. I plan to water my roots, so my soul can blossom. Now, repeat after me:
• I plan to trust and believe in God.
• I will love myself and believe in myself.
• I plan to encourage myself and others each day.
• I plan to inspire others by using one of my gifts.
• I will speak positive vibes each day.
• 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 plan to show courage and boost my own confidence.
• I am powerful enough to be that change in someone else’s life.
• I will commit to improving my personal well-being (MIND, BODY & SPIRIT).
Repeat these positive affirmations each day. Feel free to add your own to the list or change some of the words to make it personal. The idea here is to speak positive words in your spirit each day and eventually you will believe, then become what you are speaking.
Ways to Help you Adjust to Change
Here’s some ways to help you adjust to change:
• Read and study God’s Word. Plant the scriptures in your heart.
• Seek God’s face each day through prayer and meditation. Make your requests known.
• Pray a specific prayer for positive change in and around your life.
• Set personal goals and a plan to achieve them. Put it in writing and look at it often.
• Journaling practice helps to get your thoughts on to paper and out of your head.
• Make time for self-reflection. Go for a walk, spend time journaling, reading, drawing, meditating or coloring. Do what makes your soul happy and keeps your mind relaxed.
• If you feel that your mental stability is getting worse, 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.
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Time for Reflection – Journal Prompts
MIND
You must learn to master a new way to think before you can master a new way to be. – Marianne Williamson
• Write about personal beliefs or things that held you back in the past? How do you plan to avoid them in the future?
• 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?
BODY
These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb. – Najwa Zebian
• Imagine what a new beginning would look like or how it would feel. Write about it.
• 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?
SPIRIT
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)
• 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?
• Stand in the rain and let it wash you clean. Feel grounded in the Earth. Write about all of your senses (sight, smell, sound, touch, taste).
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Time for Reflection – Quotes
Change is coming. Embrace every bud, every bloom, every moment. – Unknown
If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies. – Unknown
Life will only change when you become committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone. – Billy Cox
The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. – Socrates
Don’t let the concept of change scare you as much as the prospect of remaining unhappy. – Timber Hawkeye
Every positive change in your life begins with a clear, unequivocal decision that you are going to either do something or stop doing something. – Unknown
The 3 C’s in Life:
Choice, Chance, Change.
You must make the choice, to take the chance, if you want anything in life to change.
Share Your Thoughts in the Comment Section
Remember, change is a powerful and necessary process that happens in life. It is important to know how to react to your personal experiences and to realize when life’s changes may cause anxiety or depression. At that time, don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek help from a Professional therapist or social worker. What are your thoughts or feelings about this blog post? Do you know anyone who suffers from anxiety or depression? Are you willing to do the necessary work in order to change your life or bad habits?
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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Worrying is a waste of time. It doesn’t change anything, it just clouds your mind and steals your happiness. – Unknown
Thought for today – Not once does the Bible say, “Worry about it” or “Stress over it” or “Figure it out.” But over and over the Bible clearly says, “TRUST GOD.”
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Lately, I have found it very difficult to shake off worry and anxiety. I have promised myself, that I would write about topics that I personally experience so I can help others who may be going through similar life changing situations. If you live your life constantly worrying about things that are out of your control or have anxiety that cause you to stray away from things you love to do, then it’s time to SHAKE OFF worry and anxiety for good. Are you with me?
What’s my story related to worry and anxiety? I’m going to be honest, I never really worried a lot or felt anxiety to the point where I would not do certain things until my mother passed away in 2015. It was at this point that I felt like a total failure because I could not help my mother fight her Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It was so difficult just watching her breathing get worse and worse. My mother was a small woman with strength of a lion, but COPD broke her body down quickly right before my eyes.
Even writing these words stirred up emotions inside of me, but I continued so I can help someone else who may be experiencing the same thing. The grieving process has been very difficult for me, but I turned to writing as a way to release my pain and emptiness inside. In addition, I found a great therapist as well to help me cope with my emotions, thoughts and feelings. I am glad to say that I no longer blame myself for my mother’s death. I realize I had no control of her chronic illness and God’s timing. This process has shown me that you can learn different ways to handle worry and anxiety, but it’s fair to say that it may never leave your body for good, it’s just resting inside waiting for an opportunity to arise.
Anxiety comes from trying too hard to control the future. – Unknown
Did you know that worry and anxiety often times goes hand in hand? Let’s define both.
Anxiety can be defined as a feeling that lives inside us and blocks us from fully living the life we want to live. Anxiety has various symptoms that can be felt anywhere in the body. Anxiety can happen at any time and it can influence our thoughts, emotions, actions and physical health.
On the other hand, worry can give way to anxiety or unease. Worry allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles surrounding one’s life. Worries are a chain of thoughts based in words. For example, “What will happen if” … “It will be terrible when” … “What if I can’t”.
Experiencing worry and anxiety in our lives are natural, but when they become chronic and trapping your mind in vicious cycles with no resolutions, is when they become a problem.
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Worry Triggers
Let’s face it, we all have issues that we worry about, right? Sometimes we’re not even aware of why we’re worrying, when we’re doing it or what we tend to worry about the most. We just know that we often feel anxious and we find ourselves stuck in a vicious cycle of worry. One of the ways to break this vicious cycle is to be aware of which things trigger our anxiety.
• Is it when we’re in certain places?
• Particular times of the day?
• When we’re around certain people?
Many different things can trigger worry and understanding your particular triggers can help you process and establish ways to respond to your anxious feelings. Keep in mind that anxiety can trick you into believing your thoughts are reality. When you’re feeling anxious, you struggle to distinguish what you’re actually experiencing and what your thoughts are projecting. Begin to divert your attention from the thoughts inside your head to what is real around you. Pay attention to what you’re doing right now in this very moment, not on your worries or anxiety.
Feeling Overwhelmed
• Take slow, deep breaths, as many as you need to in order to feel calm.
• While breathing slowly and deeply, visualize a peaceful, soothing place. Examples may include walking on the beach, taking a hike in the woods, reading a good book, sitting in a meditation pose, doing yoga, etc.
• You can pair deep breathing exercises with aromatherapy using a candle or essential oil diffuser to infuse the air with a calming, relaxing scent such as lavender, rose, bergamot or chamomile.
• Drink a soothing, noncaffeinated tea. Great herbs for reducing anxiety include lavender, chamomile, passionflower, hawthorn, kava, ginseng and lemon balm.
• Ground yourself physically in a way that feels comfortable. For example, you may sit in a chair with your feet firmly planted on the floor or you can stand with your feet planted on the floor and your back pressed against a wall.
• Notice negative thoughts and replace them with simple positive ones. For example, I can’t handle this becomes I am handling this right now and I know this anxiety will soon pass.
Finding What Works for You
It’s impossible for you to completely eliminate anxiety from your life, but you can significantly lessen its hold over your life. Part of this process is learning when it might show up (triggers) and coming up with a plan to deal with it when it does (solutions).
• Understand your specific symptoms. What are your thoughts when your anxiety escalates? In what situations do your symptoms intensify? Lessen?
• Know what works for you. Which strategies are helpful in moments of high anxiety? Examples could be deep breathing exercises, mindfulness exercises, meditation, journaling or talking with a support person.
• Schedule therapy sessions with a mental health professional. Be open and honest.
• Find a support group in your area or online to help you gain another perspective on your anxiety. Don’t be afraid to share your experiences, listen to others and give/receive feedback.
• Visit your local library and check out some books on worry and anxiety.
• Spend some time regularly doing meditation, mindfulness exercises or yoga along with deep breathing exercises.
• Write down your thoughts and feelings in your journal or notebook. Then, reflect on them throughout your journey.
Positive affirmations help to change your current mindset and boost your self-confidence.
• May I live peacefully alongside all of my emotions and worry.
• May I accept what is happening in my life, moment by moment.
• May my acceptance give me courage to face situations and people.
• May I live my life fully and freely, enjoying my life even when I feel anxious.
• May my loved ones enjoy this acceptance and freedom, too.
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Time for Reflection – Journal Prompts
Find time for reflection and write answers to the journal prompts in your journal or notebook.
• What positive things will begin to take the place of worry and anxiety?
• What are your biggest challenges that prevent you from overcoming worry and anxiety?
• What are some of your worry triggers?
• When do you find yourself worrying about these triggers?
• Where are you when this worry is at its peak?
• What makes your worry or anxiety worse? What makes it better?
Prayer for Worry and Anxiety
Heavenly Father, I am feeling worried, anxious, and stressed on today. Too many things occupy my mind. Won’t you help me feel calm? Show me Lord, your order and your plans for my life. Teach me to trust in your will alone. Your Word tells me where there is love, there is no fear. Your perfect love drives out all fear from my mind and my life. Let me be filled with your love. The perfect love that tells me I am not condemned, but I am saved through your amazing grace. I can do all things, through you who strengthens me. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. – Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech
Thought for today – I admire people who choose to shine even after all the storms they have been through.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I choose to shine bright on today. How about you? Now, it’s important to note that the ways I choose to shine may be different than yours on any given day, but the end result should be the same, we’re shining! Our lives should be an example and reflect positive vibes through the eyes of others. For example, it seems like random people always offer positive compliments regarding my smile or grateful compliments for the kind gestures that I showed them (holding the door open or just saying hello or good morning. Even when I am not feeling well or just simply having a bad day, I try hard not to reflect my negative vibes and feelings toward others. As we travel along this journey called life, we will experience some ups and downs. However, the way we respond to life’s challenges is the key to overcoming the obstacles that occur in our lives.
I am totally safe and surrounded by love, light, peace and joy. – Unknown
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Choose to Shine
• Read God’s Word, pray and meditate.
• Smile and believe in yourself. Yes, believe in the awesome person you’re becoming.
• Show kindness everywhere you go. Especially, to unkind people.
• Forgive people who don’t deserve it. Then, let it go.
• Acknowledge your patterns of stress and release them into the atmosphere.
• Move out of your comfort zone throughout your journey so you can grow.
• Allow yourself time to heal from life’s challenging moments.
• Be gentle and patient with yourself. Practice self-care routines.
• Love unconditionally. Find time for self-reflection and to write in your journal.
• Start where you are, use what you have and do what you can.
• Become more aware of what’s really worth your energy.
• If you want to know where your heart is, look where your mind goes when it wanders.
• Being happy doesn’t mean everything’s perfect. It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.
• Knowledge is learning something every day. Wisdom is letting go of something every day.
• The only keeper of your happiness is you. Stop giving people the power to control your smile, your worth and your attitude. – Mandy Hale, SimpleReminders.com
Every situation in life is meant to be temporary. When life is going as planned, make sure to enjoy every moment. And when life is not going as planned, know that it will not last forever and better days are sure to follow. Remember, your actions will always reflect who you are so the closer you get to being who you are meant to be…the brighter you shine! Now, here’s an opportunity for me to hear from you. Please leave a comment and share your feedback. How do you choose to shine during life’s most difficult times?
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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Together may we give our children the roots to grow and the wings to fly – Unknown
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Where did the summer go? I cannot believe my boys return to school tomorrow. In preparation for my boys returning to school, I could not help but think about back to school anxiety that some children experience. Some children may feel anxious about going back to school after a long summer break or others may be nervous about starting school for the very first time. Nevertheless, it is our responsibility as parents to comfort our children as much as possible during this difficult time.
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Here’s some tips to ease back to school anxiety:
Tip 1: Organize your home for back to school and allow your children to decorate the space. For example, you can create a comfortable homework area to make them feel more in control and relieve some of their anxious feelings.
Tip 2: Get your children involved in the back to school process. For example, allow your children to make their own lunch, choose their own snacks, pack their own backpacks or choose their own school clothes.
Tip 3: Help your child feel more comfortable about his new school environment and routines. For example, plan to take your children to visit the school and talk about the basics, such as teacher name, room number, lunch time, recess, etc.
Tip 4: Highlight the things that make school great. For example, making new friends, scheduling playdates, becoming more independent, getting new school supplies and clothes. Most importantly, allow your children to talk about their feelings. Remember, don’t talk, just listen.
Tip 5: Try to be home more during back to school time. Plan to spend some quality time talking with your children about their school day. Discuss any concerns and answer any questions that they may have.
Tip 6: Make sure your children gets enough sleep and eats a balanced diet. Getting adequate sleep and eating a healthy diet is important for brain function, mood, and the ability to focus and pay attention during school hours.
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Panic/Anxiety Attack
Use this breathing exercise if you or your child experience a panic/anxiety attack:
• Breathe in for 4 seconds
• Hold your breath for 7 seconds
• Exhale breath for 8 seconds
• Repeat once or twice more
Remember, back to school anxiety is real, normal and understandable. Try to remind yourself that any anxiety your children may be feeling is only temporary. Before you know it, your family will be back in the groove and planning for a successful school year. If for some reason parents cannot help their children cope with back to school anxiety, make sure to seek the help from a health professional or a local support group.
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
How do you help your child cope with anxiety? How will your family’s routine change during back to school time?
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. – Maya Angelou
Thought for today – In order to write about life first you must live it.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I honestly love the thought for today. How about you? “Writing never gets easier you just get better.” Now, this is what I keep telling myself every day when I am researching topics for my blog, writing articles or just writing in my mood journal. According to Ralph Keyes, “serious writers write, inspired or not. Over time they discover that routine is a better friend than inspiration.” This quote means a lot to me because sometimes I just write with no topics in mind. Writing allows me to free my mind and to put my emotions in check. About a month ago, I started writing in my mood journal. I focus on how I feel, what I am thinking, and I include positive quotes/affirmations throughout to keep me motivated. Oh, I cannot forget about the other colorful decorations I use throughout the mood journal as part of my personal expression to describe what I am writing about. I don’t know about you, but I just love writing!
Latisha’s Mood Journal
I want to pause right here to THANK YOU for not only subscribing to my blog, but also for reading the words that I post each week and for believing in me. THANK YOU for leaving comments as well as expressing how my blogs inspire and encourage you throughout your journey. Here’s a FREE TOKEN of LOVE to help you learn more about journaling using valuable TIPS and JOURNAL PROMPTS in order for you to start JOURNALING TO EXCEL:
Just because the process hurts doesn’t mean the results won’t be beautiful. – Unknown
Since I mentioned my mood journal, I wanted to discuss a topic that is dear to my heart…journaling! I truly believe that journaling is a powerful tool that can aid anyone in achieving a successful life. Journaling provides you the space to work out your problems and come up with positive solutions, but it’s also a meditative practice for some people. When journaling, it is important to set aside quality time in your day with minimum distractions to revisit your ideas, goals, strategies, emotions and plans. Those who journal swear by the benefits of this practice. How about you?
Here are some reasons why journaling can help you realize and reach your personal goals:
• Analyze Problems – Time to think, retrace steps, consider motivations, draw conclusions
• Self-Analyze – Help you figure out what is causing you to feel or act the way you do
• Help You Vent – Unload your feelings of anger, resentment and jealousy
• Deal with Trauma – Tap into your emotions and express feelings in a healthy way
• Self-Analysis – Reflect on old journals to learn more about yourself
• Write Down Goals, Affirmations & Quotes – Mental space for ideas and connections
• Plan and Strategize – Space to capture your plan to realize your personal goals
Wherever you go, you meet part of your story. – Eudora Welty
As you can see, there are many ways that a journal can help lead you to success. Whether you’re writing for therapeutic purposes or trying to envision your next steps in life, writing in a journal helps provide you with the privacy, time and space to organize your thoughts. Why not try journaling for yourself?
As you grow and evolve, it might feel like you’re losing your mind. But you’re just losing the old mindset that was holding you back. – Unknown
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Have you decided to write in a journal? If no, why not? If yes, why do you spend time writing in your journal? What kinds of things do you write about? How often do you write in your journal and revisit your journal writing? Please share your thoughts and comments.
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions. – Pema Chodron
Thought for today – At the end of the day, I am at peace because my intentions are good, and my heart is pure.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! It seems like it has been so long since I have shared a blog post with you. Unfortunately, life happens to the best of us, right? Today, I want to talk about the “Peace in the Midst of a Storm”. Whether your storm is BIG or small, it takes internal strength to overcome many obstacles in life. After all, as long as we are living on Earth, we will always experience some type of storm. So, instead of living your life worrying about the “what ifs”, spend time preparing your mindset with peaceful thoughts, such as scriptures, prayers, positive affirmations, inspirational quotes, uplifting words, etc.
Peace
Today I choose: calm over chaos; serenity over stress; peace over perfection; grace over grit; faith over fear. – Mary Davis
Today, I am totally safe and surrounded by love, light, peace, and joy. Today, I invite peace and harmony to dwell in me and surround me at all times. Today, I have the freedom and power to create the life I desire. It is important to speak peace into your life every day. How about you? Can you honestly say these statements with confidence? It is important for you to know that you already have peace within you, right now, in this very moment. Just because you may be struggling right now, does not mean you are failing life forever. Keep believing in yourself and good things will happen in the near future.
In the midst of life’s greatest storms, do not forget your divine heritage as a son or daughter of God. -Ronald A. Rasband
In the midst of it all, what do you feel? What are your thoughts? How do you cope with every day struggles of life? Now, I realize my struggles may be different from your struggles, but can we agree that it takes a strategy to not only cope with the struggles of life, but to overcome such struggles?
Let’s face it, painful life experiences often leave heart-deep scars within us. Even though danger is long past, fear still lingers around us. It affects our present relationships and experiences, and even our perception of God. We may never know why it has happened to us, but we do know that we can and will survive it. We also know that God has given us a new day and a new season to reach out for His blessings in joy and gratitude. Painful experiences leave scars within us, but they also leave strength and wisdom in the midst of the storm, giving us the opportunity to help those enduring similar trials.
Storms of Life
Your storm is bigger than you are, but your Jesus is bigger than your storm. -Ron Hutchcraft
Even in the midst of life’s many storms, we have the capacity to stand in the center of our own peace. Now, let’s think about that for a moment before we proceed. When you are faced with the storms of life, think about how God is your strength and power; God is your protector and He will guide you through the storms of life if you let Him. Needless to say, it is always our choice. Will we allow God to lead us or will we try to handle our storms ourselves?
Here’s some storms of life examples:
• Stress
• Health Issues
• Financial Difficulties
• Unemployment
• Wayward Children
• Divorce
• Lack of Transportation
• Mental Illness (Depression, Anxiety)
• Imprisonment
• Grieving the Loss of a Loved One
• Various Addictions To Overcome Life’s Obstacles
God promises to make something good out of the storms that bring devastation to your life. (Romans 8:28)
When was the last time you not only experienced a storm in your life, but you push through the storm with your inner strength? If you struggle in this area, please follow these tips to overcome life’s obstacles:
• Stay focused on positive thoughts instead of negative thoughts
• Don’t ever give up
• Challenge yourself and try new things every day
• Each day you should choose happiness
• Choose to shine and smile
• Don’t compare yourself to others and find time to celebrate your little accomplishments
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Journal Prompts – Time for Reflection
Are you ready to write yourself into a peaceful state? If so, grab your journal and let’s get started. Journaling should be a safe place for you to write how you feel and to reflect on your heart felt thoughts. This is your personal journey so make sure you are honest throughout the process.
MIND – Meditate on peaceful thoughts. Define those thoughts in detail and write about them.
BODY – What do you feel right now in this very moment? Listen to your body and write about it.
SPIRIT – How do you cope with struggles? What set a spark in your soul? Write about it.
Remember, my storm may be different from yours, but at the end of the day we both are in the midst of something that makes us uncomfortable. Instead of ignoring and judging others, let’s be more supportive to others who may be experiencing difficult life situations. Sometimes just lending a listening ear will do wonders. Life is not about weathering the storm, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Please share what brings peace into your life. How do you find peace within? How do you overcome obstacles in life? Can you write yourself into a peaceful state? I look forward to reading your comments and feedback!
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But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! God is our healer today, tomorrow and forever! Do you believe this on today? Despite what we may be going through in our lives, God wants to heal us from our emotional bondage that continues to hinder our spiritual growth to maturity. God wants to give us peace, love, and comfort throughout our lives. God wants to free our minds, bodies, and spirits from those things that will harm us. God does not want us to live in pain and misery. It’s important for all of us to read, pray and meditate in God’s Word.
There is no doubt in my mind that God is my healer. No matter what my mind is telling me or how my body may feel, I trust God to heal me from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. I ask God to bless me with vibrant health and overflowing joy every day. How about you? When you enter God’s presence with praise, God enters your circumstances with power. Yes, we should be confident and know that God is forever powerful within this Earthly realm. Before you read any further, let’s get ourselves prepared for a spiritual breakthrough. Please grab a pen or pencil, a Bible, your journal or a notebook.
Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. (I Peter 2:24)
Here’s some life challenges that you or someone you know maybe facing:
Body – Physical Aches and Pains, Stress, Eating Disorders, Arthritis, Stroke, Heart Attack, High or Low Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Cancer
Spirit – Lost in Sin, Nonbelievers
God has provided the following spiritual tools to assist us in this healing process:
• The Cross of Jesus Christ
• God’s Word
• Rejoicing and Praise
• The Holy Spirit
• God’s Body, the Church
• A New Self-Image in Jesus Christ
The Cross of Jesus Christ
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:38)
The cross is God’s remedy for our emotional pain and distress. Without Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins, no one would have eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). This verse explains the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross of Jesus Christ provides the way to heaven for sinful mankind, like you and I, who could never get there on our own.
• Ways I want God to transform me…
• Define an area in my spiritual life where I need to see God’s guidance is…
God’s Word
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
The healing power of God’s Word is shown throughout the Bible. God truly has unfailing love for His people. God has always challenged us through His Word to experience Him in a tangible, but loving way so that He could bless us with health through our obedience. The Word of God says, “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23).
• My favorite passage of Scripture is…
• One lesson I learned from Scripture this week is…
Rejoicing and Praise
I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high. (Psalm 7:17)
God is the only unchanging constant in our lives. When all is gone – health, family, friends, money, position, etc. God remains. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Isn’t that something to rejoice about? Not only is God present with us, but God’s Word also tells us that nothing can separate from that great unconditional love.
• Today or this week I was most blessed by…
• The area where I need to put more trust in God is… The Holy Spirit
Behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. (Proverbs 1:23)
It is a fact that God knew that we could not change our sinful ways or heal ourselves in our own strength. God gave us His Holy Spirit to live within us and to take up residence in our hearts. The Holy Spirit gives us new birth, makes us a new creation in God’s sight and places us into the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit helps us to better understand and apply Scripture to our daily lives. (I Corinthians 2:12-13)
• I feel God’s presence most when…
• I feel most distant from God when…
God’s Body, the Church
And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)
God’s Word tells us that God loves and accepts us, yet we strive to get love and acceptance from people we can see, hear and touch. If one part of the Christian body suffers, every other part suffers with it. So, if you are in a difficult situation, do not be alone. Reach out to Christian family members, friends, support groups, or spiritual counselors.
• I am eager for God to…
• My calling in life is…
A New Self-Image in Jesus Christ
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (Galatians 6:3)
Not only must we believe in God’s evaluation of us, but we need to reject what our own faulty experiences and emotions tell us. Remember, self-image doesn’t change because we focus on pleasing ourselves, but it changes because we believe God and accept His love for us.
• An aspect of God’s character he recently revealed to me is…
• God is leading me to make the following changes… Other Journal Prompts
• My spiritual gifts are…
• Define what brings me the most joy in life…
• Sometimes I get angry with God about…
• An act of obedience God is prompting me to take is…
• Journaling has helped build my spiritual foundation by…
• The most significant area of my life that is not finding its way into my journal is…
Always remember, nothing in this world is too big for our God. Don’t underestimate God in times of trouble or distress. Humble yourself and turn it all over to God to handle. Allow God to guide your every thought, your every step along this journey called life. As I stated earlier, God is our healer today, tomorrow and forever!
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
and Wisdom to know the difference. – Reinhold Niebuhr
Let’s pray – Heavenly Father, I bring to you my burdens and you know my current situation. You know I cannot make it in this world without you. Comfort my heart, heal my body, give me strength to carry on throughout my journey. Amen.
Practice the Miracle Morning Life S.A.V.E.R.S:
1. Silence – Time for reflection, meditation, deep breathing or praying
2. Affirmation – Room to develop and repeat your positive affirmations
3. Visualization – A moment to visualize your goals possibly with a vision board
4. Exercise – Benefit mentally from physical exercise with a brief workout
5. Reading – Develop your mind by reading a few pages from a self-help book
6. Scribing – Write down your thought keeping and reviewing a journal www.wantforwellness.com
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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