The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind. – Caroline Myss
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).
Thought to Ponder – Every hurtful situation is an opportunity to heal emotionally and evolve spiritually.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Despite what you may be going through in your life, God wants to heal you from your emotional bondage that continues to hinder your spiritual growth. God wants to give you peace, love, and comfort throughout your healing journey.
Before we get started, please make sure you have the following:
An open mind; Meditation ready
Willingness to express yourself
Humble and caring spirit; Broken Soul
Open heart ready to receive your healing
Journal or Notebook
Pen or Pencil
I give myself enough time to heal from within because I know, I deserve it. What’s your story or experience? It’s important to allow yourself to feel and to express yourself honestly throughout this process. For example, I survived because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me. I had to reflect on scriptures that were hidden in my heart in order to rise up above my problems, situations, depression, sadness, hurt, etc. Remember, your healing journey is personal and it’s important for you to find your safe place and surround yourself with God’s love, peace, and joy.
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GOD IS MY HEALER
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
There is no doubt in my mind that God is my healer. I ask God to bless me with vibrant health and overflowing joy every day. When you enter God’s presence with praise, God enters your circumstances with power. Yes, we should be confident and know that God is forever powerful within this Earthly realm.
THE CROSS OF JESUS CHRIST
And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:38)
As you may or may not know, the cross is God’s remedy for our emotional pain and distress. Without Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins, no one would have eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). This verse explains the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross of Jesus Christ provides the way to heaven for sinful mankind, like you and I, who could never get there on our own.
Ways I want God to transform me…
Define an area in my spiritual life where I need to see God’s guidance is…
GOD’S WORD
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)
Next, the healing power of God’s Word is shown throughout the Bible. God truly has unfailing love for His people. God has always challenged us through His Word to experience Him in a tangible, but loving way so that He could bless us with health through our obedience. The Word of God says, “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23).
My favorite passage of Scripture is…
One lesson I learned from Scripture this week is…
THE HOLY SPIRIT
Behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. (Proverbs 1:23)
Believe it or not, it is a fact that God knew that we could not change our sinful ways or heal ourselves in our own strength. God gave us His Holy Spirit to live within us and to take up residence in our hearts. The Holy Spirit gives us new birth, makes us a new creation in God’s sight and places us into the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit helps us to better understand and apply Scripture to our daily lives. (I Corinthians 2:12-13)
I feel God’s presence most when…
I feel most distant from God when…
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SPIRITUAL AFFIRMATIONS
Spiritual affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Self-love, positivity, open-mindedness, help set you in the right direction. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it a personal experience.
Here’s a few of my favorite spiritual affirmations to help you get started:
I am aligned with purpose.
I am centered, at peace, and in love with myself.
I am grateful for all that I have in my life.
I am constantly attracting everything I desire.
I am devoted to my spiritual growth.
I am on the right path and divinely guided.
I am safe and protected at all times by the universe.
I am whole and complete.
I am becoming the best version of myself.
I am in tune with the universe and have unlimited access to eternal happiness.
Always remember, nothing in this world is too big for our God. Humble yourself and find the power of spiritual affirmations in your healing journey because God is our healer today, tomorrow and forever!
Thank you for taking the time to read my latest blog post. What resonated with you? Take a moment to share your thoughts in the comment section below so we can learn and grow together in 2026 and beyond. I look forward to reading your responses!
If you have not done so already, please SUBSCRIBE to my Renew Inspiration blog so you will receive notifications when I publish new content.
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).
It’s not selfish to love yourself, take care of yourself, and to make your happiness a priority. It’s necessary. – Mandy Hale
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).
Thought to Ponder – To love yourself is to understand you don’t need to be perfect to be good.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s open up a conversation focused on self-love. Self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological, and spiritual growth. Self-love is usually taught to us as children and as we grow, we begin to nurture everything within us, both good and bad. Self-love requires you to be honest about your current choices and thought patterns. Remember, self-love is not a selfish act, but instead it forces you to undertake new practices and ways of thinking that reflects your self-worth.
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WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-LOVE AND CREATE HEALTHY HABITS
You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anyone. – Maya Angelou
Now, here’s something else to think about. Self-love, self-respect, self-worth, and self-care. There is a reason why they all start with “self” because you can’t find them in anyone else. You cannot truly love another person until you know how to love yourself. When we act in ways that expand self-love in us, we begin to accept ourselves more in the moment, have less need to explain away our short-comings, and are more centered in our life purpose and values.
Here’s some ways to practice self-love and create healthy habits along your journey:
Become mindful. People who practice self-love often tend to know what they think, feel, and want. They are mindful of who they are and act on this knowledge, rather than on what others want for them. Remember, always be true to yourself and respect your values.
Create a self-care routine that you practice regularly. Nourish yourself daily through healthy activities, like nutrition, exercise, proper sleep, intimacy, and healthy social interactions. Give yourself a positive peptalk each day, read an inspirational book, or listen to an uplifting podcast/song.
Calm your mind. Spend time in prayer, meditation, reading, or writing. You can try writing in your journal, walking outside, reading a book, practicing breathing exercises or yoga.
Set healthy boundaries. You’ll love yourself more when you set limits or say no to work or activities that deplete you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Instead, prioritize yourself and designate time to do things that make you happy.
Forgive yourself. Show yourself some grace and practice being less hard on yourself when you make a mistake. Give yourself a break from self-judgement. Remember, there are no failures. There are only lessons learned.
Celebrate wins, both big and small. Always cherish and celebrate everything good that happens in your life no matter how big or small.
Cultivate a positive and safe place. Take time to clean and declutter your area. Then, add finishing touches to your space, such as new lighting, scented candles, plants, etc.
Live intentionally. Live with purpose and design. Make plans and accomplish what you set out to do.
I have found that when I make time to practice self-love on a regular basis, I am a better person. I am more disciplined throughout my day, feel rested, and ready to conquer the world. I challenge you today to appreciate yourself just the way you are and then strive to become better each day. When you learn to love you, then others will love you the way you deserve to be loved in return.
AMAZON RESOURCE
SELF-LOVE AFFIRMATIONS
Talk to yourself like you would to someone you love. – Brene Brown
Like I’ve stated before, self-love is not selfish. You cannot love another person until you know how to love yourself. Work on being in love with the person in the mirror who has been through so much in life but is still standing. Look in a mirror today and say these words out loud – I love myself today because I am beautiful, I am strong, I am powerful, I am fabulous, I am unique, I am blessed, I am smart. Repeat this exercise at least 3 times per day.
Here’s some additional self-love affirmations that you can practice reciting each day:
I value myself and I am proud of who I am.
I am beautiful, kind, and smart.
I am an unstoppable force.
I accept myself completely here and now.
I am healing more and more every day.
I am surrounded by love and prosperity.
I am worthy of all the blessings coming my way.
I release all doubts and insecurities about myself.
I am resilient and can get through anything.
I nourish my body with healthy food and exercise.
I deserve to love myself and to be loved by others.
I have the ability to overcome any challenge in my life.
I have the power to change my own story one page at a time.
I spread love to those around me, and it returns in abundance.
Now, be creative and create your own self-love affirmations to describe yourself. Allow this to be your daily pep talk in the morning and repeat them throughout the day. Remember, when we love ourselves, it helps us feel our best in the inside, and when we feel our best, we can give more to those around us. I truly hope I’ve sparked a bit of inspiration for you to grow more confident and comfortable in your own skin.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
Don’t forget to fall in love with yourself first. – Carrie Bradshaw
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. Now, grab your journal or notebook. Ready, set, write!
How do you define self-love?
What do you love most about your life?
How can you improve your attitude and appreciate yourself more?
How much do you truly love yourself?
What do your loved ones admire about you?
Write yourself a love letter. Make sure to talk yourself through a struggle.
What is your self-care routine?
How can you create space for self-love in your life right now and in the future?
Never lose sight of the main goal here. Loving yourself enough to pause and reset from time to time is necessary for you to continue your personal growth journey. Thank you for taking the time to read my latest blog post. What resonated with you? Take a moment to share your thoughts in the comment section below so we can learn and grow together in 2026 and beyond. I look forward to reading your responses!
If you have not done so already, please SUBSCRIBE to my Renew Inspiration blog so you will receive notifications when I publish new content.
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 body is your temple, so decorate it with healthy habits, positive thoughts, and a lot of self-love. -Unknown Author
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).
Thought to Ponder – The present moment is your canvas, and mindfulness is the brush that paints your masterpiece.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Guess who’s back? I stepped away from writing inspirational content for way too long. I’ve really missed you and the writing process. Well, let’s start with two very important topics, healthy habits and mindfulness journaling.
Let’s begin with establishing the definitions of HEALTHY HABITS & MINDFULNESSJOURNALING.
HEALTHY HABITS (noun): Consistent, conscious, and repetitive behaviors that improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being serving as the foundation for long-term health and disease prevention. Examples may include balanced nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress management, and maintaining healthy social connections.
MINDFULNESS JOURNALING (noun): A practice that involves writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a non-judgmental way. It helps you connect with inner self, deepen your awareness, and cultivate inner pace.
Mindfulness journaling is a great way to release restless thoughts and emotions so you can be in a better headspace. Even if you include mindfulness journaling for a few moments each day, you will begin to heal any emotional, physical or mental wounds that may have been caused by negativity from others or internally.
Here’s some great mindfulness journaling tips to help you get started:
Create a quiet, calm, and safe space to write.
Set a clear intention, slow down, and write with awareness.
Be present, be mindful, and breathe slowly to ground yourself.
Allow your thoughts to flow freely and write about anything that comes to mind.
Shift your writing from negative to positive so you can be ready to receive a different outcome.
Live in the moment and bring an open, accepting and discerning attention to everything you do.
Be consistent and write in your journal every day to create a new healthy habit.
I want to encourage you to pause for a moment and look within. Create awareness of your overall energy, how you feel and what you’re thinking. Mindfulness journaling can be another form of self-reflection. It can make you aware of negative patterns in your behavior so you can focus on the present moment.
AMAZON RESOURCE
BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS JOURNALING
Mindfulness is a pause – the space between stimulus and response: that’s where choice lies. – Tara Brach
What is it that you need to focus on within your life, right now, in this very moment? During your lifelong journey, it’s important for you to speak positive words into your soul. Despite the hurt you may feel or the sadness you experience in life, often times you forget that the power to overcome life’s challenges is already inside you. If you feel lost or defeated, it’s because the heart and mind are not working in harmony, when they work together you will find peace. Although, there’s a lot of benefits of mindfulness journaling to consider, here’s a few that I want to share with you.
Mindfulness Journaling:
Helps you think more critically about your life.
Reduces stress and anxiety by keeping you in the present moment.
Allows you to recognize and release negative thoughts and feelings.
Increases your happiness in life and improves your mood.
Encourages inner peace and a feeling of well-being.
Provides self-discovery, self-awareness, and moments of reflection.
Helps you gain clarity in your life, better memory and cognitive skills.
Increases creativity and positivity.
Builds resilience and confidence.
Helps to organize and process your thoughts and feelings.
Improves your sleep and overall mental wellness.
As you can see, making the decision to practice mindfulness journaling daily will bring peace, and emotional healing into your life one journal entry at a time. What’s your story or experience concerning journaling? It’s important to allow yourself to feel and to express yourself honestly throughout this process.
I choose to reflect on inspiring quotes, affirmations and/or scriptures that are hidden in my heart during my journaling time in order to rise up above my problems, situations, depression, sadness, hurt, etc. Remember, this is a personal journey. Be sure to show yourself some grace while starting your new mindfulness journaling experience. It’s important for you to find your safe place and surround yourself with God’s love, peace, and joy throughout the process.
AMAZON RESOURCE
MINDFULNESS AFFIRMATIONS
Affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Self-love, positivity, open-mindedness, help set you in the right direction. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it a personal experience.
Here’s a few of my favorite mindfulness affirmations:
I am fully present in this moment.
I embrace the here and now with open arms.
Each breath I take grounds me in the present.
I am using the wisdom within me to navigate through my life.
I find clarity and calm in the present moment.
I am aware of my surroundings and appreciate their beauty.
I am conscious of my power to shape my present experiences.
I find strength and tranquility in the present moment.
I am embracing my full potential even if it makes others uncomfortable.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Now, grab your journal or notebook. Ready, set, write!
What is the easiest way to get your thoughts and feelings out on paper?
How are you feeling about yourself in this very moment?
What is something that has been weighing on your mind lately?
How can you feel more aligned in life, between your thoughts and actions?
Do you re-read your journal entries to find patterns in your habits and/or thoughts? Why or why not?
Thank you for taking the time to read my latest blog post. What resonated with you? Take a moment to share your thoughts in the comment section below so we can learn and grow together in 2026 and beyond. I look forward to reading your responses!
If you have not done so already, please SUBSCRIBE to my Renew Inspiration blog so you will receive notifications when I publish new content.
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 gives us insights into who we are, who we were, and who we can become. – Sandra Marinella
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).
Thought to Ponder – Every positive change in your life begins with a clear, unequivocal decision that you are going to either do something or stop doing something.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today let’s discuss purpose driven journaling. A life purpose is an overall vision for your life that’s based on the things that are most meaningful to you. Living your purpose can give you a greater sense of doing satisfying work that makes a difference. Journaling allows you to gain clarity inside and out. Journaling also helps you to make positive changes in your life. If you allow it, purpose driven journaling will offer you a glimpse into your soul in its purest form by helping you identify your passions, strengths, and core values.
Before we get started, please make sure you have the following:
An open mind; Meditation ready
Willingness to be honest and express oneself
Eager to move from one place to another freely
Humble and caring spirit; Broken soul
Journal or Notebook
Pen or Pencil
I want to encourage you to pause for a moment and look within. Create awareness of your overall energy, how you feel and what you’re thinking. Believe it or not, journaling can be another form of self-reflection. Journaling can make you aware of negative patterns in your behavior so you can focus on the present moment.
HOW TO DETERMINE YOUR LIFE PURPOSE THROUGH JOURNALING
Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose. – Viktor Frankl
Let’s take this time to learn more about purpose driven journaling so we can make a positive change in our lives. 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.
Here’s some questions to help guide you through the process to determine your life purpose:
What is your purpose for journaling in this season of your life?
How would journaling benefit you right now in this very moment?
How could journaling help you cope with unresolved issues in your life, such as stress, anxiety or childhood trauma?
Whatever your reason, the results will be the same. Once you begin the journaling process, you’ll become wiser, more enlightened, and will notice a better version of yourself.
BACK TO BASICS – JOURNALING TIPS
Writing in a journal reminds you of your goals and of your learning in life. It offers a place where you can hold a deliberate, thoughtful conversation with yourself. – Robin Sharma
Many people have used journaling to overcome life’s challenges or simply to just express oneself. In addition, journaling can help with personal growth and development too. By regularly recording your thoughts you will gain more insight into your daily behaviors and mood changes. In order to help balance all of these changes, here’s some great journaling tips to keep in mind as you get started on this life changing journey:
When journaling, use a pen and paper or favorite notebook.
Create a safe and comfortable place to write.
Journal in the morning, noon or evening which ever time works best for you.
Commit to writing in your journal every day, but don’t stress over it.
Don’t edit your thoughts or feelings when journaling, just write.
There’s no rules so keep it simple and create your own layout.
Be honest and write about the current space you’re in.
Use journaling prompts to change up your daily entries or to assist with writer’s block.
Cultivate an attitude of gratitude while journaling.
There is no wrong or right way to practice journaling, just write! Journaling is a great way to release restless thoughts and emotions so you can be in a better headspace. Include journaling in your daily routine so you can heal any emotional, physical or mental wounds that may have been caused by past trauma. It’s important to allow yourself to feel and to express yourself honestly throughout this process. For example, I choose to reflect on inspiring quotes, affirmations and/or scriptures that are hidden in my heart during my journaling time in order to rise up above my problems, situations, depression, sadness, hurt, etc. Remember, this is a personal journey. Be sure to show yourself some grace while starting the journaling experience. It’s important for you to find your safe place and surround yourself with God’s love, peace, and joy throughout the process.
AFFIRMATIONS
Affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Self-love, positivity, open-mindedness, help set you in the right direction. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it a personal experience.
Here’s a few of my favorite affirmations to help you get started:
I am using the wisdom within me to navigate through my life.
I am releasing my connection to things that don’t serve me.
I am patient and know that growth may take time.
I am blessed with every challenge I have faced.
I am consciously working hard to bring the best out of every moment I am given.
I am always creating a new course of action because I am unstoppable.
I am embracing my full potential even if it makes others uncomfortable.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!
What is something that has been weighing on your mind lately?
Do you have any regrets about how you’ve lived your life so far?
What have you done to make amends and/or forgive yourself?
What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself in the past year?
What can you do right now to lift your mood?
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Thank you for taking the time to read my latest blog post. What resonated with you? Share your thoughts concerning this blog post in the comment section below so we can learn and grow from one another. I look forward to reading your responses! If you have not done so already, please SUBSCRIBE to my Renew Inspiration blog so will receive notifications each time I publish a new blog post.
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).
You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find eternity in every moment. -Henry David Thoreau
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).
Thought to Ponder – The present moment is your canvas, and mindfulness is the brush that paints your masterpiece.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s take a moment to discuss a topic that is dear to my heart, mindfulness journaling. To begin with, journaling helps you reflect on self, discover your sense of purpose, and meaning in life.
Mindfulness journaling allows you to gain clarity inside and out. It also helps you to make positive changes in your life. If you allow it, mindfulness journaling will offer you a glimpse into your soul in its purest form by helping you recognize, identify, and build a closer relationship to a higher power.
Before we get started, please make sure you have the following:
An open mind; Meditation ready
Willingness to be honest and express oneself
Eager to move from one place to another freely
Humble and caring spirit; Broken soul
Journal or Notebook
Pen or Pencil
DEFINITION – MINDFULNESS JOURNALING
Let’s begin with establishing the definition of MINDFULNESSJOURNALING.
MINDFULNESS JOURNALING (noun): A practice that involves writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a non-judgmental way. It helps you connect with inner self, deepen your awareness, and cultivate inner pace.
Before we go any further, I want to encourage you to pause for a moment and look within. Create awareness of your overall energy, how you feel and what you’re thinking. Mindfulness journaling can be another form of self-reflection. It can make you aware of negative patterns in your behavior so you can focus on the present moment.
BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS JOURNALING
Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience. – Jon Kabat-Zinn
What’s the message that you need on today? What is it that you need to focus on within your life, right now, in this very moment? During your lifelong journey, it’s important for you to speak positive words into your soul. Despite the hurt you may feel or the sadness you experience in life, often times you forget that the power to overcome life’s challenges is already inside you. If you feel lost or defeated, it’s because the heart and mind are not working in harmony, when they work together you will find peace. Although, there’s a lot of benefits of mindfulness journaling, here’s a few that I want to share with you.
Mindfulness Journaling:
Helps you think more critically about your life.
Reduces stress and anxiety by keeping you in the present moment.
Allows you to recognize and release negative thoughts and feelings.
Increases your happiness in life and improves your mood.
Encourages inner peace and a feeling of well-being.
Provides self-discovery, self-awareness, and moments of reflection.
Helps you gain clarity in your life, better memory and cognitive skills.
Increases creativity and positivity.
Builds resilience and confidence.
Helps to organize and process your thoughts and feelings.
Improves your sleep and overall mental wellness.
As you can see, making the decision to practice mindfulness journaling daily will bring peace, and emotional healing into your life one journal entry at a time.
Mindfulness Journaling, Renew Inspiration
MINDFULNESS JOURNALING TIPS
Mindfulness is a pause – the space between stimulus and response: that’s where choice lies. – Tara Brach
Mindfulness journaling is a great way to release restless thoughts and emotions so you can be in a better headspace. Even if you include mindfulness journaling for a few moments each day, you will begin to heal any emotional, physical or mental wounds that may have been caused by negativity from others or internally.
Here’s some great mindfulness journaling tips to help you get started:
Create a quiet, calm, and safe space to write.
Set an intention, slow down, and write with awareness.
Be present, be mindful, and breathe slowly to ground yourself.
Allow your thoughts to flow freely and write about anything that comes to mind.
Be consistent and write in your journal every day to create a new healthy habit.
Shift your writing from negative to positive so you can be ready to receive a different outcome.
Live in the moment and bring an open, accepting and discerning attention to everything you do.
What’s your story or experience concerning journaling? It’s important to allow yourself to feel and to express yourself honestly throughout this process. I choose to reflect on inspiring quotes, affirmations and/or scriptures that are hidden in my heart during my journaling time in order to rise up above my problems, situations, depression, sadness, hurt, etc. Remember, this is a personal journey. Be sure to show yourself some grace while starting your new mindfulness journaling experience. It’s important for you to find your safe place and surround yourself with God’s love, peace, and joy throughout the process.
MINDFULNESS JOURNALING SUGGESTIONS
Create a Gratitude List – To cultivate a positive attitude, begin your day by reflecting on or writing down at least three things you are grateful for. It can be anything, from your favorite hot beverage, the weather or your pet. Explore whatever brings you a smile or a feeling of warmth.
Enjoy Nature – To find focus during the day, take a few moments to appreciate the beauty in nature. Step outside and focus on your senses. What do you see? What sounds do you hear? What do you smell? Are you eating or drinking anything? What do you notice when you touch the grass or plants that are around you?
Focus on Your Breathing – Try inhaling to the count of 5, holding for the count of 3, and exhaling to the count of 5. Imagine breathing in calmness and comfort and breathing out any stress or negative feelings. Repeat for 3 breaths or until you feel calm and more grounded.
MINDFULNESS AFFIRMATIONS
Affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Self-love, positivity, open-mindedness, help set you in the right direction. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it a personal experience.
Here’s a few of my favorite mindfulness affirmations to help you get started:
I am fully present in this moment.
I embrace the here and now with open arms.
Each breath I take grounds me in the present.
I am using the wisdom within me to navigate through my life.
I find clarity and calm in the present moment.
I am aware of my surroundings and appreciate their beauty.
I am conscious of my power to shape my present experiences.
I find strength and tranquility in the present moment.
I am embracing my full potential even if it makes others uncomfortable.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
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. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!
What are three things you’re grateful for today?
What are three things you noticed in the morning? afternoon? evening?
How are you feeling about yourself in this very moment?
What is something that has been weighing on your mind lately?
Do you have any regrets about how you’ve lived your life so far?
In what ways can you forgive yourself?
What obstacles to internal peace are you facing?
How can you feel more aligned in life, between your thoughts and actions?
What can you do right now to lift your mood?
What things do you look forward to in the day to come?
WRITER & BLOGGER CORNER
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SELF-REFLECTION MOMENT
Let’s Talk. As you can see, mindfulness journaling can help you overcome any obstacle that you face in life. Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges in life? What are some challenges that stretched your limits and helped you grow? What steps can you take to grow into the person you want to be? Please spend some quality time answering these questions in your journal or notebook.
Thank you for taking the time to read my latest blog post. What resonated with you? Share your thoughts concerning this blog post in the comment section below so we can learn and grow from one another. I look forward to reading your responses!
P.S. If you have not done so already, please SUBSCRIBE to my Renew Inspiration blog so you can receive notifications each time I publish a new blog post. Let’s stay connected!
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!
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God is still writing your story. Don’t let go of your faith because of what you have to see. – Unknown Author
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Thought to Ponder – Faith is the bridge between where I am, and the place God is taking me.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Hope you enjoyed your Mother’s Day weekend with family and friends. I cannot believe it has been more than 10 months since I have written and posted an inspirational post here. I stepped away from my writing projects because I needed a mental break, and I had some family struggles to work through. It’s hard to focus on what you love to do when you’re constantly facing issues and need to be there for your loved ones. Well, I’m back now and I appreciate your on-going support.
Despite what you have experienced so far this year, be thankful that you are here today to speak about it and read my inspirational blog. It’s important for us to pour positivity into our lives often so we can be better prepared to overcome any obstacle we face in life. I felt it was important to write a blog post explaining how to increase faith and decrease fear since faith is required for us to keep going day after day.
DEFINITIONS – FAITH and FEAR
Let’s begin with establishing the definitions of FAITH and FEAR.
FAITH (noun): Complete trust or confidence in someone or something. Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.
FEAR (noun): An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.
Renew Inspiration
WAYS TO INCREASE FAITH
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8 (KJV)
When you are broken in pieces and experiencing so much pain, God can seem distant and even uncaring while you are in this vulnerable, yet lonely place. But before you throw in the towel or choose to give up on living life to the fullest, know that God promises in His Word to be with you always and to give you comfort in the midst of your storm, so whatever your feelings are suggesting to you in this very dark moment, know that God is with you always.
For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death. Psalm 48:14 (KJV)
You must believe in your heart and mind that you will receive whatever it is that you are praying for throughout your journey. No mountain is too big for our God. I always think of a mountain as any obstacle, problem, or situation that happens in our lives. Despite the challenges and constant struggles in life, throughout this process, it’s important to find effective ways to increase your faith.
Here’s a few suggestions and scriptures to help you get started with your spiritual transformation to increase faith and decrease fear:
Read and Study God’s Word.
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 (KJV)
God’s Word should be read and hidden in your heart so that you can fully understand the promises that God made to you. This process will allow God’s Word to guide, instruct, and protect you. Along with your Bible, you can also read spiritual devotions or faith-based inspirational books.
Make Time for Daily Prayer and Meditation.
Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:18 (ESV)
Schedule quiet time for prayer and meditation inviting God to come into your presence. Remove distractions, quiet your mind, and talk to God regularly while listening with your spiritual ear for the necessary guidance that’s needed throughout your day.
Practice Praise and Worship.
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Hebrews 13:15-16 (KJV)
Set aside time each day to usher in God’s presence through praise and worship. This can be done through speaking scriptures and affirmations over your life or through singing worship songs in the presence of God.
Be Transparent and Live Out God’s Word.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
It’s important to not just read and study God’s Word, but you must be transparent and apply God’s Word to your life each and every day. Make a commitment today and watch God work miracles in your life.
Trust in God.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 (KJV)
As believers in Christ, it’s important to intentionally focus on God’s plans for you and not get in the way with your own personal views and interpretations of how you think your life should be. Remove any doubt or fear from your heart and replace it with belief and trust in God.
Along this journey called life, we have to open our hearts and minds to a true understanding of life’s many challenges and faith, of what it is and what it is not, in our lives and abroad. It’s important to know that faith is something to be experienced and exercised, not defined, categorized, and neatly packaged on a shelf.
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HOW TO OVERCOME FEAR
Fear has a large shadow, but he himself is small. – Ruth Gendler
Despite having faith in your life, it is important to discuss how fear can also creep in. Fear is a normal reaction that warns our bodies to be careful. Everyone experiences some level of fear in their life from time to time. However, coping with everyday fears can be frightening for most people. Keep in mind, it is impossible to think clearly when you’re feeling overwhelmed or fearful. You must be ready to face your fears head on so you can dictate how your story will end. Remember, you are the root cause of your fears, and most importantly, you can be the solution to them as well.
Here’s some ways to help you overcome fear:
Name your fear and face it. Believe it or not, fear is not always obvious.
Arm yourself by replacing fear with God’s presence.
Imagine your success, not your failures.
Act out your new story and visualize your happy place.
Don’t try to be perfect. Take time out to rest and re-set.
Practice mindfulness and focus on your breathing techniques.
Identify your fears by writing in your journal.
What makes you afraid? Questions help trigger your fears and bring them to the surface. Remember, fear will consume you if you allow it. Dig deep inside to gain encouragement and strength to move passed your fear so you can proceed with taking the leap of faith that you desire.
WAYS TO HELP BOOST COURAGE
Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision. – Winston S. Churchill
Next, many situations occur in life that call upon us to do something we find scary, upsetting, uncomfortable, anxiety provoking, or distressing. We have to learn how to move out of our comfort zone throughout this journey called life, so we can develop, grow, and expand both our mental and physical capacity. Are you up for the challenge? I sure hope you are.
Here’s some ways to help boost your courage:
Don’t overthink it. Once you’ve decided to do anything in life that requires courage, don’t wait, proceed to act.
Commit yourself ahead of time. Stating intentions to your support system will make you be accountable, and you will follow through with the activity.
Do the activity with a friend. Recruit a friend or family member to participate in the activity. Interacting with another person is a true way of managing fear and anxiety.
Think of how good you’ll feel afterwards. Give some serious thought to how great you’ll feel about yourself after you take this leap of faith. You will feel more confident and increase your determination.
Think of the doors that would open for you. If you struggle with courage and anxiety issues, you may need to seek help from a mental health professional or support group. Take some time to consider all the ways your life could be different if you were able to tackle your issue(s) successfully and use the motivation this process gives you to take the necessary step.
Faith rests on a solid foundation. The evidence is everywhere before our eyes. Begin to create a safe space for God to work wonders in your spiritual life by reading God’s Word, praying often, and submitting to God’s healing. God wants your heart, gratitude, and honesty which will bring you to His everlasting peace. My prayer for you today is that you take the words from this blog post and hide them deep in your heart. Remember, every positive change in life must first begin with a commitment to work towards that change. You will notice the little seeds of courage starting to sprout all around you. Take a deep breath and capture the moment. Despite the fear you may feel because you are entering an unknown territory, embrace your true feelings and take a leap of faith knowing that courage is not just around you, but within you. Faith is all about believing. You don’t know how it will happen, but you know it will.
FAITH AFFIRMATIONS
Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith. – Elisabeth Elliot
Affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself, boost confidence, mood, and self-esteem. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Self-love, positivity, open-mindedness, help set you in the right direction. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it a personal experience. Through the incredible power of repetition, you’re able to reconstruct your thought patterns, beliefs, and ideals in your subconscious mind. Begin to set yourself up for a more productive and successful life that you desire by reciting these powerful faith-based affirmations.
Here’s a few faith-based affirmations to help you get started:
All that I seek I can find within me.
I trust that my faith in the universe will reveal all opportunities for me.
I focus on what I can control and make peace with what I can’t.
I trust my inner knowing in the face of uncertainty.
I choose faith over fear and peace over perfection.
I am ready to move ahead and explore the purpose of my existence.
I trust and believe that everything is always working out for my highest good.
I am at peace with my whole being.
I see my faith, presence and passion being the most beautiful things there are in my life.
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JOURNAL PROMPTS
Faith is building on what you know is here so you can reach what you know is there. – Cullen Hightower
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 journaling is a safe space for you to put your feelings and emotions into words, then put your words into action. Journaling is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes, and failures. Ready, set, write!
What is the best way to increase your faith and decrease your fear?
How can you strengthen your faith in God?
What is going on in your life that could benefit in you standing on your faith?
Why is it difficult to face your fears?
What does it look like for you to take a step of courage today?
Write about a door you know God has closed in your life. How did you find the courage to work through this experience?
Have there been times in your life when you’ve needed to be courageous? Take a moment to write about the situation and what you did to overcome your fears.
List five ways you’ve become stronger and more faithful today, this week, or this month.
SELF-REFLECTION MOMENT
Your mind will always believe everything you tell it. Feed it faith. Feed it truth. Feed it with love. – Unknown Author
Unwavering faith will come with time, but you have to do the work which includes following God’s plan for your life, changing your thought patterns, and making time for self-reflection. Now, take a moment to think about the concept of increasing faith and decreasing fear. How strong is your faith right now in this very moment? How often do you spend time reflecting on your life or daily situations? Please spend some quality time answering these questions in your journal or notebook. Then, share your thoughts concerning this blog post in the comment section below so we can learn and grow from one another. I look forward to hearing from you very soon.
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!
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Journaling is paying attention to the inside for the purpose of living well from the inside out. – Lee Wise
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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, let’s talk about the benefits of journaling. Journaling allows you to gain clarity inside and out. Journaling also helps you to make positive changes in your life. If you allow it, journaling will offer you a glimpse into your soul in its purest form.
Before we get started, please make sure you have the following:
An open mind; Meditation ready
Willingness to express oneself; Eager to move from one place to another freely
Humble and caring spirit; Broken soul
Journal or Notebook
Pen or Pencil
I want to encourage you to pause for a moment and look within. Create awareness of your overall energy, how you feel and what you’re thinking. Believe it or not, journaling can be another form of self-reflection. Journaling can make you aware of negative patterns in your behavior so you can focus on the present moment.
BENEFITS OF JOURNALING
Journal writing, when it becomes a ritual for transformation, is not only life-changing but life-expanding. – Jen Williamson
What’s the message that you need on today? What is it that you need to focus on within your life, right now, in this very moment? During your lifelong journey, it’s important for you to speak positive words into your soul. Despite the hurt you may feel or the sadness you experience in life, often times you forget that the power to overcome life’s challenges is already inside you. If you feel lost or defeated, it’s because the heart and mind are not working in harmony, when they work together you will find peace. Although, there’s a lot of benefits of journaling, here’s a few that I want to share with you.
Journaling:
Helps you think more critically about your life.
Reduces stress and anxiety by keeping you in the present moment.
Allows you to recognize and release negative thoughts and feelings.
Increases your happiness in life and improves your mood.
Encourages inner peace and a feeling of well-being.
Provides self-discovery, self-awareness, and moments of reflection.
Helps you gain clarity in your life, better memory.
Increases creativity, positivity, and mindfulness.
Builds resilience and confidence.
Helps to organize and process your thoughts and feelings.
Improves your sleep and overall mental wellness.
As you can see, making the decision to practice journaling will bring mindfulness, peace, and emotional healing into your daily routine.
JOURNALING TIPS
Journal writing gives us insights into who we are, who we were, and who we can become. – Sandra Marinella
There is no wrong or right way to practice journaling, just write! Journaling is a great way to release restless thoughts and emotions so you can be in a better headspace. Include journaling in your daily routine so you can heal any emotional, physical or mental wounds that may have been caused by negativity from others or internally. Here’s some great journaling tips to help you get started:
Create a safe place to write; Declutter your space; Add your preferred lighting and scented candles; You should feel good, happy and calm in your writing space.
Let it all out; Allow your thoughts to flow freely and write about anything.
Dedicate time and write regularly; Try to write in your journal on a regular basis; Every day is ideal.
Try new things; Move out of your comfort zone; Try things that make you happy; Write letters to yourself or to loved ones (past or present).
Don’t get too negative; Shift your writing in another direction; Avoid rereading your negative writing, but instead have a balanced point of view.
What’s your story or experience concerning journaling? It’s important to allow yourself to feel and to express yourself honestly throughout this process. I choose to reflect on inspiring quotes, affirmations and/or scriptures that are hidden in my heart during my journaling time in order to rise up above my problems, situations, depression, sadness, hurt, etc. Remember, this is a personal journey. Be sure to show yourself some grace while starting the journaling experience. It’s important for you to find your safe place and surround yourself with God’s love, peace, and joy throughout the process.
AFFIRMATIONS
Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion. – Jim Rohn
Affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Self-love, positivity, open-mindedness, help set you in the right direction. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it a personal experience.
Here’s a few of my favorite affirmations to help you get started:
I am a unique, creative, and wonderful black woman who keeps growing by the day.
I am learning to love, cherish, and respect myself.
I am using the wisdom within me to navigate through my life.
I am releasing my connection to things that don’t serve me.
I am patient and know that growth may take time.
I am blessed with every challenge I have faced.
I am consciously working hard to bring the best out of every moment I am given.
I am always creating a new course of action because I am unstoppable.
I am embracing my full potential even if it makes others uncomfortable.
TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS
In the journal I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself. – Susan Sontag
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. Keep in mind that this is a journey, and everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!
What is something that has been weighing on your mind lately?
What do you see as your biggest accomplishment? failure?
Do you have any regrets about how you’ve lived your life so far?
What have you done to make amends and/or forgive yourself?
What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself in the past year?
If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
What can you do right now to lift your mood?
How can you make this week a better one than last?
Let’s Talk. As you can see, journaling has many benefits that can help you overcome any obstacle that you face in life. Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges in life? After reading this blog post, what resonates with you? I would love to hear from you? Please answer these questions 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).
Life is a journey, and I’m finding myself every day. – Kim Richards
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).
Thought to Ponder – Every day you wake up should be a fresh start on your life’s journey.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! This evening I pause to bless this special day that is a beautiful gift from God. Today, I am celebrating my 49th birthday. What better way to celebrate my life’s journey than to ask you to complete a brief survey so I can become more engaged with you in 2023? In addition, your name will go into a drawing to win a copy of my Renew Inspiration Journal that can also be purchased via amazon.com.
Please be so kind and submit your responses by Friday, December 23, 2022. I will announce the winner in a blog post during the last week in December.
Although there are many ways to navigate life’s journey, it’s important to pause and spend quality time practicing personal reflection. Before reading any further, take a moment to read and answer the following reflection questions:
What are you passionate about in life?
How do you navigate in life when obstacles occur?
How do you set or reset the direction of your life?
WAYS TO NAVIGATE LIFE’S JOURNEY
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Lao Tzu
Today, right in this present moment, I want to take time to reflect on how to navigate life’s journey. I honestly look at where I am today, and I look at how I came to be here. I acknowledge the darkness and the light that shines within. Each day I focus on my vision of positive changes that I need to make in my life so that I may heal and grow in the most beautiful way possible.
Here’s some great ways to help you navigate life’s journey:
Every day do something that will lead you closer to God. (Read & Study God’s Word, Pray, Meditate or Listen to Gospel Music)
Thrive on happiness, a calm mind, and good health. (Reading, Journaling, Exercising, Walking in Nature, Practice Meditation or Listening to an Inspirational Podcast)
Have faith, be courageous, and dream big. (Keep Believing, Trusting, and Hoping)
Strive for greatness and embrace change along the way. (Be Your Own Inspiration, Be Flexible, and Open Minded)
Don’t procrastinate. Think positive and plan ahead. (Observe Everything Around You, Stay Focused, and Create a Vision for Your Life)
Love to no end, be grateful, choose joy and be kind. (Spread Love to Others, Nurture Your Grateful Heart, and Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti)
Be strong enough to let go and wise enough to wait for what you deserve. (Show Strength, Courage, and Wisdom)
Now, this will not be an easy task, but it is a necessary one for you to grow into your better self. However, I do realize this journey has no rules, no right or wrong answers. I accept my journey for what it is, and I acknowledge that only I can do my healing work. Don’t be afraid to make this process personal.
POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS
Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds. – Unknown Author
Next, in order for you to embrace this new way of thinking and living, it is important for you to feed your spirit with positive affirmations on a daily basis. 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 good vibes, and a giver of strength. This kind of thinking will help you overcome life’s challenges and help you navigate life’s journey.
Here’s a few positive affirmations and a pep talk I would love to share with you:
I am blessed and in charge of my life.
I am proud of who I am – limitless, brave, and beautiful.
I embrace respect, love, and kindness.
I am fearless and capable of so much more.
I am bold, strong, and free to make my own choices.
I have the power to create all the change I want to see.
I am enough and perfect just the way I am.
I am happy today, tomorrow, and every day of my life.
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!
MIND
What thought patterns do you have and how do they impact your life?
What did you do today that brought you closer to your dream?
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?
Who/What brings the most joy to your life?
SPIRIT
What do you need more of in your life?
What is something you would love to learn in your lifetime?
What are the best choices you have made in life so far?
SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER
Let’s talk. How do you plan to navigate life’s journey moving forward? What is your favorite positive affirmation or quote? 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).
I didn’t give you the gift of life, life gave me the gift of you. – 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).
Thought to Ponder – Those who think there is a time limit when grieving, have never lost a piece of their heart.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! In case you were wondering, I took a mental health break to gather my thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Today, my mother would have been 80 years old, but she passed away in December 2015. This has been a stressful time for me, to say the least. However, I want you to know that I appreciate you and all of the support you give to my writing and blogging platform.
5 STAGES OF GRIEF & LOSS – On Death and Dying written by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross
Loss and heartache do not define you. They are part of your story. – Unknown Author
Even though there are 5 stages of grief and loss, people who are grieving do not necessarily go through the stages in the same order or experience all of them. The stages of grief and mourning are universal in nature and are experienced by people from all walks of life, across many cultures. Mourning occurs in our lives in response to an individual’s own terminal illness, the loss of a close relationship, or to the death of a valued being, human or animal. While mourning, we spend different lengths of time working through each step and express each stage with different levels of intensity. Here’s the 5 stages of grief and loss as defined by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross:
Denial & Isolation – The first reaction is to deny and isolate yourself from the reality of the situation. Most people block out the painful words and hide from the facts. Some people will believe that nothing is of any value any more, not even life itself. For most people, this stage of grief and loss is a temporary response that carries us through the first wave of pain.
Anger – As denial and isolation leaves us, reality and its pain re-emerge. Now, the intense emotion people feel turns into anger. The anger may be toward objects, complete strangers, friends or family. Even though deep down inside the person knows this feeling of anger is wrong, they may even be directing it toward dying or deceased loved ones as well.
Bargaining – In the next stage, there are feelings of helplessness and vulnerability as a way to regain control through a series of “if only” statements, such as “If only we had sought medical attention sooner” or “If only we got a second opinion from another doctor.” Unfortunately, this is an attempt to bargain with God or our higher power in order to postpone our pain. Guilt often accompanies bargaining as well. The person believes there was something they could have done differently to have helped save their loved ones’ life.
Depression – In the next stage, the person may start to be overwhelmed with sadness or regret which turns into worry. This phase may be eased by simple reassurance from others around them. Another phase of depression is when the person is more private and tries to bid a farewell to their loved one in silence. In this case, a hug or a kind gesture will comfort them.
Acceptance – Reaching this stage of grieving is a gift not afforded to everyone. Death may be sudden and unexpected, or we may never see beyond our anger or denial. Unfortunately, this phase is marked by withdrawal and calm.
Please keep in mind that everyone grieves differently. There is no right or wrong way. Some people will wear their emotions on their face and be outwardly emotional. Other people will experience their grief more internally and may not cry at all. Remember, do not judge how a person choose to experience grief, as each person will experience it differently.
WAYS TO NURTURE YOUR MIND, BODY & SPIRIT WHILE COPING WITH GRIEF
You must learn to master a new way to think before you can master a new way to be. – Marianne Williamson
Sometimes I wish time would stand still and I don’t have to relive the pain that comes during this time of the year. While everyone else is excited for the holidays, I dread it with everything within me. The holidays are just not the same without my mother physically being here. No amount of journaling or therapy sessions will save you from the emotional turmoil that you experience and continue to feel throughout the grieving process.
Nevertheless, I’ve learned that it’s important to nurture your mind, body and spirit while coping with grief. Here’s a few different ways to help you get started along this journey:
Read and study God’s Word.
Seek God’s face each day through prayer and guided meditation.
Pray a specific prayer for positive change in and around your life.
Practice mindfulness and stay in the present.
Set personal goals and a plan to achieve them.
Fuel your body with healthy food options.
Exercise daily and/or try new yoga poses.
Change your mental focus and environment.
Setup a daily routine using a To-Do List.
Focus on gratitude and find what you are grateful for each day.
Write in your journal to get your thoughts on to paper and out of your head.
Make time for self-reflection. Go for a walk, read, listen to music, meditate or color.
However, if you feel your mental stability is getting worse throughout the grieving process, seek professional help in the form of therapy from a licensed therapist or social worker, medication to treat depression or anxiety, or support groups to help share your feelings with like-minded individuals.
AFFIRMATIONS TO HELP YOU NAVIGATE LIFE
Affirmationscan be used to change your current mindset, boost your self-confidence, mood, and self-esteem. Through the power of repetition, you’re able to reconstruct your thought patterns, beliefs, and ideals in your subconscious mind. I will allow change to take place in my life on today. I plan to water my roots, so my soul can blossom. Now repeat after me:
In my sadness, I love myself.
It’s okay to take time to grieve.
I am patient with my healing process.
I allow myself to grieve then move on.
I feel my angels holding me today as I grieve.
I will embrace change in my life.
I will step out on faith throughout my journey.
I plan to endure and overcome heartache, pain, suffering, sadness and loneliness.
I am finding strength in myself as I grieve.
I focus on my blessings, goals and memories.
I will commit to improving my personal well-being.
I am gentle with myself as I heal.
I release my resistance to this situation.
I graciously accept help when its offered.
The universe lifts me, supports me and guides me.
Unfortunately, many of us struggle to overcome many obstacles in life, such as grief, and don’t understand that the root cause is often times hidden within. Whether you sometimes feel stressed out, anxious, sad or depressed, there’s one important fact that you need to remember. You need to learn that your mind, body and spirit must become ONE in order for you to be at your best. Only then, will you begin to navigate life while coping with grief.
TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS
To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. – Lao Tzu
Keep calm and write on. Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey, and everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!
MIND
How can you create a space to help clear your mind?
What are some of your mental obstacles in life that are holding you back?
Our passion is typically something that brings us pleasure. What are some of your most passionate thoughts and how do you nurture them?
What is your greatest quest in life?
BODY
Sit or stand very still. What are you feeling right now in this very moment?
What are you having a hard time accepting in your life?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How are you mistreating your body or compromising your health?
SPIRIT
What steps do I need to take to become spiritually grounded in God’s Word?
What is holding you back from trusting and believing in God?
Does my life reflect what my heart desire? If not, what changes can I make?
How do you plan to feed your spirit on today?
JOURNAL TO OVERCOME GRIEF: A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO HEALING
No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. – Faraaz Kazi
Journal To Overcome Grief: A Personal Journey to Healing can be purchased via Amazon.com. This beautiful grief journal includes thought provoking journal prompts and quotes that will help you navigate life after loss.
There will be times when you’ll want to cry and other times when you’ll smile as you explore your personal reflections. This is a unique way to honor your loved one and connect with their spirit through writing while creating your own personal keepsake for years to come.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
We all are different and unique, but I do know that our minds, bodies, and spirit must be as ONE in order for us to feel complete. What are some things you do to help calm your mind, body, and spirit? I look forward to reading your comments and 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).
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. – Maya Angelou
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).
Today’s Special Thought – Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! It has been a while since I’ve written an inspirational blog post for you. Today, I want to express the reasons why I choose writing to escape while standing still. Sometimes I write because I am happy, and sometimes I write when I am sad. However, the main reason why I have a passion for writing is to escape. When I write, I like to escape from life as I know it each day. I like to escape the pain and misery of losing my parents some years ago. Losing your parents leaves a hole in your heart that can never be filled. I like to escape the stress and frustration of parenting adopted children with disabilities and behavior problems. I like to escape the racism of this wicked world for not only having black skin, but also for being a woman. I like to escape from mental illness both depression and anxiety. I like to escape from those sleepless nights when I just listen to my thoughts go on and on. If you allow it to, writing will help you express your feelings and help you cope with challenges that you face throughout your life.
Here’s a few questions to ask yourself throughout your journey:
Have you taken time to renew your inspiration lately?
Are you inspired to become better than you were yesterday?
What drives you to push forward when obstacles arise in your life?
Who inspires you to reach for your dreams and goals throughout your life?
10 STEPS FOR WRITING TO ESCAPE WHILE STANDING STILL
The fact that I’m still standing on my own two feet, in a world that has tried its best to knock me down over and over again, proves only one truth; I am unbreakable. – Stephanie Bennett-Henry
As you’re thinking about the previous questions, I have another one for you to think about. Have you ever felt like you keep moving and moving throughout life, but you are actually standing still? But when you really think about your internal happiness, health and spiritual well-being, you have to be honest with yourself. Your life is really not changing in a positive way. There is no personal growth. You’re scared to be spontaneous and have fun. You never want to leave your comfort zone. There is very little sparkle within your circle of friends.
Now, if this sounds familiar have no fear. Just keep reading and I promise you will receive an inspirational word that will not only help you overcome this season in your life, but you will be able to make a mental connection with your body and spirit as well.
Here’s 10 steps for writing to escape while standing still:
Step 1. Make sure to be realistic while putting your thoughts into perspective honoring your personal beliefs.
Step 2. Don’t be afraid to prioritize things that matter most to you in your life right now.
Step 3. Remove all negativity, both people and things.
Step 4. Don’t be afraid to say NO to others and think positive thoughts throughout your day.
Step 5. Start using a calendar or planner to organize your appointments and errands.
Step 6. Create a separate To-Do List daily to stay organized and stress free.
Step 7. Treat your body well and with respect.
Step 8. Exercise daily and eat a well-balanced diet to include plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Step 9. Set realistic goals, create a plan to reach your goals and track your progress.
Step 10. Spend time in prayer, meditation and reading God’s Word to receive the proper guidance in your life.
As you can see, writing to escape is real and takes little effort on your part. If you don’t currently write in a journal today, take a moment and think about how journaling could help you cope with the daily challenges of life. Believe it or not, sometimes I just pick up my pen and just start writing words, not sentences. Before I even realize it, I am writing paragraphs. Writing to escape can help you clear your mind and offer you an opportunity to break free from internal bondage. Writing to escape can help you lose yourself on paper and forget about time. Most of all, writing to escape can bring about a peace and comfort that is more powerful than the stress in your life right now. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get our journals and write to escape while standing still!
TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS
To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. – Lao Tzu
Keep calm and write on. Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey, and everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!
MIND – Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
Meditate on escaping from something from within and write about it.
What takes your mind away from God?
What brings you the most joy in life? Describe it in detail.
What qualities do you think others admire about you?
How much do you truly love yourself? How do you show it?
BODY – No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it. (I Corinthians 10:13)
What do you feel right now in this very moment? Listen to your body and write about it.
Do you feel courageous on today? If so, take time and write about it. If not, how can you build courage in your life?
Where do you struggle with pride, dishonesty, or being discontent?
In what area of your life do you need to improve self-discipline?
Do you de-stress and relax during the week?
SPIRIT – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
How do you cope with pain, misery, sadness, being alone, etc.? Write about it.
How is God your strength and protector? Write about it.
When do you feel God’s presence most in your life? How do you respond?
What is one way that you can improve your spiritual walk?
How can you improve your prayer and meditation routine?
POEM – STILL STANDING – Written by Latisha Porter
This poem was written based on Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God.
Despite what my life may look like from your perspective, I am still standing.
I have endured heartache and pain, but yet I am still standing.
I have been broken time and time again, but yet I am still standing.
I have known hardship and I have lost myself time and time again, but yet I am still standing.
I have experienced hurt like no other from a defiant child that I chose to adopt, but yet I am still standing.
I have suffered the loss of my parents which put a huge hole in my heart, but yet I am still standing.
I have struggled through the grieving process, anxiety and depression, but yet I am still standing.
I am standing on God’s Word and His principles which gives me inner strength to move forward in life and my faith which gives me these inspiring words to encourage you as well.
Remember my friend, God will make a way for you and me, we need only to be patient and be still.
JOURNAL TO OVERCOME GRIEF: A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO HEALING
No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. – Faraaz Kazi
Journal To Overcome Grief: A Personal Journey to Healing can be purchased via Amazon.com. This beautiful grief journal includes thought provoking journal prompts and quotes that will help you navigate life after loss.
There will be times when you’ll want to cry and other times when you’ll smile as you explore your personal reflections. This is a unique way to honor your loved one and connect with their spirit through writing while creating your own personal keepsake for years to come.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Please share what you escape from as you write, think or just meditate. How do you plan to escape the challenges of life? What is holding you back from journaling? I look forward to reading your comments and 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).
