Journal Prompts

Journal To Transform Your Mindset

LaPorterOctober 19, 20211 Reply

You don’t need a new day to start over, you only need a new mindset. – Hazel Hira Ozbek

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, let’s learn how to journal to transform your mindset. After all, your life is only as good as your mindset, right? I want to erase all my negative thoughts and feelings from my inner being. I want to replace all negativity with a new pattern of positive thoughts and feelings; a new wave of emotional balance and well-being; a new connection to my life as I know it, think it and feel it. There will be a new belief system inscribed within me. This powerful mental process will not only help you to transform your mindset, but you will also learn how to:

Develop a positive attitude.
Spend quality time focusing on self-reflection.
Commit to writing in your journal consistently.

DEFINITIONS

The best time to begin keeping a journal is whenever you decide to. – Hannah Hinchman

A journal is a reflection of who you are, it’s a repository for all of the things that interest and inspire you. In addition, a journal provides a safe environment to experiment with your writing style and technique. Simply put, when you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts.

Journal (noun) – A daily record of news and events of a personal nature; a diary.

Transform (verb) – Make a thorough or dramatic change in the form or appearance.

Mindset (noun) – The established set of attitudes held by someone.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE

A positive attitude will lead to positive outcomes. – Unknown Author

First, it is important for you to face each day with a positive attitude. Dig deep inside to strive for new opportunities that surround you every day. Focus on right now and not what ifs.

Here’s some great ways to develop a positive attitude right now in this very moment:

Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal
Set some attainable goals for yourself
Read and be grounded in God’s Word
Meditate and be prayerful
Read inspirational and spiritual books often
Post positive quotes where you can read them daily
Recite positive affirmations throughout your day
Practice yoga and stretch routines regularly
Seek professional help from a licensed therapist

I realize it will not be easy for some, but to move to a better place in life, we sometimes need to place ourselves in uncomfortable situations and/or conversations. Involve yourself with like-minded individuals who build you up and not tear you down.

SELF-REFLECTION

Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away. – Barbara DeAngeles

Next, self-reflection can be defined as meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions and motives. Self-reflection is a humbling process. It’s essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things, then better yourself throughout the process. In addition, self-reflection:

Allows you to notice negative patterns in your life. Consider alternate approaches to your situation(s) and begin to move away from the stressors altogether.
Keeps you focused on the bigger picture. Identify a clear vision of where you want to see yourself in the future. Write it down and remind yourself of what you hope to accomplish.
Prevents you from worrying about things out of your control. Instead, direct your energy toward things you can absolutely improve within your life.
Helps you face your fears. Recognize and admit your fears to yourself and eventually learn how to handle them.
Allows you to clearly define happiness on your own terms. When are you most happy? Who do you most enjoy spending time with? What accomplishments are you most proud of and why? By recognizing the positive life events, you can apply your knowledge to future goals and endeavors.

Keep in mind, self-reflection is an incredible gift so please embrace it every day. Meditation can make our journey through life more peaceful if you allow it to. In the mirror we find a reflection of our appearance, but in the heart, we find a reflection of our soul.

Journaling is a good way to help us to stop, take a step back and reflect on ourselves. – 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. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Ready, set, write!

What is happening in your mind right now? in your body? in your spirit?
What does my vision for tomorrow look like? for next month?
What are the best choices I have made in life so far?
What is one of life’s little pleasures that I appreciate?
Has your mind spent more time today focused on the past, present or future?
How do you keep your thoughts in check throughout the day?
What are you inviting into your life with your actions or thoughts?

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. How do you plan to transform your mindset? Do you consider yourself having a positive attitude? Do you plan to implement self-reflection into your daily routine? 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 Lessen Worry and Anxiety

LaPorterOctober 12, 20215 Replies

Worrying is a waste of time. It doesn’t change anything; it just clouds your mind and steals your happiness. – Unknown Author

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! 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 learn how to lessen worry and anxiety for good.

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 the things that trigger these emotions.

Here’s a few questions that you can ask yourself:

Do you find yourself worrying or feeling anxious when you’re in certain places?
Do you find yourself worrying or feeling anxious during a particular time of the day?
Do you find yourself worrying or feeling anxious when you’re around certain people?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you have started the process to identify possible triggers that may cause you to worry or experience anxiety throughout your life.

DEFINITIONS

Anxiety comes from trying too hard to control the future. – Unknown Author

Before we go any further, let’s take a moment to define anxiety and worry. 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, such as tightness in chest, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, headaches, trembling or trouble sleeping. It’s important to note that 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 allows 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”. In addition, chronic worry and emotional stress can trigger many health problems, such as fatigue, headaches, inability to concentrate, irritability, muscle aches/tension, nausea, rapid breathing, dry mouth, dizziness, and nervous energy.

Here’s some common causes for anxiety and worry:

Stress that can result from work, school, personal relationship
Emotional trauma
Financial concerns
Stress caused by a chronic or serious medical condition
A major event or performance
Side effect of certain medications
Alcohol or drugs consumption
Lack of oxygen

As you can see, 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.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT CAN HELP LESSEN WORRY AND ANXIETY

Stop worrying about what can go wrong, and get excited about what can go right. – Unknown Author

It’s impossible for you to completely eliminate worry and 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).

Here’s some lifestyle changes that can help lessen worry and anxiety in your life:

Understand your specific symptoms. What are your thoughts when you worry or when your anxiety escalates? In what situations do your symptoms intensify? Lessen?
Know what works for you. Which strategies are helpful in moments when you worry the most or experience high anxiety? Examples could be deep breathing exercises, mindfulness exercises, meditation, journaling or talking with a support person.
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.
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.
Schedule therapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional. Be open, honest, and willing to express how you truly feel.
Find a support group in your area or online to help you gain another perspective on your anxiety. Face your fears and don’t be afraid to share your experiences. Listen to others and give/receive feedback.
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.
Visit your local library and check out some books on worry and anxiety.

Finally, it’s important to get a clear understanding of what your triggers are and establish healthy ways to respond to them. Live in the moment and begin to divert your attention from the thoughts inside your head to what you’re doing in the present. Like any change you pursue in life, remember that it takes time to change your way of thinking and feeling. Be patient with yourself while you lessen worry and anxiety in your life.

BONUS RESOURCES:

SCRIPTURE

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)

PRAYER

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.

BOOKS

WEBSITES

Get Started (betterhelp.com)

Tips to Manage Anxiety and Stress | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA

17 Simple Ways to Relieve Worry, Stress, and Anxiety » Hope For Healing (hopeforhealingfoundation.org)

10 Crucial Differences Between Worry and Anxiety | Psychology Today

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, faith looks up. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Finding Peace and Comfort During Grief

LaPorterOctober 4, 2021Leave a Reply

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

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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.

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

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).

Journaling for Life’s Purpose

LaPorterSeptember 27, 202110 Replies

Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose. – Viktor Frankl

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s Welcome Autumn in with a life changing discussion centered around journaling for life’s purpose. When I think of autumn, I think of seasons changing right before my eyes. One good example would be the colorful leaves falling from the trees as nature begins its seasonal transition from summer to autumn. Soon after, the weather will become much cooler and we will see sunlight less and less each day. During this time, it’s important to grab your journal to capture every moment.

So, how can the seasons changing relate to journaling for life’s purpose? Well, for one, our lives are constantly changing just like the seasons. In addition, there are many journaling benefits that will help you throughout your life journey. Here’s some questions to help guide you through the process of journaling for life’s purpose:

What is my purpose for journaling in this season of my life?
How would journaling benefit me right now in this very moment?
Do I have any unresolved issues in my life, such as stress, anxiety or childhood trauma?

Once you begin the process of journaling for life’s purpose, you’ll become wiser, more enlightened, and will notice a better version of yourself.

JOURNALING BENEFITS

Journaling is a good way to help us to stop, take a step back and reflect on ourselves. – Journey Cloud

To begin with, there are many benefits associated with journaling. The process of journaling helps you to organize your life, express your thoughts, and improves your mood. Journaling allows you to track patterns, trends, improvement and growth over time. In addition, journaling can improve not only mental and physical health, but it has increased self-esteem in some people as well.

In addition, journaling helps you to:

Clarify your thoughts and feelings.
Improve personal growth and development.
Reduce stress and anxiety.
Unlock creativity within.
Set and achieve personal goals for your life.
Cultivate mindfulness patterns.
Solve problems more effectively and improves relationships.

As you can see, there are limitless benefits of journaling from mental clarity to improving creativity and communication.

JOURNALING FOR LIFE’S PURPOSE

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

While getting started with journaling can be frustrating for some people, for others it can be a life changing habit that takes little effort. Remember when doing anything new in life, such as journaling, it’s important to have a personal and well-defined purpose that will encourage you to stick to your new habit. Journaling for life’s purpose can help you:

Understand and embrace changes that may occur in life
Practice gratitude and enjoy simple things you already have
Adjust your outlook on life and learn new life skills
Focus on your goals, reflect on the past and plan for the future
Let go and release those things that no longer serves you well
Cultivate positive thinking and be mindful of your thoughts and emotions

As you begin the journaling process for life’s purpose, think of the empty pages as your future, soon to become your past. Do not make excuses, but instead find time to reflect on your amazing life while journaling.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

MIND

What thought patterns do I have and how do they impact my life?
What takes your mind away from positive and peaceful thoughts?
What is one thing I can do this week to improve my meditation time?

BODY

What is happening in my body right now?
How can I honor my body on today?
Does your self-care need improvement? How would you improve it?

SPIRIT

Wat am I grateful for and why?
What do I need to be free from and surrender to God?
How much you are trusting God with your life right now?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

Have you taken the time to determine your life purpose? When do you plan to start journaling for life’s purpose? Do you enjoy the journaling process as a whole? If so, how often do you write in your journal? 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).

9 Ways To Find Hope When Grieving

LaPorterSeptember 20, 20212 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Hope, Grieving, Grief — Renew Inspiration

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

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, let’s talk about different ways to find hope when grieving. Having hope is having an expectation that something good will happen in the future or that something bad won’t happen. In reality, the death of a loved one or any loss for that matter, may cause you to live with lots of pain and feeling hopeless.

While losing hope when grieving often times happen, it’s important to pause here to remind you that grief can also help you:

Create new and healthy connections
See things differently and in a more positive light
Appreciate life and living more in the present
Take everything as a sign from a higher power or source

As you can see, hope is another one of those words that can be defined on a personal level and may change from situation to situation; or person to person. When I think of hope, I think of beauty and positive vibes. 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, meditation, and prayer.

BUILDING A FOUNDATION OF HOPE

Never lose hope. Just when you think it’s over, God sends you a miracle. – Unknown Author

To begin with, hope is a portion or part of faith. Often times hope is defined in the spiritual sense when God has promised that something is going to happen in our lives and you put your trust in that promise. You find confidence deep down within that something will come to pass because God promised it will come to pass. Remember, hope comes from the promises of God rooted in the work of Christ.

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

Step 1 – Submit yourself to God. God is the source of our hope. Come to God in humility and He will restore you.
Step 2 – Strengthen your faith. Allow God’s previously fulfilled promises from the Holy Bible to renew your hope.
Step 3 – Trust God’s timing. Remember, sometimes God answers prayers quickly and at other times God allows us to wait.
Step 4 – Thank God today. Every day set time aside to thank God, read God’s Word, pray, and meditate.

Despite what you may be experiencing in your life right now, never stop believing in hope because miracles happen every day.

9 WAYS TO FIND HOPE WHEN GRIEVING

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

It’s important to note that everyone experiences grief when we lose something or someone precious to us. After losing our loved one, it can be hard to cope with the shock and sadness. Did you know that having hope when grieving will give you courage in the midst of your storm? Hope is seeing light in spite of being surrounded by darkness.

Here’s 9 ways to find hope when grieving:

Treat each day like a precious gift.
Practice acts of kindness to those around you.
Lean on your faith and prayer during difficult times.
Look for meaning in the most challenging moments.
Show gratitude and compassion toward others.
Reflect on past and happy memories.
Reframe negative thought patterns and shift your expectations.
Lean into honest, authentic connections with people and nature.
Think about the essential goodness of humanity and volunteer.

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. 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. Never lose hope. You never know what tomorrow may bring. Until next time, peace, love, and hope to you and your family!

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom. – Rumi

MIND

How do you define hope while you’re grieving?
What is happening in your mind right now in this very moment?
What thought patterns do you have and how do they impact your mental state?

BODY

How can you feel hopeful on today?
What is one of life’s little pleasures that you appreciate?
How do you plan to practice self-care while feeling hopeless?

SPIRIT

What do you need more of in your spiritual life?
What do you hope for each day?
How do you stay hopeful throughout the day while grieving?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

How do you plan to find hope when grieving? What keeps you feeling hopeful in difficult situations? Please share your thoughts 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).

The Power of Grief Affirmations

LaPorterSeptember 6, 20212 Replies

Grief Affirmations, Renew Inspiration — Renew Inspiration

Every one of us is losing something precious to us. Lost opportunities, lost possibilities, feelings we can never get back again. That’s part of what it means to be alive. – Haruki Murakami

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! I don’t know about you, but holidays are difficult to navigate through no matter how long your loved one has been gone. For example, my mom has been gone since December 2015, but I still feel sad and depressed on or around holidays. Instead of crying most of the day away, I choose to focus on the power of grief affirmations.

Believe it or not, the power of grief affirmations can help improve your life over time. The word affirmation comes from the Latin affirmare, which means “to strengthen and make steady.” Affirmations are meant to help change your thoughts and move your attention to more empowering ideas that will ultimately create an improved result.

WHAT ARE GRIEF AFFIRMATIONS?

Grief is so human, and it hits everyone at one point or another, at least, in their lives. If you love, you will grieve, and that’s just given. – Kay Redfield Jamison

It’s important to note that everyone experiences grief when we lose something or someone precious to us. After losing our loved one, it can be hard to cope with the shock and sadness. One healthy way for you to cope with grief, is reciting grief affirmations every day.

Grief affirmations are positive statements designed to comfort a grieving person and can be another form of self-care that you can use to better cope with your grief when other people are not around.

Although grief affirmations cannot make the pain of your loss go away, they can:

Promote a sense of calm and clarity over your life.
Help cultivate an optimistic outlook and boost morale.
Increase your self-confidence and uplift your spirit.
Help you to process your thoughts, feelings, and emotions better.
Address unhealthy beliefs that may be disrupting the grieving process.

Simply put, when used consistently, grief affirmations have the power to transform your life despite how hurt and depressed you may feel after the loss of a loved one.

GRIEF AFFIRMATIONS

Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom. – Rumi

In order for you to experience the power of grief affirmations, it is important for you to feed your spirit with love and include grief affirmations in your daily routine. 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 hope, and a giver of strength. This kind of thinking will help you overcome life’s challenges, such as grief, and improve your overall well-being.

Here’s a few grief affirmations to help you get started on your journey to healing:

I treat myself with kindness, respect and compassion.
I am grateful for all the good times we had together.
I will remain grateful to you every day.
I take comfort in the memories we shared together.
I am thankful and feel fortunate to have known you.
I give myself time and space to grieve and process my feelings.
I appreciate all the love, guidance, and support you gave me.
I appreciate how much love and positivity my loved one brought to this world.
I trust in the healing process and remain confident.
I will give myself time to heal and remain optimistic about the future.
I embrace my experiences and know acceptance is the first step to finding peace within.

Repeat the grief affirmations 1 to 2 times per day so it will be a constant reminder of what you are aiming for. Shift your focus and attention towards thoughts and feelings that are both positive and constructive. Start using these affirmations along with journal prompts today, and watch the quality of your life improve throughout your journey. Focus on positive changes and you will get positive results.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

One small positive thought in the morning can change your day. – Unknown Author

MIND

What is happening in your mind right now in this very moment?
What thought patterns do you have and how do they impact your life?
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?
How do you plan to take extra care of your health and well-being?

SPIRIT

What do you need more of in your spiritual life?
What are the best choices you have made in life so far?
How do you keep your thoughts in check throughout the day?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

How do you plan to use grief affirmations to improve your life? How often do you recite grief affirmations? If you haven’t done so already, do you plan to add affirmations and writing in your journal to your daily routine? Please share your thoughts 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).

5 Tips To Improve Your Goal Setting Skills

LaPorterSeptember 1, 20211 Reply

Renew Inspiration, Goal Setting Skills — Renew Inspiration

Your ability to discipline yourself to set clear goals, and then to work toward them every day, will do more to guarantee your success than any other single factor. – Brian Tracy

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s begin September with a positive discussion to help improve your goal setting skills. When I think of improving any kind of skillset, you must be willing to make changes in your life that are sometimes difficult or uncomfortable. We’ve all been there. We set high expectations for ourselves when setting personal goals, but we don’t have a solid plan in place to reach them.

S.M.A.R.T. GOALS

Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible to the visible. – Tony Robbins

Well, how do you start? First, you should set some personal S.M.A.R.T. goals for yourself.

Here’s what S.M.A.R.T. means:

S – SPECIFIC – What do you want to accomplish?
M – MEANINGFUL – Why is this goal important to you?
A – ACTIONABLE – What steps will you take to achieve it?
R – REALISTIC – What is the action-oriented verb?
T – TIME ORIENTED – By when do you want to achieve this goal?

Example of my S.M.A.R.T. goal:

Simple Goal – I want to improve my health.
Smart Goal – I will improve my health by eating 100 grams of protein, at least 3 fruits/veggies, drinking 64oz of water and exercising daily. In addition, I will track my food intake and exercise too. Then, spend time reflecting and readjusting as needed.

5 TIPS TO IMPROVE YOUR GOAL SETTING SKILLS

Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner. – Les Brown

Next, you need to write down your goals to clarify and strengthen your daily intentions. Break down your goals into small and manageable steps to overcome any anxiety you may have. Then, hold yourself accountable by maintaining focus and discipline throughout the process.

Create realistic goals. Be realistic about what you want to accomplish. It’s easy to give up when goals are too ambitious. Consider making small changes and add on when you’re ready.
Write out a plan and keep track. Hold yourself accountable by tracking your progress.
Set smaller goals along the way. Smaller goals will keep you motivated and focused on the task at hand.
Reward yourself for milestones. Stay motivated by rewarding yourself for the achievements you hit along the way.
Don’t get discouraged. Never let minor setbacks define your progress. Remember each day allows you to start fresh again.

Remember, rewarding yourself will help reinforce the positive actions you’ve taken so you can continue doing it every day. Effective systems and habits make it easier for you to accomplish your goals on a regular basis.

MAKE A PLAN

The harder you work for something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it. – Unknown Author

Next, after you establish your goals, now it is time to create and follow a plan to make your goals a reality. Here’s some important items to keep in mind during the planning process:

Make clear and concise deadlines for achieving your goals.
Set personal milestones to stay motivated.
Decide what actions are required to reach your goals.
Put your actions into a schedule that is easy to follow.
Readjust your goals or plan as you see fit throughout your journey.

Don’t expect to see change if you don’t make one. In order to stay inspired to reach your personal goals, you have to give and receive remarkable influence over your life. You have to work hard and show your passion for whatever you set your heart out to do. You have to surround yourself with like-minded people, so you will feel the positive synergy around you. So, what are you waiting for? Use these helpful tips and suggestions to improve your goal setting skills today.

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

Set some goals, then demolish them. – Unknown

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. Upon entering the journaling process, you will find that you are able to reflect freely without judgement. Now, close your eyes and clear your mind. Grab your pen/pencil. Open your journal or notebook. Then, use these helpful journal prompts to help you enjoy your journal writing experience.

How often do you set goals for yourself?
How do you determine if something is important enough to set a goal for it?
How successful have you been at achieving the goals you have set for yourself?
What are some successes and failures of previous goals?
What are your biggest personal milestones that you have reached??
How confident do you feel about who you are?
How well are you currently balancing life?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

Please share some of your goals or strategies in the comment section below so we can learn and grow together. I am excited to hear from you. Until next time, stay encouraged, stay healthy, and stay safe!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Journaling Through Grief and Isolation

LaPorterAugust 24, 202110 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Journaling, Grief, Isolation — Renew Inspiration

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

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! Despite the unrest, hatred, loneliness, and fear that is often times experienced during grief and isolation, it’s important to find healthy ways to cope with our thoughts and feelings. Today, I want to share how journaling through grief and isolation can help you take back your life during this difficult time.

DEFINITIONS – JOURNALING / GRIEF / ISOLATION

A journal is your completely unaltered voice. – Lucy Dacus

Before we get started with our discussion, let’s go over a few definitions to help us better understand journaling, grief, and isolation.

Journaling (verb) – Keeping a written record of our thoughts and feelings that helps to create a meaningful connection with ourselves.
Grief (noun) – Deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone’s death.
Isolation (noun) – The process of being separated; loneliness.

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING THROUGH GRIEF AND ISOLATION

You will never change your life, until you change something you do daily. – Unknown Author

Journaling is my safe place, my time to just write how I feel and scream on paper and no one will ever know. A journal provides a safe environment to experiment with your writing style and technique. When you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts.

Here’s some benefits of journaling through grief and isolation:

Reduce stress and anxiety – Expressive writing has been shown to lower stress and anxiety levels during any situation.
Improve your memory – Regular journal writing can improve your short-term memory.
Stay organized – Keeping a journal such as a weight loss diary or grief journal lets you maintain an organized record of your progress.
Strengthen your self-discipline – Journaling helps you to keep a regular writing schedule until it becomes a habit.
Prioritize problems and fears – Journaling helps you to see your triggers more clearly so you can prioritize and solve your problems and fears.
Allow yourself to self-reflect – Don’t over think your written entries, just write honestly and make time for self-reflection.
Clarify your thoughts and feelings – Jot down your thoughts and feelings with no editing and you will get in touch with your internal being.
Be creative – Add photos and positive quotes to enhance your written entries.

As you can see, keeping a journal allows you to track patterns, trends, improvement, and growth over time. Make sure to reflect on these thoughts often throughout your journey.

Grab your FREE Benefits of Journaling Through Grief and Isolation Checklist today

WAYS TO RESTORE YOURSELF

God restores everything. When I submit the broken pieces of my life to Him. He restores me to a beauty far more than what I prayed for. – Unknown Author

As I sit here today thinking about how great God is in our lives, I cannot help but wonder why we will not just be still, get out of God’s way and allow Him to restore our lives. Often times, we read God’s Word, pray, and meditate but forget to let God order our daily steps and thoughts. We have to remember that we cannot restore ourselves as we go through the grief and isolation period, but we must be restored by God, our Maker and Creator. What better way to be totally restored than to spend quality time journaling through grief and isolation?

Rest when your body says rest. When you listen to your body and give yourself the rest you need, you’ll rebuild your energy over the long-term.
Cultivate stillness within you. Allow yourself to feel the stillness around you, letting it soak into your body.
Practice whole-body breathing. Feel your breath inside your body and notice how far it reaches within you.
Nourish your body wholeheartedly. Be conscious and heartfelt in how you nourish your body by choosing healthy foods that feel inherently good for you.
Explore gentle and restorative movement. Light walking, stretching, yoga can help you regain energy in your body and life.
Have compassion for yourself. Be gentle with yourself when you’re exhausted and treat yourself kindly. Be kind in your thoughts and feelings towards yourself.

Finally, whether you’re just starting to journal through grief and isolation or you’ve been doing this process for some time now, it’s important to realize that you have the power to cultivate positive energy within your body in any given moment. Yes, even when you are exhausted, burned out, experiencing grief, going through isolation, and feel like you’ve got nothing left to give, your body can guide you to a peaceful place of greater vitality, and inner strength. Remember, it’s important not to forget where God has taken us from but knowing that God still has plans for our lives. To be totally restored takes time as well as our precious minds focused on God and His greatness. Then, and only then will God renew us with hope and joy leaving us with much needed anticipation for eternity.

SELF-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

Do you plan to start journaling through grief and isolation?
What is grief trying to tell you?
How can you begin to make space for grief instead of avoiding it?
What are some of your saddest moments when you feel stuck in isolation?
How has God restored your soul?
What wisdom have you learned from grief?
What are the most important life lessons you have learned?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

Let’s take a moment to share with one another. God is fixing the broken pieces of your life. Get ready for restoration. God is preparing you for everything you prayed for. Do you enjoy journaling through grief and isolation? How do you spend time restoring yourself? Please share your responses in the comment below so we can learn and grow together. I am excited to hear from you. Until next time, stay encouraged, stay healthy, and stay safe!

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).

7 Self-Care Tips for Grief

LaPorterAugust 16, 20212 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Self-Care, Grief — Renew Inspiration

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 some ways that you can cope with grief by practicing self-care regularly. 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.

WHY SELF-CARE IS IMPORTANT

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

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 3 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.

7 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. 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.

Here’s 7 self-care tips for grief that can help you keep a calm mind, body and spirit:

Tip #1 – Breathe Mindfully – Take time to breathe slowly and focus on your natural breath. This process will put your mind in the present moment.

Tip #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.

Tip #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.

Tip #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.

Tip #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.

Tip #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.

Tip #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.

SELF-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?

Give yourself permission to take time out for you. From time to time, make an appointment with yourself. Don’t wait for good moment, they rarely come. Plan your time and fill it with something that nurtures your head, heart, and body. Peace and blessings!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

Let’s talk. As you can see, self-care is not selfish, but it is necessary to help keep us calm throughout life. How important is self-care to you while you grieve? What would you like to include in your daily self-care routine? 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).

9 Healthy Ways to Cope with Grief

LaPorterAugust 9, 20211 Reply

Renew Inspiration, Grief, Grieving, Cope with Grief, Grief Affirmations, Journal Prompts — Renew Inspiration

Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom. – Rumi

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 begin the sensitive discussion about grief. One thing that I’ve learned since losing my mother in 2015, there is no right or wrong way to deal with grief. Grieving is a personal process unique to the individual experiencing it. For example, some may cry, some may feel empty inside, and others may experience anger.

Coping with the loss of someone or something you love is one of life’s biggest challenges. Even though you may associate grieving with the death of a loved one, there are many other losses that may occur in one’s life that may cause grief, pain, and heartache, such as:

Divorce or relationship breakup
Loss of health
Losing a job
Loss of financial stability
A miscarriage
Retirement
Death of a pet
Loss of a cherished dream
A loved one’s serious illness
Loss of a friendship
Loss of safety after a trauma

THE FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF

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

A psychiatrist by the name of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross introduced the “five stages of grief.” These stages of grief were based on her studies of the feelings of patients facing terminal illness, but many people have generalized them to other types of negative life changes and losses, such as the death of a loved one or relationship breakup.

Here’s the five stages of grief:

#1 – Denial – “This can’t be happening to me.”

#2 – Anger – “Why is this happening? Who is to blame?”

#3 – Bargaining – “Make this not happen, and in return I will _______.”

#4 – Depression – “I’m too sad to do anything.”

#5 – Acceptance – “I’m at peace with what happened.”

Although experiencing grief is natural, it’s important to find healthy ways to cope with grief.

9 HEALTHY WAYS TO COPE WITH GRIEF

When the heart grieves, the soul makes a promise. Love will never leave you. – Angie Weiland-Crosby

Despite all of the mixed emotions you feel while grieving, there are healthy ways to cope with the pain, come to terms with your grief, and eventually, find a way to pick up the pieces and move on with your life. Let’s discuss a few of them now.

#1 – Express your grief – Don’t be afraid to acknowledge your pain whether verbal or in written form, but keep in mind that grief can trigger many unexpected emotions at any given time.

#2 – Be gentle with yourself – Understand that your grieving process will be unique to you and help you move forward in life.

#3 – Exercise daily – It’s important to exercise each day even if this means setting small goals for yourself. Exercise helps boost your mood naturally.

#4 – Set a regular sleep schedule – Be sure to create a nighttime routine to help prepare for a full night’s sleep to keep your mind and body healthy.

#5 – Pace yourself – Don’t overbook your schedule or make too many commitments. Allow yourself extra time to rest and process all that is happening in your life.

#6 – Surround yourself with supportive people – Seek out family and friends who accept your grief and care about you.

#7 – Keep a journal – Keeping a journal of personal experiences is one of the most important things you can do to assist in moving through your grief.

#8 – Make a list of goals or activities each day – Create a daily list of goals or activities that need to be done to help you stay on track.

#9 – Seek professional help from your doctor or grief counselor – It may help to speak to your doctor or a grief counselor so you will not fall into depression.

GRIEF AFFIRMATIONS

There is no pushing through. But rather, there is absorption. Adjustment. Acceptance. And grief is not something you complete, but rather, you endure. Grief is not a task to finish and move on, but an element of yourself – an alteration of your being. A new way of seeing. A new definition of self. – Gwen Flowers

Grief affirmations may offer you hope when you feel there is none left. Grief affirmations can help shift your mindset in a positive direction. Take a moment each day to recite the following grief affirmations with confidence. Then, you’ll watch your life change right before your eyes.

No matter what you say, I know my grief matters.
I am strong because of what I have been through.
I heal with curiosity, presence, and hope.
Grief gives me wings with which I spread love.
I am always healing, and never alone.
My life is a celebration of their life.
Grief is a call for me to wake up and live, and love, even more.

GRIEF RESOURCES

The irony of grief is that the person that you need to talk to about how you feel is the person who is no longer here. – Unknown Author

Journey from Grief to Healing Facebook Group I’ve created a safe place for us to express grief so we can encourage and support one another.

BOOKS

On Life after Death, revised – Elizabeth Kubler-Ross MD

Afterlife Encounters: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Experiences – Dianne Arcangel

Testimony of Light: An Extraordinary Message of Light After Death – Helen Greaves

Messages and Miracles: Extraordinary Experiences of the Bereaved – Louis LaGrand PhD

Where Two Worlds Meet – Janet Nohavec

ONLINE GRIEF SUPPORT GROUPS

Grieving.com

Grief in Common

Hope Again

Grief Anonymous

Better Help

GriefNet

JOURNAL PROMPTS

How do you define grief?
Who or what does your support system include?
What do you wish your family and friends would say to you?
When is the hardest time of day for you?
Which season holds the most memories?
What triggers your grief when you’re alone?
What is your fondest memory of your loved one?
How do you describe the pain you feel when you’re grieving?
Do you struggle with grief around the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, etc.? If so, how do you cope with it?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

Coping with grief can be hard to deal with. How do you cope with grief? Which affirmations do you need the most today? Do you write in a journal to cope with grief? 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).