Category: Mindfulness Meditation

9 Benefits of Journal Writing

9 Benefits of Journal Writing

Latisha1 Reply
Renew Inspiration, 9 Benefits of Journal Writing, Journaling, Journal, Notebook
Renew Inspiration

Journal writing, when it becomes a ritual for transformation, is not only life-changing but life-expanding. – Jennifer 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! Getting started with journal writing can be frustrating for some people, but also can be life changing for others. I’ve learned when experiencing life challenges and temporary setbacks, it’s important to reflect on your amazing life as a whole, then write your thoughts and how you feel in your journal regularly. Journal writing will help you become wiser, be more enlightened, and be a better version of yourself.

In addition, journal writing also can help you to:

    • Preserve your memories
    • Improve your writing skills
    • Sharpen your senses
    • Understand your mood changes
    • Set the tone for your day

***CLICK HERE to get your FREE Journal Prompts download!***

9 BENEFITS OF JOURNAL WRITING

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

When doing anything in life, having a personal and well-defined purpose will encourage you to stick to it. After all, life is an endless journey and each day starts a new chapter in your life. Journal writing allows you to track patterns, trends, improvement and growth over time. By regularly recording your thoughts you will gain insight into your behaviors and moods. Journal writing may also provide the following benefits throughout your journey:

#1 Learn How to Practice Mindfulness & Meditation

Writing in your journal brings you into a peaceful state of mindfulness; past frustrations and future anxieties lose their edge in the present moment. Journal writing and mindfulness can assist you with developing a deeper connection with yourself as well.

  • What thought patterns do you have and how do they impact your life?
  • How can you improve your mindset so you can love yourself more?
  • What can make you develop a deeper connection with yourself?

#2 Include Self-Discipline in Your Lifestyle

Developing a set time to write in your journal is an act of self-discipline. The more you exercise this healthy habit, the better you become as a person. Your daily writing practice will spread to other areas of your life.

  • What do you really need to change in your life?
  • How do you plan to improve self-discipline?
  • What good habit do you want to develop over time?

#3 Achieve Goals & Dreams

Journal writing allows you to write down your personal goals and pursue your dreams so you can develop a solid plan to reach them.

  • What do you need to believe to accomplish this goal/dream?
  • What kind of energy could you approach this goal/dream with?
  • If you believed it was possible, what actions would you take to achieve your goals/dreams?

#4 Brainstorm Ideas & Organize Thoughts

Writing in your journal is a great way to help you brainstorm ideas and organize thoughts by keeping them in one safe place. At any point, you can go back to your journal to find connections, reminders, and to help birth new ideas.

  • Do you prefer to brainstorm ideas & organize thoughts during your writing process?
  • Do you think journal writing helps you sort through problems that may occur in life?
  • How often do you use journal writing to brainstorm ideas & organize your thoughts?

#5 Reduce Stressful Situations

If you allow yourself to write in your journal daily, you will reduce stressful situations in your life. Journal writing will help you to release all your negative thoughts and feelings so you will not keep them held up inside.

  • What can you do to reduce stress in your life?
  • What is one behavior that you need to let go of?
  • What methods do you use to reduce stress?

#6 Be Inspired and Spark Your Creativity

When you make the decision to be inspired, you will open up the flow of creativity in your life. Allow time to write in your journal every morning and in the evening before going to bed. This process will help you be consistent with your creative flow and explore many possibilities that exist within your environment.

  • What gives you inspiration on any given day?
  • How do you spark your creativity throughout your journey?
  • What helps you open up the flow of creativity in your life?

#7 Schedule Time for Self-Reflection

Pouring your inner thoughts and feelings out in your journal is a form of self-reflection. You may choose to look back at your journal entries and think about how you’ve changed as a person. Self-reflection can also result in mental clarity and allows writers to reconnect within.

  • What is your greatest quest in life?
  • What is your vision for your life in the next 3 years?
  • What advice do you need to give to yourself right now in this very moment?

 #8 Work Towards Total Healing

Journal writing is an expressive way to reduce stress in your life and guide you to a permanent form of healing. Remember, consistency is key to seeing life changing results.

  • What can you do to nurture your mind, body, and spirit more?
  • What is holding you back from total healing?
  • Are you willing to participate in the healing process often?

#9 Express Gratitude Daily

Journal writing is a positive way to express gratitude in your life. It is important to start every day with an attitude of gratitude. Whether it is big or small, find at least one thing to express gratitude about every day.

  • What are you grateful for today?
  • What do you value or appreciate?
  • Who has helped you in life?

Now, close your eyes and clear your mind. Be honest with yourself and be willing to feel the words within your soul. If you allow yourself to escape for a moment, you may free yourself from emotional bondage. After a few writing sessions, you will find it easier to process your internal feelings and emotions easier.

BONUS – 5 TIPS FOR CREATING HEALTHY WRITING HABITS

Create healthy habits, not restrictions. – Unknown Author

It’s time to learn why creating healthy writing habits are so important to improve your overall lifestyle. People set out with the best intentions but often times fail to keep the momentum going throughout life. But why? Remember, when you start to create healthy writing habits, your enthusiasm is high, and you’re motivated to see positive changes within your life. Be patient and allow yourself to make mistakes along the way.

Here’s 5 tips to keep in mind when creating healthy writing habits:

Tip #1 – Start with a realistic, small and attainable writing goal.

Tip #2 – Write down your goal(s) and work them into your daily schedule.

Tip #3 – Track your progress in a journal, notebook or online.

Tip #4 – Figure out strategies to overcome what might temporarily hold you back.

Tip #5 – Reward yourself often for small victories.

Forgive yourself if you slip up and keep trying. Giving up is not an option. Our greatest capacity to have influence over our health is with creating healthy habits, not restrictions.

***CLICK HERE to get your FREE Journal Prompts download!***

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Journal writing is a wonderful pathway to self-awareness. – Rand Olson

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 thoughts stand in the way of your happiness?
  • What takes your mind away from positive or peaceful thoughts?
  • What is one thing you can do this week to improve your meditation time?

BODY

  • What is happening in your body right now?
  • How can you honor your body on today?
  • Does your self-care need improvement? Why or why not?

SPIRIT

  • What are you grateful for on today?
  • What do you need to be free from so you can surrender to God?
  • How much are you trusting God with your life right now?

 SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time. – Mina Murray

Have you experienced any of these benefits while journal writing? How often do you write in your journal? Do you plan to continue journal writing as a part of your daily routine? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Copyright © 2021 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Fall Into Journaling

Fall Into Journaling

Latisha16 Replies
Renew Inspiration, Fall Into Journaling, Purpose, Benefits, Journal Prompts
Renew Inspiration

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 choose to feel good about myself each day. – Louise Hay

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! When I think of the fall season, I think of change. As I look outside my window, I notice the leaves falling from the trees and changing colors. As I step outside, I notice the weather getting cooler and we are seeing sunlight less and less each day.

DETERMINE YOUR PURPOSE

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

Let’s take this time to fall into 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 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?

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.

JOURNALING TIPS

Journaling is paying attention to the inside for the purpose of living well from the inside out. – Lee Wise

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.
  • 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.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

JOURNALING BENEFITS

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

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.

FINAL THOUGHTS

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

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

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Everything you’ve ever wanted, is one step outside your comfort zone. – 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. In addition, 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 thoughts? 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?

 AMAZON RESOURCE #3

 SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

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

Let’s talk. Have you taken the time to determine your 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).

Copyright © 2020 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Anxiety On The Rise

Anxiety On The Rise

Latisha3 Replies
Renew Inspiration, Anxiety, Stress, Panic, Fear, Coronavirus, Hope, Kindness, Happiness
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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).

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength. – Charles Spurgeon

Thought for today – Believe that you are stronger than your anxiety.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I pray that you and your families are staying healthy during this difficult time. Let’s face it, the rapid spread of the coronavirus has increased anxiety, wide-spread panic, fear and stress for most people around the United States and abroad. In fact, 70% of adults in the United States feel some level of stress and anxiety daily. People are nervous and scared which is a normal response to the issue at hand.

I don’t know about you, but I will be the first to tell you that my anxiety is on the rise, but it is also silent within. I try not to let my family, friends or co-workers know when my anxiety level increases. Today, I will not allow anxiety to dictate how I feel or how I interact with others. Today, I will not stress over things I cannot control. Instead, I choose to spread love, hope, peace, comfort, joy, happiness, kindness, encouragement and inspiration through my Renew Inspiration blog.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1

COMMON CAUSES OF ANXIETY

Anxiety has the ability to keep you from enjoying life and doing things you enjoy. – Unknown Author

Before you can work through an issue, it is important to understand what the issue is and how it can impact you as a whole. So, what is anxiety? Well, anxiety is defined as a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension; Feeling of worry; Fear characterized by behavioral disturbances.

It is important to note, that while there can be many causes for anxiety all around us, here’s some common causes of anxiety that often times impacts our lives or someone close to us:

• Stress that can result from work, school or personal relationships.

• Emotional trauma in our lives.

• Financial concerns.

• A chronic or serious medical condition.

• A major event or performance.

• Side effect of certain medications.

Be open and honest to your loved ones if your anxiety begins to interrupt your life on any level. Do not ever think you’re alone because you’re not. Overcome your fear by taking a step to work through this difficult chapter in your life’s story.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY

Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action. – Walter Anderson

Next, I want to provide the symptoms of anxiety to help you become aware of how you are feeling or if you notice any of these symptoms in others. Unfortunately, high levels of anxiety can cause various health conditions and/or symptoms, such as:

• Panic attacks

• Depression

• Constant and excessive worrying

• Feeling exhausted and fatigue

• Increase stress

• Restlessness

• Insomnia and non-restorative sleep

• Irritability

• Lack of concentration

• Irrational fears and phobias

• Avoiding social situations

It’s important to analyze these symptoms very closely. If you feel the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life activities and continues for at least 6 months, you may want to consider seeing a licensed health professional.

HOW ANXIETY CAN MANIPULATE YOU

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

Moreover, many people deal with anxiety on so many levels, and in some cases, they deal with this condition alone. Unfortunately, anxiety often times manipulates you by showing you the following:

• Self-doubt – Anxiety makes us question ourselves and our beliefs.

• Fear – Anxiety takes what is dear to you and makes you afraid of losing it.

• Worries – Anxiety can take a thought and turn it into excessive worries.

• Control – We don’t need our fears to manifest. Then, we strive to control everything.

Similar to the symptoms as noted above, it’s important to analyze how you’re feeling and request help from a licensed health professional so you can cope with life better.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

WAYS TO REDUCE ANXIETY

Smile, breathe and go slowly. – Thich Nhat Hanh

Now, that we know the common causes for anxiety and the symptoms, it is important to find ways to reduce anxiety so we can live more productive lives.

Here’s some ways to help reduce anxiety:

• Increase your faith, read scripture and pray.

• Eat well-balanced diets.

• Add a daily exercise or yoga routine.

• Take medications or supplements that are prescribed by a licensed doctor.

• Enjoy aromatherapy by lighting a candle using essential oils (lavender, sandalwood, rose, roman chamomile, geranium, orange blossom).

• Express yourself and how you are feeling using a gratitude journal.

• Spend quality time with family and friends.

• Laugh and find the humor in every day life.

• Learn to avoid procrastination and prioritize what needs to be done.

• Practice mindfulness and deep breathing techniques.

• Listen to soothing music.

• Maintain a positive attitude.

It’s important to take mental breaks as often as possible. Take a deep breath and remember to go easy on yourself. What ever you do today, let it be enough.

AMAZON RESOURCE #4

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. Everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

• Do you suffer from anxiety? If so, how do you work through it.

• What are some of life challenges and/or triggers that increase your anxiety?

• How do you plan to overcome your anxiety?

• Interview your past & future self by asking questions that you need answers to.

• Use colorful markers or pens to write out all the things that make you happy.

Remember, to take care of yourself throughout this stressful time. Click on the image below to receive some Positive Affirmations. Read them daily until they resonate in your spirit. Then, share them with others. Write a comment below to let me know how my Renew Inspiration blog has helped you. Let’s overcome anxiety by sharing positive vibes, not panic or fear.

 

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Copyright © 2020 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Be Mindful

Be Mindful

Latisha5 Replies
Be Mindful, Renew Inspiration, Meditation, Stones, Water, Relaxation
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Everything you need, your courage, strength, compassion and love; everything you need is already within 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).

BENEFITS OF MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

The real meditation practice is how we live our lives from moment to moment to moment. – Jon Kabat-Zinn

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! For the last couple of weeks, I have been practicing meditation each day thanks to my wonderful friend Ray at therayjourney.com – #TheRayChallenge – Small steps, BIG changes. I have to admit, practicing meditation daily has given me a new look on life.

Today, let’s spread the word about how to be mindful in every day living can help people who suffer from anxiety and depression. So, what is mindfulness? Mindfulness is a type of meditation that involves using the senses to pay attention to what’s happening around you and inside you, in the here and now.

Here’s some benefits of mindfulness meditation:

• Get better sleep.

• Lower stress levels.

• Banish temporary negative feelings.

• Improve attention to details.

• Manage chronic pain.

• Reduce anxiety and help prevent depression relapse.

• Make progress toward your weight-loss goals.


LIVE IN THE MOMENT

Mindfulness is being present without judgment in every moment. – Unknown Author

In addition, to be mindful is a way of being with yourself and perceiving the world around you that can help you live your life more peacefully and with greater balance. Well, as I researched the mindfulness concept, I kept coming across the words “LIVE IN THE MOMENT”. I do realize that if you suffer from anxiety or depression, it is quite difficult to just live in the moment from day to day.

Here’s some ways to help you live in the moment:

• Take small steps throughout the process or transition.

• Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

• Try to embrace the freshness of each day.

• Analyze beauty of now in this very moment.

• Do everything with pure joy and happiness.

• Accept your weak points or imperfections in life, then work on them one at a time.

• Strive to free yourself from all distracting thoughts by journaling your true feelings.

TO BE MINDFUL IS NOT

You must learn to master a new way to think before you can master a new way to be. – Marianne Williamson

Now, it is important to really understand what it truly means to be mindful and what mindful is not. To be mindful is living in your present moment rather than in your anxious thoughts and feelings. Also, to be mindful allows you to explore, invite, and be compassionate with anxiety and difficult emotions, which in turn reduces their power over us.

Here are some examples of what to be mindful is not:

• A quick-fix trick – It’s important to keep practicing mindfulness over time.

• Religious – It’s not part of a religion and it does not involve beliefs or practices that conflict with any religion.

• Something separate from you – The capacity to be mindful comes from within.

• Time-Limited – The more you practice mindfulness, the better it works.

• Something you have to drop everything for – Mindfulness is a mindset and way of life that fits in with where you are and what you’re doing.

• A magic wand or cure-all – It’s an effective tool that you can use to choose your focus, reduce anxiety, and still face problems but live a quality life.

• Just for people who are already relaxed – Mindfulness is a powerful way of taking charge of your anxiety and helping you become relaxed and full of inner peace.

• Always easy – Mindfulness is a skill that must be developed over time, so don’t give up.

WAYS TO BE MINDFUL THROUGHOUT LIFE

No amount of guilt can change the past and no amount of anxiety can change the future. – Unknown Author

Every day we have many opportunities to practice mindfulness. Have you ever wondered what it means to live in the present? Well, here’s some ways to be mindful throughout life:

• Observe your breathing throughout the day. You momentarily free yourself from your thoughts, worries and fears. The quality of our breath tells us a lot about our state of being. When the breath is slow and steady, we are calm and peaceful. When the breath is constricted, we are tense.

• When possible, eat silently and slowly. Eat nourishing food and taste every bite. Enjoy the smell of your food and how it looks on your plate. Think about the texture of the food. Recognize your non-hunger triggers to break compulsive overeating.

• Notice your outside environment – sunlight, rain, the wind, trees, sights and sounds. What is your state of mind and your thoughts as you run your daily errands? Are you in the present moment or thinking about what you will be doing next?

• Walk mindfully by paying attention to the movement of your body and your surroundings. Notice as your feet connect with and leave the ground. Feel your muscles moving and supporting you.

• Listen wholeheartedly. Next time you’re in a conversation, make it your goal to fully listen to what the other person is saying to you, without getting lost in your thoughts. Trust that you will know the right thing to say next when it’s your turn to speak.

• Get lost in the flow of doing things you love. We all have certain activities we love doing. They connect us with our inner spirit and bring us fully alive. Whether it is cooking, dancing, singing, gardening, journaling, writing, painting, swimming or sewing, schedule time to do it and enjoy it.

• Meditate daily. There’s no getting around it, meditation has huge benefits and increases your levels of energy, happiness, inspiration and inner peace. Remember, even 10 minutes per day can have a positive impact on your life.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Remember to take care of yourself. You can’t pour from an empty cup. – 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 everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

• What do you think your life would be like if you didn’t have anxiety or depression?

• What do I need more of in my life?

• What positive changes have you made or experienced in the past year? month? week?

• Write about one thing that you look forward to every day.

• Write about something that you forgive yourself for.

• Write about at least 3 things that help you feel better when things are difficult.

Be mindful as you live each day, use the power of visualization to reach for your dreams and aspirations. On the flip side, end your day on a positive note by writing down what you are thankful for and taking time for self-reflection. Strive each day to be the best you can be. Be present in the moment, minimize stress levels, and appreciate the beauty life offers.

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Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Copyright © 2020 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved