fear – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

How to Cope with Mental Fatigue

LatishaJune 3, 20254 Replies

Set peace of mind as your highest goal and organize your life around it. -Brian Tracy

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

Thought to Ponder – When the mind is still, the heart speaks clearly.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Life’s challenges have really been interrupting my writing flow, but the latest challenge encouraged me to write this blog post. As you may or may not have heard, President Trump’s latest Executive Order to close the various Job Corps locations hit close to home. My youngest son really struggled in high school these last two years, so he started the Job Corps program in April 2025. Just when he started to get used to his daily routine and class schedule, he and other students were given two-day notice to vacate the premises.

This was a stressful time for me as a concerned parent but imagine the fear and anxiety that these young adults felt facing homelessness and having no family to turn to. The Job Corps staff and the City of Detroit stepped in quickly to assist with finding safe housing options for the young adults who needed assistance.

Now, this was my latest example of experiencing mental fatigue. What’s yours? When your emotions seem to be all over the place, it is important to identify and connect with your thoughts and feelings. During this challenging time, make sure to focus on practicing self-care and have your positive support network established. Your positive support network could consist of your family, friend(s), clergy, or a licensed therapist/counselor.

DEFINITION – MENTAL FATIGUE

Let’s begin with establishing the definition of MENTAL FATIGUE.

Mental fatigue, also known as mental exhaustion, is a state of tiredness caused by prolonged cognitive activity or stress, leading to a decline in cognitive performance and energy levels.

Mental fatigue is characterized by:

Difficulty concentrating
Impaired decision-making
General feeling of being drained

In addition, you may notice behavioral changes and physical symptoms that may occur, such as:

Emotional sensitivity or mood swings
Change in appetite
Lack of motivation
Increased irritability or anger
Headaches
Digestive issues
Trouble sleeping

RELAXING THE MIND

Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So relax. – Bryant McGill

Relaxation is not an escape from reality, but it is a return to ourselves. Take time to observe how you really feel and don’t be afraid to challenge your negative thoughts or feelings. Remember, rest your mind, calm will follow.

Here’s some ways to help relax the mind when you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed:

Sit or lay in a quiet place
Visualize yourself calm and at peace
Take slow, deep breaths with your eyes closed
Practice mindful meditation, prayer or yoga
Listen to soothing music or an inspirational podcast
Read a good book
Write in your journal or notebook
Exercise or go for a walk outdoors
Talk to someone you trust (family, friends, co-workers, therapist)
Soak in a warm bath with your eyes closed
Manage workload or extra-curricular activities
Limit screen time and social media
Sip on a warm beverage
Get adequate sleep

TODAY I RELEASE

Feel the feeling but don’t become the emotion. Witness it. Allow it. Release it. – Crystal Andrus

At some point, you have to make positive choices in order to see positive results. Don’t live in the past. Instead, take a moment to release all pain, suffering, worry, and anxiety.

Repeat after me, today I release:

Toxic thoughts and emotions
Unhealthy environments
Unfruitful relationships
Thoughts of revenge and unforgiveness
Thoughts of envy and strife
Negative words you spoke about others
Negative words you have spoken to yourself

Commit to letting all of these things go on today, right now in this very moment so you can live a life filled with love, peace, and freedom from this day forward.

MENTAL WELLNESS AFFIRMATIONS

Make your mental health a priority. – Unknown Author

Affirmations will help you to focus on improving yourself. You can spend 5 – 10 minutes in meditation, journaling, or yoga with mantras. Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud while looking at yourself in the mirror. 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.

Every day I plan to set aside quality time for mental wellness so I can become stronger and more relaxed. After all, I deserve rest and relaxation.

Here’s a few of my favorite mental wellness affirmations:

I am in harmony with the flow of the universe.
I am grounded in the present moment, connected to my higher self.
I embrace peace, love, and light in every moment.
I am guided by divine wisdom in all that I do.
I am grateful for all that life has given me.
I embrace the memory of the past and the strength of the future.
I am ready to clear my mind of all negative thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
I am free of worry, and I am truly at peace with who I am.
I embrace uncertainty with ease and grace.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place. – 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. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!

What is the one thing that have been weighing on your mind lately?
How do you typically respond to stress? worry? fear?
What is one worry you can reframe in a more positive way?
How often do you take a mental break from life’s priorities and challenges?
Do you feel guilty, or do you look forward to this time to reflect and refresh your mental state?
What is a grounding technique to help improve your mental state?
How could you improve your coping strategies moving forward?

Throughout the mental fatigue process, put all previous mistakes and misfortunes behind you so you’re moving forward with a clear and improved mindset. It not only takes courage, but it takes a strong level of commitment. Believe in yourself and stand in your new experience. After a while, this new experience and lifestyle will become your priority. Nothing else will matter.

Thank you for taking the time to read my latest blog post. What resonated with you? Please take a moment to share your thoughts in the comment section below. I look forward to reading and responding to your responses so we can have a healthy dialogue!

If you have not done so already, please SHARE this blog post with your followers and SUBSCRIBE to my Renew Inspiration blog so you will receive notifications each time I publish a new blog post so we can learn, grow, and inspire one another. Until next time, 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).

Finding Peace and Comfort During Grief

LatishaOctober 4, 2021Leave a Reply

Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions. – Pema Chodron

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 talk about finding peace and comfort during grief. Whether your grief experience is recent or not, it takes internal strength to find true peace and comfort while coping with the pain after the death of a loved one. So, instead of living your life worrying about the “what ifs”, spend time preparing your mindset with peaceful thoughts. Here’s a few examples to help you get started:

Find & recite your favorite scripture or prayer
Recite positive affirmations & quotes
Listen to motivational podcasts
Read an inspirational book
Receive uplifting words from a family member or friend

At the end of the day, what’s important is that you’re at peace because your intentions are good, and your heart is pure.

FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF

Grief…for those of us who understand, no explanation is needed. For those of us who do not, no description is possible. – Fran Solomon, Founder HealGrief.org

Now, let’s go over a few important facts about grief. First, we all experience grief differently. Second, there are no set rules to follow when grieving. Third, grief is often described in five stages as described by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross:

Denial – This can’t be happening.
Anger – Why did this happen? Who is to blame?
Bargaining – Make this not happen and I will …
Depression – I can’t bear this: I’m too sad to do anything.
Acceptance – I acknowledge that this has happened, and I cannot change it.

Although grief is often described in stages, each stage may last for a different period of time and it’s important to note that everyone may not experience all of the stages. Either way, make sure you acknowledge some or all of the stages as you experience them so you will understand what may be happening in your life.

COMMON SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GRIEF

I’m unsure which pain is worse…the shock of what happened or the ache for what never will. – Unknown Author

Next, let’s discuss the common signs and symptoms of grief so we can begin the healing process a lot sooner.

Shock and disbelief – You may feel numb or question whether the loss really happened.
Sadness – Profound sadness can lead to a feeling of isolation.
Guilt – You may feel guilt over things you said or did.
Anger – You may be angry with the person, caregivers or God/Higher Power.
Fear – You may begin to fear your own mortality or facing life without your loved one.
Physical – Nausea, fatigue, lowered immunity, weight loss or gain, insomnia, aches and pains.

It’s my hope that you may be able to cope with life once you understand what’s happening during the grief process.

WAYS TO FIND PEACE AND COMFORT DURING GRIEF

Today I choose: calm over chaos; serenity over stress; peace over perfection; grace over grit; faith over fear. – Mary Davis

You can find peace and comfort during grief by speaking peace into your life every day. Examples – 1) Today, I am totally safe and surrounded by love, light, peace, and joy. 2) Today, I invite peace and harmony to dwell in me and surround me at all times. 3) Today, I have the freedom and power to create the life I desire.

Here’s a few more ways to find peace and comfort during grief:

Talk to someone you trust – family, friends, therapist, grief counselor, etc.
Take a walk outside and enjoy nature.
Listen to your favorite music to help calm your spirit.
Practice meditation and deep breathing exercises.
Establish a self-care routine for yourself.
Find something that you enjoy doing – a new hobby, learn a new skill, take a class, etc.
Stop feeling shame and guilt.
Make gratitude a part of your life.
Acknowledge and release negativity.
Practice doing relaxing activities – writing in a journal, reading, painting, coloring, etc.

Keep in mind that you already have peace within you, right now, in this very moment. Instead of ignoring and judging others, let’s be more supportive to others who may be struggling with finding peace and comfort during grief. After all, just lending a listening ear will do wonders.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

MIND

Meditate on peaceful thoughts. Define those thoughts in detail and write about them.
What takes your mind away from peaceful thoughts?
What is one thing I can do this week to improve my meditation time?

BODY

What do you feel right now in this very moment? Listen to your body and write about it.
How can I honor my body on today?
Does your self-care need improvement? How would you improve it?

SPIRIT

How do you cope with struggles? What set a spark in your soul? Write about it.
Wat am I grateful for and why?
How much you are trusting God with your life right now?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

Please share what brings peace into your life during grief. What stages of grief are you currently experiencing? Are you familiar with any of the common signs and symptoms of grief? How do you find peace within? How can you write yourself into a peaceful state? 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).

Overcoming Pandemic Fatigue

LatishaNovember 9, 20206 Replies

Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions. – Pema Chodron

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

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I don’t know about you, but I am experiencing pandemic fatigue in 2020. As we watch the covid-19 case numbers and deaths rise again across the country, it’s important to realize that the stress and the fatigue of the covid-19 pandemic is still hanging over our heads. These feelings and emotions can often times cause people to be exhausted, scared and worried about some of the following:

• Catching and/or spreading covid-19 to others
• Being sick, isolated and dying in the hospital alone
• Financial concerns and losing jobs
• Caring for loved ones who has covid-19
• Going through the grieving process alone
• Feeling isolated and depressed

At the end of the day, I am at peace because my intentions are good, and my heart is pure. My main goal is to keep me and my loved ones safe during this difficult time by overcoming pandemic fatigue.

OVERCOMING PANDEMIC FATIGUE

Your storm is bigger than you are, but your Jesus is bigger than your storm. -Ron Hutchcraft

Believe it or not, it’s perfectly normal to feel burned out while trying to overcome pandemic fatigue. Pandemic fatigue can be caused from a number of emotions you’ve experienced during the pandemic, such as:

• Fear
• Anxiety
• Grief
• Loneliness
• Depression
• Hopelessness

Even though it is challenging to adapt to the increased uncertainty of the pandemic, we must find our inner peace that will help us pay attention to our emotional and physical needs.

Here’s some healthy ways to help you overcome pandemic fatigue:

• Take care of your body – Make sure to get plenty of sleep, rest, and exercise. Also, eat a balance and nutritious diet.
• Lower your stress – Focus on activities that are calming or bring you joy, such as yoga, nature walks, reading, writing in your journal, practicing meditation and breathing exercises, or watching a comedy.
• Connect with others – Remember, we are social creatures by nature. Try to connect with others by making phone calls, arrange video meetings, chat on social media, join a virtual group, take a virtual class or attend online religious services.
• Accept your feelings – Acknowledge and name your feelings. Then, refocus your mind and energy on things you can do to feel better.
• Create new traditions – Set aside Sundays for self-care, Fridays as family game night or Saturday as movie night. Be creative and come up with ideas that work best for you and your loved ones.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

PEACE AFFIRMATIONS

Today I choose: calm over chaos; serenity over stress; peace over perfection; grace over grit; faith over fear. – Mary Davis

Even in the midst of life’s many storms and challenges, such as the covid-19 pandemic, we have the capacity to stand in the center of our own peace. Did you know that it is important to speak peace into your life every day? Take a moment to recite the following statements with confidence:

• Today, I am totally safe and surrounded by love, light, peace, and joy.
• Today, I invite peace and harmony to dwell in me and surround me at all times.
• Today, I have the freedom and power to create the life I desire.
• Today, I believe in myself and will be my own inspiration.
• Today, I plan to water my roots, so my soul can blossom.

Keep in mind, it is important for you to know that you already have peace within you, right now, in this very moment.

FINAL THOUGHTS

One thing that I have learned in life, whether your storm is BIG or small, it takes internal strength and peace to overcome many obstacles in life. Just because you may be struggling or find yourself isolated right now, does not mean you are failing life forever. After all, as long as we are living on Earth, we will always experience some type of storm. Keep believing in yourself and stay safe while overcoming pandemic fatigue.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

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!

• Have you experienced pandemic fatigue?
• What is your life’s purpose?
• How do you cope with every day struggles of life?
• Do you include affirmations in your daily routine?
• How do you plan to overcome pandemic fatigue?

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. Spend time preparing your mindset with peaceful thoughts, such as scriptures, prayers, affirmations or inspirational quotes. What is your favorite scripture, prayer, affirmation or quote? 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).

Anxiety On The Rise

LatishaMarch 22, 20203 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Anxiety, Stress, Panic, Fear, Coronavirus, Hope, Kindness, Happiness — Unsplash

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).

Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength. – Charles Spurgeon

Thought for today – Believe that you are stronger than your anxiety.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I pray that you and your families are staying healthy during this difficult time. Let’s face it, the rapid spread of the coronavirus has increased anxiety, wide-spread panic, fear and stress for most people around the United States and abroad. In fact, 70% of adults in the United States feel some level of stress and anxiety daily. People are nervous and scared which is a normal response to the issue at hand.

I don’t know about you, but I will be the first to tell you that my anxiety is on the rise, but it is also silent within. I try not to let my family, friends or co-workers know when my anxiety level increases. Today, I will not allow anxiety to dictate how I feel or how I interact with others. Today, I will not stress over things I cannot control. Instead, I choose to spread love, hope, peace, comfort, joy, happiness, kindness, encouragement and inspiration through my Renew Inspiration blog.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1

COMMON CAUSES OF ANXIETY

Anxiety has the ability to keep you from enjoying life and doing things you enjoy. – Unknown Author

Before you can work through an issue, it is important to understand what the issue is and how it can impact you as a whole. So, what is anxiety? Well, anxiety is defined as a nervous disorder characterized by a state of excessive uneasiness and apprehension; Feeling of worry; Fear characterized by behavioral disturbances.

It is important to note, that while there can be many causes for anxiety all around us, here’s some common causes of anxiety that often times impacts our lives or someone close to us:

• Stress that can result from work, school or personal relationships.

• Emotional trauma in our lives.

• Financial concerns.

• A chronic or serious medical condition.

• A major event or performance.

• Side effect of certain medications.

Be open and honest to your loved ones if your anxiety begins to interrupt your life on any level. Do not ever think you’re alone because you’re not. Overcome your fear by taking a step to work through this difficult chapter in your life’s story.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY

Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action. – Walter Anderson

Next, I want to provide the symptoms of anxiety to help you become aware of how you are feeling or if you notice any of these symptoms in others. Unfortunately, high levels of anxiety can cause various health conditions and/or symptoms, such as:

• Panic attacks

• Depression

• Constant and excessive worrying

• Feeling exhausted and fatigue

• Increase stress

• Restlessness

• Insomnia and non-restorative sleep

• Irritability

• Lack of concentration

• Irrational fears and phobias

• Avoiding social situations

It’s important to analyze these symptoms very closely. If you feel the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with daily life activities and continues for at least 6 months, you may want to consider seeing a licensed health professional.

HOW ANXIETY CAN MANIPULATE YOU

Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions. – Pema Chodron

Moreover, many people deal with anxiety on so many levels, and in some cases, they deal with this condition alone. Unfortunately, anxiety often times manipulates you by showing you the following:

• Self-doubt – Anxiety makes us question ourselves and our beliefs.

• Fear – Anxiety takes what is dear to you and makes you afraid of losing it.

• Worries – Anxiety can take a thought and turn it into excessive worries.

• Control – We don’t need our fears to manifest. Then, we strive to control everything.

Similar to the symptoms as noted above, it’s important to analyze how you’re feeling and request help from a licensed health professional so you can cope with life better.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

WAYS TO REDUCE ANXIETY

Smile, breathe and go slowly. – Thich Nhat Hanh

Now, that we know the common causes for anxiety and the symptoms, it is important to find ways to reduce anxiety so we can live more productive lives.

Here’s some ways to help reduce anxiety:

• Increase your faith, read scripture and pray.

• Eat well-balanced diets.

• Add a daily exercise or yoga routine.

• Take medications or supplements that are prescribed by a licensed doctor.

• Enjoy aromatherapy by lighting a candle using essential oils (lavender, sandalwood, rose, roman chamomile, geranium, orange blossom).

• Express yourself and how you are feeling using a gratitude journal.

• Spend quality time with family and friends.

• Laugh and find the humor in every day life.

• Learn to avoid procrastination and prioritize what needs to be done.

• Practice mindfulness and deep breathing techniques.

• Listen to soothing music.

• Maintain a positive attitude.

It’s important to take mental breaks as often as possible. Take a deep breath and remember to go easy on yourself. What ever you do today, let it be enough.

AMAZON RESOURCE #4

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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!

• Do you suffer from anxiety? If so, how do you work through it.

• What are some of life challenges and/or triggers that increase your anxiety?

• How do you plan to overcome your anxiety?

• Interview your past & future self by asking questions that you need answers to.

• Use colorful markers or pens to write out all the things that make you happy.

Remember, to take care of yourself throughout this stressful time. Click on the image below to receive some Positive Affirmations. Read them daily until they resonate in your spirit. Then, share them with others. Write a comment below to let me know how my Renew Inspiration blog has helped you. Let’s overcome anxiety by sharing positive vibes, not panic or fear.

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).

Staying Grounded

LatishaMay 13, 20187 Replies

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

Hope Is

LatishaMarch 18, 201812 Replies

May integrity and uprightness protect me, because my hope is in you -Psalm 25:21

Happy Sunday and greetings to you! Let’s talk about hope on today. Hope 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.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. -Romans 15:13

Now, the flip side of this conversation is how pain can bring about hopelessness in our lives as the enemy relentlessly attempts to destroy us. But God holds His hand out to us every day. The wonderful hope of God’s good plans for our lives, hope that is rooted in God’s amazing love for us. My hope for you today is that you will work on building and strengthening your relationship with God for the rest of your life. This process will increase your confidence in God’s love for you and will nurture your hope in Him, hope for this life as well as for life eternal.

When the world says, “give up.” Hope whispers “try it one more time.” -Unknown

Did you know that having hope will give you courage in the midst of a storm? Despite what you may be experiencing in your life right now, never stop believing in hope because miracles happen every day. The importance of hope is immeasurable. Many of us need to look forward to the future. Hope is what helps us deal with grief, find positives in our current situation, help us continue searching for something better, and to have faith that everything will work out.

A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning. -Unknown

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.
-Winston Churchill

Reflections:
Hope is seeing light in spite of being surrounded by darkness.

Hope is the only thing stronger than fear.

Hope is the ability to hear the melody of the future. Faith is the courage to dance to it today.

Journal Prompts:
• 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.

Hope Journal:
A Hope Journal is a small binder full of cards, notes, prayers, inspirational quotes, bible verses, songs, or photos that is meant to cheer someone up during hard times.

Recommended Hope Journaling Supplies:
• View Binder
• Sheet Protectors
• Section Dividers
• Note Paper
• Stickers
• Scissors
• Glue

Where there is hope, there is faith. Where there is faith, miracles happen.