Benefits of Journaling

LaPorterMarch 20, 20239 Replies

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

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

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, let’s talk about the benefits of journaling. Journaling allows you to gain clarity inside and out. Journaling also helps you to make positive changes in your life. If you allow it, journaling will offer you a glimpse into your soul in its purest form.

Before we get started, please make sure you have the following:

An open mind; Meditation ready
Willingness to express oneself; Eager to move from one place to another freely
Humble and caring spirit; Broken soul
Journal or Notebook
Pen or Pencil

I want to encourage you to pause for a moment and look within. Create awareness of your overall energy, how you feel and what you’re thinking. Believe it or not, journaling can be another form of self-reflection. Journaling can make you aware of negative patterns in your behavior so you can focus on the present moment.

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

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

What’s the message that you need on today? What is it that you need to focus on within your life, right now, in this very moment? During your lifelong journey, it’s important for you to speak positive words into your soul. Despite the hurt you may feel or the sadness you experience in life, often times you forget that the power to overcome life’s challenges is already inside you. If you feel lost or defeated, it’s because the heart and mind are not working in harmony, when they work together you will find peace. Although, there’s a lot of benefits of journaling, here’s a few that I want to share with you.

Journaling:

Helps you think more critically about your life.
Reduces stress and anxiety by keeping you in the present moment.
Allows you to recognize and release negative thoughts and feelings.
Increases your happiness in life and improves your mood.
Encourages inner peace and a feeling of well-being.
Provides self-discovery, self-awareness, and moments of reflection.
Helps you gain clarity in your life, better memory.
Increases creativity, positivity, and mindfulness.
Builds resilience and confidence.
Helps to organize and process your thoughts and feelings.
Improves your sleep and overall mental wellness.

As you can see, making the decision to practice journaling will bring mindfulness, peace, and emotional healing into your daily routine.

JOURNALING TIPS

Journal writing gives us insights into who we are, who we were, and who we can become. – Sandra Marinella

There is no wrong or right way to practice journaling, just write! Journaling is a great way to release restless thoughts and emotions so you can be in a better headspace. Include journaling in your daily routine so you can heal any emotional, physical or mental wounds that may have been caused by negativity from others or internally. Here’s some great journaling tips to help you get started:

Create a safe place to write; Declutter your space; Add your preferred lighting and scented candles; You should feel good, happy and calm in your writing space.
Let it all out; Allow your thoughts to flow freely and write about anything.
Dedicate time and write regularly; Try to write in your journal on a regular basis; Every day is ideal.
Try new things; Move out of your comfort zone; Try things that make you happy; Write letters to yourself or to loved ones (past or present).
Don’t get too negative; Shift your writing in another direction; Avoid rereading your negative writing, but instead have a balanced point of view.

What’s your story or experience concerning journaling? It’s important to allow yourself to feel and to express yourself honestly throughout this process. I choose to reflect on inspiring quotes, affirmations and/or scriptures that are hidden in my heart during my journaling time in order to rise up above my problems, situations, depression, sadness, hurt, etc. Remember, this is a personal journey. Be sure to show yourself some grace while starting the journaling experience. It’s important for you to find your safe place and surround yourself with God’s love, peace, and joy throughout the process.

AFFIRMATIONS

Affirmation without discipline is the beginning of delusion. – Jim Rohn

Affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Self-love, positivity, open-mindedness, help set you in the right direction. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it a personal experience.

Here’s a few of my favorite affirmations to help you get started:

I am a unique, creative, and wonderful black woman who keeps growing by the day.
I am learning to love, cherish, and respect myself.
I am using the wisdom within me to navigate through my life.
I am releasing my connection to things that don’t serve me.
I am patient and know that growth may take time.
I am blessed with every challenge I have faced.
I am consciously working hard to bring the best out of every moment I am given.
I am always creating a new course of action because I am unstoppable.
I am embracing my full potential even if it makes others uncomfortable.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

In the journal I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself. – Susan Sontag

What is something that has been weighing on your mind lately?
What do you see as your biggest accomplishment? failure?
Do you have any regrets about how you’ve lived your life so far?
What have you done to make amends and/or forgive yourself?
What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself in the past year?
If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
What can you do right now to lift your mood?
How can you make this week a better one than last?

Let’s Talk. As you can see, journaling has many benefits that can help you overcome any obstacle that you face in life. Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges in life? After reading this blog post, what resonates with you? I would love to hear from you? Please answer these questions in the comment section.

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).

Journal To Overcome Grief

LaPorterApril 17, 2022Leave a Reply

Grief never ends, but it changes. In passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love. – 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! Hope you’ve enjoyed your Easter holiday so far! Today, let’s discuss how to journal to overcome grief. Grief hits everyone differently. Coping with the loss of someone or something you love is one of life’s biggest challenges. Even though you may associate grieving with the death of a loved one, there are other losses that may occur in one’s life that may cause you grief, pain, and heartache, such as:

Divorce or relationship breakup
Loss of health
Losing a job
Loss of financial stability
A miscarriage
Retirement
Death of a pet
Loss of a cherished dream
A loved one’s serious illness
Loss of a friendship
Loss of safety after a trauma

Despite the unrest, hatred, loneliness, and fear that is experienced during the grief process, it’s important to find healthy ways to cope with your thoughts, feelings, and emotions.

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING THROUGH GRIEF

Grief can be the garden of compassion. If you keep your heart open through everything, your pain can become your greatest ally in your life’s search for love and wisdom. – Rumi

Journaling is a proven coping tool for exploring grief and other complicated emotions. I don’t know about you, but journaling is my safe place, my time to just write how I feel and scream on paper, and no one will ever know. A journal provides a safe environment for you to express your heart felt thoughts. Every person’s grief journal will be different based on the persons expectations, goals, experiences, and preferences.

There are benefits of journaling through grief, such as:

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

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

JOURNAL TO OVERCOME GRIEF

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

Today, I’m excited to share my new book called Journal To Overcome Grief: A Personal Journey to Healing that 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.

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.

GRIEF AFFIRMATIONS

The irony of grief is that the person that you need to talk to about how you feel is the person who is no longer here. – Unknown Author

Grief affirmations may offer you hope when you feel there is none left. Grief affirmations can help shift your mindset in a positive direction. Take a moment each day to recite the following grief affirmations with confidence. Then, you’ll watch your life change right before your eyes.

No matter what you say, I know my grief matters.
I am strong because of what I have been through.
I heal with curiosity, presence, and hope.
Grief gives me wings with which I spread love.
I am always healing, and never alone.
My life is a celebration of their life.
Grief is a call for me to wake up and live, and love, even more.

Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it personal.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

You never really get over the death of someone you love. You simply get through it. – Unknown Author

How do you define grief?
Do you plan to start journaling through grief? Why or why not?
What is grief trying to tell you through this experience?
What triggers your grief when you’re alone?
How can you begin to make space for grief instead of avoiding it?
What are your saddest moments when you feel stuck in isolation?
What wisdom have you learned from grief?

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).

Journaling to Heal Within

LaPorterFebruary 17, 20225 Replies

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

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

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, let’s talk about journaling to heal within. Journaling allows you to gain clarity inside and out. Journaling also helps you to make positive changes in your life. If you allow it, journaling will offer you a glimpse into your soul in its purest form. Before we get started, please make sure you have the following:

An open mind; Meditation ready
Willingness to express oneself; Eager to move from one place to another freely
Humble and caring spirit; Broken soul
Journal or Notebook
Pen or Pencil

I want to encourage you to pause for a moment and look within. Create awareness of your overall energy, how you feel and what you’re thinking. Believe it or not, journaling can be another form of self-reflection. Journaling can make you aware of negative patterns in your behavior so you can focus on the present moment. Journaling is an effective way to accelerate your emotional healing.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

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

What’s the message that you need on today? What is it that you need to focus on within your life, right now, in this very moment? During your lifelong journey, it’s important for you to speak positive words into your soul. Despite the hurt you may feel or the sadness you experience in life, often times you forget that the power to overcome life’s challenges is already inside you. If you feel lost or defeated, it’s because the heart and mind are not working in harmony, when they work together you will find peace. There’s a lot of benefits of journaling, but here’s a few that I want to share with you.

Journaling:

Helps you think more critically about your life
Reduces stress and anxiety by keeping you in the present moment
Allows you to recognize and release negative thoughts and feelings
Increases your happiness in life and improves your mood
Encourages inner peace and a feeling of well-being
Provides self-discovery, self-awareness, and moments of reflection
Helps you gain clarity in your life, better memory
Increases creativity, positivity, and mindfulness
Builds resilience and confidence
Helps to organize and process your thoughts and feelings
Improves your sleep and overall mental wellness

As you can see, making the decision to practice journaling will bring mindfulness, peace, and emotional healing into your daily routine.

JOURNALING TIPS

Journal writing gives us insights into who we are, who we were, and who we can become. – Sandra Marinella

There is no wrong or right way to practice journaling, just write! Journaling is a great way to release emotions so you can be in a better headspace. Include journaling in your daily routine so you can heal any emotional, physical or mental wounds that may have been caused by negativity from others or internally. Here’s some great journaling tips to help you get started:

Tip 1 – Create a safe place to write; Declutter your space; Add your preferred lighting and scented candles; You should feel good, happy and calm in your writing space
Tip 2 – Let it all out; Allow your thoughts to flow freely and write about anything
Tip 3 – Dedicate time and write regularly; Try to write in your journal on a regular basis; Every day is ideal
Tip 4 – Try new things; Move out of your comfort zone; Try things that make you happy; Write letters to yourself or to loved ones (past or present)
Tip 5 – Don’t get too negative; Shift your writing in another direction; Avoid rereading your negative writing, but instead have a balanced point of view

What’s your story or experience? It’s important to allow yourself to feel and to express yourself honestly throughout this process. For example, I survived throughout my journey because the fire inside me burned brighter than the fire around me. I had to reflect on scriptures that were hidden in my heart in order to rise up above my problems, situations, depression, sadness, hurt, etc. Remember, this is a personal journey. It’s important for you to find your safe place and surround yourself with God’s love, peace, and joy.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

In the journal I do not just express myself more openly than I could to any person; I create myself. – Susan Sontag

What is something that has been weighing on your mind lately?
What do you see as your biggest accomplishment?
Do you have any regrets about how you’ve lived your life so far?
What have you done to make amends and/or forgive yourself?
What is the most important thing you have learned about yourself in the past year?
If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?
What can you do right now to lift your mood?
How can you make this week a better one than last?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

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

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

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

Journaling Through Grief and Isolation

LaPorterAugust 24, 202110 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Journaling, Grief, Isolation — Renew Inspiration

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

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

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

DEFINITIONS – JOURNALING / GRIEF / ISOLATION

A journal is your completely unaltered voice. – Lucy Dacus

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

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

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING THROUGH GRIEF AND ISOLATION

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

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

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

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

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

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

WAYS TO RESTORE YOURSELF

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

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

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

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

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

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

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

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

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

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

Journaling Beyond Measure

LaPorterSeptember 13, 202010 Replies

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

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, I want to explore various ways to make your life complete using my very own concept called journaling beyond measure. Journaling beyond measure will help you gain clarity inside and out. In addition, this concept will help you to make positive changes in your life that will offer you a glimpse into your soul in its purest form by doing the following:

Making you more aware – Helps you get to know yourself better; Brings your thoughts and feelings to the surface
Letting you take control – Minimize the chaos in your life; Journaling helps get things into perspective
Shifting your viewpoint – Offers a safe place to practice positive self-talk; Retraining the brain to think positively
Letting you notice patterns – Helps you see how you’re doing over time

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

Journaling is my safe place and I use this time to just write how I feel with no excuses and no explanations given. Believe it or not, journaling has many benefits, such as:

Lowering your stress levels and making you feel calmer.
Helping you gain clarity and improving your short-term memory.
Encouraging you to maintain an organized record of your progress and journey.
Helping you increase your happiness and improving your mood.
Helping you develop self-awareness and empathy.
Offering you an ability to heal your past or present traumas.
Helping you to increase your personal creativity.

Remember, when you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts. Your experiences may even bring about other benefits if you’re open to the process.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1 – Creative Journaling

JOURNALING TIPS

In addition, journaling can provide an outlet for your personal thoughts and feelings to be expressed freely without criticism. From my experience, it’s important to have your guard down when making the decision to start journaling. After all, journaling helps you to gain better control of your emotions and thought process, which improves your overall mental health.

Here’s some amazing journaling tips to keep in mind as you embark on this journey:

Keep a regular writing schedule so journaling becomes a habit.
Select a journal that you feel comfortable using to capture your inner thoughts.
Don’t over think your written entries, just write honestly.
Be creative, add photos and positive quotes to enhance your written entries.
Take your journal everywhere you go to capture special thoughts or moments.
Be spontaneous and free letting it all out with no structure.
Don’t get too negative, but instead shift your writing in another direction.

Finally, don’t worry about format, grammar, or spelling. Remember, this is your personal space and a written account for how you feel right now in this very moment. Don’t worry about following your traditional writing rules. Dedicate time daily and just write.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Bible Journaling

JOURNAL OPTIONS

Next, I want to share some journal options that you can include into your journaling schedule. Some people may do just a simple journal based on everyday events or you can get creative and try some other journal options, such as:

Bible Journal – Bible Journals can provide you with a therapeutic way to better cope with everyday situations, understand your feelings and establish a connection between your life and the biblical content. Include notes, scriptures, life lessons and examples, pictures, quotes, questions, etc.
Gratitude Journal – Gratitude Journals allow you to recognize, appreciate and record pleasant occurrences in your life. Also, you can include blessings, special moments of authentic happiness and contentment. Include what you are grateful for, personal thoughts, quotes, stickers, etc.
Prayer Journal – Prayer Journals allow you to deepen your relationship with God by writing down your prayers every day. Learn by reflecting on prayers that have been answered, and others that haven’t. Some suggestions may include prayers, scriptures, personal thoughts, self-reflection notes, quotes, etc.
Reading Journal – Reading Journals can be a place to store your personal reactions to what you’re reading. Writing down your responses will allow you to discover how you feel about the book itself, the characters, scenery or plot. Include the book(s)/authors you are reading, personal thoughts, and emotional responses, connect the book to your own life, questions you may have about the book(s), connect with the characters, etc.
Scrapbook Journal – Scrapbook Journals is a cross between scrapbooking, journaling, collaging and sketching pictures to tell a story or to highlight a special memory. Include pictures, personal thoughts, quotes, stickers, etc.
Travel Journal – Travel Journals are a place where you can write about trips you have taken, what you learned during and after the trip. Include adventures, stories, memories, pictures, personal thoughts, culture, customs, the people you met/saw, favorite places you visited, quotes, etc.

Now, remember I just wanted to share a few journal options, but you can create any type of journal based on your life and style. There are no right or wrong journal options. Choose the journal option that you will enjoy, learn from, and continue to grow throughout life.

FINAL THOUGHTS

So, whether you are currently writing in a journal on a regular basis or you would like to start, these benefits, tips and options should help you start journaling beyond measure. Don’t be afraid to grab your journal and write your ideas so you’re able to retrieve your thoughts whenever needed. Your journal holds pertinent life information, so you can remember and reference at any time in your future. Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

AMAZON RESOURCE #3 – No Excuse Journaling

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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!

Bible Journal Prompts:

What is your favorite scripture and why?
What values do you want to live by based on scripture?
In what area of my life do I need to improve self-discipline?

Gratitude Journal Prompts:

What are you grateful for?
What would my ideal day look like?
What is one thing that I can do to change my attitude?

Prayer Journal Prompts:

What is one thing I could do this month to improve my prayer life and spiritual walk?
What is one thing I can do today that would promote a quiet spirit within me?
Do you think God will answer your prayers? Why or why not?

Reading Journal Prompts:

What is your favorite book/author and why?
What is one book you’d like to read before the end of 2020?
If I was given the opportunity to write a book, I would write about….

Scrapbook Journal Prompts:

Do you consider yourself being a creative person?
How do you like to retell a story or special memory?
What is one thing that I can do this week to improve my creativity?

Travel Journal Prompts:

What makes this trip special to you?
What are you planning to do on this trip?
Take time to reflect on the location, people, the customs and the food.

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. Journaling can help you overcome any problem or obstacle that you face in life. How do you define journaling beyond measure? Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges in life? If so, please share your experience(s). 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).

Gratitude Journal

LaPorterJune 23, 20202 Replies

The real gift of gratitude is that the more grateful you are, the more present you become. – Robert Holden

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! As I stated yesterday, I am grateful for the blessings I receive daily. The most powerful weapon against your daily battles is finding the courage deep down within to be grateful anyway. If you are grateful where you are, you have to respect the road that got you there. Now, we’re on our way to our second grateful destination, JOURNALING.

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

Gratitude helps you see what’s there instead of what isn’t. – Unknown Author

Journaling is my safe place, my time to just write how I feel and scream on paper and no one will ever know. Let’s take a moment to define journal. A journal is a personal reflection of who you are, it’s a repository for all the things that interest and inspire you.

Here’s some benefits of journaling:

• Reduce stress – Expressive writing has been shown to lower stress levels.

• Present State – Helps bring you into your present state of mind.

• Improve Memory – Regular journal writing can improve your short-term memory.

• Self-Reflection – Helps us stop, take a step back, and reflect on ourselves.

• Creativity – Helps enhance your creative expression.

• Organization – Maintain an organized record of your progress and journey.

As you can see, when you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

GRATITUDE JOURNAL

Gratitude helps you fall in love with the life you already have. – Unknown Author

A gratitude journal is a diary of things for which one is grateful. Gratitude journals are used by individuals who wish to focus their attention on the positive things in their lives. Select a journal or notebook. Then, set aside time daily to practice being grateful and showing gratitude. You can include a personal reflection (goals, thoughts, feelings), affirmation, scriptures, poems, quotes, kind gestures (writing notes, letters, or making phone calls).

Here’s some helpful journaling tips to help you get started:

• Keep a regular writing schedule so journaling becomes a habit.

• Don’t over think your written entries, just write honestly.

• Use balanced thinking. Don’t fight to find gratitude constantly.

• Challenge yourself to find gracious qualities in life’s difficult moments.

• Be creative. Add photos and positive quotes to enhance your written entries.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Practice gratitude for the right reasons. – Unknown Author

• Do you actively practice gratitude?

• What do you love most about life?

• What was the best thing that happened today?

• When was the last time you felt grateful?

• What are the things that you want to change in your life?

So, what are you waiting for? Start your gratitude journal today. This process will change your life in a positive and uplifting way.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

GRATITUDE KEEPSAKE

There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy. – Ralph H. Blum

Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. Please accept this gratitude keepsake. Post it on your social media accounts and cherish it always.

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Gratitude turns what we have into enough. – Unknown Author

Let’s take a moment to share with one another. Remind yourself of the gifts, grace, benefits and good things in life you enjoy. If you do keep a gratitude journal, please share some of your writing experiences; organizing tips and techniques; pros and cons of journaling; journaling tips that help you continue your journey.

Please share your responses in the comment below so we can learn and grow together. I am excited to hear from you. Until next time, stay encouraged, stay healthy, and stay safe!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Journaling Through Isolation

LaPorterJune 14, 20201 Reply

Renew Inspiration, Journaling, Isolation, Journal Prompts — pexels

Isolation is the one sure way to human happiness. – Glenn Gould

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Despite the unrest, hatred, loneliness, and fear that is often times experienced during difficult times, it is important for me to continue writing positive and uplifting messages to inspire you. As I sit here today thinking about how great God is in our lives, I cannot help but wonder why we will not just be still, get out of God’s way and allow Him to restore our souls. We read God’s Word, pray, meditate, and attend church services week after week but why do we forget to let God order our daily steps and thoughts? We have to remember that we cannot restore ourselves, but we must be restored by God, our Maker and Creator. What better way to be totally restored than to spend quality time journaling through isolation?

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

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

Journaling is my safe place, my time to just write how I feel and scream on paper and no one will ever know. Let’s take a moment to define journal. A journal is a personal reflection of who you are, it’s a repository for all the things that interest and inspire you. A journal provides a safe environment to experiment with your writing style and technique. Simply put, when you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts.

Here’s some benefits of journaling through isolation:

• Reduce stress – Expressive writing has been shown to lower stress levels.

• Improve your memory – Regular journal writing can improve your short-term memory.

• Stay organized – Keeping a journal such as a weight loss diary lets you maintain an organized record of your progress.

• Strengthen your self-discipline – Journaling helps you to keep a regular writing schedule until it becomes a habit.

• Allow yourself to self-reflect – Don’t over think your written entries, just write honestly and make time for self-reflection.

• Be creative – Add photos and positive quotes to enhance your written entries.

• Clarify your thoughts and feelings – Jot down your thoughts and feelings with no editing and you will get in touch with your internal being.

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

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

WAYS TO RESTORE YOURSELF

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

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’ve got nothing left to give, your body can guide you to a peaceful place of greater vitality, inner strength and well-being.

• Rest when your body says rest. When you listen to your body and give yourself the rest you need, you’ll rebuild your energy over the long-term.

• Cultivate stillness within you. Allow yourself to feel the stillness around you, letting it soak into your body.

• Practice whole-body breathing. Feel your breath inside your body and notice how far it reaches within you.

• Nourish your body wholeheartedly. Be conscious and heartfelt in how you nourish your body by choosing healthy foods that feel inherently good for you.

• Explore gentle and restorative movement. Light walking, stretching, yoga can help you regain energy in your body and life.

• Have compassion for yourself. Be gentle with yourself when you’re exhausted and treat yourself kindly. Be kind in your thoughts and feelings towards yourself.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

JOURNAL PROMPTS

The world has slowed so you can rediscover yourself. – Unknown Author

• Do you plan to start journaling through isolation?

• How has God restored your soul?

• Every day is a new opportunity to learn something new, whether you planned to or not. What was today’s lesson for you?

• What made you smile today? Make a list of all the things that brought you happiness.

• Every day is an opportunity to become better than you were yesterday. Set at least 3 short-term goals for yourself. On your mark, get set, write.

• What are some of your saddest moments when you feel stuck in isolation?

Remember, it’s important not to forget where God has taken us from but knowing that God still has plans for our lives. To be totally restored takes time as well as our precious minds focused on God and His greatness. Then, and only then will God renew us with hope and joy leaving us with much needed anticipation for eternity.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Your elevation may require your isolation. – Unknown Author

Let’s take a moment to share with one another. God is fixing the broken pieces of your life. Get ready for restoration. God is preparing you for everything you prayed for. How do you spend time restoring yourself? Do you enjoy journaling through isolation?

Please share your responses in the comment below so we can learn and grow together. I am excited to hear from you. Until next time, stay encouraged, stay healthy, and stay safe!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

Powerful Not Powerless

LaPorterMay 15, 20202 Replies

Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you. – Oprah Winfrey

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Despite what is happening in your life, right now in this very moment, know that you are powerful not powerless. When it seems like you will not make it through life’s challenges, take some time to improve positive thoughts and learn benefits of journaling. We have to start conditioning our thought patterns differently so we can regain control of our inner being.

DEFINE

Truth is powerful and it prevails. – Sojourner Truth

• Powerful (adjective): Having great power or strength.

• Powerless (adjective): Without ability, influence or power.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

WAYS TO IMPROVE POSITIVE THOUGHTS

Thoughts have energy. Make sure your thoughts are positive and powerful. – Unknown Author

As I stated before, knowing who you are shows how powerful you are as an individual. Take advantage of this time at home to improve your positive thoughts throughout your journey. Believe it or not, positive thoughts can give you more confidence, improve your mood and even reduce the likelihood of developing stress-related disorders.

Here’s some ways to improve positive thoughts:

• Start the day with a positive affirmation or quote.

• Spend time in prayer and/or meditation.

• Be thankful and focus on the good things.

• Focus on the present, be kind and take time for yourself.

• Find humor in bad situations.

• Turn failures into life lessons.

• Transform negative self-talk into positive self-talk to motivate, inspire and uplift your spirit.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any. – Alice Walker

In addition, journaling is another positive way to help release what’s held captive inside you. Journaling allows you to say things that you would probably never say out loud. Keep in mind people cannot define journaling the same way because it is a personal written journey. You are the author who writes the beginning, the middle, and the ending. Often times journaling….

• Helps us make space for our hearts.

• Turns memories into reality.

• Gives us time to process our personal experiences.

• Helps to create an energetic and visual level of comfort.

• Offers a way to fully express ourselves.

• Has no boundaries and no limits set to what we can write.

• Has no set format, just write, write, write.

• Allows us to be creative souls with no set criteria or instructions.

• Provides an opportunity to write until our mind, body, and spirit are one.

If you are struggling in this area along your journey, don’t fret, just begin to write down your thoughts (positive or negative) in your journal or in a notebook. It’s important to be honest and to focus on what matters most to you in your life. In reality, the enemy always fight the hardest when he knows God has something great in store for you. Before you know it, you will begin to take charge of your life again and know in your heart that I AM POWERFUL NOT POWERLESS!

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Everything is within your power, and your power is within you. – Janice Trachtman

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. Everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

• How do you define powerful? Powerless?

• What were your highs and lows this week?

• What are some of your power struggles?

• What is at least one lesson you learned today?

• What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?

• How do you plan to become more powerful in the near future?

• What makes you feel powerful? Powerless?

• What is my proudest accomplishment?

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Take back your power. – Kate Northrup

Let’s take a moment to share with one another. Do you consider yourself powerful or powerless? How do you stay focused on positive thoughts during difficult times?

Please share your responses in the comment below so we can learn and grow together. I am excited to hear from you. Until next time, stay encouraged, stay healthy, and stay safe!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

Escape Through Journaling

LaPorterMay 3, 20205 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Escape, Journaling, Mental, Physical, Spiritual — pexels

Journaling helps you to become a better version of yourself. – Asad Meah

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! My prayer today is that this blog post will encourage and inspire you in some way while we are still struggling to fight the covid-19 virus around the world. Let’s take a moment to welcome May in with an inspiring writing piece related to journaling. Journaling is a powerful tool that involves the practice of keeping a diary or journal that explores personal thoughts and feelings surrounding the events of your life.

Have you taken the time to evaluate your mental, physical and spiritual well-being lately?

Mental – Your mind will always believe everything you tell it.

Physical – Your body is healthy and beautiful.

Spiritual – Everything you need is within you.

Especially during difficult times like these, here’s some great questions to help you escape through journaling:

• Why do I write in my journal?
• What do I want to learn about myself?
• What am I afraid of?
• How do I shine from day to day?
• How do I evaluate my daily stress level?

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

JOURNALING TIPS

A journal is your completely unaltered voice. – Lucy Dacus

Well, I hope you have your journal/diary/notebook and something to write with. I love to write in my journal because it is a safe place for me to put my feelings and emotions into words, then put my words into action. Journal writing is a form of personal expression. Journal writing can be whatever you want it to be. Remember, journal writing is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes and failures.

Here’s some great journaling tips to help you get started with your journaling adventure:

• Create a safe place – Declutter your space; You should feel good, happy and calm in your space

• Let it all out – Allow your thoughts to flow freely and write about anything and everything

• Dedicate time and write regularly – Try to write in your journal on a regular basis; Every day is ideal to build health journaling habits

• Try new things – Write letters to yourself or to loved ones (past or present), write poetry, to-do lists, etc.

• Don’t get too negative – Shift your writing in another direction; Avoid rereading your negative writing

• Make it easy – Set yourself up for success; Keep your pen and paper handy at all times

• Be free – Write whatever feels right; Your writing doesn’t need to follow any certain structure

• Keep it private – Use your journal as you see fit; You don’t need to share it with others

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time. – Mina Murray

In addition, a journal is a reflection of who you are, it’s a repository for all of the things that interest and inspire you throughout life and beyond. A journal provides a safe environment to experiment with your writing style and technique as well. Simply put, when you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts. The methods you choose can depend on your needs at the time and your personality. Don’t over complicate it, just write what feels right.

Even though there are many benefits of journaling, here’s some of the most important ones to consider while on your journey:

• Journaling helps to improve your mood

• Journaling helps to prioritize problems, fears and concerns

• Journaling helps to recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them

• Journaling provides an opportunity for positive self-talk

• Journaling identifies negative thoughts and behaviors

• Journal helps to manage anxiety, depression symptoms and reduce stress

However, to get the most benefits of journaling, be sure to always:

• Relax and meditate often

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet

• Exercise regularly and get in some activity every day

• Treat yourself to plenty of sleep each night

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Journal to awaken your mind and transform your life. – Asad Meah

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. Everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

• What did you learn about yourself this month? this week? today?

• What are you inviting into your life with your actions?

• What feels like a struggle at the moment?

• How can I create more acceptance in my life?

• How have I been holding myself back?

• How can I take a step forward each day?

• What stresses me out? What can I do to reduce the stress?

• What can you do right now to lift your mood?

• What matters most to me right now in this very moment?

• As of today, what is my vision for my life in one year, two years, three years?

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Feed it faith. Feed it truth. Feed it with love.

Let’s take a moment to share with one another. Journaling can help you overcome any problem or obstacle that you face in life. Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges in life? If so, please share your experience(s).

Please share your responses in the comment below so we can learn and grow together. I am excited to hear from you. Until next time, stay encouraged, stay healthy, and stay safe!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

Seeking Wholeness Through Journaling

LaPorterApril 5, 20198 Replies

Seek to be whole, not perfect. – Oprah Winfrey

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Thought for the week – I am God’s masterpiece. – Ephesians 2:10

MY PERSONAL JOURNEY

The right way to wholeness is made up of fateful detours and wrong turnings. – C.G. Jung

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I’ve always kept a journal when growing up, but I never got serious about journaling until December 2015 when my world changed forever. I remember the details like it was yesterday. I received a dreadful call from the Physical Rehab facility stating that my mother was found unresponsive and I need to meet the ambulance at the hospital. I felt an immediate panic that I have never felt before. I got out of bed feeling numb all over and my thoughts were scattered between confused, scared, and sad. Since it was so late at night, I told my husband to stay home with our children. As I drove to the hospital alone, I had to make calls to some of my family members, but my brother was the only one who met me at the hospital. We sat in this small room waiting to be updated by the hospital staff, but 10 minutes seemed like hours. My mind was racing from one thought to another. The nurse finally walked in with no emotion on her face. She greeted us with a slight smile and hand shake. Then, we followed her down the long dark hall to the ER. As we entered the ER space and saw our mother hooked to so many machines, I felt sick. Her eyes were closed and restraints held her hands and feet. Even though she was not moving, I began to pray and talk to my mother not knowing if she could hear me. A part of me thought she was already gone, but I had to reach for any hope that was left. My mother fault a good fight, but she took her last breath on that cold December night.

It was then that I knew my life would no longer be the same. I was broken and my heart was shattered in many pieces. I became sad, depressed and secluded. Journaling became my everything. I wrote letters to my mother expressing how I was feeling. I wrote my thoughts and feelings in my journal as well. Some days I just wrote words and to be honest none of them made sense to me at the time, but I find myself reflecting on them often.

JOURNALING CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE

To change your life, you have to change yourself. To change yourself, you have to change your mindset. – Wilson Kanadi

Here’s some ways journaling can change your life so you can feel whole again:

• Helps you sort through life’s challenges and problems

• Release sadness and anger, in return, provides hope and peace

• Provides a safe place for expression that is considered a no judgment zone

• Offers an opportunity for personal reflection

• Allow yourself to experience personal growth and be present with oneself

GETTING STARTED WITH JOURNALING

You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great. – Unknown Author

The process to get started with journaling is not difficult, but can seem overwhelming at first. Once you allow yourself to be free and honest, everything else will fall into place.

Here’s what you need to get started with journaling:

• Supplies – Choose a journal, notebook, computer, pen, pencil

• Space – Find a quiet and safe place where you can sit in comfort with very few distractions

• Time – Make a commitment to write in your journal at the same time every day even if it is only for 5 or 10 minutes

• Content Ideas – You can start with a list of what you’re grateful for; You can write down a Bible verse, inspirational quote or prayer; Write down your goals, hopes, and aspirations; Ask yourself questions, then answer them.

Be creative and make it personal. Use colorful pens, pencils or markers. Add stickers, pictures, or quotes. Draw pictures or write poetry. For additional journal prompts, please refer to any of my Renew Inspiration blogs.

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

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

Here’s some benefits of journaling:

• You begin to feel comfortable in your own skin

• You strive to create the life you desire

• You see what is working in your life and what is not

• Your relationships will improve over time

• You start to feel at peace with yourself

• You learn better coping skills

• You break old habits and learn new habits

• You learn how to live each day to the fullest

• You learn how to discover and align one’s vision and mission

POSITIVE AFFIRMATION STATEMENTS

I have the power to make changes. – Louise Hay

• I am worthy.

• I am the best me there is.

• I am capable and deserving of respect.

• I know that I am a winner.

• I am grateful.

• I forgive myself and others.

• I trust and believe in myself.

• I have unlimited power.

• I take steps towards my goals.

• I choose to shine and stand with confidence.

• I am grounded in love, peace, and joy.

• God will always be with me and guide my every step.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

The purpose of our journey is to restore ourselves to wholeness. – Debbie Ford

• What inspires you to seek wholeness through journaling?

• What makes you feel complete and most empowered in life?

• How do you describe wholeness as it relates to your own life?

• How have you changed in the last 5 years? 3 years? 1 year?

• In order to be whole again, I need to ________________________.

• Write a list of things that make you happy, smile, and feel complete.

• How can you cherish your thoughts of feeling whole again?

• What area of your life, right now, makes you feel the best?

• What do you know to be true today about yourself that you didn’t know a year ago?

• What is your ultimate goal in life?

• What are your unique gifts and talents?

• How can you live your life more passionately?

• Let’s jump forward a year. What would you like to have achieved in the past year?

By now, I hope we can agree that it’s okay to be imperfect and to allow yourself an opportunity to keep learning, to feel scared and alone, to keep stumbling and failing throughout life’s difficult moments. The flip side of life’s reality is the freedom to feel whole again! Take moments in your life to relax, breathe, and just feel. Never underestimate the power of journaling. If you allow yourself to be open to healing and transformation, journaling can change your thoughts, feelings, and give you complete wholeness!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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