Category: Self-Reflection

Fall Season Reflections

Fall Season Reflections

Latisha4 Replies

Fall Image, Candle, Planner, Leaf, Flower

Life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall. – F. Scott Fitzgerald

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Thought to Ponder – If you feel like you’re losing everything, remember that trees lose their leaves every year, but they still stand tall and wait for better days to come.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! What better time to start back writing and posting on my blog than during the fall season. On Sunday, November 3, 2024, our clocks will move back an hour at 2 a.m., and we will gain an hour of sleep as we “fall back”. This annual time change begins in March when we “spring forward” an hour and ends in November when we “fall back” an hour. The purpose of this process is to extend daylight hours during conventional waking time in the summer months. Unfortunately, that time change twice a year will come at a cost to our internal body clock and our daily routines.

FALL SEASON REFLECTIONS AND LIFE LESSONS

The falling leaves are like nature’s confetti celebrating the season of change. – Unknown Author

I have to admit, fall is my favorite season. I love the coolness in the air and the mental cleansing that I strive for as I experience change all around me. Have you ever just looked at nature (the trees, flowers, animals, grass) during the fall season? Taking just a moment each day in nature to reflect on the changes happening around you, you will learn a lot about your very existence which turns into life lessons.

Here’s a few examples of how reflections of the fall season can provide you with life lessons:

  • Radiate Beauty – There’s so much beauty outdoors. Take a moment and reflect on the fall colors and textures, then capture your own beauty, creativity and awareness during this time of natural change.
  • Let Go – Allow yourself to release anything and anybody from your presence that do not help you to grow and flourish. Once you release, you will naturally enjoy fresh new beginnings in life that will allow you to grow and mature.
  • Find Balance – As you go through life, it’s important to reflect on a healthy balance in life so that you can enjoy family, work, and personal time without feeling guilty.
  • God’s Blessing – It’s always good to reflect on God’s Blessings but fall brings more awareness to change and healthy relationships. Always strive to find healthy ways to improve your life as it relates to family, friendships, guidance, etc.

 HEALTHY WAYS TO TRANSITION DURING DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

The secret to living well is – eat half, walk double, laugh triple and love without measure. – Tibetan Proverb

However, for many people, the end of daylight savings time may increase cases of depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), cluster headaches, and other health concerns, such as drowsiness and irritability. Even though there’s nothing you can do to fully compensate for the sudden time change, it’s important to make this experience as healthy as you can.

Here’s some healthy ways to transition during daylight savings time:

  • Advance Preparation for the fall time change. Move your clock backwards on Saturday night and think about readjusting your bedtime to better align with the time change.
  • Don’t stay up later. Be sure to go to bed on time. Allow your body to readjust to the time change in a healthy way.
  •  Limit all alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine on the Saturday before. These items can impact your ability to fall asleep and they can also trigger headaches.
  •  Get a lot of sunshine. Go outside and get a lot of sunshine. If it’s too cold, open your blinds. Try to go for walks during the day to help boost your mood and energy.
  • Exercise daily. Mild exercise, such as walking can help keep you from crashing on the couch after work.
  • Ditch the naps. Although a power nap during the day is tempting, don’t do it. If you get tired, get up and take a walk or do a vigorous exercise routine.
  • Resist sleeping in. Do not sleep in. Get up like you normally do. It’s important to jump right into your daily routine.
  • Adjust lighting. Adjusting the amount of light and dark in your home/office can help make the transition less difficult.

AFFIRMATIONS

Fall is a reminder that change is inevitable, but growth is optional. – Unknown Author

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:

  • Every day is a fresh start to realign with your purpose.
  • I have the power to create change within me.
  • I am open to new beginnings.
  • I ground myself in the present moment and nurture my inner self.
  • I embody warmth, peace, and serenity.
  • I embrace the beauty of change and watch my life transform into greatness.
  • I am in perfect harmony with the rhythm of life.
  • I let go of old habits and welcome new, healthier ones.
  • I am like the trees, letting go of what I no longer need to grow.
  • I release the weight of negativity and allow positivity to fill my heart.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

We all change colors and lose our leaves…then we bloom again. – Maria Lago

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 in your life makes you feel alive and energized?
  • What can you do to take better care of yourself?
  • What is going on well in your life right now?
  • What advice should you give yourself right now?
  • What is your vision for the next 3 months?

WRITER & BLOGGER CORNER

Kit is the go-to marketing hub for creators that helps you start, grow, automate, and monetize your audience with ease. Start your free 14-day trial today. No credit card required. Cancel anytime. Grow your audience using beautiful landing pages and sign-up forms that make your creative work standout. In addition, you will have access to helpful articles, tutorials, and the Creator University for lifetime learning opportunities.

Pixistock is a valuable membership resource that provides original content ideas for creators, such as a content planner, content tutorials, access to free stock photos library, Canva templates, email templates, training videos, Master courses, and private forums that helps speed up the content creation process.

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).

Copyright © 2024 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Mindfulness Journaling

Mindfulness Journaling

Latisha2 Replies
White Flowers, Open Journal Book, Silver Pen
Mindfulness Journaling, Renew Inspiration

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 MINDFULNESS JOURNALING.

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.

White Flowers, Open Journal Book, Silver Pen
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

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 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

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).

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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!

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 © 2024 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Undeserved Grace

Undeserved Grace

Latisha6 Replies

Undeserved Grace, Renew Inspiration

One day in God’s grace is equivalent to a thousand days of striving by your own efforts. – Joseph Prince

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Thought to Ponder – God’s grace is new each day. Walk in grace, live in love.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! As I sit here focusing on my writing, I keep thinking about how good God is to all of us. Sometimes we go through each day without even acknowledging God’s presence in our lives or simply just giving God thanks.

Despite how we sometimes act, God still loves us unconditionally and shows us grace. Grace is that attribute of God that enables us to break free of our sinful nature and follow God’s lead. Grace gives us strength, protection, and much needed direction. Most importantly, undeserved grace changes everything in our lives and all around us.

DEFINITION – GRACE

Let’s begin with establishing the definition of GRACE.

GRACE (noun): The free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings.

God’s grace is adequate for anything and everything that you experience in this life. Despite what prompted the hurt or disappointment in your life, know that with time God’s undeserved grace can bring peace, hope, and healing.

GOD’S EXTRAVAGANT GIFT – HIS UNDESERVED GRACE

Grace is a free gift of God, but to receive a gift you must have open hands. – Philip Yancey

God does not withdraw His grace when you stumble or fall. Instead, acting with grace and mercy, God gently picks you up and enables you to take the next step moving forward. You can always find at God’s throne of grace whatever help you need whenever you need it. You can run to God in times of trouble, when your heart is broken, when you’re at life’s crossroads or during the darkest and loneliest nights. Remember, God is waiting for you with open arms to offer you an extravagant gift: His grace. The best thing about that, it cost Him everything, but it costs us nothing. The only payback God asks from us is that we reach out and take the gift. Then, rest assured knowing that you are saved through God’s love and grace.

Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the Messiah’s gift. Ephesians 4:7

Spiritual growth begins with salvation given to us as a gift from God. Our daily spiritual growth is also utterly dependent on God’s grace. There are many ways to increase one’s spiritual growth through grace, such as reading God’s Word, allowing God’s Word to dwell in you, and staying in prayer through good and bad times. It’s important to have a clear and thorough understanding throughout this process. Keeping an open mind and meditating on God’s Word will allow you to apply God’s grace in your life so you can break free from mental, emotional and physical bondage.

God's grace quote.

ACCEPT GOD’S GRACE

I don’t know exactly what’s next but I’m stepping forward with grit, anchored in grace. -Julie Graham

Grace is more powerful than sin. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. You don’t have to be perfect, only be a willing vessel and accept God’s grace. God’s grace will break chains in your life that often times keep you stuck with no healthy outlet and give you the freedom you deserve. You can accept God’s grace by doing the following:

JUST ASK – Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” God waits on you to make a request. Jesus treats your past and mistakes you made with grace. Jesus have already taken the weight of it all and left it on the cross.

THROUGH FORGIVENESS – Trust God’s grace by receiving forgiveness. Learn how to forgive yourself and clear your conscience.

PRAISE & WORSHIP – Take time to sing, dance or write God a love note. Express yourself to God often in your own way. Open your heart to receive God’s love and goodness.

The more grace we have and ask God for, the more mature as Christians we will be. I thank God, in His grace, has given us His Son to save us, His Spirit to dwell within us, His Word to instruct us, and His people to encourage us. Hope you will accept God’s grace so your life will be blessed for years to come.

AFFIRMATIONS

God’s grace, quite simply, is God’s mercy and goodness toward us. – Billy Graham

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 grace affirmations to help you get started:

  • I allow and embrace the grace of God.
  • I am using God’s grace to navigate through life.
  • I carry myself with poise, grace, and dignity.
  • I see all the beauty and grace which is around me with loving gratitude.
  • I live my life with grace, elegance and perfect peace.
  • I am thankful for the limitless overflowing source of grace and abundance.
  • I am always creating a new course of action through God’s love, guidance, and grace.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Grace gives kindness to ourselves and others even when it’s hard. – Unknown Author

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!

  •  What has prevented you from accepting God’s undeserved grace?
  • How can you show yourself grace throughout your life journey?
  • What does God’s grace feel like? sound like? smell like? taste like? look like?
  • How can you trust God today and receive His grace, love, and kindness?
  • What do you need to mute in your life in order to hear God’s voice?

WRITER & BLOGGER CORNER

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ConvertKit is the go-to marketing hub for creators that helps you start, grow, automate, and monetize your audience with ease. Start your free 14-day trial today. No credit card required. Cancel anytime. Grow your audience using beautiful landing pages and sign-up forms that make your creative work standout. In addition, you will have access to helpful articles, tutorials, and the Creator University for lifetime learning opportunities.

Pixistock Logo

Pixistock is a valuable membership resource that provides original content ideas for creators, such as a content planner, content tutorials, access to free stock photos library, Canva templates, email templates, training videos, Master courses, and private forums that helps speed up the content creation process.

SELF-REFLECTION MOMENT

Let’s Talk. God’s grace is sufficient. Without God’s grace, we will not have growth and we would be lost souls. 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. How has reading God’s Word, praying and journal writing brought you closer to God? What can you let go of and give it to God in order to have a clean heart? 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 reading your responses!

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 © 2024 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

How to Increase Faith and Decrease Fear

How to Increase Faith and Decrease Fear

Latisha8 Replies
Pink and yellow flower with white background
Image was found via Pinterest.com

God is still writing your story. Don’t let go of your faith because of what you have to see. – 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 – 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.

Faith Affirmation
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.

The Roller Coaster Effect Book Image
Amazon.com

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.
Journal To Overcome Grief
Amazon.com

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!

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 © 2024 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Journaling to Heal Within

Journaling to Heal Within

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Renew Inspiration, Journaling to Heal Within

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

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

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, let’s talk about journaling to heal within. 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. Journaling is an effective way to accelerate your emotional healing.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1

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. There’s a lot of benefits of journaling, but 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 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:

  • Tip 1 – 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
  • Tip 2 – Let it all out; Allow your thoughts to flow freely and write about anything
  • Tip 3 – Dedicate time and write regularly; Try to write in your journal on a regular basis; Every day is ideal
  • Tip 4 – 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)
  • Tip 5 – 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? It’s important to allow yourself to feel and to express yourself honestly throughout this process. For example, I survived throughout my journey 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, this is a personal journey. It’s important for you to find your safe place and surround yourself with God’s love, peace, and joy.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

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

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 is something that has been weighing on your mind lately?
  • What do you see as your biggest accomplishment?
  • 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?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

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

Sharing is caring. I would love to hear from you. Please answer these questions in the comment section. You never know, your comment may help someone else along their journey. Journaling can help you heal within so you can overcome any obstacle that you face in life. Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges in life? If so, please share your experience(s). What advice would you give yourself to begin the healing process? After reading this blog post, what resonates with 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 © 2022 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

11 Ways To Practice Self-Love

11 Ways To Practice Self-Love

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Renew Inspiration, 11 Ways To Practice Self-Love

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 a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s welcome February in with a discussion centered around self-love. When I think of February, I immediately think about Valentine’s Day and the concept of buying gifts for the people we love. But a thought came across my mind this week. What about spending some quality time this month focusing on self-love?

Self-love is 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.

WHAT IS SELF-LOVE

Self-love is the source of all other loves. – Pierre Corneille

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, self-love can be defined as an appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue. In other words, self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological, and spiritual growth.

Self-love can also mean:

  • Having a high regard for your own well-being and happiness.
  • Not settling for less than you deserve.
  • A transparent way that cultivates a mindset of gratitude.
  • The way we see ourselves and how we treat ourselves.
  • Having a safe place for you to share self-reflection moments.
  • Taking care of your own needs and not sacrificing your well-being to please others.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – SELF-LOVE WORKBOOK FRO WOMEN

SELF-LOVE EXAMPLES

To love yourself is to understand you don’t need to be perfect to be good. – Unknown Author

Now, here’s something else to think about. Self-love, self-respect, self-worth, self-care…What does all these words have in common? 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. 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.

Here’s some self-love examples to help you get started on this journey:

  • Prioritize yourself and designate time to do things that make you happy.
  • Spend quality time with people who make you smile and laugh.
  • Give yourself a break from self-judgement.
  • Speak to yourself in a positive and loving manner.
  • Trust yourself enough to make the right choices and decisions.
  • Always be true to yourself and respect your values.
  • Set healthy boundaries in all of your relationships.
  • Show yourself some grace and forgive yourself often.
  • Read an inspirational book or listen to an uplifting podcast.
  • Give yourself a positive pep talk each day by reciting affirmations.
  • Spend time reflecting on your life while writing in your journal.

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. Why you ask? Because you deserve a happy and fulfilled life.

WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-LOVE

You alone are enough. You have nothing to prove to anyone. – Maya Angelou

Moreover, self-love is important to living a well-balanced life. Would you agree? After all, everyone needs to practice self-love at some time or another, right? 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 shortcomings, are more centered in our life purpose and values, and expect living fulfillment through our own efforts.

Here’s some ways to practice self-love:

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Calm your mind. Spend time in prayer, meditation, reading, or writing. You can try writing in your journal, walking outside, practicing breathing exercises or yoga.
  • Set healthy boundaries. You’ll love yourself more when you set limits or say no to work, love, or activities that deplete you physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
  • Step outside your comfort zone. Never be afraid to step out and try new things.
  • Protect yourself at all times. Protect yourself by allowing the right people into your life.
  • Forgive yourself. Practice being less hard on yourself when you make a mistake. 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.
  • Accept compliments. Don’t be shy. If someone gives you a compliment, accept it and know that you are worthy to be admired.
  • 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. You need to establish your living intentions, to do this.

I have found that when I make time to practice self-love on a regular basis, I am a better wife, mom, friend, and co-worker. I am more disciplined throughout my day, feel rested, and ready to conquer the world.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – SELF-LOVE POETRY

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 that I’ve given you some inspiration to become a better person within your own skin.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3 – A SELF-LOVE JOURNAL

TIME FOR REFLECTION – 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. Keep in mind that this is a journey, and everyone takes their own path.  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?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS/COMMENTS

Sharing is caring. I would love to hear from you. Please answer these questions in the comment section. You never know, your comment may help someone else along their journey. How do you plan to practice self-love? What are some of your favorite self-love affirmations? After reading this blog post, what resonates with 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 © 2022 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Improve Personal Growth Through Self-Reflection

Improve Personal Growth Through Self-Reflection

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Renew Inspiration, Improve Personal Growth Through Self-Reflection
Renew Inspiration

Self-reflection is a humbling process. It’s essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things…then, better yourself. – Unknown Author

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

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Happy New Year! It has been a few weeks since I’ve written or posted an inspirational blog post for you. Unfortunately, I’ve had some family issues arise that needed my full attention and for that I truly apologize. Before I dive into my topic today, I want to express appreciation for ALL OF YOU who have taken the time to read, subscribe, and follow my Renew Inspiration blog. It really means a lot to me. My prayer each and every day is to find the right words to say to help you along this journey called life. I look forward to reading your personal thoughts and experiences in the blog comment section for each post. It’s not only refreshing to hear your point of view, but it is also healthy to have on-going dialogue with one another.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can improve personal growth through self-reflection. Am I happy or sad? Am I willing to make the necessary changes that are needed to excel in all aspects of my life? Am I content right now or willing to step out of my comfort zone to explore new endeavors? These are just a few questions that I have found myself thinking about over the last couple of months.

Have you ever just sat down in a quiet place and allowed yourself to think without interruption? This process is called self-reflection. It’s really important to spend quality time in self-reflection mode so you can:

    • Increase self-awareness
    • Gain clarity inside and out
    • Make positive changes in your life
    • Develop genuine self-confidence
    • Present new perspectives and insight
    • Offer up a glimpse into your soul in its purest form
    • Provide a safe outlet for your personal thoughts and feelings
    • Give a creative space of self-expression without criticism

AMAZON RESOURCE #1 – A Year of Self-Reflection Journal

DEFINE SELF-REFLECTION

Time spent in self-reflection is never wasted. It is an intimate date with yourself. – Paul TP Wong

Before moving forward, I think it is important to understand what self-reflection is before you can commit to practicing it on a regular basis.

Self-reflection (noun):

Meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions, and motives.

To take it a step further, you must be willing to learn more about your fundamental nature, purpose, and essence of life. Take a moment and look in a mirror. What do you see? You see a reflection of who you are on the outside. For example, you notice your physical facial features, the color of your skin, your hair color and style, etc. However, self-reflection is not only your outward appearance, but it is a way of assessing yourself deep within – mind, body, and spirit. In addition, re-evaluate your goals, attitude, and mindset often. Then, don’t be afraid to make appropriate and necessary changes that will help to improve your personal growth.

HEALTHY WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-REFLECTION

Life is only a reflection of what we allow ourselves to see. – Paul TP Wong

As you begin to improve personal growth through self-reflection, you will notice a shift in your mindset, an increase of positivity in your life, and discover a deeper connection within. Here’s some healthy ways to practice self-reflection throughout your journey:

  • Prayer and meditation – Take a moment to quiet your mind, read a scripture, pray, and meditate. Allow your mind, body, and spirit to only connect with God so you can hear His voice.
  • Yoga and exercise – Every day is important to do some form of yoga and exercise. Movement gives you more energy and helps keep you healthy.
  • Reading inspirational books – Reading keeps your brain healthy, but reading inspirational books also keeps you in a positive mood.
  • Reciting positive affirmations – Reciting positive affirmations will give you hope and encourage you to focus on your goals/dreams.
  • Listening to music – Music can be soothing and a great way to calm your spirit.
  • Writing or journaling – Writing is a form of self-expression. Capture every moment of your life in a journal so you can pause to reflect on the good times and make changes to avoid bad situations.
  • Listening to an inspirational podcast – Strive to be inspired by listening to your favorite and uplifting podcast. Listen to what your mind, body, and spirit needs, but also listen to your heart.
  • Drawing and painting – Showing your creative side will help to open your mind to different aspects of life. You become calm and relaxed as if you have no care in the world.
  • Vision board – Create a vision board so you can have a road map to success. Be creative and use pictures from magazines or from online, quotes, goals, etc.

FIND YOUR ZONE FOR SELF-REFLECTION

Honest self-reflection opens your mind to reprogramming, change, success, and freedom. – Vikas Runwal

As we stated before, self-reflection is a personal way for you to learn more about yourself. It’s important to find your zone and comfort level so you can reap the positive benefits of self-reflection. Here’s some helpful tips:

    • Tip 1 – Be honest with yourself and with the process. Honesty is key to success. It’s important to remind yourself how things are going and how you are behaving throughout the process.
    • Tip 2 – Notice behavior patterns. Be aware of your behavior patterns so you can strengthen the positive/healthy ones and remove the negative/unhealthy ones from your life.
    • Tip 3 – Be able to articulate your core values. Take time to identify what’s most important to you so you can evaluate if you’re living those values throughout life. Your lifestyle has to shift at some point, and you should notice the change from the inside out.
    • Tip 4 – Be forgiving. Be gentle with yourself when you don’t seem to get it right along the journey. Offer yourself patience, forgiveness, and grace. Remember, we’re all human and we all make mistakes.
    • Tip 5 – Keep track of your self-reflection. Start a journal where you record your observations and monitor your personal growth throughout this process.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – 52 Weeks of Self-Reflection 

 TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

 My body is healthy, my mind is focused, my soul is calm. – 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!

MIND

  • What are you thinking right now in this very moment?
  • What thought patterns do you have and how do they impact your life?
  • How does meditation guide you through your day?
  • Has your mind spent more time today focused on the past, present or future?
  • How do you deal with difficult thoughts or failures?

BODY

  • How do you feel right now in this very moment?
  • What is one old habit you want to eliminate in your life?
  • What do you consider to be your most challenging flaw?
  • How often do you exercise during the week?
  • How do you relax your body?

SPIRIT

  • Are you spiritually grounded right now in this very moment?
  • What is something you need to be free from and surrender to God today?
  • What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
  • Are there areas of your life where you need to learn to trust in God?
  • How has journaling helped you get closer to being spiritually grounded?

Instead of doubt, sadness, anxiety, and depression, choose to improve personal growth through self-reflection to help you cope with life challenges. You will think differently, feel better, and strengthen your spiritual being. Your whole being will thank you and those people surrounding you each day will thank you as well. Peace, love and blessings!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS

As I stated before, I look forward to hearing from you. Please take a moment to reflect on these questions and share them in the comment section. You’ll be surprised how much we learn from one another. What are your thoughts related to self-reflection? How often do you practice self-reflection? How has self-reflection changed your life?

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 © 2022 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Amazing Black Friday Deals For New Bloggers

Amazing Black Friday Deals For New Bloggers

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Renew Inspiration, Black Friday Deals, New Bloggers
Renew Inspiration

Blogging is not rocket science, it’s about being yourself, and putting what you have into it. – Unknown Author

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

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration and Happy Black Friday! Today, I want to share some amazing Black Friday deals for new bloggers. I’ve learned a lot of valuable information related to blogging since I launched my Renew Inspiration blog in 2018. Even though, there is so much information swirling around online, the blogging process can still be overwhelming to the average person. Now, don’t get me wrong. Blogging can be a rewarding opportunity for most people who choose to do it, but launching a new blog can still be a scary experience for many. It’s important for new bloggers to keep learning, be flexible, ask for help, and be willing to adjust with the blogging industry standards.

If you make any purchases using the affiliate links below, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you that will help support my blogging efforts.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Blogging All-in-One For Dummies Book

REASONS WHY PEOPLE BLOG

So, have you ever wondered why people blog in the first place? I know for me, I started blogging as a hobby so I could share my passion for writing. Then, I continued blogging to inspire and encourage others to overcome life’s challenges. Let’s take a moment to look at some reasons why people blog. Some people use blogging to:

  • Inspire, encourage and motivate
  • Teach and establish expertise
  • Share ideas and their passion for writing
  • Cope with life and its many challenges
  • Expand networking opportunities
  • Express yourself and share creative writing
  • Maintain online journal
  • Provide book reviews or product reviews
  • Capture travel experiences and photos
  • Make money by selling product or using affiliate programs

Can you think of any other reasons why people blog? I will love to hear your thoughts so please leave your answers in the comment section.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Make Money From Blogging Book

TIPS FOR NEW BLOGGERS

Moreover, if you’re riding the fence about exploring a blogging venture, here’s some valuable tips for new bloggers to think about before attempting to launch their new blog:

  • Tip 1: Determine your niche first – What is your passion? What do you want to share with the world? What is your specialty or your expertise?
  • Tip 2: Identify your target audience – Who is your ideal reader? Write directly to them. Keep your readers wanting more from you with a strong headline and intro.
  • Tip 3: Create clear and precise goals for your blog – Why are you blogging? For fun, a hobby, a business, to sell product or to monetize using affiliates? Write down your goals and make sure to reflect on them when preparing blog posts.
  • Tip 4: Come up with a catchy blog title and tag line – It’s important to catch the attention of others so they will visit your blog.
  • Tip 5: Create the perfect logo for your blog – The logo should show your creative side, but also pull your audience in. If you’re not creative, you can always hire someone to design your logo. You can find quality people using social media platforms or by checking out websites like Upwork or Fiverr.
  • Tip 6: Determine if you want to launch your blog using a free website or if you want to invest money in a company like WordPress, then a hosting company like Bluehost.
  • Tip 7: Establish one or two social media platforms to focus on when you first launch your new blog. For me, I love to share my new blog posts on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Once you are comfortable, add more as you have the time.
  • Tip 8: Have 2 or 3 really in-depth blog posts complete before you decide to launch your new blog. In addition, have more blog posts in various stages, such as drafts to be edited, outlines and topic ideas ready to write.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3 – How To Blog For Profit Book

HOW TO START A BLOG

Now, that you’ve decided blogging will work for you and your lifestyle, it’s time to start your blog. The good news is that starting a blog or adding a blog to your existing website is easy and affordable. Here’s the steps to start a blog:

Step 1 – Setting Up Blog – There are free blog options such as WordPress, Squarespace or Wix but to retain control and professional image, consider investing in a domain name and hosting, and installing WordPress or other content management system on your host.

Step 2 – Add Content – Once your blog is up and running, you need to keep it active with new and fresh content to grow your readership. I would suggest developing a set schedule for writing and posting to your blog.

Step 3 – Marketing – Great ways to reach your market are through social media, an email list and reaching out to other bloggers.

Step 4 – Add Income Streams – You can promote other companies’ products and services in affiliate marketing. Most companies, such as Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target and Kohls offer this program. You can also offer advertising or feed ad networks, such as AdSense, on to your blog.

Once you have launched your blog, it is important for you to stay engaged with your readers. I am going to be honest, engaged will mean different things for different people. For example, if you are selling product or a service, you need to respond to your customers on a regularly basis. However, some people are blogging just as a hobby, so your engagement may be less involved and limited to writing blog comments or subscribing to other people’s blogs.

AMAZON RESOURCE #4 – One Hour Content Plan Book

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS AFTER BLOG LAUNCH

Finally, ready, set, blog! It’s your time to shine with written word. Inspire others, be creative and always look for new ways to connect to your readers, but at the same time take it slow. Here’s some other helpful suggestions to keep in mind once you have launched your blog:

  • Post consistently – Plan to post 2 to 3 times per week to stay engaged with your readers.
  • Use quality photos – Whether you take your own photos or pull photos from a free site, such as Pixabay or Pexels, make sure to use quality photos that are relevant to your blog post.
  • Discover your writing style – Start with a catchy lead, have a conversational tone throughout your blog and ask questions at the end to get your readers engaged.
  • Write down your thoughts – When inspiration swirls in your head, write it down so you can reflect on it later. It is important to keep all your thoughts and ideas in one place for easy access during the writing process.
  • Social Media connections – Give your readers three or more ways to follow you. For example, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.
  • Comment on other blogs – Don’t be shy and be sure to write encouraging comments on other blogs. In most cases, the other bloggers will show your blog some love too.
  • Facebook Groups – Join some Facebook Groups to network, share your blog content, learn from other bloggers and to offer support to others who may just be starting out. For example, I setup a Facebook Group called Journey from Grief to Healing to encourage others along their grieving journey.
  • Pinterest Boards/Pins – Join some Pinterest Boards and create some boards of your own. Then, create Pins and share them on various boards.

GREAT DEALS FOR NEW BLOGGERS

So, here’s some of the great deals for new bloggers that I came up with using companies that I currently use and have found success with throughout my blogging journey.

BLUEHOST

Bluehost offers savings up to 75% off of shared hosting and provides a website builder option.

  • Shared hosting starting at $2.65/month for 12 months – You will obtain a domain, SSL certificate, 1-click WordPress install and Expert 24/7 support.
  • Website builder starting at $2.65/month for 12 month – You will obtain a domain, drag & drop features, 300+ design templates and total WordPress design freedom.
  • Choice Plus Plan starting at $4.95/month for 12 months.
  • Website Builder Pro Plan starting at $9.95/month for 12 months.
  • E-commerce Starter Package is 40% off 12 months term.
  • Free WordPress Site Migration.

Select the link below to SIGN UP:

WORDPRESS

WordPress is one of the easiest ways to start your website. You can use their free option or you can check out the paid option which provides other benefits, such as design plans for any budget, ability to customize your domain, editor features to build a blog or a full website, and awesome customer support.

  • 40% off all themes
  • 20% off eCommerce plans
  • 40% off extensions at WooCommerce.com

Select the link below to SIGN UP:

AMAZON

Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer that sell a wide variety of consumer goods, electronic devices, and digital media. There are many awesome Black Friday deals you can take advantage of as well as joining their Prime Membership.

Prime Membership

Amazon Prime is a paid subscription service offered by Amazon that gives users access to products and services that would otherwise be unavailable, or available at a higher cost, to the typical Amazon customer. The standard annual membership cost is $119/year for regular customers and the student annual membership cost is $59/year.

Here’s a list of some Prime Membership benefits:

  • Free 30-day trial membership (you can cancel at any time)
  • Exclusive deals and discounts
  • Free two-day delivery for eligible items
  • Scheduled delivery options
  • Free delivery on restaurant orders
  • Unlimited photo storage
  • Streaming ad free music and video options
  • Watching your favorite movies and TV shows
  • Free release-date delivery on new video games, books, music, and movies
  • Same-day shipping for orders over $35 of eligible items (items must be ordered before noon to receive it by 9 p.m.)

Select the link below to SIGN UP:

CONVERTKIT

ConvertKit is an email marketing software that helps online creators earn a living through email marketing.

  • Help grow your audience
  • Foster your community
  • Earn a living online
  • Provide How-To Guides, Blog Articles, Workshops, and Podcasts
  • Sign up for free or start a free trial
  • Create unlimited landing pages and/or forms
  • Create and send broadcast messages
  • Sell digital products and subscriptions
  • Automated funnels and sequences
  • Paid subscriptions starting at $9.00/month or $108.00 billed annually (2 months free)

Select the link below to SIGN UP:

PIXISTOCK

Professional looking stock photos and graphic templates that are updated each month.

  • $100 off Pixistock’s Annual Memberships
  • Quarterly Membership starting at $127.00
  • Lifetime Access and enrollment into the Content-to-Profit program
  • FREE Reels Roadmap Course when you purchase any membership plan
  • Social Media Content Calendar
  • Lead Magnet Templates
  • Webinar Slide Decks
  • Digital Product Mockups
  • Client Booking Templates

Select the link below to SIGN UP:

CANVA

Canva is a free-to-use online graphical tool that combines design, photo editing, and layout to help you create invitations, business cards, social media posts, and more. A drag and drop interface make customizing thousands of templates simple and easy.

  • Create a design using templates and features provided
  • Access the design school for courses and tutorials
  • Learn how to brand your business

Select the link below to SIGN UP:

Remember, you do not need to understand everything about the blogging process before you launch. I hope these suggestions and tips give you something to think about from one new blogger to another. Good luck and happy blogging!

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

The influence of blogging is overall a very positive force in the media. – Garrett Graff

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, close your eyes and clear your mind. Grab your pen/pencil. Open your journal or notebook. Ready, set, write!

  • What are your short-term and long-term blogging goals?
  • How have you been getting in the way of achieving of your blogging goals?
  • How you stay organized as a blogger?
  • What are some of your blogging lessons and what you learned from them?
  • What inspires you to write, blog, and be creative?

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Let’s talk.  Why do you blog? How long have you been blogging? What is your niche? What are some helpful tips you can share with new bloggers? Do you plan to monetize your blog? Do you take advantage of Black Friday sales? What is your favorite store? Do you prefer shopping in the physical store or online? 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

Journal To Transform Your Mindset

Journal To Transform Your Mindset

Latisha1 Reply
Journal to Transform Your Mindset, Renew Inspiration
Renew Inspiration

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

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

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

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

DEFINITIONS

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

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

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

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

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

POSITIVE ATTITUDE

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

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

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

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

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

SELF-REFLECTION

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

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

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

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

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

I love journaling because it is a safe place for me to put my feelings and emotions into words, then put my words into action. Remember, journaling is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes, and failures. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Ready, set, write!

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

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. How do you plan to transform your mindset? Do you consider yourself having a positive attitude? Do you plan to implement self-reflection into your daily routine? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

Journaling Through Grief and Isolation

Journaling Through Grief and Isolation

Latisha10 Replies
Renew Inspiration, Journaling, Grief, Isolation
Renew Inspiration

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

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

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

DEFINITIONS – JOURNALING / GRIEF / ISOLATION

A journal is your completely unaltered voice. – Lucy Dacus

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

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

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING THROUGH GRIEF AND ISOLATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

WAYS TO RESTORE YOURSELF

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

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

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

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

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. – Oprah Winfrey

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Upon entering the journaling process, you will find that you are able to reflect freely without judgement. Now, close your eyes and clear your mind. Grab your pen/pencil. Open your journal or notebook. Then, use these helpful journal prompts to help you enjoy your autumn activities:

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

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

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

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

Copyright © 2021 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved