Gratitude makes sense of the past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. – Melody Beattie
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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! There’s something special about this time of the year that should remind you to start every day with an attitude of gratitude.
DEFINE GRATITUDE
Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives all those around you. – Eileen Caddy
To begin with, gratitude can be defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.
In addition, gratitude helps people:
Feel more positive emotions.
Relish good experiences.
Improve their overall health.
Deal with adversity.
Build strong relationships.
There are three stages of gratitude that’s important to keep in the forefront of your mind.
Stage 1 – Recognition. Recognize that you will be okay in any situation.
Stage 2 – Acknowledgment. Acknowledge that you are grateful for all that you have.
Stage 3 – Appreciation. Appreciate people in your life who have been there for you.
IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT GRATITUDE
Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. – Henry Ward Beecher
Quite frankly, I believe that all good things come from gratitude. If you really think about it, gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. We should live in gratitude each and every day. When you are thankful for what you have, you are always rewarded with more.
Moreover, here’s some additional important facts about gratitude:
Gratitude shields you from negativity.
Gratitude makes you at least 25% happier.
Gratitude helps to rewire your brain.
Gratitude eliminates stress and heals your body.
BENEFITS OF SHOWING GRATITUDE
Your ability to see beauty and possibility is proportionate to the level at which you embrace gratitude. – Dr. Steve Maraboli
Next, choosing gratitude in your life offers you an opportunity to see the world with God’s grace and teaches you to appreciate your life as a whole. There are other benefits of showing gratitude in your life, such as gratitude:
Helps improve your sleep quality.
Deepens your relationships with family and friends.
Reduces unnecessary stress in life.
Reduces negative emotions and boosts happiness.
Helps you feel peace and comfort.
Enhances self-esteem and helps you focus on your own abilities.
Increases productivity by increasing levels of alertness, confidence, and determination.
Remember, your ability to have and show gratitude in your daily life opens your mind, body, and spirit to an abundance of positivity. May your days be filled with love, happiness, laughter, and gratitude.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
I love journaling because it is a safe place for me to put my feelings and emotions into words, then put my words into action. Remember, journaling is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes, and failures. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Ready, set, write!
How have you shown gratitude in your life on today?
What made you smile today?
How often do you practice gratitude?
Do you keep a gratitude journal? Why or why not?
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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If you have God’s presence, you have favor. One minute of God’s presence can accomplish more than 20 years of your striving. – Heidi Baker
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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, please take a moment and think about this question – Do you recognize God’s favor in your life as you grieve? If you answered no to this question, then it’s important for you to continue reading this inspiring blog post.
To begin with, God’s favor can be described as a divine kindness, or an act of true compassion on the part of God Himself toward needy and undeserving people. You can identify God’s favor in or around your life when you see three spiritual things happening:
God has sovereignly chosen a recipient of His grace.
God has blessed that recipient in one way or another.
God has intentions that His blessing be shared with others.
It’s important to note that sometimes it’s easier to see God’s favor in someone else’s life rather than your own. Continue to be grounded in God’s Word, in prayer, and in constant communication with Him so you can hear His voice speak into your life.
RECOGNIZE GOD’S FAVOR AS YOU GRIEVE
When God grants you His favor, nothing can stop the blessings He has in store. – Unknown Author
You receive God’s favor in your life when your heart, words, and actions line up with the Word of God. But how do you recognize God’s favor as you grieve? Learning how to safely navigate through the grieving process can be scary for some and hard for others. It requires you to feel vulnerable. It forces you to find your way through the sense of loss and loneliness. At times you feel like pushing everyone and everything away. Instead of running away from your pain, heartache, and misery, choose to invite God in to comfort you during this difficult time.
Here’s how you can recognize God’s favor as you grieve:
God’s favor is God’s grace. God’s favor is the reason you and I are saved. We are saved by God’s favor and His grace. Take time to deepen your understanding of God’s character throughout your journey.
God’s favor affects every area of your life. Every part of your life is impacted by the grace and favor of God. This means you are delivered, protected, preserved, healed, and made whole. Be patient in the process and listen with your spiritual ear.
God began showing you His favor even before you were born again. Salvation is the greatest expression of God’s favor in our lives. God continues to pour out grace and more favor to us every moment of our lives, if we only receive it.
God’s favor surrounds you continually. As a born-again Christian, you have been made righteous by Jesus and that righteousness came with God’s favor which surrounds you continually. Don’t compare your suffering with others, but instead invite others in who you trust.
You must realize and accept God’s favor to experience it fully. Before you can receive the benefits from God’s favor, you must know that they are yours to begin with. Just as with every other spiritual benefit, you must receive them by faith.
Whether you realize it or not, God’s favor is on your life even as you grieve. God seeks out those who love Him and love His commandments so that He can bless, guide, and protect them at all times. God’s gracious kindness is His to give, and He gives it when, to whom, and how he chooses. One touch of God’s favor can change everything in your life. Stay faithful and trust in His timing. God’s favor is yours now and forever.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
I love journaling because it is a safe place for me to put my feelings and emotions into words, then put my words into action. Remember, journaling is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes, and failures. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Ready, set, write!
What takes your mind away from God, thus robbing you from God’s favor?
Do you sometimes block God’s favor in your life? Why or why not?
How do you plan to recognize God’s favor as you grieve?
What are some ways you can become stronger and more courageous?
What kind of support do you need while grieving?
Where do you see the unmistakable mark of the creator?
When have you seen God use something small to produce a big outcome?
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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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.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
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!
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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 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.
Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!
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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Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions. – Pema Chodron
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, I want to talk about finding peace and comfort during grief. Whether your grief experience is recent or not, it takes internal strength to find true peace and comfort while coping with the pain after the death of a loved one. So, instead of living your life worrying about the “what ifs”, spend time preparing your mindset with peaceful thoughts. Here’s a few examples to help you get started:
Find & recite your favorite scripture or prayer
Recite positive affirmations & quotes
Listen to motivational podcasts
Read an inspirational book
Receive uplifting words from a family member or friend
At the end of the day, what’s important is that you’re at peace because your intentions are good, and your heart is pure.
FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF
Grief…for those of us who understand, no explanation is needed. For those of us who do not, no description is possible. – Fran Solomon, Founder HealGrief.org
Now, let’s go over a few important facts about grief. First, we all experience grief differently. Second, there are no set rules to follow when grieving. Third, grief is often described in five stages as described by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross:
Denial – This can’t be happening.
Anger – Why did this happen? Who is to blame?
Bargaining – Make this not happen and I will …
Depression – I can’t bear this: I’m too sad to do anything.
Acceptance – I acknowledge that this has happened, and I cannot change it.
Although grief is often described in stages, each stage may last for a different period of time and it’s important to note that everyone may not experience all of the stages. Either way, make sure you acknowledge some or all of the stages as you experience them so you will understand what may be happening in your life.
COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GRIEF
I’m unsure which pain is worse…the shock of what happened or the ache for what never will. – Unknown Author
Next, let’s discuss the common signs and symptoms of grief so we can begin the healing process a lot sooner.
Shock and disbelief – You may feel numb or question whether the loss really happened.
Sadness – Profound sadness can lead to a feeling of isolation.
Guilt – You may feel guilt over things you said or did.
Anger – You may be angry with the person, caregivers or God/Higher Power.
Fear – You may begin to fear your own mortality or facing life without your loved one.
Physical – Nausea, fatigue, lowered immunity, weight loss or gain, insomnia, aches and pains.
It’s my hope that you may be able to cope with life once you understand what’s happening during the grief process.
WAYS TO FIND PEACE AND COMFORT DURING GRIEF
Today I choose: calm over chaos; serenity over stress; peace over perfection; grace over grit; faith over fear. – Mary Davis
You can find peace and comfort during grief by speaking peace into your life every day. Examples – 1) Today, I am totally safe and surrounded by love, light, peace, and joy. 2) Today, I invite peace and harmony to dwell in me and surround me at all times. 3) Today, I have the freedom and power to create the life I desire.
Here’s a few more ways to find peace and comfort during grief:
Talk to someone you trust – family, friends, therapist, grief counselor, etc.
Take a walk outside and enjoy nature.
Listen to your favorite music to help calm your spirit.
Practice meditation and deep breathing exercises.
Establish a self-care routine for yourself.
Find something that you enjoy doing – a new hobby, learn a new skill, take a class, etc.
Stop feeling shame and guilt.
Make gratitude a part of your life.
Acknowledge and release negativity.
Practice doing relaxing activities – writing in a journal, reading, painting, coloring, etc.
Keep in mind that you already have peace within you, right now, in this very moment. Instead of ignoring and judging others, let’s be more supportive to others who may be struggling with finding peace and comfort during grief. After all, just lending a listening ear will do wonders.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
Journal writing is a voyage to the interior. – Christina Baldwin
Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!
MIND
Meditate on peaceful thoughts. Define those thoughts in detail and write about them.
What takes your mind away from peaceful thoughts?
What is one thing I can do this week to improve my meditation time?
BODY
What do you feel right now in this very moment? Listen to your body and write about it.
How can I honor my body on today?
Does your self-care need improvement? How would you improve it?
SPIRIT
How do you cope with struggles? What set a spark in your soul? Write about it.
Wat am I grateful for and why?
How much you are trusting God with your life right now?
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS
Please share what brings peace into your life during grief. What stages of grief are you currently experiencing? Are you familiar with any of the common signs and symptoms of grief? How do you find peace within? How can you write yourself into a peaceful state? Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from you.
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).
Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose. – Viktor Frankl
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 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
Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!
MIND
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).
When the world says, “give up.” Hope whispers “try it one more time.” – Unknown Author
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! 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
Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!
MIND
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!
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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
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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
Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!
MIND
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).
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!
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).
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.
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
Journalingis 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 autumn activities:
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).
