You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page. – Jodi Picoult
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! Now, that September is behind us, I want to do something a little different with my Renew Inspiration blog during the month of October. I’ve decided to participate in the Blogtober Writing Challenge that begins today and goes through the 31st of October. I am excited to see how I will continue to inspire you by sharing content that will not only move your spirit, but also make you smile, make you think, and encourage you to celebrate and enjoy life.
AMAZON RESOURCE # 1
BLOGTOBER WRITING CHALLENGE
Serious writers write, inspired or not. Over time they discover that routine is a better friend than inspiration. – Ralph Keyes
Today, Blogtober starts in the writing and blogging community. If you’re like me and never heard of Blogtober before, no need to worry. Blogtober is a writing challenge where bloggers from all over the world publish new and exciting content every day during the month of October or as often as they want. From my knowledge, there are no official rules to follow, but some bloggers take this opportunity to:
• Be more creative with their writing style and content.
• Write and publish content outside of their niche.
• Write and publish Halloween type content.
• Write and publish seasonal type content.
• Mix Halloween, the fall season, and their niche.
• Share encouraging and helpful content more often.
As you can see, there is no right or wrong way to do this writing challenge.
AMAZON RESOURCE #2
I plan to use this opportunity to focus my writing on AUTUMN related topics.
Here’s a few AUTUMN related topics that will be coming your way very soon:
• Reflections of autumn
• Fall self-care routines
• Favorite autumn books
• Favorite autumn activities
The main objective is to challenge yourself doing what you love – encouraging, inspiring, teaching, helping, writing and blogging! Instead of focusing on writing and publishing blog posts daily, I prefer to set other goals for myself. I plan to write and publish 10 to 15 inspirational blog posts related to AUTUMN which would challenge me on so many levels, such as home/work balance, time management, and writing quality content at a faster pace than I am used to. I am up for the challenge and I hope you enjoy reading my future blog posts.
SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS
Be such a beautiful soul that people crave your vibes. – Unknown Author
Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. 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 cope with grief and pet loss:
• What is your favorite season and why?
• What are some of your thoughts when you think about autumn?
• What kind of activities do you enjoy during autumn?
• Do you look forward to changing the time during this time of the year? Why or why not?
• Do you like challenging yourself throughout life? If so, what kind of challenges have you done?
AMAZON RESOURCE #3
TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT
Let’s talk. Do you enjoy spending time inside or outside during autumn? How do you handle change from one season to another? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
Affiliate Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you purchase through any of the links (at no additional cost to you).
All great changes are preceded by chaos. – Unknown
Something to Think About – When it comes to making a big change in your life you have to want it more than you fear it.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I want to dedicate this blog post to Mental Health Awareness. Today, I want to focus on “change” as it relates to our total life experience – MIND, BODY and SPIRIT. I don’t know about you, but I honestly feel a positive change is coming in my life. I can feel it in my mind (positive thoughts), body (feeling relaxed) and my spirit (spiritually grounded). I can see it all around me each day. How about you? Can you see and feel the change that is meant to be in your life right now in this very moment?
When you hear the word “change” what is the first thing that come to mind? For me, I think of the weather. This week Michigan’s weather has been in the low 80s, but by the weekend it will be in the low 50s. Talk about change, right? On a personal level when I think about change I cannot help but think about my life and how my thoughts are constantly changing from day to day. One day I can be positive and upbeat then the next day I may feel anxious or depressed. One day I may be enjoying my writing experiences then the next day I may just sit on the couch just looking out the window. Let’s face it, feeling anxious and depressed are all so real for many people. There are many people who continue to live their lives alone and broken without any help to work through these most difficult moments. To be honest, it may not be no one’s fought at all. Some people are born with mental health issues and other people experience life changing situations, such death of a loved one, divorce, foster care, adoption, bullying, rape, unemployment, financial hardship, etc. Our internal emotions are very strong forces that sometimes have a mind of their own.
Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong. – Unknown
When my mother passed away in December 2015, it changed my life completely. I have not been the same since. I am still going through the grieving process but realized throughout the early stages that I needed help. I could not handle all of my emotional feelings and I felt my mental state was all over the place. At that time, I did not realize I was experiencing depression. Sometimes it creeps up on you and if you are not careful, it will cripple your inner being. It is important to share your personal story so that others who may be experiencing similar situations will know that it is possible to endure, go through and overcome.
Today I plan to close the door to the past, hold my head up high so I can open the door to the future, then take a deep breath, step out on faith to go through the open door and start a new chapter in my life. Are you with me? I know it feels scary sometimes and you may feel like you are all alone. It takes courage to let go of the familiar and embrace the new. Sometimes our lives have to be completely shaken up, changed, and rearranged to relocate us to the place we’re meant to be. Always remember, YOU are allowed to change, but you must decide to take the first step.
The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. – Unknown
pexels
Positive Affirmations
Every next level of your life will demand a different version of you. I will allow change to take place in my life on today. No exceptions. No excuses. I plan to water my roots, so my soul can blossom. Now, repeat after me:
• I plan to trust and believe in God.
• I will love myself and believe in myself.
• I plan to encourage myself and others each day.
• I plan to inspire others by using one of my gifts.
• I will speak positive vibes each day.
• I will embrace change in my life.
• I will step out on faith throughout my journey.
• I plan to endure and overcome heartache, pain, suffering, sadness and loneliness.
• I plan to show courage and boost my own confidence.
• I am powerful enough to be that change in someone else’s life.
• I will commit to improving my personal well-being (MIND, BODY & SPIRIT).
Repeat these positive affirmations each day. Feel free to add your own to the list or change some of the words to make it personal. The idea here is to speak positive words in your spirit each day and eventually you will believe, then become what you are speaking.
Ways to Help you Adjust to Change
Here’s some ways to help you adjust to change:
• Read and study God’s Word. Plant the scriptures in your heart.
• Seek God’s face each day through prayer and meditation. Make your requests known.
• Pray a specific prayer for positive change in and around your life.
• Set personal goals and a plan to achieve them. Put it in writing and look at it often.
• Journaling practice helps to get your thoughts on to paper and out of your head.
• Make time for self-reflection. Go for a walk, spend time journaling, reading, drawing, meditating or coloring. Do what makes your soul happy and keeps your mind relaxed.
• If you feel that your mental stability is getting worse, seek Professional help in the form of therapy from a licensed therapist or social worker, medication to treat depression or anxiety, or support groups to help share your feelings with like-minded individuals.
pixabay
Time for Reflection – Journal Prompts
MIND
You must learn to master a new way to think before you can master a new way to be. – Marianne Williamson
• Write about personal beliefs or things that held you back in the past? How do you plan to avoid them in the future?
• How can you create a space to help clear your mind?
• What are some of your mental obstacles in life that are holding you back?
• Our passion is typically something that brings us pleasure. What are some of your most passionate thoughts and how do you nurture them?
BODY
These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb. – Najwa Zebian
• Imagine what a new beginning would look like or how it would feel. Write about it.
• Sit or stand very still. What are you feeling right now in this very moment?
• What are you having a hard time accepting in your life?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
SPIRIT
Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)
• What steps do I need to take to become spiritually grounded in God’s Word?
• What is holding you back from trusting and believing in God?
• Does my life reflect what my heart desire? If not, what changes can I make?
• Stand in the rain and let it wash you clean. Feel grounded in the Earth. Write about all of your senses (sight, smell, sound, touch, taste).
pixabay
Time for Reflection – Quotes
Change is coming. Embrace every bud, every bloom, every moment. – Unknown
If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies. – Unknown
Life will only change when you become committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone. – Billy Cox
The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. – Socrates
Don’t let the concept of change scare you as much as the prospect of remaining unhappy. – Timber Hawkeye
Every positive change in your life begins with a clear, unequivocal decision that you are going to either do something or stop doing something. – Unknown
The 3 C’s in Life:
Choice, Chance, Change.
You must make the choice, to take the chance, if you want anything in life to change.
Share Your Thoughts in the Comment Section
Remember, change is a powerful and necessary process that happens in life. It is important to know how to react to your personal experiences and to realize when life’s changes may cause anxiety or depression. At that time, don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek help from a Professional therapist or social worker. What are your thoughts or feelings about this blog post? Do you know anyone who suffers from anxiety or depression? Are you willing to do the necessary work in order to change your life or bad habits?
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
Starve your distractions, feed your focus. – Unknown
pexels
Thought for today – Be focused. Be persistent. Never quit. One day or day one. You decide.
It’s time to focus on what really matters, right? Life, family, careers, households, hobbies, etc. Whether you are trying to focus on some personal goals for yourself or trying to pursue a new career, it’s important to:
• Set Goals
• Stay Motivated
• Be Productive
• Change Your Mindset
A mind troubled by doubt cannot focus on the course to victory. – Arthur Golden
Set Goals
• Evaluate your current situation – What do you want to change?
• Determine your goals – What do you want to improve?
• Write down your goals and revisit your goals daily
• Write down a plan to reach your goals
• Establish a reward system when you reach milestones
• Check your progress and readjust your goals as necessary
Stay Motivated
• Recite positive affirmations and quotes
• Read inspirational and motivational books
• Pick a healthy habit to work on daily
• Join a supportive group to receive encouragement and feedback
• Determine weaknesses and strengths
• Think positive and remind yourself of your goals
• Track your progress throughout the week
Be Productive
• Strive for consistency while working on projects
• Observe how you plan your days – Use a daily To-Do List
• Define your priorities – What’s important to you?
• Have a positive mindset daily
• Define your focus
Change Your Mindset
• Positive thoughts equal positive outcomes
• Admit that your thinking needs to be adjusted
• Seek positive support from family, friends, support groups
• Immerse yourself in personal growth – Read inspirational books or listen to positive speakers
• Forward thinking will move your focus away from where you don’t want to be to where could be
The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. – Socrates
pexels
My Journal Prompts – Time for Reflection
MIND
• What is your favorite memory or life experience?
• Write about an obstacle you overcame today.
• When was the last time you listened to your intuition, and what was the outcome?
BODY
• Name one area of physical or emotional health you excel in, and one you would like to improve.
• What is your priority in life at the moment?
• What are you proud of yourself for today?
SPIRIT
• How do you respond to setbacks and failure? Why? How could you change this from within?
• When do you feel most confident?
• Write down 5 ways to relax and commit to doing at least 1 each day.
GOALS
• What is your ultimate goal in life?
• What is a habit you want to develop? How will it help your long-term goals?
• Identify your biggest time management mistake.
FOCUS
• What are your 3 biggest distractions, and how do you plan to reduce them in your life?
• What are 3 areas of your life where you are the weakest, and how do you plan to strengthen them?
• Today I showed focus today by _______________________________.
Remember, improving your life starts with improving your mindset. Here’s some suggestions to help you feed your focus throughout your journey:
• Write in your journal every day.
• Write thank you notes to people who help you throughout your journey.
• Read positive affirmations and quotes.
• Write a Wins Checklist based on your best experiences and accomplishments.
• Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Look at how you sleep, what you eat and how much/little you exercise.
pexels
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
How do you plan to feed your focus? Will you consider journaling to help you feed your focus? I look forward to reading your feedback!
Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Target Affiliate Program which are advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and Target.com
The Lord will fight for you. You need only to be still. Exodus 14:14
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration and Happy Mother’s Day to all of you beautiful mothers that read my blogs every week! Today let’s focus on the concept of “Staying Grounded”. What’s the first thing you think about when you see the words “Staying Grounded”? I think about being grounded in the Word of God, staying focused from day to day, being on track to reach goals, and hope for the future.
Don’t be ashamed of your story. It just might inspire someone. -Unknown
Word of God Stand your ground, it’s sacred. -Unknown
In my opinion, staying grounded in the Word of God increases your faith and renews your hope for the future. Staying grounded takes a strength from within like no other. For some, reading God’s Word is enough. For others, reading God’s Word, praying to God, practicing meditation, and living Christ-like satisfies their spiritual endeavors. As you read God’s Word, keep these tips in mind:
• Always ask yourself – How does this word apply to me?
• Receive every word as true. Rest upon the promises that God has given you.
• Be prepared to put what you read into action in your life.
Staying Focused Don’t fear change. When its winds come blowing stay grounded, don’t let it knock you down. -Unknown
Staying focused from day to day is not as easy as it sounds. It seems to be easier when you have a daily To-Do List. Your list may include your daily agenda or you may want to include items that will build your faith and bless others along the way. For example, you may want to include:
• Count my blessings
• Practice kindness
• Let go of what I can’t control
• Listen to my heart
• Be productive yet calm
• Just breathe
On Track to Reach Goals Make it your goal to stay physically strong, mentally sound, emotionally stable, and spiritually grounded. -Unknown
There has to be a fire within you in order for you to strive to reach your goals. You have to think positive and plan for success. Well, how do you start? First, you should set some personal goals for yourself. However, not just any kind of goals, make sure you set SMART goals for yourself. Second, you need to write down your goals to clarify and strengthen your daily intentions. Third, break down your goals into small and manageable steps to overcome any anxiety you may have. Fourth, hold yourself accountable by maintaining focus and discipline throughout your weight loss process. Fifth, rewarding yourself will help reinforce the positive actions you’ve taken so you can continue doing it every day. Remember, effective systems and habits make it easier for you to accomplish your goals on a regular basis.
• S – Specific – Well defined so that anyone can understand the goal
• M – Measurable – Needs to have parameters in order to know if the goal was achieved
• A – Attainable – Must be a realistic goal that challenges you
• R – Relevant – Make sure the goal is consistent with your other goals and will aid you in achieving your long-term goal
• T – Time Oriented – Create a time frame for when you want to accomplish your goal
Hope for the Future I am grounded. I am safe. I am divinely protected at all times. -Unknown
is another one of those words that can be defined on a personal level and may change from situation to situation; or person to person. According to the Webster Dictionary, hope is defined as a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen; a feeling of trust.
But what does hope mean to you? Do you hope for anything great on today or in the near future? When I think of hope, I think of beauty and positive vibes. Hope is like a beautiful flower that thrives on sunlight and water. In a spiritual sense, hope relies on your daily commitment to God’s Word, meditation, and prayer.
• How do you define hope?
• What do you hope for each day?
• I feel hopeful/hopeless because…
• Name at least 5 things you are hopeful for. Then, take a moment and reflect upon each thing listed.
Wings to show you what you can become. Roots to remind you where you’re from.
I am present within myself. I can center myself with the ease of my breath. I feel grounded, confident, worthy & whole. -Unknown
As always, I look forward to hearing your feedback and reading your comments. Remember, sharing our thoughts and experiences teaches others a life lesson. In addition, please invite others to subscribe to my blog as well and share my blog on your social media platforms. Finally, I have added some items from www.amazon.com that may interest you so I would appreciate your support if you make a purchase. Until next time…
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!
Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Target Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Target.com
When gratitude becomes an essential foundation in our lives, miracles start to appear everywhere. -Unknown
pixabay
So, let’s define gratitude as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and return kindness. Simply put, gratitude changes everything. Gratitude is one of the sweet shortcuts to finding peace of mind and happiness inside no matter what you might be going through in life. Gratitude changes the way we start the day, spend the day, and look back on the day. For me, my day always begins and ends with gratitude. How about yours?
Living in a state of gratitude is the gateway of grace. -Arianna Huffington
pixabay
Gratitude Affirmation – I am grateful for another opportunity that life offers me on today. I am grateful for a fresh start, a brand- new way of thinking and a positive outlook on life. I am grateful for the fact that I can learn from my mistakes, and then let them go. I am grateful for my mind, body, and spirit functioning in a way to inspire others using encouraging words from the soul. I am grateful to have God as my guide, my supporter, and my protector. I am grateful for my husband, children, close family, friends, and readers like you who offers me support every step of the way. I am grateful just to have another chance to get my life right and back on track.
Scriptures
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. I Chronicles 16:34 NIV
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 15:57 NIV
Gratitude is a lifestyle that you choose. Overtime, choosing gratitude means choosing joy. It’s a choice that requires constantly renewing of your mind with the truth of God’s Word, setting your heart to inspire others with creativity from within, and disciplining your tongue to speak words that reflect God’s goodness and His grace. Honestly, I believe a grateful spirit, rooted in the soil of God’s goodness and grace, will impact how you view and respond to everything in your life. When gratitude becomes your default setting, life changes.
It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful. -Unknown
pixabay
Gratitude Journal
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.
ACTION –Start a gratitude journal to include a personal reflection (goals, thoughts, feelings), affirmation, scriptures, poems, quotes, kind gestures (writing notes, letters, or making phone calls). Be creative and honest. This process will change your life in a positive and uplifting way.
Here are some Gratitude Journal Prompts to help you get started:
• What’s a simple pleasure that you’re grateful for?
• What’s something about your body or health that you’re grateful for?
• What book(s) are you grateful for?
• What’s a tradition that you’re grateful for?
• What’s one of your personality traits that you’re grateful for?
• What mistake or failure are you grateful for?
• What skill(s) do you have that you’re grateful for?
• Look around the room and write about everything you see that you’re grateful for.
• Write about some place you’ve been that you’re grateful for.
• What’s something that you’re grateful to have today that you didn’t have a year ago?
Spring is a lovely reminder of how beautiful change can truly be -Unknown
Even though Michigan weather is in the 30’s today, the first day of spring is March 20th. Spring is one of the four conventional temperate seasons, following winter and preceding summer. Spring is the season of new beginnings for many people. Take time and look around you when the flowers, plants, and trees begin to bloom, days become longer, and the weather is warmer.
No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow -Unknown
Pixabay
So, here’s the life lesson I want to discuss with you on today. Just like the seasons change, so do our mind, body, and spirit.
He health the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. -Psalm 147:3
Life Lesson – Mind
As spring starts to surface and the trees begin to bloom, we can see God’s reminder to align our hearts to the new thing He’s doing all around us. Keep in mind that everything changes except God. People change, circumstances change, our bodies change, and our desires and passions change. There is certainty in life…change!
Our thoughts are the first things we need to deal with during change because thoughts directly affect our emotions and determine our behavior. When circumstances change, make the transition mentally and your emotions will be a lot easier to manage. The next time sudden change happens in your life, act on God’s Word and not merely reacting to the situation, you will be able to manage your emotions instead of allowing them to manage you. Now, repeat after me…I don’t resist and dread change, and I adapt when I need to.
Life Lesson – Body & Spirit
Pixabay
Moving right along to the next life lesson. Unfortunately, the change in seasons will affect some people in ways that most cannot explain. Many people struggle with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is a depression related to the change in seasons.
Some of the symptoms are as follows:
• Moodiness
• Low Energy
• Difficulty Sleeping
• A Lack of Interest in Activities
• A Lack of Interest in Relationships
• Feeling Hopeless
To help you prepare for the change in seasons, ask yourself the following questions:
• Do you find yourself sleeping more?
• Are you struggling to get out of bed?
• Is it harder or easier to exercise now?
• Do you feel less patient?
• Are you easily annoyed or irritated?
• Do you feel more energized and productive?
• Has there been a shift or change in any of your relationships?
• Are you actively involved in activities?
Answering these questions will give you some insight about how the change of seasons may or may not affect you personally. Regardless of whether you are affected by SAD, there are three important points that will help you navigate and manage this process.
First, you need to exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes per day. Moving your body on a regular basis has a positive effect on your physical and emotional health. Keep in mind, you don’t have to spend countless hours in the gym to satisfy this requirement. You can walk around your neighborhood, run and play with your children, or do an at home workout.
Second, you need to get more sunlight. People need to be exposed to sunlight on a daily basis. Our bodies absorb vitamin D, important to our health, from sunlight. And the energy and emotional boost that we get from a few minutes in the sun is well worth it.
Third, you need to talk it out. It’s always easier when you’re sharing your thoughts and feelings with someone, such as your spouse, friend, coworker, or therapist. This process not only strengthens your relationships, but also it provides you with positive support during this difficult time.
Pixabay
Journal Prompts – Mind in Bloom
April showers bring May flowers. What do May flowers bring? Why do you think so?
Write about the perfect spring day and include details, such as smells, sights, sounds, touch, tastes.
Spring is thought to be a time of new beginnings. Write about a time when you started something new.
Pixabay
Journal Prompts – Body Moving
Write about how you plan to move forward physically in 2018.
Set some realistic exercise goals for yourself and write them down.
Write about one way you would like to grow physically in the next year.
Pixabay
Journal Prompts – Spirit Renewed
Write a personal poem about spring. What does spring time inspire in you. Write about it.
Write about how God has blessed you. Be specific and give examples.
Write about something you feel strongly about.
What’s on your mind?
Don’t be shy. Please share your thoughts and/or feelings concerning this blog by leaving a comment so we can have an open dialogue. I would love to hear from you!
