Thoughts – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

5 Ways to Practice Self-Reflection Through Journaling

LaPorterJuly 8, 20213 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Self-Reflection, Journaling, Journal Writing — Renew Inspiration

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

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Whatever you’re going through in this season, always remember not to give up, but instead slow down to reflect on everything you have and to identify who you are. Give presence in these moments, especially to yourself. Listen to what your mind, body, and spirit needs, but also listen to your heart. Take a moment to re-evaluate your goals, attitude, and mindset. What better way to do this than a concept called self-reflection through journaling? Believe it or not, self-reflection through journaling can allow you to:

Increase self-awareness.
Make positive changes in your life.
Gain clarity inside and out.
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.

***CLICK HERE to receive your FREE Journal Prompts to assist you along your journey***

5 WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-REFLECTION THROUGH JOURNALING

Be a reflection of what you’d like to receive. If you want love, give love. If you want truth, be truthful. If you want respect, give respect. What you give out will always return. – Kristen Butler

During this journey we call life, 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 and feel like you have got nothing left to give, your body can guide you to a peaceful place of greater vitality, inner strength, and well-being.

Now, let’s take a moment to discuss 5 ways to practice self-reflection through journaling.

#1 – Cultivate stillness within you and reflect on these questions:

What habits did you achieve today, this week or this month?
What could you improve on in your life?
Where were you this time last year and what have you learned since then?

#2 – Practice prayer & meditation and reflect on these questions:

What is on your mind right now in this very moment?
What is your prayer for today?
Do you pay attention to your breathing while you are practicing meditation?

#3 – Write in your journal and reflect on these questions:

What is the easiest way to get your thoughts and feelings out on paper?
What is an experience that changed your outlook on life?
Do you re-read your journal entries to find patterns in your daily habits or thoughts?

#4 – Analyze a past event and reflect on these questions:

Why do you feel the way you do about the event?
What is one thing outside your control that you need to stop worrying about?
Why do you feel guilty about the event or the outcome?

#5 – Make decisions that align with your values and reflect on these questions:

What kinds of things do you value in life?
What helps you make sound and confident decisions?
What is something that keeps you grounded along your journey?

As you can see, journaling is a safe place to practice self-reflection, your time to just write how you feel, and no one will ever know. From my experience, it is important to have your guard down when making the decision to practice self-reflection through journaling. Remember, there is no wrong or right way to do this process, you just need to write! No overthinking or edits on paper, just write your honest thoughts and feelings down. Never be afraid to sit in your truth and re-arrange broken patterns. Stay patient and trust your self-reflection journey.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Life is only a reflection of what we allow ourselves to see. – Unknown Author

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

MIND

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

BODY

How can you honor your body on today?
What are some ways you can take better care of yourself this week?
Does your self-care need improvement? How would you improve it?

SPIRIT

What is an area in your life where you need to trust God more?
What do you need to be free from and surrender to God?
How much are you trusting God with your life right now?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

I am now a reflection of my highest self. – Graceful Rebel

Journaling can help you overcome any problem or obstacle that you face in life. The key is consistency. Commit to this process, create a plan, and make it happen. Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges? How do you approach self-reflection through journaling? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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9 Ways Affirmations Can Improve Your Life

LaPorterMay 28, 20217 Replies

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

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, let’s talk about how affirmations can improve your life. To begin with, the word affirmation comes from the Latin affirmare, which means “to strengthen and make steady.” Affirmations are meant to help change your thoughts and move your attention to more empowering ideas that will ultimately create an improved result. Affirmations can be another form of positive self-talk that can:

• Help set the tone for your day.
• Be used to target and improve any area of your life.
• Help you overcome any negative thinking patterns.
• Provide a reflection of the kind of life you want to live.
• Offer ways to improve your mood and emotions.
• Increase your self-confidence and uplift your spirit.
• Help you set realistic goals and create a plan to reach them.

Simply put, when used consistently, affirmations have the power to transform lives despite what you’re going through.

9 WAYS AFFIRMATIONS CAN IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

Talk to yourself like someone you love. – Brene Brown

In order to receive the most benefits of reciting affirmations, it’s important for you to read and recite them aloud. Then, state them in the present tense as if they have already been accomplished. This process will make your mind believe that it’s already happening. Repetition is key. The more you say it, the more you may believe it. Affirmations can improve your life by:

1. Increasing self-awareness so you can acknowledge your daily thoughts and feelings.
2. Allowing you to become more grateful in any situation you are faced with.
3. Keeping you encouraged and more motivated to accomplish personal goals.
4. Helping you be in the present moment not worrying about the past or the future.
5. Teaching you how to be more open to new possibilities; not afraid to take risks.
6. Helping you to manage your feelings and emotions under stressful situations.
7. Reminding you to pay attention to your thought patterns.
8. Keeping you calm and at peace.
9. Helping you become more aware of what you want and your mind helps you get it.

During this process, focus on finding solutions and learning how to make positive changes in all areas of your life. After all, taking the time to recite affirmations daily can be the start of transforming your life.

If you want to want to get started with using affirmations, CLICK HERE to get my FREE Positive Affirmations Guide.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

Positive thinking must be followed by positive doing. – John C. Maxwell

Next, in order for you to embrace this new way of thinking and living, it is important for you to feed your spirit with positive vibes on a daily basis. For example, I choose to feel good about myself and life’s journey each day. Even when I am feeling sad or depressed, deep inside I aspire to be a giver. A giver of life, a giver of good vibes, and a giver of strength. This kind of thinking will help you overcome life’s challenges and improve life’s journey.

Here’s a few positive affirmations to help you get started:

• I am blessed and in charge of my life.
• I am beautiful, brave, and ready to learn.
• I am fearless and capable of so much more.
• I am bold, strong, and free to make my own choices.
• I am enough and perfect just the way I am.

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

JOURNAL PROMPTS

It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful. – Unknown Author

MIND

• What thought patterns do you have and how do they impact your life?
• What did you do today that brought you closer to your dream?
• What is your life’s vision for the next 3 years?
• What is happening in your mind right now in this very moment?

BODY

• How can you love yourself today?
• What is one of life’s little pleasures that you appreciate?
• Who/What brings the most joy to your life?
• What are you inviting into your life with your actions?

SPIRIT

• What do you need more of in your life?
• What is something you would love to learn in your lifetime?
• What are the best choices you have made in life so far?
• How do you keep your thoughts in check throughout the day?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

How do you plan to use affirmations to improve your life? How often to you recite affirmations? Do you plan to add affirmations and writing in your journal to your daily routine? Please share your thoughts in the comment section.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Reciting Daily Affirmations

LaPorterFebruary 28, 20213 Replies

Every morning you have a new opportunity to become a happier version of 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! Can you believe it’s the last day of February already? Where did this month go? Let’s end this month discussing how reciting daily affirmations can improve your life. Believe it or not, daily affirmations are meant to help change your thoughts and move your attention to more empowering ideas that will ultimately create an improved result.

Daily affirmations are positive statements that can:

Be used to target and improve any area of your life.
Help you overcome any negative thinking patterns.
Provide a reflection of the kind of life you want to live.
Offer ways to improve your mood and emotions.
Increase your self-confidence and uplift your spirit.
Help you set realistic goals and create a plan to reach them.

BENEFITS OF RECITING DAILY AFFIRMATIONS

We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are. – Max Depree

In order to receive the most benefits of reciting daily affirmations, it is important for you to read and recite them aloud. Then, state them in the present tense as if they have already been accomplished. This process will make your mind believe that it is already happening.

Here’s some benefits of reciting daily affirmations:

You increase awareness by acknowledging your daily thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
You become more grateful in any situation you are faced with.
You become encouraged and more motivated to accomplish personal goals.
You start being in the present moment not worrying about the past or the future.
You are flexible and more open to new possibilities; not afraid to take risks.
You learn how to manage your feelings and emotions under stressful situations.
You become more aware of your thought patterns and challenge negative thoughts.
You strive to become calm and at peace.
You become more aware of what you want and your mind helps you get it.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Affirmation Cards for Women

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS

If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down. – Buddha

Daily affirmations can be another form of positive self-talk. In addition, daily affirmations can be a reminder of how you want to be but also reinforces the beliefs you want to have. You want to feel good about saying them. Focus on finding solutions and learning how to make positive changes in all areas of your life then you will be successful in achieving all the goals you set. Repeat your daily affirmations 1 to 2 times per day so it will be a constant reminder of what you are aiming for.

Here’s some daily affirmations to help you get started:

I am becoming the best version of myself.
I am brave, bold, and beautiful.
I am in control of my life and feelings.
I am calm and at peace.
I have the power to create change.
I believe in myself wholeheartedly.
I have everything I need within me.
I thrive in positivity.
I am grateful for all that I have.
I am free of worry and regret.
I am worthy of my dreams and goals.
My thoughts become my reality.
My possibilities are endless.
I release all doubts and insecurities about myself.
I love myself enough to say no to things that no longer serve me.

Remember, taking the time to recite daily affirmations can help transform your life. Shift your focus and attention towards thoughts and feelings that are both positive and constructive. Start using daily affirmations along with journal prompts today, and watch the quality of your life improve throughout your journey. Focus on positive changes and you will get positive results.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 2 – Self-Love 2021 Calendar & Affirmations

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Your only limit is you. Be brave and fearless. – 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!

MIND

It all begins in your mind. What you think, you become. – Unknown Author

How does journaling help to improve your mental state?
What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned to date?
What quote(s) inspire you on a difficult day?
What do you love about life?

BODY

I am strong, fit, and well-balanced. – Unknown Author

Describe a difficult situation you’ve encountered. How did it make you feel?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change and why?
How can you incorporate self-care into your daily routine?
What is something that you’ve overcome in life?

SPIRIT

You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved. – Unknown Author

How has journaling helped to improve your spiritual well-being?
What do you need to mute in your life in order to hear God’s voice?
What can you do today to help yourself get better aligned spiritually?
What does God’s presence feel like in your life?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

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Transform Your Mindset

LaPorterJanuary 11, 20211 Reply

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

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, I want to spend some time discussing ways to transform your mindset. After all, your life is only as good as your mindset, right? I have chosen to start over, right now in this very moment. 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 process will help you to transform your mindset, but you will also need to:

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

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. Believe it or not, even as I type these words, it seems easier said than done.

Here’s some great ways to develop a positive attitude and help transform your mindset in 2021:

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.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Empower Your Thoughts by Scott Allan

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.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Soul Therapy Journal by Jacqueline Kademian

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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? for 2021?
What are the best choices I have made in life so far?
What is one of life’s little pleasures that I appreciate?
Has your mind spent more time today focused on the past, present or future?
How do you keep your thoughts in check throughout the day?
What are you inviting into your life with your actions or thoughts?

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

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

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

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Becoming Grounded Within

LaPorterOctober 1, 20204 Replies

Be like a tree. Stay grounded. Connect with your roots. Turn over a new leaf. Bend before you break. Enjoy your unique natural beauty. Keep growing. – Joanne Rapits

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! In case you were wondering, I took some time off to gather my thoughts. This has been a stressful year to say the least. I appreciate YOU and all of the support you give. Let’s WELCOME OCTOBER in with a positive mindset, a calm spirit, and a more balanced lifestyle. This week I want to focus on becoming grounded within.

During my research, I’ve learned that becoming grounded within can help you:

Clear your mind from negative thoughts
Recharge your energy
Strengthen your instincts
Calm your feelings and emotions

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

WARNING SIGNS OF BEING UNGROUNDED

Stay humble, stay grounded, remember what got you to that level and that’s hard work. – Tim Howard

Before learning how to become grounded in your life, it is important to learn and understand the meanings of grounded and ungrounded.

Grounded (adjective) – well balanced and sensible.
Ungrounded (adjective) – having no base or justification; unfounded.

Just like any major decision you make in life, becoming grounded within requires a level of commitment like no other. However, it’s important to know the warning signs of being ungrounded so you can make the necessary adjustments to your lifestyle.

Here’s a few warning signs of being ungrounded that you may experience:

Poor sleep patterns
Easily distracted
Daydreaming often
Constant fatigue
Over-think situations
Experience anxiety and perpetual worrying
Overly obsessed with your personal image

Keep in mind that there may be some overlap with other symptoms or health conditions which may cause a misdiagnosis.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

Unfortunately, many of us struggle to overcome obstacles in life and don’t understand that the root cause is often times hidden within. Whether you sometimes feel stressed out, anxious or depressed, there’s one important fact that you need to remember. You need to learn more about yourself and how you operate at your best. Your mind, body and spirit must become ONE in order for you to be at your best.

CALM MIND

Most people appreciate a calm mind only when under pressure, when they are worried or when they need to focus. However, it is important for you to find effective ways to help calm your mind regularly, such as:

Practice mindfulness
Stay in the present
Broaden your view
Try guided meditation
Reflect often and write in your journal

CALM BODY

Our bodies are made to move. Movement helps release tension, lift depression, and you get better sleep. Here’s some great ways to calm your body:

Fuel your body with healthy food options
Exercise daily (cardio, strength & stretching)
Try new yoga positions
Use effective breathing techniques
Go outside and get fresh air
Change your focus and environment
Listen to Music
Re-engage with like-minded people

CALM SPIRIT

If there is a need to calm your spirit, then you must first address the root cause of your stress. Once you complete this task, then you are ready to find better ways to calm your spirit:

Learn how to regulate your breathing
Pamper yourself (Take a warm bath, read a good book, and get a massage)
Practice meditation 15 – 30 minutes per day
Focus on gratitude and find what you are grateful for
Setup a daily routine (Use a To-Do List or Checklist)
Write in your journal

FINAL THOUGHTS

Even though we know how important it is to feel more grounded throughout life, it is difficult to do without feeling less stress and more confident. As we go about our day-to-day lives, it’s best to find what makes you feel grounded and calm. We all are different and unique, but I do know that our minds, bodies, and spirit must be as ONE in order for you to feel complete.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Don’t be ashamed of your story. It just might inspire someone. – 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!

Do you feel grounded right now in this very moment?

What is your greatest quest in life?
How have you been holding yourself back?
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned?
How are you mistreating your body or comprising your health?
How do you plan to feed your spirit on today?

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. How do you plan to become more grounded in life? What are some things you do to help calm your mind, body & spirit? 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).

Surrender My Life

LaPorterSeptember 8, 20192 Replies

The moment of surrender is not when life is over, it’s when it begins. – Unknown Author

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

Thought for today – Have patience and wait for the things you want most. Don’t chase it. Don’t run after it. If God wants you to have it, He will give it to you. Amen.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today I want to discuss a topic that truly impacts your mind, body, and spirit. Your total well-being depends on the decision for you to surrender your life to God. Every thought, every choice, and every move we make throughout our journey is based on how we build our spiritual foundation. Do we believe in a Higher Power? Do we trust God enough to allow Him to guide our every step? I don’t know about you, but I always think about this topic. At what point do you feel comfortable enough to surrender your all and all to God?

DEFINE

Before you can attempt to answer any of these questions, it is important to understand what the word “surrender” means. The word “surrender” is defined as to yield, give up or over, submit, abandon, relinquish, cede, waive, or capitulate. Unfortunately, in some Bible translations, the word “surrender” is not found, but the concepts of “yielding” (Romans 6:16-19) or “submitting” (James 4:7) are used instead.

Take a moment and answer these questions:

• Does something in your life seem out of control?

• Do you have more problems than solutions?

• Do you feel like you’re stuck or at a standstill in life?

• Are you overwhelmed no matter how hard you try?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s time for you to surrender your life to God. No excuses, no exceptions, just do it!

GOD SAYS

God says, remember these four things while living your best life:

• I will make a way for you.

• I’m fighting your battles.

• Prayer is the best medicine.

• Trust my timing.

I realize that God has given me a choice to believe and receive His blessings each and every day, but it all depends on when I make the decision to surrender my life to Him. Just like anything else in life, this decision may not be an easy one to make. However, it is a necessary one.

WAYS TO SURRENDER MY LIFE

Life is a balance between what we can control and what we cannot. I am learning to live between effort and surrender. – Danielle Orner

Here’s some creative ways to surrender my life to God:

• Believe and Obey God – First, I must believe in God. God’s direction isn’t always the easiest way, but God does make it clear that sometimes we only need to be still and let Him handle the rest. Remember, obedience is key.

• Stop Striving and Start Abiding – We don’t have to strive to make our life turn out a certain way. Instead, we need to abide in God and allow Him to work miracles in our lives.

• Confess and Surrender Your Need for Control – Go to God in prayer and confession. Ask God to help you surrender control each and every day. Focus on trusting in God and not being afraid to surrender your life.

• Be Still and Know – God delivers us, protects us, fights for us, and expects us to trust Him throughout life experiences. Be still and know this to be true.

• Trust God – It’s important to know that trusting in God is a lifelong process. We must learn how to submit our thoughts, trials, and emotions to God. This will not only lighten your burden, but God will make your path straight.

• Seek God – If we diligently seek God in all we do, He will direct your steps.

Remember God knows your every thought and he knows what your heart is really feeling. No matter how hard we may try to act a certain way, if our actions are not sincere, God will know it. Be true to yourself, to others, and most importantly, be true to God who should be the head of your life.

DAILY TO-DO LIST

• Wait Patiently – Psalm 27:14

• Have Faith – II Corinthians 5:7

• Pray – Philippians 4:6

• Think of Others – Philippians 2:4

• Trust in the Lord – Proverbs 3:5

• Read God’s Word – Psalm 119:12

• Give Thanks – Psalm 136

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

Writing is the only way I have to explain my own life to myself. – Pat Conroy

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, open your journal or notebook and practice journaling each day by using these helpful journal prompts:

Here’s some journal prompts to help you throughout this transition:

• When I wake up in the morning, how do I most want to feel?

• What do I need more of in my life?

• What do I need to let go of?

• What do I most need to heal right now?

• What problem can you surrender today?

• What beliefs are holding me back from living my dream life?

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Let’s talk. Do you find it difficult to surrender your life to God? If so, why do you think this decision is difficult to make? Please share 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).

My Inner Voice

LaPorterMay 19, 201917 Replies

Don’t shush your inner voice, it’s who you really are. – Unknown

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! Have you ever been sitting still and thoughts begin to run through your mind? Whether positive or negative, you begin to listen to your thoughts and maybe even recognize how you’re feeling in this moment. I call this process listening to my inner voice. I define inner voice as the wisdom of your entire being – mind, body and spirit. Your inner voice may come in the form of random thoughts, feelings within your body, or guidance coming to you from a higher power.

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Believe it or not, your inner voice can be destructive thoughts sent to cause you harm or often times your inner voice may discourage you from making bad decisions in life. Take a moment and think about this. All your life there has been an inner voice offering a sense of direction, gently and sometimes urgently. Sometimes you listened and other times you ignored it.

WAYS TO FIND YOUR INNER VOICE

Be still. The quieter you become, the more you can hear. – Ram Dass

Finding your inner voice is a way to connect with your intuition so you can live your purpose. At times we may hear something in our thoughts or just simply feel a certain kind of way. Nevertheless, it is important to allow yourself to capture these thoughts and/or feelings. Here’s some effective ways to find your inner voice:

• Take time to quiet the mind through meditation.
• Listen to your emotions and feelings.
• Be more confident and stop asking others for their opinions.
• Make it personal and pay attention to your hopes and dreams.
• Follow what your intuition is telling you.

ADVANTAGES OF LISTENING TO YOUR INNER VOICE

Your thoughts and feelings are a mirror of your soul. – Sydney Banks

You must be still to hear your inner voice so it is important to allow yourself quiet time on a regular basis. Once quiet with no distractions, look for some of these advantages of listening to your inner voice:

• Start a habit of looking inward every day. Empty your mind of all thoughts and let your heart be at peace.
• Let go of your ego and give your inner voice a chance to be heard.
• Trust your gut feeling, slow down, and allow your inner voice to direct your attention to what’s more important in your life.
• You will greatly reduce your stress levels and improve your health.
• Your trust levels will increase, which leads to improved relationships with yourself and others.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track.

Morning Journaling Prompts

• What’s on your daily To-Do List?
• What am I grateful for this morning?
• What do I give permission for myself to do today?
• What do I want to get out of today?
• How will I practice self-kindness today?

My Inner Voice Journaling Prompts

• What can I hear right now in this very moment?
• What feelings did I experience today?
• What kinds of thoughts or feelings drains my energy?
• What kinds of thoughts or feelings leaves me feeling fulfilled?
• What am I feeling today and what thoughts are creating that feeling?
• What thought patterns do I have and how do they impact my life?
• What makes your inner voice unique?

Evening Journaling Prompts

• What went well today?
• What am I proud of today?
• What strengths have I used today?
• What was challenging today?
• How can I better face these challenges next time?

Journaling Challenge
Journaling holds all of your emotions, thoughts, and feelings in one sacred place. Journaling has a way to uncover parts of yourself you never thought existed. Journaling can be fun, but also can be a serious process to help you cope with many life’s challenges, such as depression, grief, or loneliness. The most important fact about journaling is you have total control throughout the experience. You can keep it secret or share it with others.

Now, this Journaling Challenge is simple. Be open, honest, and willing to write in your journal.

• How does journaling help you?
• Where do you feel out of alignment with the things that bring you peace and joy?
• Write your own list of journaling prompts to explore and share a few of them in the comment section.

Always remember, your inner voice will bring about self-confidence. Speak life into your situation and spread positive vibes to those around you. You have total control of your inner voice, whether they are thoughts or feelings. Change how you receive, interpret, and react. Then, your outcome will be different and more effective. After all, your inner voice will help increase self-confidence, help you become more efficient, and you will notice much needed improvement within your life.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Moving Forward

LaPorterApril 14, 201914 Replies

You don’t have to have it all figured out to move forward…just take the next step.

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

Thought for the week – Moving forward means it’s time to write a new story.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! This week I have been in a very difficult place. It’s been hard to focus on writing so I had to step away to get my mind, body and spirit reconnected again. Have you ever been there or felt this way? Sometimes it helps to know that you’re not alone and you find comfort in knowing that others may be experiencing this same kind of feeling from time to time. Now, I realize it’s so important to be honest with yourself and with those closest to you so that’s where today’s topic originated from – Moving Forward.

WAYS TO MOVE FORWARD

The best preparation for tomorrow is doing your best today.

Today, I wanted to write a few words about moving forward. Whether you’re stuck in a rut from a recent break up or going through the grieving process from the loss of a loved one, many people struggle with moving forward. Now, speaking from experience, I do realize that moving forward is not always easy. However, it’s important for people to be honest with themselves and with those around them when choosing to shake it off and take the first step to move forward.

Here’s some common ways to help you move forward in various life situations:

• Change your attitude. Believe it or not, to manifest is to create exactly what you want in your life by choosing to consciously vibrate in alignment with that feeling now. So, don’t put off changing your negative attitude. Choose to shine and a leave a little sparkle wherever you go.

• Block out negativity. Let’s face it, negative vibes bring about negative vibes. I AM – two of the most powerful words. For what you put after them shapes your reality. So, why not make it a positive life, right?

• Take ownership. Be the first to own up to what you didn’t do or to any mistake you may have made in life. That’s how you learn and earn respect.

• Let go of the past. It’s not healthy to relive your painful past. If you continue to look at today through the eyes of the past, you can never see what the present moment has to offer you in life. Remember, you can’t change what happened, but you can change your mindset and actions in the present.

• Start small. Set small goals for yourself and write them down. Each morning, look at your goals and make a plan to do something productive that will help you reach your goals.

• Stick to a schedule. Make a plan and stick to it. I know life happens from time to time, but also remember your success is found in your daily routine. Create a daily To-Do List with 3 to 5 items on it and check your tasks off throughout the day.

• Be willing to forgive. In order to be kind to yourself, it’s important to commit to talking with yourself in a way that’s helpful, rather than harmful. Speak life into your situation, not death and destruction.

• Live in a moment of gratitude. Start every day with an attitude of gratitude. Afterall, gratitude makes sweet miracles of small moments. Breathe in beauty, exhale gratitude.

Don’t be afraid to find your own happiness throughout this process as well. Remember, achieving success and personal growth is not going to happen overnight. To be able to move forward in life, you may have to let some people and thoughts go in order to live a more fulfilled life with purpose.

Moving Forward, Renew Inspiration, Journaling, Reflection, Writing, Notebook, Journal — renewinspiration

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Do not give your past the power to define your future.

As always, I want to give you some journal prompts that will help you throughout the moving forward process. Believe in yourself and choose to shine while journaling your way to happiness. If you’re honest with yourself, you will achieve what ever you set your heart and mind to.

• What would make you happy right now?

• What is standing in the way of that happiness?

• What is draining your energy from day to day?

• What do I need to give up, say no to or let go of?

• How can I re-prioritize my to-do list?

• What would I be doing if money or other people’s opinions didn’t hold you back?

• What are you afraid of?

• How can you confront those fears head on?

• What is a short-term goal that you’re confident you can achieve?

• What is an important lesson you’ve learned recently?

Thank you for reading my latest blog post. I really look forward to inspiring all of you with written word. When I write my Renew Inspiration blog posts, I strive to grow within myself with every word that I type. Believe it or not, my Renew Inspiration blog is the key to my very being. It gives me strength and power to reach so many people, both near and far. I would love to hear your thoughts about moving forward so please leave a comment. Peace and blessings!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Amazon, Blue Host and WordPress Affiliate Programs which are advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Bluehost.com and WordPress.com

My Present Place

LaPorterFebruary 10, 20198 Replies

Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life. This is my happy place. – 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! Wow, I cannot believe it has been a whole week already! Time really flies when you’re having fun, right? Before I dive into my topic today, I want to express appreciation for ALL OF YOU who have subscribed/followed Renew Inspiration. 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 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 others.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about my present place. 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 this week. 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 whether you have all your stuff together (you think) or you’re still trying to find your way (most of us).

DEFINE SELF-REFLECTION

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

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 can be defined as 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.

HEALTHY WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-REFLECTION

As you begin to practice self-reflection in your life, 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.

• 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.

• 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

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 to help you find your zone for self-reflection:

• Tip 1 – Be honest with yourself. Honesty is key to success. Be honest with the process and with yourself. 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. 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.

My Present Place, Renew Inspiration, Self-Reflection, Meditation, Journal Prompts — pexels

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

Journal Prompts are given to inspire you to write freely about your life and to improve yourself. Take time to think about your thoughts, to acknowledge how you feel, and to strive to be spiritually grounded throughout your personal journey. You have to dig deep inside yourself and do the serious work to truly understand your present place. Keep in mind, this is an on-going process because life is always changing.

MIND

• What am I thinking right now in this very moment?

• What thought patterns do I have and how do they impact my life?

• How does meditation guide me through my day?

• Has your mind spent more time today focused on the past, present or future?

• How do I deal with difficult thoughts or failures?

BODY

• How do I 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 relax your body?

SPIRIT

• Am I spiritually grounded right now in this very moment?

• What is something I need to be free from and surrender to God today?

• What is your favorite Bible verse and why?

• Are there areas of my life where I need to learn to trust in God?

• How has journaling helped me get closer to being spiritually grounded?

TIME FOR REFLECTION – MORE JOURNAL PROMPTS

• What is the number one problem you would like to solve (or see solved) in the world?

• What is the number one thing missing from your life right now?

• What is one of life’s little pleasures that I appreciate?

• When was the last time you felt fully alive?

• What can I do to nurture my mind, body, and spirit?

• In what ways are you different from the person you were 2 years ago? 1 year ago?

Instead of sadness, anxiety, and depression, choose to practice 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 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 this blog and answer these questions 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!

Coping with Grief

LaPorterNovember 29, 201810 Replies

Grief never ends…But it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith…It is the price of love. – Author Unknown

Something to Think About – Whenever grief tries to steal the beauty of your memories just remember love never dies.

In Loving Memory
of
Rosalynn K. Russell
November 29, 1942 – December 19, 2015

Coping with Grief, Mother — Rosalynn K. Russell

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today’s blog post is dedicated to my late mother, Rosalynn K. Russell. Happy Birthday, Mom! Today, would’ve been her 76th birthday! I miss her presence, her smile, her touch, her laughter. I miss everything about her. She was a small woman in stature but had a big heart and was willing to help anyone in need. November and December are the most difficult months for me while I continue to cope with grief and the loss of my beautiful and loving mother.

The loneliest walk you’ll ever take is the one down the road of grief. – Author Unknown

Unfortunately, the holidays can be a time of sadness, pain, anger or dread for anyone dealing with an illness, grief or the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, grief can also magnify the stress that is often already a part of the holidays.

Here’s some effective ways to cope with grief during the holidays:

• Offer yourself some grace – Give yourself permission to feel whatever it is you’re feeling. If you feel sad, allow the tears to come; if you feel angry, allow yourself to vent some steam.

• Be kind to yourself – Be sure to get plenty of rest and nourishment you need; do not take on more than you can handle; if you need to be alone, then honor that. If you desire the affection of others, seek it out.

• Ask for and accept help – It’s okay to tell your loved ones the best way that they can help you during this difficult time.

• Find support – Sharing your feelings is often the best way to get through them and finding people you can talk to will help. Family and friends can be a great support during times of grief. If they are unavailable, seek help from a grief support group in your area.

• Make a difference – Give to your favorite charity organization or purchase a gift for a needy child. Consider volunteering at a nursing home, hospital, hospice, children’s shelter or soup kitchen. This can help you cope with your grief by contributing to the greater good within your community.

During the holidays, it’s alright to have a good time in spite of your grief. Just allow yourself to feel whatever your heart is feeling in the moment. The best gift you can give anyone you love is that of being true to yourself and living your life to the fullest, even as you adjust to the loss of a loved one.

Healing unfolds in its own time; it doesn’t look to the clock or calendar for direction. – Jen, aimhappy.com

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

I am no longer who I was. Loss has reshaped me. – Benjamin Allen

Journaling is a powerful tool for coping with grief and loss.

• Why are you grieving?

• What is your fondest memory?

• When alone, what do you do?

• What season holds the most memories?

• The hardest time of day is ___________________.

• My support system includes __________________.

• I really need more of _____________________.

• I am really having a hard time coping with _____________________.

• I find it most difficult when ______________________.

• Some of my grief triggers are ________________________.

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS

How do you cope with grief? Do you allow yourself to feel during this most difficult time?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Target Affiliate Program, Blue Host Affiliate Program and the WordPress.com Affiliate Program which are advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Target.com, Bluehost.com and WordPress.com