Learn How To Improve Your Life Through Forgiveness

Learn How To Improve Your Life Through Forgiveness

Learn How To Improve Your Life Through Forgiveness

Forgiveness is the greatest gift you can give yourself. – Maya Angelou

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! So, how’s 2022 treating you so far? There’s a lot going on in my life right now, some good things mixed with some bad. Despite all of this, I am still committed to writing inspirational blog posts that will help you work through some of your challenging life problems. One topic that keeps stirring in my spirit is the act of forgiveness.

Let’s begin our discussion by defining forgiveness. Forgiveness means that you accept the behavior, you accept what has happened, and you are willing to move past it, and move on with your life without worrying about past events that cannot be changed. Often times this process is easier said than done.

REASONS WHY PEOPLE STRUGGLE WITH FORGIVENESS

Forgive people in your life, even those who are not sorry for their actions. Holding on to anger only hurts you, not them. – Unknown Author

When you’re dealing with forgiveness, it’s important for you to:

  • Recognize how you truly feel in the inside concerning the person involved or the situation.
  • Learn to accept your feelings and where you are right now in this very moment.
  • Make a plan to take action so you can move on from this hurtful place.

Forgiveness is an extremely hard process to work through. Most of the time people struggle with identifying the various emotions that their feeling, such as anger, guilt, shame, etc.

Here’s some other reasons why people struggle with the act of forgiveness. People are:

  • Scared that forgiveness may justify the pain and hurt that was caused.
  • Not ready to grieve the experience so they can accept and let go.
  • Worried that by forgiving the person involved we make ourselves more vulnerable to being hurt again.
  • Scared to face and process their emotions in regard to what happened.
  • Refusing to forgive so they can maintain a false sense of control over the experience or person.

The struggles people may experience related to forgiveness are real. Remember, you don’t have to go through this process alone. Contact your doctor, join a local support group or find a licensed therapist in your area.

IMPROVE YOUR LIFE THROUGH FORGIVENESS

True forgiveness is when you can say ‘Thank you for that experience’. – Oprah Winfrey

Although forgiveness seems to be difficult for most people to do, when it’s done consistently it can improve your life. However, before you attempt the act of forgiveness, take a moment to reflect over the situation and consider what it is you’re trying to get out of this process. The concept of forgiveness doesn’t mean that you condone what happened or that the person involved is blameless. It’s making the conscious choice to release yourself from the burden, pain, and stress of holding on to resentment.

Grab your journal. Write down the following questions and your answers.

  • What do you want to receive from the forgiveness experience?
  • Why do you feel the need to forgive the person or situation?
  • Who are you really doing this for?
  • Will you be able to handle the result even if it’s not in your favor?

Now, let’s look at some ways to improve your life through forgiveness.

  • Be prepared to take back your power over the situation. Don’t allow anyone or anything to control your happiness. You have the power to overcome and reach your destiny.
  • Be honest with yourself and feel your pain. Give yourself permission to acknowledge and honor the pain that’s real in your life. Then, make a plan to release it.
  • Name the feelings and emotions you’re feeling. Whether you hurt yourself or have been hurt by someone else, allow yourself to name the feelings and emotions. Some examples may include guilt, grief, shame, regret, sadness, anxiety, panic, fear, confusion, numbness, etc.
  • Have patience because forgiveness is a practice. Show yourself patience and grace as you navigate through this experience. Nothing changes overnight. It takes time and a commitment to practice forgiveness.
  • Set healthy boundaries. It’s important to nurture yourself throughout this process. Set healthy boundaries and only allow people to be a part of your life or space that respect you on every level. This is not a compromise.

Always remember, taking action can help you to facilitate healing and make you feel more empowered over the situation.

FORGIVENESS AFFIRMATIONS

Forgive yourself, you are not perfect. Show yourself grace, you are still learning. Show yourself patience, you are on a journey. – Shannon Yvette Tanner

Forgiveness is a process. If you’re feeling resentment. Let it go. If you’re feeling anger. Let it go. Just like you would show someone else patience, compassion, and grace, make sure to do the same thing for yourself.

Now, repeat after me:

I will take small steps towards making peace with my past. Every day is an opportunity to do it better, an opportunity to become a better version of myself.

  • Forgiveness is a gift I give myself.
  • I am worthy of forgiveness.
  • I accept that I am human, and I make mistakes.
  • I forgive myself for the hurt I’ve caused.
  • I accept my shortcomings and forgive myself.
  • I forgive myself for not knowing what I know now.
  • I have the power to forgive everyone who cause me pain and heartache.
  • I let go of unforgiveness, grudges, and malice.
  • I am proud of who I am – strong, powerful, limitless, and courageous.
  • I am ready to get out of my comfort zone and explore the opportunity of forgiveness.

As you practice working with the pain that’s there, you grow key strengths of self-compassion, courage, and empathy that inevitably make you stronger in every way. Now, breathe in and say I acknowledge the pain, hurt, and heartache. Breathe out and say I am forgiving and releasing this burden from mind, heart, and soul. Forgiveness allows me to be happy today, tomorrow, and every day of my life.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Remember when you forgive, you heal. And when you let go, you grow. – 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 everyone takes their own path.  Ready, set, write!

  • How does forgiveness improve your life?
  • Why is it so hard to ask for forgiveness?
  • Who do you need to forgive?
  • Why is it important for you to forgive others?
  • What do you need to be forgiven for?
  • How does withholding forgiveness serve you?
  • How would your life change if you practiced forgiveness on a regular basis?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

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. What will happen once you forgive another person? What is the best part of forgiving? What is the hardest part of forgiving? What resonates with you after reading this blog post?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

Copyright © 2022 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Conquer Grief During the Holidays

Conquer Grief During the Holidays

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The loneliest walk you’ll ever take is the one down the road of grief. – Author Unknown

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

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that the holidays can be a time of sadness, pain, anger or dread for anyone dealing with an illness, grief or the loss of a loved one. Let’s take a moment to identify some very important coping skills that will help you or someone you know conquer grief during the holidays.

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

GREAT IDEAS TO HONOR YOUR LOVED ONE

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

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

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

Keep in mind, the best gift you can give anyone you love is that of being true to yourself and living your life to the fullest, even as you adjust to the loss of a loved one during the holidays. With time, patience, and the right coping skills I am certain you will conquer grief during this holiday season and beyond!

PRAYER

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

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

I love journaling because it is a safe place for me to put my feelings and emotions into words, then put my words into action. Remember, journaling is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes, and failures. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Ready, set, write!

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

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

Copyright © 2021 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Coping with Grief During the Holidays

Coping with Grief During the Holidays

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The loneliest walk you’ll ever take is the one down the road of grief. – Author Unknown

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

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I am truly lost and broken on today. It has been 5 years since my beautiful mother left her earthly body to be in heaven. I realize deep in my heart that she is in a better place where she will no longer be in pain while struggling to breathe due to suffering from severe COPD. I watched her change from an independent, vibrant, and feisty woman to one who struggled to care for herself on a daily basis. Watching her go through this terrible transition honestly broke me down to my core. It hurt me so much because I could not do anything to help her overcome this awful illness that she had to endure.

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WAYS TO COPE WITH GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS

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

The holidays can be a time of sadness, pain, anger or dread for anyone dealing with an illness, grief or the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, grief can also magnify the stress that is often already felt during the holidays. On the other hand, it’s important to note that it’s alright to have a good time in spite of your grief. Just allow yourself to feel whatever your heart is feeling in the moment.

Here’s some effective ways to cope with grief during the holidays:

  • Offer yourself some grace – Give yourself permission to feel whatever it is you’re feeling. If you feel sad, allow the tears to come; if you feel angry, allow yourself to vent some steam in a safe manner.
  • Be kind to yourself – Be sure to get plenty of rest and nourishment you need; do not take on more than you can handle; if you need to be alone, then honor that. If you desire the affection of others, seek it out.
  • Ask for and accept help – It’s okay to tell your loved ones the best way that they can help you during this difficult time. Remember, ask and you shall receive.
  • Set healthy boundaries – Choose to participate only if you’re ready and feel comfortable in the scheduled activity or event.
  • Focus on what you can control – Observe your surroundings and relationships. Then, do what makes you happy.
  • Find a way to honor your memories – Create a special way to memorialize your loved one. For example, light a candle, arrange to have a prayer vigil, release balloons, plant a tree, or create a stone garden.
  • Find support – Sharing your feelings is often the best way to get through them and finding people you can talk to will help. Family and friends can be a great support during times of grief. If they are unavailable, seek professional help from a licensed therapist, a grief counselor or grief support group in your area.
  • Make a difference in your community – Give to your favorite charity organization or purchase a gift for a needy child. Consider volunteering at a nursing home, hospital, hospice, children’s shelter or soup kitchen. This can help you cope with your grief by contributing to the greater good within your community.

Keep in mind, the best gift you can give anyone you love is that of being true to yourself and living your life to the fullest, even as you adjust to the loss of a loved one during the holidays. With time, I know I will learn to live and express myself differently, but for now writing is my first choice throughout this lost and broken journey. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!

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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. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Ready, set, write!

MIND

  • Why are you grieving?
  • What is your fondest memory?
  • Some of my grief triggers are ___________________.

BODY

  • Why do I feel lost and broken on today?
  • What was my high and low today?
  • I find it most difficult when __________________.

SPIRIT

  • What do I know to be true in this moment?
  • What is something you would love to learn in your lifetime?
  • I am really having a hard time coping with __________________.

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SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. Believe it or not, writing my feelings out in a journal or on my Renew Inspiration blog helps me sort out my thoughts. I’m able to release the hurt, loneliness, pain, anger, and heartache all in one place without judgment. Have you ever felt lost, lonely and broken throughout life? How do you cope with grief during the holidays? If so, how did you cope with your grief and pain? 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).

Copyright © 2020 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

God’s Favor

God’s Favor

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Has not my hand made all these things, and so they came into being?” declares the Lord. “There are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word. (Isaiah 66:2 NIV)

Something to Think About – A flood of favor is coming your way – Do your best, God will do the rest.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, I want to talk about God’s favor. Take a moment and think about this question – Do you recognize God’s favor in your life? God’s favor can be described as “tangible evidence that a person has the approval of the Lord.” In other words, God’s favor is the undeserved kindness of God. Nothing you have is because of luck or chance. It’s all due to God’s grace and favor. You receive God’s favor in your life when your heart, words, and actions line up with the Word of God. God shows favor to the people who delight in, connect with, and give honor to Him. God seeks out those who love Him and love His commandments so that He can bless, guide, and protect them at all times. Whether you realize it or not, God’s favor is on your life.

Here’s the truths about God’s favor:

• God’s favor is God’s grace. God’s favor is the reason you and I are saved. We are saved by God’s favor and His grace.

• God’s favor affects every area of life. Every part of your life is impacted by the grace and favor of God. This means you are delivered, protected, preserved, healed and made whole.

• God began showing you His favor even before you were born again. Salvation is the greatest expression of God’s favor in our lives. God continues to pour out grace and more favor to us every moment of our lives, if we only receive it.

• God’s favor surrounds you continually. As a born again Christian, you have been made righteous by Jesus and that righteousness came with God’s favor which surrounds you continually.

• You must realize and accept God’s favor to experience it fully. Before you can receive the benefits from God’s favor, you must know that they are yours to begin with. Just as with every other spiritual benefit, you must receive them by faith.

In addition, you can identify God’s favor when we see three spiritual things happening:

• God has sovereignly chosen a recipient of His grace.

• God has blessed that recipient in one way or another.

• God has intentions that His blessing be shared with others.

God’s gracious kindness is His to give, and He gives it when, to whom, and how he chooses. However, the Word of God invites all of us to come by faith and receive the gift of Jesus Christ, freely offered for all of us.

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TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

MIND

• What takes your mind away from God, thus robbing you from God’s favor?
• What is your biggest dream and/or goal?
• What has prevented you from going after your dream and/or goal?

BODY

• List 5 ways you’ve become stronger and more courageous this week.
• Lord, please strengthen my heart when it comes to ________________.
• When I’m in pain, physical and emotional, I find strength in ________________.

SPIRIT

• Where do you see the unmistakable mark of the creator? Thank and praise God for it.
• When have you seen God use something small to produce a big outcome?
• What can I do to nurture my spirit more throughout the week?

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SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS/COMMENTS

One touch of God’s favor can change everything in your life. Stay faithful and trust in His timing. God’s favor is yours now and forever. Have you experienced God’s favor in your life lately? Do you sometimes block God’s favor in your life? What are you thankful for during this holiday season?

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Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Copyright © 2018 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Moving Forward in Faith

Moving Forward in Faith

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Ephesians 2:8

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Well, here’s to another wonderful and blessed week! Would you agree? Despite what you have experienced throughout the week, be thankful that you are here today to speak about it, read my inspirational blog, or write in your journal. It’s important to speak positive words into our lives so we can receive the benefit which is a positive outcome to our negative situation. I always think of it as moving forward in faith.

Don’t dig up in doubt what you planted in faith. -Elisabeth Elliot

With that said, let’s have a spiritual discussion concerning “FAITH”. Your faith can move mountains and your doubt can create them. Now, what is your understanding of this statement? Well, it’s quite simple. You must believe in your heart and mind that you will receive whatever it is that you are praying for throughout your journey. No mountain is too big for our God. I always think of a mountain as any obstacle, problem, or situation that happens in our lives throughout the journey. Unfortunately, some mountains can destroy relationships and break up happy homes.

Faith is all about believing. You don’t know how it will happen, but you know it will. -Unknown

Take a Step Back
Throughout our journey, it would be nice if we could backtrack and start over from time to time without harming anyone along the way. But how did we get to the point where we want to press the reset button? For some of us, we try to learn from our mistakes which causes us to wonder why we made them in the first place. Retracing our steps helps us remember who we are and where we come from throughout the faith process. This means spending time in meditation and prayer. Then, looking at your current situation to see where we may have taken the wrong turn.

Faith isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice to trust God even when the road ahead seems uncertain. -Dave Willis


Apologize
Then, it is time to apologize for our mistakes if you have hurt someone along the way. How awful we must feel, right? For some people apologizing and asking for forgiveness is too hard to bare alone. In most cases, our pride stands in the way of apologizing to make someone else feel better. It is important to retrace our steps and learn how we should be honest to not just ourselves, but also to others. We should all strive to learn and grow from our mistakes. This learning and growing experience is not meant to be easy, but it is a necessary step in this learning and faith process.

God has a purpose for your pain, a reason for your struggle and a reward for your faithfulness. Trust Him and don’t give up. -Dave Willis


Make Amends
Then, it is time to make amends with those who we have done wrong. In some cases, amends can be straight forward and in other cases it can be quite messy. But nevertheless, be true and honest to yourself. Put everything you have into this faith process to amend your relationships and receive the much needed forgiveness from the person(s) in question.

Your faith can move mountains and your doubt can create them. -Unknown

Move On
Then, the final step in this faith process is the time to prepare yourself to move on. Remember, it is good to ponder on your mistakes, but don’t let them shame you or make you think you are alone throughout the faith process. No matter how big our mistakes seem in life, God’s love can help us through those darkest days. Simply put, we shall be well and rise again. Just let go, release, and move on.

I choose faith over anxiety hope over worry love over fear. -Unknown


Journal Prompts
• How can I strengthen my faith in God?
• What feels like a struggle in my life right now?
• What stresses me out? What can I do to reduce this stress?
• How can I support myself more? How can I support others too?
• How can I make more space in my life for the things or people I love?

Your mind will always believe everything you tell it. Feed it faith. Feed it truth. Feed it with love. Until next time, believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Grace Changes Everything

Grace Changes Everything

He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend. Proverbs 22:11

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Grace changes everything. Grace has been defined as “the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings”. Simply put, grace is “undeserved favor from God.” God’s grace is adequate for anything and everything that you experience in this life. Despite what prompted the hurt you’ve experienced in life, know that God’s grace can bring peace, hope, and healing. One beautiful thing about grace is that God does not withdraw His grace when you stumble or fall. Now, let’s pause here and give God some praise for His sincere love for us. Instead, acting with grace, God gently picks you up and enables you to take the next step. You can always find at God’s throne of grace whatever help you need whenever you need it. You can run to the Lord in times of trouble, when your heart is breaking, at life’s crossroads, and during the darkest and loneliest nights. Remember, God is waiting for you with open arms.

By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

God offers us an extravagant gift: His grace. The best thing about that, it cost Him everything, but it costs us nothing. The only payback God asks is that we reach out and take the gift and then rest in it with guilt-free comfort knowing that you are saved through faith. If you find yourself in a small place, God knows you’re there. He’s with you, and He can do something mighty big. Trust his amazing grace. One thought I often meditate on is that when you trust in the Lord, you will never be disappointed.

I don’t know exactly what’s next but I’m stepping forward with grit, anchored in grace. -Julie Graham

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Let’s pray:
Heavenly Father, Master Grace Giver, thank you for giving me grace each and every day. Help me to become an extender of grace to others even when they don’t deserve it. I will never forget the price you paid to set me free, and for this I want to say thank you. Amen

Here are some Prayer Prompts to encourage, strengthen, and inspire you as you journal your prayers.

• Heavenly Father, you are…
• Heavenly Father, I thank you for…
• Prayer for peace when it comes to…
• Prayer for moments when I am….
• Heavenly Father, please give me patience to…
• Heavenly Father, I pray healing over…
• Heavenly Father, I love you because…

Gratitude Changes Everything

Gratitude Changes Everything

When gratitude becomes an essential foundation in our lives, miracles start to appear everywhere. -Unknown

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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

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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

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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?