Today I will not stress over things I can’t control. – Unknown Author
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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, I want to share some information with you concerning trauma and stress. To begin with, trauma can be defined as a deeply distressing or disturbing experience in one’s life. Unfortunately, traumatic events are usually unexpected and can cause high stress levels, but also can change the quality of one’s life in many ways.
Here’s some examples of traumatic events that you may experience:
• Loss of a loved one or pet
• Divorce
• Serious Illness
• Physical pain or injury
• Natural disasters
• Parental abandonment
• Witnessing a death
• Rape or domestic abuse
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FACTS ABOUT STRESS
On the other hand, stress can be defined as a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances.
Here’s some interesting facts about stress:
• 90% of what is stressing you today will be irrelevant in a year. Don’t lose sleep over petty things. Get over it and move on.
• If you avoid the conflict to keep the peace, you start a war inside yourself.
• Doing your best does not mean working yourself to the point of mental breakdown.
• Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong.
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SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF STRESS
Moreover, the signs and symptoms of stress may last a few days, a few weeks or a few months. With the support of loved ones, the stress reactions usually pass more quickly.
• Thinking – Difficulty making decisions, Confusion, Memory problems, Difficulty in problem solving, Poor attention span, Lack of concentration
• Emotional – Anxiety, Fear, Guilt, Grief, Depression, Sadness, Lost or abandoned, Isolation, Irritability, Numbness, Being alone
If the traumatic event is extremely painful for you, be sure to seek professional assistance from a licensed therapist or counselor.
RECOVERY FOR YOURSELF
Here’s some ways you can practice recovery for yourself:
• Express your feelings as soon as they arise.
• Reestablish a normal schedule as soon as possible.
• Spend quality time with loved ones.
• Fight against boredom and get some exercise.
• Go for a walk outdoors to help clear your mind.
• Eat a well-balanced meal even if you don’t feel like it.
• Take a warm bath with lighted candles and calming music.
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SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS
Trauma is anything that overwhelms the brains ability to cope. – 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. Now, close your eyes and clear your mind. Grab your pen/pencil. Open your journal or notebook. Ready, set, write!
• How do you handle stressful situations?
• Do you prefer to be by yourself when you experience trauma and stress?
• What is one thing you can do to reduce stress in your life?
• What is the best way to heal trauma and stress?
• How can you honor your body on today?
TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT
Let’s talk. Have you ever experienced trauma in your life? If so, how did you handle it? How do you handle stressful situations? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).
I didn’t come this far to only come this far. – Unknown Author
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today’s blog post was written for fun in response to a nomination I received from both Sunny Larue and Catherine Mellen. I have to admit I hesitated for a couple of days before deciding to respond to all of these questions. Some questions were a lot easier than others. Nevertheless, I got it done.
INTRODUCTIONS – SUNNY LARUE & CATHERINE MELLEN
My first nomination came from a wonderful and friendly blogger, Sunny Larue. In case you are not aware, Sunny Larue is also known as The Professional Martini Drinking Blogger. I love that blog name and it makes me smile every time I visit her website. I proceeded to read Sunny’s responses and learned so much about her. She has a passion beyond this world for mental health issues. Sunny loves to blog about her struggles with mental illness and continues to spread awareness everywhere she goes.
My second nomination came from another creative blogger, Catherine Mellen. I just recently came across her blog while on Twitter. She writes from the soul about shattering the silence on family secrets and childhood trauma. Every word you read pulls you into her fascinating life experiences. It’s a passion and willingness to share stories with a twist of creativity.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The inspiration for the Vogue Magazine Series (VMS) is to get an intimate insight on some of your favorite celebrities, reality personalities, and political personalities. These series of fast-pace questions are designed to challenge the individual to be open, vulnerable in a way to connect to the readers. Now, you won’t find answers from celebrities or reality personalities here, but if you continue reading this blog post, I guarantee that you will get to know me better, smile from time to time, and may want to participate in this kind of blog post yourself.
Before I get started, I wanted to share my nominees along with their blog websites (if applicable) and their Twitter handles:
9. Favorite book? In the Meantime by Iyanla Vanant
10. Twitter or Instagram? Twitter
11. Desktop or Laptop? Laptop
12. Best advice you’ve ever received? To be honest and treat people with respect
13. What project are you working on right now? Writing awesome blog content to help increase my readership and subscribers
14. Favorite color? Black
15. Did you get good grades in school? Yes – A’s & B’s (a few C’s here or there)
16. Dream job? Professional Blogger, Freelance Writer & Author
17. Play any sports? Not on a team, but I enjoy volleyball, dodge ball & tennis
18. Do you have a degree? Yes – Bachelors & Masters
19. Nationality? Black American
20. What is your favorite kind of blog post? To encourage & How-To
21. What do you like to collect? Positive Quotes, Fridge Magnets & Shot Glasses
22. Describe yourself in three words? Caring, Friendly & Quiet
23. If you were a rapper what would your stage name be? Sweet T
24. Who was the last person you DMed? Sarah Barkley – MomWifeWine.com – She’s very supportive to other bloggers.
25. What’s on top of your wish list right now? To get 3 Amazon sales & to increase blog subscribers
26. Sorting house? I’m very organized & do household chores daily
27. How many tattoos do you have? No tattoos
28. What are you most grateful for this year? Being able to write freely
29. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this month? Had week off of work to spend with my boys
30. What’s the best thing that’s happened to you today? Woke up in my right mind
31. What’s the best thing ever? Blogging about anything
32. Favorite season? Fall – Changing leaves
33. Favorite holiday? Thanksgiving Holiday
34. What fictional character do you relate to most? Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz
35. Do you like surprises? No
36. What’s the biggest surprise you’ve ever had? Husband taking me to the dealership to buy me a car that I had on my vision board
37. Which surprise made you cry? When my dad got re-married and he did not tell me
38. What’s the best surprise you’ve given somebody else? Took my boys on a shopping spree
39. Do you like muffins? Yes – I love banana nut & blueberry
40. Do you cook often? Yes – I have to cook for my family
41. What’s your favorite dessert? Banana Pudding
42. Is there a dessert you don’t like? Yes – Pecan Pie
43. Cake or pie? I prefer cake over pie
44. What’s your least favorite food? Baked fish / Asparagus
45. What’s your favorite condiment? Barbecue Sauce
46. It’s 4 am on a random Saturday. What are you eating? Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich with Milk
47. If you could teach a college class what would it be called? Be Kind to Yourself
48. Best animated film? The Incredibles
49. What has a guy done or said to impress you? Respect me and listens well
50. Best thing to do on a first date? Go for a walk by the water
51. Worst thing to do on a first date? Be late or rude
52. Best comic book character? Spider-Man
53. Name three things which can always be found in your purse. Wallet, Phone & Lotion
54. Favorite drink? Strawberry Daiquiri
55. If you could play a historical character in a movie who would it be? Oprah Winfrey
56. Kittens or puppies? I love kittens & puppies (animals in general)
57. Favorite sushi roll? Don’t eat sushi at all
58. What lipstick do you use? Don’t wear lipstick or any other make-up
59. What foundation do you use? Don’t wear foundation or any other make-up
60. Blow dry or air dry? Blow dry
61. Who is your fashion icon? I enjoy seeing blog posts from Dani Smith – She’s an enthusiast that loves fashion – iamdanismith.com
62. Favorite Disney Character? Minnie Mouse
63. What are you doing tomorrow? Resting & Writing
64. Movie you laughed the hardest through? Ghostbusters
65. Movie that made you cry? The Color Purple
66. If you could sing a duet with anybody, who would you choose? R. Kelly despite his legal issues, the man is talented and could sing his butt off
67. If your life was a song what would the title be? It’s Hard to Smile
68. What’s your favorite animal? A Zebra
69. Favorite illustrator? Sorry, I don’t have one
70. What country would you like to visit? Costa Rica
71. Best way to decompress? Hot Bubble Bath
72. Favorite exercise? Walk Workouts
73. Do you prefer writing in the morning or evening? Evening
Wow, this was a lot of fun! Some of these questions caught me off guard and it took me a few minutes before I could honestly answer them. I kept telling myself that it’s important not to overthink, just have fun with it! Again, I appreciate the nominations I received from Sunny and Catherine! Let’s continue to support one another’s blogging efforts. When you get a moment, go and support both of these talented bloggers:
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).
