Uncategorized – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

Shaky Foundation

LaPorterMarch 24, 20197 Replies

I am letting go of all negative thoughts and know everything will work out for me.

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Thought for the week – A negative mind will never give you a positive life.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Have you ever been standing on your own two feet, but feel like you’re standing on a shaky foundation? You look all around you and everything seems to be still and not moving. Then, you realize it’s only your thoughts. Your thoughts in so many ways define who you are. I am stuck in my own negative thoughts at times as it relates to my life, my relationships, my finances, my career, etc. I have to admit, last week was a ROUGH week for me. Here’s just a snapshot of my week:

• Emotional eating took control when I was upset and/or stressing out (oldest son, work)

• My oldest son got in trouble at school 3 times this week (stress level through the roof)

• Very busy at work, but I only work part-time hours (more stress)

• Sadness and depression slipped in and I did not feel like exercising or writing

Your mind will always believe everything you tell it. Feed it faith. Feed it truth. Feed it with love.

Yes, even I have bad days and/or weeks from time to time. Remember, that’s why I turned to writing. I honestly feel like my Renew Inspiration blog is a safe place to gather my thoughts and feelings. Even though we know negative thoughts are not good for us, we struggle with letting go of them. But why? More importantly, we have to remember how important it is to not stay in that negative place, but we must push through those difficult times. Only then will we find our strength and blessings in life.

I am going to take my week of challenges and turn it into a learning moment. I love owning up to my life’s temporary setbacks and those important learning moments. It really shows my growth and potential when I can be honest and live up to my truth. It’s a personal journey so why not make it your best one. Instead of just holding all of my negative thoughts inside, I chose to create this blog post so that I can help someone else who may be going through the same situation.

DEFINE NEGATIVE THOUGHTS

Negative thoughts can be defined as intrusive thoughts that are unwelcome, involuntary, images or unpleasant ideas that may become obsessions, are upsetting or distressing, and can be difficult to free of and manage.

HOW NEGATIVE THOUGHTS AFFECT YOUR LIFE

There is no way around it. Negative thoughts have an immediate and destructive impact on your life. Let’s face it, the moment you have a negative thought, it’s already:

• Hindering you from achieving something you are striving for (goals, dreams, projects)

• Making you feel worse than before (pity party, anxiety, depression)

• Adding negative value to your life in some way (self-esteem, bad relationships)

With that said, make a commitment to your own life on today. Believe in yourself. Choose to shine. Be your own inspiration and choose positive thoughts instead of negative ones. Then, watch your results change. Yes, it’s as simple as that.

EFFECTS OF NEGATIVE THOUGHTS

Simply put, we need to let go of negative thoughts because they prevent us from enjoying all the benefits of positive thinking.

Here’s a few effects of negative thoughts:

• Less confidence

• Lower self-esteem

• Less happiness

• Less feelings of strength

• Less peace of mind

• Less success

• Less health benefits

Your negative thoughts, if not careful, can destroy your sense of worth, make you feel lost, lonely, and depressed. Also, you may lose healthy relationships and careers throughout this process if you do not make positive changes. Negative thoughts can put you in a negative place in life that will cause you to lose everything that you’ve worked so hard for in life. I am writing this blog post to give you hope again and to let you know that you are not alone. We all experience negative thoughts from time to time, but they do not have to control us.

HOW TO OVERCOME NEGATIVE THOUGHTS

Well, believe it or not, negative thoughts are normal and are part of the human experience. Honestly, it’s how we deal with negative thoughts as they appear in our lives. Let’s learn a new and healthy way to overcome negative thoughts once and for all.

Here’s some simple ways to help overcome negative thoughts:

• Be conscious of your thoughts. As soon as you find yourself thinking a negative thought, stop yourself from thinking it.

• Stop comparing yourself to others. Remind yourself of your positive attributes. There is only one you so make the best of it.

• Communicate with family and friends often. It is important for everyone to have a positive human connection.

• Digital detox. It’s okay to unfollow, mute, ignore, and delete negative people from your social media accounts.

• Is this thought helpful to me or others? Be honest about your negative feelings.

• Don’t take things personally. Try to play devil’s advocate with your own feelings.

• Avoid triggers. Minimizing contact negative people and avoiding negative triggers can help keep you sane and positive.

My hope for you today is that you now know that negative thoughts really don’t benefit you at all and have no positive value for your life. It’s important for you to get your mind moving in a new direction because dwelling on negative thoughts will keep you from becoming all God has for you. Love yourself fully, deeply, honestly, faithfully, and gloriously. Until next time, be safe and surrounded by love, light, peace, and joy.

Shaky Foundation, Renew Inspiration, Journaling, Flower, Negative Thoughts, Reflection, Journal Prompts — pixabay

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think a negative thought.

Writing in a journal can be a positive way for self-reflection and to turn your negative thoughts to positive ones. Be honest and open to your own personal truths throughout your journey.

Here’s some journal prompts to help you get started:

• Have you spent more time today focused on the past, present, or future?

• Have you forgiven yourself?

• What learned beliefs are you holding onto which aren’t true to your authentic self?

• How are you denying your own role in fall-outs you’ve had with other people?

• How does it feel to be the age you currently are?

• In what ways do you lessen others to feel better about yourself?

• What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned and how did you learn it?

• What is your greatest quest in life?

• What do you think is God’s dream for your life?

Shaky Foundation, Renew Inspiration, White Flower — pixabay

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS and/or COMMENTS

Thank you for taking the time to read my Renew Inspiration blog. It really means a lot to me and I hope you continue this journey with me.

I would love to hear from you. What is the impact of negative thinking in your life? How do you stay focused and grounded in positive thinking?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Season’s Greetings

LaPorterDecember 8, 20182 Replies

Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you purchase through our link (at no additional cost).

Season's Greetings, Holiday Season, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays — Pixabay

When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed. – Maya Angelou

Something to Think About – Jesus knows the way because He is the way.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Season’s Greetings! Always remember, the greatest gift you can ever own is not found in the shops or under your Christmas tree. It is found in the hearts of your loving family and your true friends. This should be a special time of the year filled with happiness and peace. Finding time to share joy and positive memories with family and friends. Don’t forget about those who are less fortunate than us. Sacrifice your time by serving people in need at your local homeless shelter, foster care agencies, nursing homes or hospitals. Visit some of your neighbors and make sure that your elderly neighbors have healthy meals for the holidays as well. Also, don’t forget to send monetary donations to your favorite charities. Jesus isn’t just the reason for this season. He’s the reason for every single day of our life. Wishing all my family and friends a beautiful and blessed Holiday Season!

Today be thankful and think how rich you are. Your family is priceless, your time is gold, and your health is wealth. –Zig Ziglar

REASONS WHY JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON

The beauty of Christmas is not in the presents but in His presence.

We should celebrate Jesus Christ because He is the ultimate gift to the world (Romans 5:15)

His love inspires people to be extra kind and giving this time of year that’s why you give special gifts to those you love and cherish (I John 3:16)

It’s a time of year where we can all be like little children, just like He taught (Matthew 18:2-5)

Christmas lights remind us that He is the Light of the world (John 8:12)

We can be of good cheer and full of hope because He came to save us (John 3:16)

Everybody loves when a baby is born, but none has changed the world as Jesus has (Matthew 1:21)

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Season’s Greetings. Happy Holidays. Be Kind. Be Thoughtful. Be Genuine. But most of all Be Thankful.

How do you plan to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ during this Christmas holiday?

What action did you take today that brought you joy? What action did you take to bring joy to others?

How do you spread Christmas cheer?

How do you plan to serve others during the Christmas holiday and beyond?

When have you felt that you deserved something you wanted and couldn’t get it?

How could you remind yourself instead about all the blessings you already have?

What are you looking forward to this holiday season?

Who made you smile during the holiday season?

The holiday season makes me feel ____________________________.

Write about 4 emotions that come to your heart on Christmas day and why?

List 10 words that come to mind when you thinkof Jesus Christ. Ready, set, go!

SHARE YOUR COMMENTS

Merry Christmas. Tis the Season to be Jolly.

How do you plan to spend the holiday season? How do you plan to share some joy and holiday cheer to those around you? Do you have any family traditions or recipes that you share every year?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

Back to School Anxiety

LaPorterAugust 26, 20185 Replies

Together may we give our children the roots to grow and the wings to fly – Unknown

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Where did the summer go? I cannot believe my boys return to school tomorrow. In preparation for my boys returning to school, I could not help but think about back to school anxiety that some children experience. Some children may feel anxious about going back to school after a long summer break or others may be nervous about starting school for the very first time. Nevertheless, it is our responsibility as parents to comfort our children as much as possible during this difficult time.

girl, crying, sadness, lonely, anxiety, school — pexels

Here’s some tips to ease back to school anxiety:

Tip 1: Organize your home for back to school and allow your children to decorate the space. For example, you can create a comfortable homework area to make them feel more in control and relieve some of their anxious feelings.

Tip 2: Get your children involved in the back to school process. For example, allow your children to make their own lunch, choose their own snacks, pack their own backpacks or choose their own school clothes.

Tip 3: Help your child feel more comfortable about his new school environment and routines. For example, plan to take your children to visit the school and talk about the basics, such as teacher name, room number, lunch time, recess, etc.

Tips for Anxiety Relief – FREE TIPS

Tip 4: Highlight the things that make school great. For example, making new friends, scheduling playdates, becoming more independent, getting new school supplies and clothes. Most importantly, allow your children to talk about their feelings. Remember, don’t talk, just listen.

Tip 5: Try to be home more during back to school time. Plan to spend some quality time talking with your children about their school day. Discuss any concerns and answer any questions that they may have.

Tip 6: Make sure your children gets enough sleep and eats a balanced diet. Getting adequate sleep and eating a healthy diet is important for brain function, mood, and the ability to focus and pay attention during school hours.

girl, meditate, breathing, anxiety, school — pixabay

Panic/Anxiety Attack

Use this breathing exercise if you or your child experience a panic/anxiety attack:

• Breathe in for 4 seconds
• Hold your breath for 7 seconds
• Exhale breath for 8 seconds
• Repeat once or twice more

Remember, back to school anxiety is real, normal and understandable. Try to remind yourself that any anxiety your children may be feeling is only temporary. Before you know it, your family will be back in the groove and planning for a successful school year. If for some reason parents cannot help their children cope with back to school anxiety, make sure to seek the help from a health professional or a local support group.

Back-to-school deals. Valid 8/26-9/1.

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
How do you help your child cope with anxiety? How will your family’s routine change during back to school time?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Renew Inspiration is a participate in the Target Affiliate Program which is an advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Target.com

Motivation for Weight Loss

LaPorterJanuary 18, 20182 Replies

Despite your personal commitment and determination to succeed, it is hard to stay motivated when you commit to weight loss. There are so many barriers, such as family obligations, tight budget, crazy work schedule, no time to exercise, fail to preplan meals, etc. We can find excuse after excuse to not stay on track. Well, I have some suggestions to get you motivated today, tomorrow, and forever more.

First, change your way of thinking and know that motivation begins with you. Believe in yourself and become your own cheerleader throughout your journey.

Second, create a Weight Loss Journal and write down your personal weight loss goals, both short-term and long-term. Also, include your starting weight, exercises, motivational pictures, and inspirational quotes.

Third, find time for prayer and meditation throughout your journey. It is important for you to have a clear mind in order for you to focus on the total weight loss experience from head to toe. Now, I am not saying that this journey will be an easy one, but with your personal commitment, a changed mindset, and planning, you can set your self up for quite the experience.

Fourth, give yourself a pep talk and/or compliment yourself at least once a day. For example, look in the mirror and say “I believe in the person I’m becoming” or “I am beautiful, inside and out so I will eat write and exercise today”.

Fifth, surround yourself with supportive and like minded individuals. For example, join a local gym, take a class at your local recreation center, schedule workouts with family or friends, join groups on social media, and read uplifting blogs like this one everyday.

Finally, remember that your weight loss success is found in your daily routine, not in excuses.

Here’s a few quotes to help renew inspiration within you on today.

MIND: Rule your mind or it will rule you. ~Buddha

BODY: Embrace & love your body. It’s the most amazing thing you will ever own.

SPIRIT: Water your roots, so your soul can blossom.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

LaPorterJanuary 15, 20184 Replies

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an American federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around King’s birthday, January 15. The campaign for a federal holiday in Martin Luther King Jr.’s honor began soon after his assassination in 1968. Despite opposition from various US states, President Ronald Reagan signed the holiday into law in 1983, and it was observed three years later. Unfortunately, some states resisted observing the holiday, so it was officially observed inall 50 states for the first time in 2000.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a strong spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which successfully protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. Martin Luther King Jr. helped to change many unfair laws and showed us how important it is to love and respect each other despite the skin color. During his time on Earth, he fought many discrimination battles, led many dangerous protests and marches, where black people were beat, called racial slurs, bitten by dogs, sprayed with powerful water hoses and sometimes killed. Often times, black people were arrested for participating in these widespread events trying to fight for equality in America.

I often wonder what Martin Luther King Jr. would say today if he was still here on Earth. Black and white people are able to attend the same schools, eat at the same restaurants, live in the same neighborhoods, shop at the same stores, drink from the same water fountains, but yet we are still divided as Americans.

Where do we go from here? Well, we can start by reading and learning about our black history. It is important to know what happened to our ancestors in the past so we can grow and learn in order to move forward. We need to teach our children about history facts, responsibility, reality for what we know it to be, and how to stand for what is right. I don’t know about you, but I know for a fact that racism is alive and well in America and abroad. Not only what you read about in the local newspaper or watch on your local news, but I have experienced racism first hand. You cannot change a person’s heart and how they were taught to feel about you because of the color of your skin. I don’t try to change people’s thoughts about me, but I do live my life as an example of how an American should live every day, not just on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Step Out on Faith

LaPorterJanuary 14, 20184 Replies

Have you ever just stopped to listen to your mind, body, and spirit? Now, come on I need you to be honest with me. Sometimes we have to take a moment to reflect on our lives and those individuals who surround us day to day. It is also important to think about what really makes us happy as we approach our personal goals in life. Do we wake up each day to strive to be better than yesterday or just to be mediocre? Do we strive to help others achieve his or her goals or are we selfish? Do we always put the needs of others (family and friends) before our own? If you answered YES to any of these questions it is not uncommon.

I have come to a point in my life where I want to do something that I have never done before. Believe it or not, you are reading it right now, this very moment. I have decided to step out on faith to pursue a blogging career. I have always enjoyed writing in my journal, but I recently began writing to comfort my soul when my mother passed away in December 2015. This was a dark time for me, but writing allowed me to capture my feelings on paper and allowed my tears to flow freely. Writing offered me a new way of looking at life. Yes, I am sad and I will truly miss my mother’s presence here on Earth, but I have a new inner strength that is scratching to get out in order to help others overcome his or her fears.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am nervous about the new venture, but I am determined to succeed in all that I do in life. Yes, that means my new blogging career as well. I love to learn new things and I cannot wait to see what my new passion has in store for me. I hope you are ready for the fun and motivational adventure that we are off to explore. Come on, don’t be shy. I would love to have you stop by and visit often so we can encourage one another throughout this journey, we call life. Until next time, live…love…laugh…CELEBRATE life every day!