Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference. – Unknown
Something to Think About – A great attitude becomes a great mood. Which becomes a great day. Which becomes a great year. Which becomes a great life.
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s talk about attitude awareness!
Attitude is defined as a settled way of thinking or feeling about someone or something, typically one that is reflected in a person’s behavior.
Awareness is defined as the quality or state of being aware; concern about and well-informed interest in a particular situation or development.
Watch your attitude. It’s the first thing people notice about you. – Unknown
Today, I choose to have a positive attitude and look at my life in a new way. With this attitude, I receive beautiful blessings from on high. How about you my friend?
Your attitude is like a price tag, it shows how valuable you are. As we travel along this journey called life, it is important to embrace the moment you’re in, which is a process called awareness. Well, what’s the best way to practice awareness? You start this process by training yourself to be mindfully aware of what is happening in your life right now, in this moment. Awareness balances thinking and reduces anxiety. Keep in mind, anxiety is focused on the past or the future and awareness is grounded in the present.
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Benefits of Cultivating Body Awareness
• Quiets your mind so you can listen to your body.
• Helps you learn about your body’s unique response to stress and anxiety.
• Shows you where to focus your breathing and relaxation efforts.
• Cultivates lovingkindness for yourself and your body, as you gently notice and acknowledge your body’s cues.
Attitude awareness is the first step to building a positive attitude. As you go through life, always expose yourself to positive information and hang around positive people so you will achieve positive results. Whatever life throws at you at any given time, even if it hurts, plant your feet on solid ground and be strong. Remember, strong walls shake, but never collapse.
Quote to Live By
First, it is an intention.
Then a behavior.
Then a habit.
Then a practice.
Then a second nature.
Then it is simply who you are.
– Brendon Burchard
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Time for Reflection – Journal Prompts – Improve Your Attitude
Journal prompts are given to help you write about tough topics or situations in your life. Here’s some journal prompts to help improve your attitude and your overall lifestyle, mind, body and spirit. Be honest and true to yourself when journaling. Journal writing is a self-reflection exercise to help you improve every aspect of your life.
Mind
• Meditate and think about only positive thoughts. Then, write about your thoughts.
• When you close your eyes, what do you always dream about? Write about it.
• If you could paint a picture of your favorite memory, what would it look like?
Body
• Live in the moment right now, describe the feeling and everything around you.
• What is the most complicated part of your life right now?
• Do you adapt easily to change or is it hard for you?
Spirit
• You’re looking through the window to your soul, what do you see?
• What is the biggest thing you want to change about yourself?
• Do you wish you could press the reset button on anything in your life? If so, what?
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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Worrying is a waste of time. It doesn’t change anything, it just clouds your mind and steals your happiness. – Unknown
Thought for today – Not once does the Bible say, “Worry about it” or “Stress over it” or “Figure it out.” But over and over the Bible clearly says, “TRUST GOD.”
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Lately, I have found it very difficult to shake off worry and anxiety. I have promised myself, that I would write about topics that I personally experience so I can help others who may be going through similar life changing situations. If you live your life constantly worrying about things that are out of your control or have anxiety that cause you to stray away from things you love to do, then it’s time to SHAKE OFF worry and anxiety for good. Are you with me?
What’s my story related to worry and anxiety? I’m going to be honest, I never really worried a lot or felt anxiety to the point where I would not do certain things until my mother passed away in 2015. It was at this point that I felt like a total failure because I could not help my mother fight her Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It was so difficult just watching her breathing get worse and worse. My mother was a small woman with strength of a lion, but COPD broke her body down quickly right before my eyes.
Even writing these words stirred up emotions inside of me, but I continued so I can help someone else who may be experiencing the same thing. The grieving process has been very difficult for me, but I turned to writing as a way to release my pain and emptiness inside. In addition, I found a great therapist as well to help me cope with my emotions, thoughts and feelings. I am glad to say that I no longer blame myself for my mother’s death. I realize I had no control of her chronic illness and God’s timing. This process has shown me that you can learn different ways to handle worry and anxiety, but it’s fair to say that it may never leave your body for good, it’s just resting inside waiting for an opportunity to arise.
Anxiety comes from trying too hard to control the future. – Unknown
Did you know that worry and anxiety often times goes hand in hand? Let’s define both.
Anxiety can be defined as a feeling that lives inside us and blocks us from fully living the life we want to live. Anxiety has various symptoms that can be felt anywhere in the body. Anxiety can happen at any time and it can influence our thoughts, emotions, actions and physical health.
On the other hand, worry can give way to anxiety or unease. Worry allow one’s mind to dwell on difficulty or troubles surrounding one’s life. Worries are a chain of thoughts based in words. For example, “What will happen if” … “It will be terrible when” … “What if I can’t”.
Experiencing worry and anxiety in our lives are natural, but when they become chronic and trapping your mind in vicious cycles with no resolutions, is when they become a problem.
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Worry Triggers
Let’s face it, we all have issues that we worry about, right? Sometimes we’re not even aware of why we’re worrying, when we’re doing it or what we tend to worry about the most. We just know that we often feel anxious and we find ourselves stuck in a vicious cycle of worry. One of the ways to break this vicious cycle is to be aware of which things trigger our anxiety.
• Is it when we’re in certain places?
• Particular times of the day?
• When we’re around certain people?
Many different things can trigger worry and understanding your particular triggers can help you process and establish ways to respond to your anxious feelings. Keep in mind that anxiety can trick you into believing your thoughts are reality. When you’re feeling anxious, you struggle to distinguish what you’re actually experiencing and what your thoughts are projecting. Begin to divert your attention from the thoughts inside your head to what is real around you. Pay attention to what you’re doing right now in this very moment, not on your worries or anxiety.
Feeling Overwhelmed
• Take slow, deep breaths, as many as you need to in order to feel calm.
• While breathing slowly and deeply, visualize a peaceful, soothing place. Examples may include walking on the beach, taking a hike in the woods, reading a good book, sitting in a meditation pose, doing yoga, etc.
• You can pair deep breathing exercises with aromatherapy using a candle or essential oil diffuser to infuse the air with a calming, relaxing scent such as lavender, rose, bergamot or chamomile.
• Drink a soothing, noncaffeinated tea. Great herbs for reducing anxiety include lavender, chamomile, passionflower, hawthorn, kava, ginseng and lemon balm.
• Ground yourself physically in a way that feels comfortable. For example, you may sit in a chair with your feet firmly planted on the floor or you can stand with your feet planted on the floor and your back pressed against a wall.
• Notice negative thoughts and replace them with simple positive ones. For example, I can’t handle this becomes I am handling this right now and I know this anxiety will soon pass.
Finding What Works for You
It’s impossible for you to completely eliminate anxiety from your life, but you can significantly lessen its hold over your life. Part of this process is learning when it might show up (triggers) and coming up with a plan to deal with it when it does (solutions).
• Understand your specific symptoms. What are your thoughts when your anxiety escalates? In what situations do your symptoms intensify? Lessen?
• Know what works for you. Which strategies are helpful in moments of high anxiety? Examples could be deep breathing exercises, mindfulness exercises, meditation, journaling or talking with a support person.
• Schedule therapy sessions with a mental health professional. Be open and honest.
• Find a support group in your area or online to help you gain another perspective on your anxiety. Don’t be afraid to share your experiences, listen to others and give/receive feedback.
• Visit your local library and check out some books on worry and anxiety.
• Spend some time regularly doing meditation, mindfulness exercises or yoga along with deep breathing exercises.
• Write down your thoughts and feelings in your journal or notebook. Then, reflect on them throughout your journey.
Positive affirmations help to change your current mindset and boost your self-confidence.
• May I live peacefully alongside all of my emotions and worry.
• May I accept what is happening in my life, moment by moment.
• May my acceptance give me courage to face situations and people.
• May I live my life fully and freely, enjoying my life even when I feel anxious.
• May my loved ones enjoy this acceptance and freedom, too.
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Time for Reflection – Journal Prompts
Find time for reflection and write answers to the journal prompts in your journal or notebook.
• What positive things will begin to take the place of worry and anxiety?
• What are your biggest challenges that prevent you from overcoming worry and anxiety?
• What are some of your worry triggers?
• When do you find yourself worrying about these triggers?
• Where are you when this worry is at its peak?
• What makes your worry or anxiety worse? What makes it better?
Prayer for Worry and Anxiety
Heavenly Father, I am feeling worried, anxious, and stressed on today. Too many things occupy my mind. Won’t you help me feel calm? Show me Lord, your order and your plans for my life. Teach me to trust in your will alone. Your Word tells me where there is love, there is no fear. Your perfect love drives out all fear from my mind and my life. Let me be filled with your love. The perfect love that tells me I am not condemned, but I am saved through your amazing grace. I can do all things, through you who strengthens me. In Jesus Mighty Name, Amen.
Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!
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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!
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:
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!
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Starve your distractions, feed your focus. – Unknown
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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
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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.
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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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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Did you know that there are journals for just about everything that goes on in your life? Well, I want to spend some time discussing just a few journal types that helps me cope with the lost of my mother (the grieving process), the emptiness that I feel inside (depression), the various stresses of life that I experience often (looking for part-time work and parenting children with hearing loss) and allowing my creative juices to flow while writing (Renew Inspiration blog and HubGarden articles).
Journaling is my safe place, my time to just write how I feel and scream on paper and no one will ever know. Let’s take a moment to define journal. A journal is a personal reflection of who you are, it’s a repository for all the things that interest and inspire you. A journal provides a safe environment to experiment with your writing style and technique. Simply put, when you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts.
Benefits of Journaling:
• Reduce stress – Expressive writing has been shown to lower stress levels.
• Improve your memory – Regular journal writing can improve your short-term memory.
• Stay organized – Keeping a journal such as a weight loss diary lets you maintain an organized record of your progress and journey.
Journaling Tips:
• Keep a regular writing schedule so journaling becomes a habit.
• Don’t over think your written entries, just write honestly.
• Be creative. Add photos and positive quotes to enhance your written entries.
Types of Journals:
Bible Journal – Bible Journals can provide you with a therapeutic way to better cope with everyday situations, understand your feelings and establish a connection between your life and the biblical content. Include notes, scriptures, life lessons and examples, pictures, quotes, questions, etc.
Bible Journal Prompts:
• What is your favorite scripture and why?
• What values do you want to live by? Find a scripture to support your values.
• In what area of my life do I need to improve self-discipline?
Gratitude Journal – Gratitude Journals allow you to recognize, appreciate and record pleasant occurrences in your life. Also, you can include blessings, special moments of authentic happiness and contentment. Include what you are grateful for, personal thoughts, quotes, stickers, etc.
Gratitude Journal Prompts:
• What are you grateful for?
• What would my ideal day look like?
• What is one thing that I can do to change my attitude?
Prayer Journal – Prayer Journals allow you to deepen your relationship with God by writing down your prayers every day. Learn by reflecting on prayers that have been answered, and others that haven’t. Include prayers, scriptures, personal thoughts, self-reflection notes, quotes, etc.
Prayer Journal Prompts:
• What is one thing I could do this month to improve my prayer life and spiritual walk? Hint – Start a Prayer Journal.
• What is one thing I can do today that would promote a gentle and quiet spirit within me? Hint – Read a scripture, pray or meditate.
• Do you think God will answer your prayers? Why or why not?
Reading Journal – Reading Journals can be a place to store your personal reactions to what you’re reading. Writing down your responses will allow you to discover how you feel about the book itself, the characters, scenery or plot. Include the book(s) you are reading, personal thoughts, emotional responses, connect the book to your own life, questions you may have about the book(s), connect with the characters, etc.
Reading Journal Prompts:
• What is your favorite book and why?
• What is one book you’d like to read before the end of 2018?
• If I was given the opportunity to write a book, I would write about….
Scrapbook Journal – Scrapbook Journals is a cross between scrapbooking, journaling, collaging and sketching pictures to tell a story or to highlight a special memory. Include pictures, personal thoughts, quotes, stickers, etc.
Scrapbook Journal Prompts:
• Do you consider yourself being a creative person?
• How do you like to retell a story or special memory?
• What is one thing that I can do this week to improve my creativity? Travel Journal – Travel Journals are a place where you can write about trips you have taken, what you learned during and after the trip. Include adventures, stories, memories, pictures, personal thoughts, culture, customs, the people you met/saw, favorite places you visited, quotes, etc.
Travel Journal Prompts:
• What makes this trip special to you?
• What are you planning to do on this trip?
• Take time to reflect on the location, people, the customs and the food.
5 Tips for Capturing your Best Journal Ideas:
1. Take your journal everywhere you go to capture those special thoughts or moments as they happen. If your journal is too big, you can always buy a small notebook to use while you are on the go. Then, transfer or glue your notes in your journal at a later time.
2. Select a journal that feels right to you. You can purchase a beautifully crafted handmade journal, a hardcover book with unlined pages, a softcover notebook with lined pages, a 3-ring binder with loose paper, or just a spiral notebook. It really doesn’t matter your style, just make sure that your journal feels right to you and you can comfortably use it to capture your thoughts.
3. Handwrite your journal entries so you are unable to edit your thoughts. Handwriting keeps things more spontaneous and gives you clues about your emotional state. If you’re anything like me, you can tell what you’re feeling just by analyzing the state of your writing.
4. Create an informal table of contents in the beginning of each journal. Number each page and try to list the topics covered as you go along. This makes finding stuff a lot easier down the road or when you just want to reflect on some of your past writings. Don’t worry about doing this each time you journal, but make sure to complete this step before starting your next journal.
5. Don’t worry about format, grammar, or spelling. Remember, this is your personal space and a written account for how you feel right now in this very moment. Don’t worry about following your traditional writing rules, just write.
So, whether you are currently writing in a journal on a regular basis or you would like to start, these journaling highlights should help you on your journal writing journey. Go ahead and grab your journal and write your ideas so you’re able to retrieve your thoughts whenever needed. Your journal holds your pertinent life information, so you can remember and reference at any time in your future. Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
If you do keep a journal, please share some of your writing experiences or the types of journals you like to keep; organizing tips and techniques; pros and cons of journaling; journaling tips that help you continue your journey. We learn from one another, so your comments are necessary for all of us to learn and grow. I look forward to reading your feedback! Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates and Target Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and Target.com
Having courage does not mean that we are unafraid. Having courage mean we face our fears. We are able to say, “I have fallen, but I will get up.” – Maya Angelou
Thought for today – Always remember that you deserve to be happy. You deserve to live a life you are excited about. Don’t let other people make you forget that.
Welcome to Renew Inspiration and Happy Father’s Day! Knowing when to walk away is wisdom. Being able to is courage. Walking away, with your head high is dignity. Now, think about that for a moment. What does courage mean to you right now in this very moment? Your honest response would be a great journal entry if you want to reflect on it later. According to the Webster Dictionary, courage is defined as the ability to do something that frightens one and the strength to withstand in the face of danger, fear, difficulty, pain or grief. So, how does one take courage to the next level? There is no right or wrong answer here. Everyone handles situations in their lives differently. However, many situations occur in life that call upon us to do something we find scary, upsetting, uncomfortable, anxiety provoking, or distressing. For example, when I decided to start blogging, I had no idea where to start. Then, I took time to research online and read through various books about blogging. After a while, I had the courage to invest money into my new venture and here I am five months later writing my thirty fourth blog! We have to learn how to move out of our comfort zone throughout this journey called life, so we can develop, grow, and expand both our mental and physical capacity. Are you up for the challenge? I sure hope you are.
Here’s some ways to help boost your courage:
• Don’t overthink it. Once you’ve decided to do anything in life that requires courage, don’t wait, proceed to act.
• Commit yourself ahead of time. Schedule an appointment or tell others when and where you plan to attend the activity. Committing yourself ahead of time or stating intentions to your support system will make you be accountable and you will follow through with the activity.
• Do the activity with a friend. Recruit a friend or family member to participate in the activity. Interacting with another person is a true way of managing fear and anxiety.
• Think of how good you’ll feel afterwards. Give some serious thought to how great you’ll feel about yourself after you take this leap of faith. You will feel more confident and increase your determination.
• Think of the doors that would open for you. If you struggle with courage and anxiety issues, you may need to seek help from a mental health professional or support group. Take some time to consider all the ways your life could be different if you were able to tackle your issue(s) successfully and use the motivation this process gives you to take the necessary step. Journal Prompts – Time for Reflection
• What are five things that make you nervous or uncomfortable?
• What is it about each of these five things that bothers you most?
• Where does this discomfort come from?
• What is your personal definition of courage?
• Have there been times in your life when you’ve needed to be courageous? Take a moment to write about the situation and what you did to overcome your fears.
• Is there someone in your life whom you would characterize as courageous? If so, write about what you admire about this person and their courage.
• Complete the following sentences – Every day, I am afraid of_____________________. I show courage by _____________________.
• Describe an area of your life in which you wish you were more courageous? What is it, and how would you benefit?
Inspirational Quotes
Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. – Winston Churchill
Courage does not always roar, sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.” – Mary Anne Racmacher
You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face. – Eleanor Roosevelt
My strength did not come from lifting weights. My strength came from lifting myself up when I was knocked down. – Bob Moore
With courage you will dare to take risks, have the strength to be compassionate, and the wisdom to be humble. Courage is the foundation of integrity. – Mark Twain
Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak. Courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. – Winston Churchill
So, the next time you hesitate to activate your courage, take a moment and review the components of this blog. Remember, having courage is about a brief moment in time in which we take action to do what we know is healthy for us. 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
journal is a reflection of who you are, it’s a repository for all of the things that interest and inspire you. A journal provides a safe environment to experiment with your writing style and technique. Simply put, when you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts.
Stay patient and trust your journey
Now, let’s take the journaling process to the next level. How about using the journaling process to find yourself? Journaling is a way to capture ideas and keep your dreams alive until you can put them in motion. Ideas can be found all around you. Take a moment and look around you right where you are. Inspiration is not required to knock at your door twice. We have to be ready and willing to do what’s necessary to grow, to learn, and most importantly, to find yourself.
A little progress each day adds up to big results
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5 Tips for Capturing your Best Journal Ideas:
1. Take your journal everywhere you go to capture those special thoughts or moments as they happen. If your journal is too big, you can always buy a small notebook to use while you are on the go. Then, transfer or glue your notes in your journal at a later time.
2. Select a journal that feels right to you. You can purchase a beautifully crafted handmade journal, a hardcover book with unlined pages, a softcover notebook with lined pages, a 3-ring binder with loose paper, or just a spiral notebook. It really doesn’t matter your style, just make sure that your journal feels right to you and you can comfortably use it to capture your thoughts.
3. Handwrite your journal entries so you are unable to edit your thoughts. Handwriting keeps things more spontaneous and also gives you clues about your emotional state. If you’re anything like me, you can tell what you’re feeling just by analyzing the state of your writing.
4. Create an informal table of contents in the beginning of each journal. Number each page and try to list the topics covered as you go along. This makes finding stuff a lot easier down the road or when you just want to reflect on some of your past writings. Don’t worry about doing this each time you journal, but make sure to complete this step before starting your next journal.
5. Don’t worry about format, grammar, or spelling. Remember, this is your personal space and a written account for how you feel right now in this very moment. Don’t worry about following your traditional writing rules, just write.
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Here are 10 reasons why you should use journaling to find yourself:
1. To ponder and pen your big dreams – Your journal is an ideal place to write out all of your desires and dreams. If there were no limits, what would you want to become? Who would you want to meet? What would you have? Where would you go? Write it all down, describing in detail what your success would look like. By doing this, you can begin to put the laws of success attraction into motion.
2. To get clarity and solve problems faster – When you are unable to see a clear path in your life, it’s better to jot down all those thoughts swirling around in your head. Writing things out gives you the accurate perspective necessary to attract the right solutions. Take a moment to write down questions related to your problems. In fact, you should have an attitude of expectancy that you will find the right answers.
3. To chart what works – Journaling about your ideas, successes, and even failures empowers you to backtrack to see what’s working in your life and what’s not. It’s important to be honest with yourself and be willing to make the necessary adjustments where needed to live a rewarding life.
4. To track your past victories – Take a moment to celebrate your victories and write when and where you have excelled in life. It’s easy to remember your every mishap, but also make an effort to note what’s going right in your life as well.
5. To plan and strategize – Use your journal for both short-term and long-term planning. This process will allow you to work through specific strategies on how you will accomplish your goals. Plan everything from the week ahead to the entire year in your journal.
6. To create a success action routine – Your success action routine should consist of time for meditation and visualization, speaking positive affirmations and reviewing your goals. Visualize yourself completing your goals and feeling the benefits and rewards of doing so.
7. To take control over your future – Journaling about your ideal life and begin to act as if you have that life right now. Be descriptive and detailed in your writing. This will help you prepare for an opportunity that doesn’t exist yet, and ready yourself for the victory to come.
8. For self-improvement – Your journal is a safe place where you can truly be honest with yourself. This is your book, your story, your journey. You have no limitations or boundaries. Your journal is private so you can express yourself and get to know who you really are and what you truly desire.
9. To help you through the decision-making process – In your journal, you can list pros and cons when you are faced with having to make a difficult decision. Write out every possible outcome and use this to guide you through the decision-making process.
10. To keep you in a state of gratefulness – As you go through the process to find yourself, stay grateful throughout your journey. Express gratitude in your journal. Slowing down to make note of what you’re thankful for can relieve you of anxiety, stress, and help you to enjoy life to the fullest. In addition, the act of gratefulness also draws more positivity your way, helping you to create a cycle of success.
Still stuck in a rut and have nothing to write, here are examples of ideas to include in your journal:
• Reactions to personal situations and world events
• Goals you’re working toward (weight loss, career, personal)
• Inspiring quotes or affirmations
• Poetry that moves you
• Pictures from magazines or photos you love
• Books to read
• Music you’ve heard that you may want to purchase
• Websites to explore
• To do lists or reminders
• Topic research or exploration
• Relationship successes or problems
• Travel plans
• Dreams to explore
• Feelings, thoughts, or emotions
One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day
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Journal Prompts are given to inspire you to write freely and to help you think about mind, body, and spirit as you write. But today, think of journal prompts as a thought provoking exercise to help you find yourself.
• Name 5 things that you love about yourself.
• What did you learn about yourself this month? this week? today?
• What are you inviting into your life with your actions?
• Has your mind spent more time today focused on the past, present, or future?
• What feels like a struggle at the moment?
• What do I want to accomplish in my life today? tomorrow? next week? next month? next year?
• What has been going well in my life lately?
• How can I create more acceptance in my life?
• What traits do I like about myself?
• What are my character strengths?
• How have I been holding myself back?
• How can I take a step forward?
Dream. Plan. Do.
So, grab your journal and write your ideas so you’re able to retrieve your thoughts whenever needed. Your journal holds all of your pertinent life information so you can remember and reference at any time in your future. Remember, you shape your world for success. Begin to imagine and dream. Don’t be afraid of goal setting and planning. Have courage to move in a positive direction toward your personal growth and advancement.
I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
If you do keep a journal, please share some of your organizing tips and techniques; pros and cons of journaling; journaling tips that help you continue your journey. We learn from one another so your comments are necessary in order for all of us to learn and grow. I look forward to reading your feedback!
In the midst of life’s greatest storms, do not forget your divine heritage as a son or daughter of God. -Ronald A. Rasband
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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 now.
JOURNAL PROMPTS:
• Find a quote to live by and write it down. Then, write a journal entry.
• What book has influenced your life?
• What are you grateful for?
• Define your struggles and create a plan to overcome them.
Inner peace begins the moment you choose not to allow another person or event to control your emotions. -Unknown
EMOTIONAL FREEDOM
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Sometimes I feel tangled up in my emotions. Trying my hardest to break free. Emotional freedom is almost at my fingertips, but it is difficult to trust myself to move in the right direction. Can I control my emotions or do my emotions control me? I ask myself this question every day. How about you?
Emotional freedom is what we all strive for while on this journey called life. Trying to live a healthier lifestyle. But let’s be honest my friends, the struggle to emotional freedom is real and sometimes scary. The temptations and challenges are real, such as unhealthy foods, drinks, not enough time to exercise, health issues…the list can go on and on. But once again, I ask myself daily…Can I control my emotions or do my emotions control me?
I am a survivor, a fighter, a wife, a mother, a sister, an aunt, a friend. Yes, I am all of these things, but most of all, I am strong enough to overcome this emotional struggle. I am strong enough to make a commitment to not only myself, but also to my loved ones. I am strong enough to control my roller coaster of feelings, desires, and personal choices in life. So, I ask myself and you should ask yourself…Can I control my emotions or do my emotions control me?
Emotional freedom is within our reach, but we must stay focused and keep pushing toward our ultimate goal…to be at peace, happy and free of all negative feelings that sometimes hide within.
JOURNAL PROMPTS:
• How do you see the world? Describe it in detail.
• Share a vivid dream.
• How have you changed in the past year?
• What are your priorities in life?
Peace comes through hope. -James E. Faust
BEING AT PEACE & FINDING GOD’S PURPOSE
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There is one sure way to know that you are doing exactly what God wants you to do, you will be at peace. Not every day, not all the time, but even in the midst of hard times and confusion you will feel good about what you are doing. Even when it seems like you are getting nowhere, you will know there is absolutely nothing else on earth you can do other than what you are doing. It’s called being on purpose. There will be times when you want to walk away, but you won’t. You can’t. Perhaps the money will not show up fast enough, but some way, somehow, you will have just enough to handle the task at hand.
Every day, every hour, and every minute has a purpose. God has a plan for you. Continue to trust that. He is taking you great places. -Unknown
When you are doing what God wants you to do, nothing else matters. You will be willing to stick it out in bad times. You will ignore people who tell you that you can’t or that you are crazy. You will be so intent on finding the happiness and success you know you deserve, you will be at peace. In peace, you find God’s purpose for you.
Simply put, your peace is God’s pleasure – Now let’s go find it – Are you ready? Ready, set, go!!!
JOURNAL PROMPTS:
• What do you feel strongly about?
• Something you are proud of.
• How would you like people to describe you?
• Discuss one way you would like to grow in the next year.
Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light. -Yogi Bhajan
TRAVEL LIGHT
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If you know that your life is a journey and if you want to make it to your divine destination, you must learn to travel light. Shake off all of the unnecessary baggage and negative thoughts. Unpack the abrasive attitudes, addictive appetites, belittling burdens, conflicting confusion, and frivolous fears that you have packed away in the crevices of your heart and mind. Pack a tidbit of truth, a capsule of courage, a fistful of faith, and a pocketful of prayer, and be your way to a healthier and stronger you!
JOURNAL PROMPTS:
• What do you love about yourself?
• If you could change just one thing about yourself, what would it be?
• What do you want people to remember about you?
• What do you need to be content?
Rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I rebuilt my life. -J.K. Rowling
SOLID FOUNDATION
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A solid foundation is the most important part of a building. Without a solid foundation, the building won’t last very long. Unfortunately, the building could crumble or fall apart at any time, especially if stress is placed on it by a storm.
The Bible encourages people to build their lives on the solid rock of Christ, rooted securely in Him (see Matthew 7:24-27 and Ephesians 3:17). If you try to build your life on what people say and think of you, how they treat you, how you feel, or your past mistakes, you are building on sinking sand. But if you trade that old, cracked foundation for a solid foundation, one based on Christ and His love, nothing can shake you.
JOURNAL PROMPTS:
• What is your favorite scripture that you have hidden in your heart?
• What or who gives you comfort during difficult times?
• What can you do to nurture your mind, body, and spirit more?
• What has been going well in your life lately?
Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time. -Mina Murray
JOURNALING – TIME FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION
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Journaling helps you make sense of your emotions and pinpoint patterns. Journaling helps to reduce stress, solve problems more effectively and even improve your overall health.
One way to practice journaling is to write about a good life experience. Not only does this remind you that there’s life beyond bad feelings, but it also serves as an emotional anchor. When you describe a happy memory in your journal, you will be mentally reinforcing that memory so that it might occur to you later in life while you’re going through difficult times.
Now, let’s practice this exercise to access your anchor:
I remember a good feeling _______ [when]. I simply felt ______________ [describe the feeling in a few words]. I was __________________ [where], and I remember noticing _________________ [something sensory]. It was a time in my life when I was doing ________________ [an activity or a general description]. I’ll never forget ________________ [people, weather, environment, etc.] around me. I’ll never be right there again but I know I CAN feel that way again.
