journal – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

Journal To Transform Your Mindset

LaPorterOctober 19, 20211 Reply

You don’t need a new day to start over, you only need a new mindset. – Hazel Hira Ozbek

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

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, let’s learn how to journal to transform your mindset. After all, your life is only as good as your mindset, right? I want to erase all my negative thoughts and feelings from my inner being. I want to replace all negativity with a new pattern of positive thoughts and feelings; a new wave of emotional balance and well-being; a new connection to my life as I know it, think it and feel it. There will be a new belief system inscribed within me. This powerful mental process will not only help you to transform your mindset, but you will also learn how to:

Develop a positive attitude.
Spend quality time focusing on self-reflection.
Commit to writing in your journal consistently.

DEFINITIONS

The best time to begin keeping a journal is whenever you decide to. – Hannah Hinchman

A journal is a reflection of who you are, it’s a repository for all of the things that interest and inspire you. In addition, a journal provides a safe environment to experiment with your writing style and technique. Simply put, when you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts.

Journal (noun) – A daily record of news and events of a personal nature; a diary.

Transform (verb) – Make a thorough or dramatic change in the form or appearance.

Mindset (noun) – The established set of attitudes held by someone.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE

A positive attitude will lead to positive outcomes. – Unknown Author

First, it is important for you to face each day with a positive attitude. Dig deep inside to strive for new opportunities that surround you every day. Focus on right now and not what ifs.

Here’s some great ways to develop a positive attitude right now in this very moment:

Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal
Set some attainable goals for yourself
Read and be grounded in God’s Word
Meditate and be prayerful
Read inspirational and spiritual books often
Post positive quotes where you can read them daily
Recite positive affirmations throughout your day
Practice yoga and stretch routines regularly
Seek professional help from a licensed therapist

I realize it will not be easy for some, but to move to a better place in life, we sometimes need to place ourselves in uncomfortable situations and/or conversations. Involve yourself with like-minded individuals who build you up and not tear you down.

SELF-REFLECTION

Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away. – Barbara DeAngeles

Next, self-reflection can be defined as meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions and motives. Self-reflection is a humbling process. It’s essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things, then better yourself throughout the process. In addition, self-reflection:

Allows you to notice negative patterns in your life. Consider alternate approaches to your situation(s) and begin to move away from the stressors altogether.
Keeps you focused on the bigger picture. Identify a clear vision of where you want to see yourself in the future. Write it down and remind yourself of what you hope to accomplish.
Prevents you from worrying about things out of your control. Instead, direct your energy toward things you can absolutely improve within your life.
Helps you face your fears. Recognize and admit your fears to yourself and eventually learn how to handle them.
Allows you to clearly define happiness on your own terms. When are you most happy? Who do you most enjoy spending time with? What accomplishments are you most proud of and why? By recognizing the positive life events, you can apply your knowledge to future goals and endeavors.

Keep in mind, self-reflection is an incredible gift so please embrace it every day. Meditation can make our journey through life more peaceful if you allow it to. In the mirror we find a reflection of our appearance, but in the heart, we find a reflection of our soul.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Journaling is a good way to help us to stop, take a step back and reflect on ourselves. – 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!

What is happening in your mind right now? in your body? in your spirit?
What does my vision for tomorrow look like? for next month?
What are the best choices I have made in life so far?
What is one of life’s little pleasures that I appreciate?
Has your mind spent more time today focused on the past, present or future?
How do you keep your thoughts in check throughout the day?
What are you inviting into your life with your actions or thoughts?

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. How do you plan to transform your mindset? Do you consider yourself having a positive attitude? Do you plan to implement self-reflection into your daily routine? 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).

Moving, but Standing Still

LaPorterSeptember 27, 20189 Replies

waterfall, woman, stillness, still, peace — pixabay

Be not afraid of slow going, be afraid of standing still. – Chinese Proverb

Special Thought – Not all storms come to disrupt your life, some come to clear your path.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Since we last spoke, have you taken time to renew your inspiration? Are you inspired to become better than you were yesterday? What drives you to push forward when obstacles arise in life? Who inspires you to reach for your dreams throughout this journey?

As you’re thinking about the previous questions, I have another one for you to think about. Have you ever felt like you keep moving and moving through life, but you are standing still? Yes, you are busy with life, spending time with your spouse, family and friends, caring for your children, working, shopping, cleaning, enjoying your favorite hobby, etc. But when you really think about your internal happiness, health and spiritual well-being, you have to be honest with yourself. Your life is really not changing in a positive way. There is no personal growth. You’re scared to be spontaneous and have fun. You never want to leave your comfort zone. There is very little sparkle within your circle of friends.

Now, if this sounds familiar have no fear. Just keep reading and I promise you will receive an inspirational word that will not only help you overcome this moving, but standing still season in your life, but you will be able to make a mental connection with your body and spirit as well.

To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders. – Lao Tzu

10 Steps to Stop Moving, but Standing Still

Step 1. Make sure to be realistic while putting your thoughts into perspective honoring your personal beliefs.

Step 2. Don’t be afraid to prioritize things that matter most to you in your life right now.

Step 3. Remove all negativity, both people and things.

Step 4. Don’t be afraid to say NO to others and think positive thoughts throughout your day.

Step 5. Start using a calendar or planner to organize your appointments and errands.

Step 6. Create a separate To-Do List daily to stay organized and stress free.

Step 7. Treat your body well and with respect.

Step 8. Exercise daily and eat a well-balanced diet to include plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Step 9. Set realistic goals, create a plan to reach your goals and track your progress.

Step 10. Spend time in prayer, meditation and reading God’s Word to receive the proper guidance in your life.

The fact that I’m still standing on my own two feet, in a world that has tried its best to knock me down over and over again, proves only one truth; I am unbreakable. – Stephanie Bennett-Henry

Still Standing – Written by Latisha Porter

Note – This poem was written based on Psalm 46:10 – Be still and know that I am God.

Despite what my life may look like from your perspective, I am still standing.

I have endured heartache and pain, but yet I am still standing.

I have been broken time and time again, but yet I am still standing.

I have known hardship and I have lost myself time and time again, but yet I am still standing.

I have experienced hurt like no other from a defiant child that I chose to adopt, but yet I am still standing.

I have suffered the loss of my parents which put a huge hole in my heart, but yet I am still standing.

I have struggled through the grieving process, anxiety and depression, but yet I am still standing.

I am standing on God’s Word which gives me inner strength to move forward in life and my faith which gives me these inspiring words to encourage you as well.

Remember my friend, God will make a way for you and me, we need only to be patient and be still.

Time for Reflection – Journal Prompts

• What do you think about you?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• What are you feeling right now in this very moment?
• What makes you happy inside?
• What makes you smile?
• What brings you joy?
• What are your values?
• What do you believe in?
• What are you grateful for? List at 5 things and tell why.
• What are you having a hard time accepting? Why is it hard to let go?
• Write yourself a love letter. Make sure you talk yourself through a struggle.
• How can you create space for self-love in your life right now and in the future?

My dear readers, I sure hope you have read something today that has given you a boost of positive energy and some ideas to help you stop moving, but standing still throughout your personal journey. Please be so kind to share this blog with others who may need an encouraging word. Peace and blessings to you!

Time for Action
Please leave a comment and share what you have chosen to do differently in order to better organize your mind, body and spirt. Remember we learn from one another, so don’t be shy. I look forward to reading your comments.

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

Push Harder – Goal Setting 101

LaPorterSeptember 15, 201810 Replies

flowers, notebook, pen, coffee, goals — pexels

The harder you work for something, the greater you’ll feel when you achieve it. – Unknown

Thought for today – Don’t expect to see change if you don’t make one.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Some people are inspired to dance, to sing, to draw, to become a doctor, an engineer, a teacher, an entrepreneur, to do mission work, to lose weight, to be great parents, and even to be the President of the United States. In order to stay inspired to do great things in life, you have to give and receive remarkable influence throughout your journey. You have to work hard and show your passion for whatever you set your heart out to do. You have to surround yourself with like-minded people, so you will feel the positive synergy around you.

Well, as many of you already know, I have decided to become an inspirational blogger. I have a passion to write and to express my thoughts on paper. In addition, I love to encourage and inspire others to reach his or her full potential. As I help others, I become a stronger person throughout my personal journey. Always remember, no matter what your goals are, 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 S.M.A.R.T. goals as well as H.E.A.R.T. goals.

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

Here’s an example of my S.M.A.R.T. goal:

Simple Goal – I want to improve my health.
Smart Goal – I will improve my health by eating 100 grams of protein, drinking 64oz of water and exercising every day.

Next, you need to write down your goals to clarify and strengthen your daily intentions. Break down your goals into small and manageable steps to overcome any anxiety you may have. Hold yourself accountable by maintaining focus and discipline throughout the process. Rewarding yourself will help reinforce the positive actions you’ve taken so you can continue doing it every day. Effective systems and habits make it easier for you to accomplish your goals on a regular basis. Simply put, your success is found in your daily routine.

S.M.A.R.T goals are good, but H.E.A.R.T. goals will help balance your life. Make sure your goals don’t make your to-do list unachievable, then you will be off track.

H – Help yourself. You have to take care of you. You cannot pour from an empty cup.
E – Everyone else. People matter so share love with others around you. Be kind to strangers.
A – Attitude and academics. Have a positive attitude. Never stop learning.
R – Resources. Steward time, money and energy well.
T – Trade and Business. Find your passion. Enjoy a fun hobby. Then, start a business.

Here’s an example of my H.E.A.R.T. goals:

• Read God’s Word, pray and meditate daily.
• Exercise for at least 60 minutes per day.
• Daily Steps at least 12,000 steps per day.
• Sleep for at least 7 hours per day.
• Research, write and publish at least 5 articles per week.
• Research, write and publish at least 3 inspirational blogs per week.
• Read an inspirational book or positive affirmations daily.
• Write in my mood journal daily.

Set some goals, then demolish them. – Unknown

Make a Plan

After you establish your goals, now it is time to create and follow a plan to make your goals a reality. Here’s some important tips to keep in mind during the planning process:

• Make clear deadlines for achieving your goals.

• Set personal milestones to stay motivated.

• Decide what actions are required to reach your goals.

• Put your actions into a schedule that is easy to follow.

• Readjust your goals or plan as you see fit throughout your journey.

Setting Goals – Quotes to Live By

• You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. – C.S. Lewis

• Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible to the visible. – Tony Robbins

• Life takes on meaning when you become motivated, set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner. – Les Brown

• Your ability to discipline yourself to set clear goals, and then to work toward them every day, will do more to guarantee your success than any other single factor. – Brian Tracy

flower, lilypads, goals, meditate, peaceful, quiet — pexels

Time for Reflection – Journal Prompts

Here’s some journal prompts that will help you push harder on those challenging days. Go to your quiet place, pull out your journal and start answering some of these questions. Make sure to reflect on your answers throughout your journey.

• How often do you set goals for yourself?

• How do you determine if something is important enough to set a goal for it?

• How successful have you been at achieving the goals you have set for yourself? Discuss some successes and failures of previous goals.

• What are your biggest personal milestones?

• How well are you currently balancing life?

• How confident do you feel about who you are?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Writing Just Because

LaPorterAugust 19, 20183 Replies

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. – Maya Angelou

Thought for today – In order to write about life first you must live it.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I honestly love the thought for today. How about you? “Writing never gets easier you just get better.” Now, this is what I keep telling myself every day when I am researching topics for my blog, writing articles or just writing in my mood journal. According to Ralph Keyes, “serious writers write, inspired or not. Over time they discover that routine is a better friend than inspiration.” This quote means a lot to me because sometimes I just write with no topics in mind. Writing allows me to free my mind and to put my emotions in check. About a month ago, I started writing in my mood journal. I focus on how I feel, what I am thinking, and I include positive quotes/affirmations throughout to keep me motivated. Oh, I cannot forget about the other colorful decorations I use throughout the mood journal as part of my personal expression to describe what I am writing about. I don’t know about you, but I just love writing!

mood, journal, writing — Latisha’s Mood Journal

I want to pause right here to THANK YOU for not only subscribing to my blog, but also for reading the words that I post each week and for believing in me. THANK YOU for leaving comments as well as expressing how my blogs inspire and encourage you throughout your journey. Here’s a FREE TOKEN of LOVE to help you learn more about journaling using valuable TIPS and JOURNAL PROMPTS in order for you to start JOURNALING TO EXCEL:

Journaling to Excel – FREE Journal Prompts

Just because the process hurts doesn’t mean the results won’t be beautiful. – Unknown

Since I mentioned my mood journal, I wanted to discuss a topic that is dear to my heart…journaling! I truly believe that journaling is a powerful tool that can aid anyone in achieving a successful life. Journaling provides you the space to work out your problems and come up with positive solutions, but it’s also a meditative practice for some people. When journaling, it is important to set aside quality time in your day with minimum distractions to revisit your ideas, goals, strategies, emotions and plans. Those who journal swear by the benefits of this practice. How about you?

Here are some reasons why journaling can help you realize and reach your personal goals:

• Analyze Problems – Time to think, retrace steps, consider motivations, draw conclusions
• Self-Analyze – Help you figure out what is causing you to feel or act the way you do
• Help You Vent – Unload your feelings of anger, resentment and jealousy
• Deal with Trauma – Tap into your emotions and express feelings in a healthy way
• Self-Analysis – Reflect on old journals to learn more about yourself
• Write Down Goals, Affirmations & Quotes – Mental space for ideas and connections
• Plan and Strategize – Space to capture your plan to realize your personal goals

Wherever you go, you meet part of your story. – Eudora Welty

As you can see, there are many ways that a journal can help lead you to success. Whether you’re writing for therapeutic purposes or trying to envision your next steps in life, writing in a journal helps provide you with the privacy, time and space to organize your thoughts. Why not try journaling for yourself?

As you grow and evolve, it might feel like you’re losing your mind. But you’re just losing the old mindset that was holding you back. – Unknown

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Have you decided to write in a journal? If no, why not? If yes, why do you spend time writing in your journal? What kinds of things do you write about? How often do you write in your journal and revisit your journal writing? Please share your thoughts and comments.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Renew Inspiration is a participant 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

Seek God’s Face

LaPorterAugust 12, 20182 Replies

cross, sunset, sky, hill, God, Jesus, Lord — pixabay

Seek the LORD and his strength, seek his face continually. (I Chronicles 16:11)

Thought for today – Allow God to amaze you with what He can do for your situation.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! How often do you seek God’s face? For some, seeking God’s face is done on a daily basis and for others seeking God’s face is done on an as needed basis. What does it really mean to seek God’s face? Well, I believe seeking God’s face simply means to seek God’s presence in your life. Presence is a common translation of the Hebrew word “face”. Literally, we are to seek his face throughout our lives.

Here’s some ways for us to seek God’s face throughout our lives:

• Read God’s Word, study it and meditate on it

• Fasting and praying regularly

• Confessing your sins and repenting to God regularly

• Reading daily devotions

• Singing praise and worship songs

• Attending church services regularly

When you think that everything is against you remember God is always with you.

Journal Prompts – Time for Reflection

Let’s spend some quality time seeking God’s face while writing in our journals.

• What is on my mind right now?
• What do I need to meditate and/or pray about?
• What feels like a struggle in my life right now?
• What advice do I need to receive from God?
• Am I prepared to receive God’s advice?
• How can I strengthen my relationship and faith in God?
• How much time do you spending reading God’s Word, praying or meditating?

As you travel throughout your spiritual journey, there are always obstacles that we encounter while living our lives on Earth, but we must work around them in order to seek God’s face and see him clearly. It is always important to stay away from anything and anyone who blocks us from being in the presence of God. Through this spiritual process, remember to seek God’s face by calling and pleading for Him to fill your presence with His anointing from on high. Only then will you receive the necessary peace, comfort, security and healing from God. Be peaceful, be happy, be whole.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
How much time do you spend seeking God’s face? Challenge yourself and spend some quality time reflecting on the answers to the journal prompt questions noted above. Please share your thoughts and comments.

Renew Inspiration is a participant 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

Writing to Escape

LaPorterAugust 10, 20181 Reply

You might not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page. – Jodi Picoult

writing, escape, bubble, lonely — pixabay

Thought for today – There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. – Maya Angelou

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Today, I want to express the passion I have for writing. There are many reasons why I write. Sometimes I write because I am happy, and I also write when I am sad. However, the main reason why I have a passion for writing is to escape. When you hear the word “ESCAPE” what is the first thing you think about? For me, when I think about the word “ESCAPE”, I think about breaking free from something. When I write, I like to escape from life as I know it each day. I like to escape the pain and misery of losing both my dad and mom. Losing your parents leaves a hole in your heart that can never be filled. I like to escape the frustration of parenting adopted children with disabilities and behavior problems. I like to escape the racism of this wicked world for not only having black skin, but also for being a woman. I like to escape from mental illness both depression and anxiety. I like to escape from those sleepless nights when I just listen to my thoughts go on and on. Writing allows me to be honest with my feelings and help me cope with challenges that I face throughout my journey.

Journal Prompts – Time for Reflection

Start writing, no matter what. The water does not flow until the faucet is turned on. – Louis L’Amour

Keep Calm and Write On

Let’s use our Journal to escape from negative thoughts, pain, hurt, sadness, and bad memories. Remember, journaling should be a safe place for you to write how you feel and to reflect on your heart felt thoughts. This is your personal journey so make sure you are honest throughout the process.

MIND – Be still and know that I am God. (Psalm 46:10)
• Meditate on escaping from something from within and write about it.
• What takes your mind away from God?
• What brings you the most joy in life? Describe it in detail.
• What qualities do you think others admire about you?
• How much do you truly love yourself? How do you show it?

BODY – No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape that you may be able to bear it. (I Corinthians 10:13)
• What do you feel right now in this very moment? Listen to your body and write about it.
• Do you feel courageous on today? If so, take time and write about it. If not, how can you build courage in your life?
• Where do you struggle with pride, dishonesty, or being discontent?
• In what area of your life do you need to improve self-discipline?
• How do you de-stress during the week?

SPIRIT – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)
• How do you cope with pain, misery, sadness, being alone, etc.? Write about it.
• How is God your strength and protector? Write about it.
• When do you feel God’s presence most in your life? How do you respond?
• What is one way that you can improve your spiritual walk?
• How can you improve your prayer and meditation routine?

As you can see, writing to escape is real and takes little effort on your part. If you don’t currently write in a journal today, take a moment and think about how journaling could help you cope with the daily challenges of life. Believe it or not, sometimes I just pick up my pen and just start writing words, not sentences. Before I even realize it, I am writing paragraphs. Writing to escape can help you clear your mind and offer you an opportunity to break free from internal bondage. Writing to escape can help you lose yourself on paper and forget about time. Most of all, writing to escape can bring about a peace that is more powerful than the stress in your life right now. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get our journals and write to escape!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Please share what you escape from as you write, think or just meditate. How do you plan to escape the challenges of life? What is holding you back from journaling? I look forward to reading your comments and feedback!

Peace in the Midst of a Storm

LaPorterAugust 5, 20181 Reply

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

Thought for today – At the end of the day, I am at peace because my intentions are good, and my heart is pure.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! It seems like it has been so long since I have shared a blog post with you. Unfortunately, life happens to the best of us, right? Today, I want to talk about the “Peace in the Midst of a Storm”. Whether your storm is BIG or small, it takes internal strength to overcome many obstacles in life. After all, as long as we are living on Earth, we will always experience some type of storm. So, instead of living your life worrying about the “what ifs”, spend time preparing your mindset with peaceful thoughts, such as scriptures, prayers, positive affirmations, inspirational quotes, uplifting words, etc.

Peace

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

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. It is important to speak peace into your life every day. How about you? Can you honestly say these statements with confidence? It is important for you to know that you already have peace within you, right now, in this very moment. Just because you may be struggling right now, does not mean you are failing life forever. Keep believing in yourself and good things will happen in the near future.

Back-to-school deals are here. Valid 8/5-8/11.

In the Midst

In the midst of life’s greatest storms, do not forget your divine heritage as a son or daughter of God. -Ronald A. Rasband

In the midst of it all, what do you feel? What are your thoughts? How do you cope with every day struggles of life? Now, I realize my struggles may be different from your struggles, but can we agree that it takes a strategy to not only cope with the struggles of life, but to overcome such struggles?

Let’s face it, painful life experiences often leave heart-deep scars within us. Even though danger is long past, fear still lingers around us. It affects our present relationships and experiences, and even our perception of God. We may never know why it has happened to us, but we do know that we can and will survive it. We also know that God has given us a new day and a new season to reach out for His blessings in joy and gratitude. Painful experiences leave scars within us, but they also leave strength and wisdom in the midst of the storm, giving us the opportunity to help those enduring similar trials.

Storms of Life

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

Even in the midst of life’s many storms, we have the capacity to stand in the center of our own peace. Now, let’s think about that for a moment before we proceed. When you are faced with the storms of life, think about how God is your strength and power; God is your protector and He will guide you through the storms of life if you let Him. Needless to say, it is always our choice. Will we allow God to lead us or will we try to handle our storms ourselves?

Here’s some storms of life examples:

• Stress
• Health Issues
• Financial Difficulties
• Unemployment
• Wayward Children
• Divorce
• Lack of Transportation
• Mental Illness (Depression, Anxiety)
• Imprisonment
• Grieving the Loss of a Loved One
• Various Addictions

To Overcome Life’s Obstacles

God promises to make something good out of the storms that bring devastation to your life. (Romans 8:28)

When was the last time you not only experienced a storm in your life, but you push through the storm with your inner strength? If you struggle in this area, please follow these tips to overcome life’s obstacles:

• Stay focused on positive thoughts instead of negative thoughts
• Don’t ever give up
• Challenge yourself and try new things every day
• Each day you should choose happiness
• Choose to shine and smile
• Don’t compare yourself to others and find time to celebrate your little accomplishments

pink, flower, journal, book, write, pen — pixabay

Journal Prompts – Time for Reflection
Are you ready to write yourself into a peaceful state? If so, grab your journal and let’s get started. Journaling should be a safe place for you to write how you feel and to reflect on your heart felt thoughts. This is your personal journey so make sure you are honest throughout the process.

MIND – Meditate on peaceful thoughts. Define those thoughts in detail and write about them.

BODY – What do you feel right now in this very moment? Listen to your body and write about it.

SPIRIT – How do you cope with struggles? What set a spark in your soul? Write about it.

Remember, my storm may be different from yours, but at the end of the day we both are in the midst of something that makes us uncomfortable. Instead of ignoring and judging others, let’s be more supportive to others who may be experiencing difficult life situations. Sometimes just lending a listening ear will do wonders. Life is not about weathering the storm, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Please share what brings peace into your life. How do you find peace within? How do you overcome obstacles in life? Can you write yourself into a peaceful state? I look forward to reading your comments and feedback!

Feed Your Focus

LaPorterJuly 23, 20183 Replies

Starve your distractions, feed your focus. – Unknown

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

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.

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!

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Be Thankful

LaPorterJuly 15, 20182 Replies

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. (Psalm 107:1)

Thought for today – Be kind. Be thoughtful. Be genuine. But most of all, be thankful.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Here’s to another week that our Heavenly Father has given us. Take a moment to think about how blessed you are on today. Did you thank God for waking you up this morning, for giving you the activities of your limbs, for shelter, food, clean water, the beautiful sunshine? Unfortunately, there are a number of people who did not wake up this morning. Don’t take your life for granted. Be thankful for everything that you have and for everything that God will bless you with in the near future. Remember, there is always someone who has less than you or is worse off than you are, so stop complaining and start appreciating all that you have in life.

My To-Do List for Today (tinybuddha.com)

• Count my blessings
• Practice Kindness
• Let go of what I can’t control
• Listen to my heart
• Be productive yet calm
• Just breathe

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)

For those of us who have received another opportunity on this Earth to get our lives back on track, let’s get started today – No Excuses, No Procrastination. No matter what your personal goals are, it’s important to set yourself up for success throughout this journey. Well, I know you are probably wondering how to get started, right?

Helpful Tips to Get Started

• Make it up in your mind that you want to make positive changes in your life.

• Determine what the changes will be and what the changes will look like.

• Determine what you want your goals to be, then write them down.

• Make plans to reach your goals every day by creating a To-Do List.

• Start keeping a journal to track your progress and include both successes/failures.

• Re-evaluate your goals and make challenging adjustments throughout the process.

Remember, whether your goal is to lose weight or write your first book, this process always begins with a thought. In addition, it’s important to hold yourself accountable throughout this process so write about it often.

Take it day by day and be thankful for every breath.

My Inspiration and Success Guide

• Create some personal goals for yourself and track your progress
• Find some ME TIME and do something that you enjoy
• Start a gratitude journal and write what you are grateful for each day
• Read an inspirational book and write your thoughts about the book in your journal
• Take a long walk and enjoy nature then write about your experience in your journal
• Try a new exercise and stretch afterwards
• Just do nothing or take a power nap
• Take a hot bubble bath, relax and clear your mind
• Find some time for self-reflection and meditate on your successes/failures

At the end of the day I am thankful that my blessings are bigger than my problems.

My Daily Pep Talk

Look in a mirror today and say these words out loud:

I love myself today because I am beautiful, I am strong, I am powerful, I am fabulous, I am unique, I am blessed, I am smart, I am worthy to be loved, I love my smile, I choose to shine on today, I will rise and not fall, I will work toward my dreams and/or goals, I believe in myself on today. Repeat 3 times.

Now, be creative and create your own person affirmations to describe yourself. Allow this to be your pep talk in the morning, repeat it throughout the day, and you can even post them at home or at work.

My Journal Prompts – Time for Reflection

MIND

• What takes your mind away from God, thus robbing your peace?
• What is your biggest dream and/or goal?
• What has prevented you from going after your dream and/or goal?
• What thoughts have I been repeating in my head lately? Are they true?

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 ________________.
• How can I make more space in my life for the things I love and enjoy?

SPIRIT

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU

So, grab your journal and write down at least 10 things that you are thankful for. As the day goes by, review your list and add to it as you see fit. Make sure to set some goals for yourself and plan to reach those goals every day. What are some of your obstacles throughout this process? Do you struggle to get started with new projects or to stay motivated? Did you practice the Pep Talk this week? If so, how did it help you throughout your day? Did you try any of the journal prompts? If so, how did they help you begin your journaling process? I look forward to reading your feedback!

Ways to Better Engage in God’s Word

LaPorterJuly 8, 20188 Replies

Thy word is thy lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (Psalm 119:105)

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! So, how often do you read and study God’s Word? Do you just read your favorite verse, pray, then move on with your day? In order to be engaged in God’s Word throughout our lives, we must schedule quality time to not only read God’s Word, but also to write down our personal thoughts about the verses read, determine how we can apply the verses to our own lives and cross reference the information in the Bible Concordance.

Here’s my suggestions for beginning this spiritual journey:

• Set a time to better engage in God’s Word and stick to your plan.
• Gather your materials, such as Bible, Notebook/Journal, Pens, Highlighters, Sticky Notes, Bible Concordance, Dictionary, etc.
• Designate a quiet space with no distractions, such as cellphones, televisions, people, noise, etc.
• You may want to play some soft music in the background to set a relaxing mood.
• Make sure your study area is free of clutter and well lit.
• Pray and meditate while studying God’s Word to open your mind and heart.
• Speak to God often to strengthen your relationship and ask Him to direct your study time.

Thought for today – Each day I need to let God’s Word interrupt me, rearrange me and redirect me.

Making time to read and study God’s Word is so important. God’s Word can help guide us in the right direction or make us rethink a situation before we pursue it further. In addition, our time spent in Scripture must alter us if it has truly been an encounter with God. God has created us to interact and respond to His Word in multiple ways. We should all endeavor to engage in God’s Word throughout our lives and hold ourselves accountable throughout our journey.

Here’s some ways to better engage in God’s Word:

• Study – When we study God’s Word we are investing focused time in a passage word, character or theme. Study requires you to analyze the Scripture which takes concentration and focus. The primary goal of study is understanding.

• Devotional – The goal for devotional reading is application. Simply put, what the Scripture means to me. However, we must make sure this is not the only way we interact with Scripture or we risk losing the truth.

• Meditation – Meditation is the ability to hear God’s voice and obey His Word. During meditation it is important to fill your mind with Christ. The goal of meditation is reflection.

• Memorization – It is important to understand what Scripture teaches us so have God’s Word hidden in your heart and mind. Memorizing God’s Word helps us achieve the goal of discipline.

• Action – Clearly, we must be focused on doing what Scripture teaches. We must be changed and compelled into action, whether in our thoughts or our actions. Spending time in God’s Word must lead us to obedience.

So, as you can see, there are various ways to better engage in God’s Word. Keep in mind, you may not be able to engage in all of these ways each day but schedule your time to include all the areas of study, so you can have a better understanding of God’s Word. Remember, spending time studying God’s Word is our intentional determination to grow in our understanding and to strengthen our bond with Him. Even if you have not engaged in God’s Word in the past, take a leap of faith and start today.

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Journal Prompts – Time for Reflection

MIND

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

• What takes your mind away from the Lord, thus robbing your peace?
• What is your biggest dream?
• What has prevented you from going after your dream?
• What thoughts have I been repeating in my head lately? Are they true?

BODY

Who is own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripe ye were healed. (I Peter 2:24)

• List 5 ways you’ve become stronger and more courageous this month.
• Lord, please strengthen my heart when it comes to ________________.
• When I’m in pain, physical and emotional, I find strength in ________________.
• How can I make more space in my life for the things I love?

SPIRIT

Behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. (Proverbs 1:23)

• Where do you see the unmistakable mark of the creator? Thank and praise God for it.
• How is God trying to get your attention to stop, treasure, and ponder how he’s working in your life right now in this very moment?
• When have you seen God use something small to produce a big outcome?
• What can I do to nurture my spirit more?

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
How often do you read God’s Word? When is your favorite time to ready and study God’s Word? Do you have a favorite scripture that is hidden in your heart? Do you keep a written Bible Journal or Notebook to reflect your study time? If so, please share in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!