Category: Triggers

Worry Less and Trust God

Worry Less and Trust God

LaPorter7 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Worry Less and Trust God

Worrying is a waste of time. It doesn’t change anything. It just clouds your mind and steals your happiness. – 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 – Not once does the Bible say, “Worry about it” or “Stress over it” or “Figure it out.” But over and over the Bible clearly says, “TRUST GOD.”

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! It has been more than two months since I’ve posted here. Lately, I have found it very difficult to focus on writing projects, to limit my worrying and to trust God for everything pertaining to my life. I had to take a mental break from researching and writing, but now I’m back. As I have stated before, I promised myself, that I would write about topics that I personally experience so I can help others who may be going through similar life changing situations. If you live your life constantly worrying about things that are out of your control or have anxiety that cause you to stray away from things you love to do, then it’s time to worry less and trust God.

SCRIPTURES

Old Testament Scripture – Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved. (Psalm 55:22)

New Testament Scripture – Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

MY STORY

Anxiety comes from trying too hard to control the future. – Unknown

What’s my story related to worry and anxiety? I’m going to be honest, I never really worried a lot or felt anxiety to the point where I would not do certain things until my mother passed away in 2015. It was at this point that I felt like a total failure because I could not help my mother fight her Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It was so difficult just watching her breathing get worse and worse. My mother was a small woman with strength of a lion, but COPD broke her body down quickly right before my eyes.

Even as I write these words, emotions begin to stir around inside of me, but I continued writing so I can help someone else who may be experiencing the same thing. It’s hard to admit sometimes, but the grieving process has been very difficult for me, but I turned to writing as a way to release my pain and emptiness inside. I am glad to say that I no longer blame myself for my mother’s death. I realize I had no control of her chronic illness and God’s timing. This process has shown me that you can learn different ways to handle worry and anxiety throughout life, but it’s fair to say that it may never leave your body for good, it’s just resting inside waiting for an opportunity to arise.

DEFINITIONS

Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles, it takes away today’s peace. – Unknown Author

Did you know that worry and anxiety often times goes hand in hand? Let’s define both.

Anxiety can be defined as a feeling that lives inside us and blocks us from fully living the life we want to live. Anxiety has various symptoms that can be felt anywhere in the body. Anxiety can happen at any time, and it can influence our thoughts, emotions, actions and physical health.

On the other hand, worry can give way to anxiety or unease. Worry allows one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles surrounding one’s life. Worries are a chain of thoughts based in words. For example, “What will happen if” … “It will be terrible when” … “What if I can’t”.

WORRY TRIGGERS

Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrows; it empties today of its strengths. – Corrie Ten Boom

Let’s face it, we all have issues that we worry about, right? Sometimes we’re not even aware of why we’re worrying, when we’re doing it or what we tend to worry about the most. We just know that we often feel anxious, and we find ourselves stuck in a vicious cycle of worry. One of the ways to break this vicious cycle is to be aware of which things trigger our anxiety.

Here’s a few questions to ask yourself when determining your worry triggers:

  • Is it when you’re in certain places?
  • Is it particular times of the day?
  • Is it when you’re around certain people?

Many different things can trigger worry and understanding your particular triggers can help you process and establish ways to respond to your anxious feelings. Keep in mind that anxiety can trick you into believing your thoughts are reality.

FEELING OVERWHELMED

You can’t calm the storm…so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass. – Timber Hawkeye

When you’re feeling anxious, you struggle to distinguish what you’re actually experiencing and what your thoughts are projecting. Begin to divert your attention from the thoughts inside your head to what is real around you. Pay attention to what you’re doing right now in this very moment, not on your worries or anxiety.

Here’s a few suggestions that you can use when you’re feeling overwhelmed:

  • Take slow, deep breaths, as many as you need to in order to feel calm.
  • While breathing slowly and deeply, visualize a peaceful, soothing place. Examples may include walking on the beach, taking a hike in the woods, reading a good book, sitting in a meditation pose, doing yoga, etc.
  • You can pair deep breathing exercises with aromatherapy using a candle or essential oil diffuser to infuse the air with a calming, relaxing scent such as lavender, rose, bergamot or chamomile.
  • Drink a soothing, noncaffeinated tea. Great herbs for reducing anxiety include lavender, chamomile, passionflower, hawthorn, kava, ginseng and lemon balm.
  • Ground yourself physically in a way that feels comfortable. For example, you may sit in a chair with your feet firmly planted on the floor or you can stand with your feet planted on the floor and your back pressed against a wall.
  • Notice negative thoughts and replace them with simple positive ones. For example, I can’t handle this becomes I am handling this right now and I know this anxiety will soon pass.

WORRY LESS AND TRUST GOD

Worrying is like sitting in a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere. – English Proverb

It’s impossible for you to completely eliminate worry and anxiety from your life, but you can significantly lessen its hold over your life. Part of this process is learning when it might show up (triggers) and coming up with a plan to deal with it when it does (solutions).

Here’s some great ways to worry less and trust God:

  • Pray and read God’s Word daily.
  • Determine the source of the worry, so you can do something about it.
  • Allow yourself time to worry (10 to 15 minutes).
  • Understand your specific symptoms. What are your thoughts when your anxiety escalates? In what situations do your symptoms intensify? Lessen?
  • Know what works for you. Which strategies are helpful in moments of high anxiety? Examples could be deep breathing exercises, mindfulness exercises, meditation, journaling or talking with a support person.
  • Ditch the small stuff and put things in perspective.
  • Give into laughter and smile more.
  • Engage with positive people.
  • Schedule therapy sessions with a mental health professional. Be open and honest.
  • Write down your thoughts and feelings in your journal or notebook. Then, reflect on them throughout your journey.

Although experiencing worry and anxiety in our lives are natural, when they become chronic and trapping your mind in vicious cycles with no resolutions, is when they become a problem. Stop using your energy to worry. Instead, use your energy to believe, create, love, grow, manifest, heal, and trust God. Be blessed!

AFFIRMATIONS TO HELP YOU STOP WORRYING

Affirmations can be used to change your current mindset, boost your self-confidence, mood, and self-esteem. Through the power of repetition, you’re able to reconstruct your thought patterns, beliefs, and ideals in your subconscious mind.

Here’s some affirmations to help you let go of stress, worry, and anxiety:

  • As I breathe, I am calm and relaxed.
  • I am strong and courageous.
  • My thoughts and feelings are valid.
  • I live peacefully alongside all of my emotions and worry.
  • I accept what is happening in my life, moment by moment.
  • My acceptance gives me courage to face situations and people.
  • I live my life fully and freely, enjoying my life even when I feel anxious.
  • I feel grounded in this moment which helps me to move freely past the worry or anxious feeling.
  • I have survived my anxiety before, so I can do it again.
  • I let go of what I cannot control.
  • My anxiety does not define me.
  • I have the power to control my thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. – Lao Tzu

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 positive things will begin to take the place of worry and anxiety?
  • What are your biggest challenges that prevent you from overcoming worry and anxiety?
  • What are some of your worry triggers?
  • When do you find yourself worrying about these triggers?
  • Where are you when this worry is at its peak?
  • What makes your worry or anxiety worse? What makes it better?

JOURNAL TO OVERCOME GRIEF: A PERSONAL JOURNEY TO HEALING

 No matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn’t stop for your grief. – Faraaz Kazi

Journal To Overcome Grief: A Personal Journey to Healing can be purchased via Amazon.com.  This beautiful grief journal includes thought provoking journal prompts and quotes that will help you navigate life after loss.

Journal To Overcome Grief

 

There will be times when you’ll want to cry and other times when you’ll smile as you explore your personal reflections. This is a unique way to honor your loved one and connect with their spirit through writing while creating your own personal keepsake for years to come.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

Please share what helps you to worry less and trust God more? How do you choose to cope with worry and anxiety? I look forward to reading your comments and feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

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

Copyright © 2022 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Conquer Grief During the Holidays

Conquer Grief During the Holidays

LaPorter1 Reply
Renew Inspiration, Conquer Grief During the Holidays
Renew Inspiration

The loneliest walk you’ll ever take is the one down the road of grief. – Author 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! I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that 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. Let’s take a moment to identify some very important coping skills that will help you or someone you know conquer grief during the holidays.

    • Be kind and offer yourself some grace – Everyone has unique grief experiences. 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 in a safe manner.
    • Set realistic expectations for yourself – Remind yourself that this year is different. Be sure to get plenty of rest and nourishment. Do not take on more than you can handle.
    • 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. If you desire the affection of others, seek it out. Remember, ask and you shall receive.
    • Set healthy boundaries with family and friends – Allow yourself time to grieve and understand what you’re feeling inside. Decide new holiday routines when you’re ready and feel comfortable.
    • Surround yourself with people who love and support you – Sharing your feelings is often the best way to get through them and finding people you can talk to will help.
    • Write journal entries to express yourself – Don’t be afraid to express yourself and tune into your grief emotions while writing journal entries.
    • Make a difference in your community – Give to your favorite charity organization, purchase a gift for a needy child or consider volunteering at a homeless shelter. This can help you cope with your grief by contributing to the greater good within your community.

GREAT IDEAS TO HONOR YOUR LOVED ONE

In this hollow I do grieve for all the things that cease to be. – Angie Weiland-Crosby

Choose to create a special way to memorialize your loved one this holiday season. Here’s some great ideas you can use to honor your loved one and keep their memories alive:

  • Light a candle.
  • Arrange to have a prayer vigil.
  • Create an online tribute.
  • Make a memorial ornament, wreath or holiday decoration.
  • Share your favorite story, quote or poem.
  • Release balloons or sky lanterns.
  • Plant a tree and create a stone garden.
  • Visit your loved one’s special place.
  • Recite a special prayer and choose to have a moment of silence.
  • Make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Keep in mind, 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 during the holidays. With time, patience, and the right coping skills I am certain you will conquer grief during this holiday season and beyond!

PRAYER

God of love and mercy, embrace all those whose hearts today overflow with grief, unanswered questions and such a sense of loss. Immerse them in your love and lead them through this darkness into your arms, and light. Grant them space to express their tears. Hold them close through the coming days. Amen.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Missing you comes in waves, tonight I’m drowning. – 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!

  • Why are you grieving?
  • What is your fondest memory of your loved one?
  • What are some of your grief triggers?
  • Why do you feel lost and broken?
  • What was your high and low on today?
  • What do you know to be true in this moment?
  • How do you prefer to honor your loved one during the holiday season?

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