mental – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

Escape Through Journaling

LatishaMay 3, 20205 Replies

Renew Inspiration, Escape, Journaling, Mental, Physical, Spiritual — pexels

Journaling helps you to become a better version of yourself. – Asad Meah

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! My prayer today is that this blog post will encourage and inspire you in some way while we are still struggling to fight the covid-19 virus around the world. Let’s take a moment to welcome May in with an inspiring writing piece related to journaling. Journaling is a powerful tool that involves the practice of keeping a diary or journal that explores personal thoughts and feelings surrounding the events of your life.

Have you taken the time to evaluate your mental, physical and spiritual well-being lately?

Mental – Your mind will always believe everything you tell it.

Physical – Your body is healthy and beautiful.

Spiritual – Everything you need is within you.

Especially during difficult times like these, here’s some great questions to help you escape through journaling:

• Why do I write in my journal?
• What do I want to learn about myself?
• What am I afraid of?
• How do I shine from day to day?
• How do I evaluate my daily stress level?

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

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JOURNALING TIPS

A journal is your completely unaltered voice. – Lucy Dacus

Well, I hope you have your journal/diary/notebook and something to write with. I love to write in my journal because it is a safe place for me to put my feelings and emotions into words, then put my words into action. Journal writing is a form of personal expression. Journal writing can be whatever you want it to be. Remember, journal writing is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes and failures.

Here’s some great journaling tips to help you get started with your journaling adventure:

• Create a safe place – Declutter your space; You should feel good, happy and calm in your space

• Let it all out – Allow your thoughts to flow freely and write about anything and everything

• Dedicate time and write regularly – Try to write in your journal on a regular basis; Every day is ideal to build health journaling habits

• Try new things – Write letters to yourself or to loved ones (past or present), write poetry, to-do lists, etc.

• Don’t get too negative – Shift your writing in another direction; Avoid rereading your negative writing

• Make it easy – Set yourself up for success; Keep your pen and paper handy at all times

• Be free – Write whatever feels right; Your writing doesn’t need to follow any certain structure

• Keep it private – Use your journal as you see fit; You don’t need to share it with others

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

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BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

Journaling is like whispering to one’s self and listening at the same time. – Mina Murray

In addition, a journal is a reflection of who you are, it’s a repository for all of the things that interest and inspire you throughout life and beyond. A journal provides a safe environment to experiment with your writing style and technique as well. Simply put, when you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts. The methods you choose can depend on your needs at the time and your personality. Don’t over complicate it, just write what feels right.

Even though there are many benefits of journaling, here’s some of the most important ones to consider while on your journey:

• Journaling helps to improve your mood

• Journaling helps to prioritize problems, fears and concerns

• Journaling helps to recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them

• Journaling provides an opportunity for positive self-talk

• Journaling identifies negative thoughts and behaviors

• Journal helps to manage anxiety, depression symptoms and reduce stress

However, to get the most benefits of journaling, be sure to always:

• Relax and meditate often

• Eat a healthy, balanced diet

• Exercise regularly and get in some activity every day

• Treat yourself to plenty of sleep each night

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

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JOURNAL PROMPTS

Journal to awaken your mind and transform your life. – Asad Meah

I love journaling because it is a safe place for me to put my feelings and emotions into words, then put my words into action. Remember, journaling is your very own personal journey throughout life, your ups and downs, your successes and failures. In addition, journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey. Everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

• What did you learn about yourself this month? this week? today?

• What are you inviting into your life with your actions?

• What feels like a struggle at the moment?

• How can I create more acceptance in my life?

• How have I been holding myself back?

• How can I take a step forward each day?

• What stresses me out? What can I do to reduce the stress?

• What can you do right now to lift your mood?

• What matters most to me right now in this very moment?

• As of today, what is my vision for my life in one year, two years, three years?

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Feed it faith. Feed it truth. Feed it with love.

Let’s take a moment to share with one another. Journaling can help you overcome any problem or obstacle that you face in life. Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges in life? If so, please share your experience(s).

Please share your responses in the comment below so we can learn and grow together. I am excited to hear from you. Until next time, stay encouraged, stay healthy, and stay safe!

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).

Change Is Coming

LatishaOctober 10, 20185 Replies

butterfly, orange flowers, change — pexels

All great changes are preceded by chaos. – Unknown

Something to Think About – When it comes to making a big change in your life you have to want it more than you fear it.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I want to dedicate this blog post to Mental Health Awareness. Today, I want to focus on “change” as it relates to our total life experience – MIND, BODY and SPIRIT. I don’t know about you, but I honestly feel a positive change is coming in my life. I can feel it in my mind (positive thoughts), body (feeling relaxed) and my spirit (spiritually grounded). I can see it all around me each day. How about you? Can you see and feel the change that is meant to be in your life right now in this very moment?

When you hear the word “change” what is the first thing that come to mind? For me, I think of the weather. This week Michigan’s weather has been in the low 80s, but by the weekend it will be in the low 50s. Talk about change, right? On a personal level when I think about change I cannot help but think about my life and how my thoughts are constantly changing from day to day. One day I can be positive and upbeat then the next day I may feel anxious or depressed. One day I may be enjoying my writing experiences then the next day I may just sit on the couch just looking out the window. Let’s face it, feeling anxious and depressed are all so real for many people. There are many people who continue to live their lives alone and broken without any help to work through these most difficult moments. To be honest, it may not be no one’s fought at all. Some people are born with mental health issues and other people experience life changing situations, such death of a loved one, divorce, foster care, adoption, bullying, rape, unemployment, financial hardship, etc. Our internal emotions are very strong forces that sometimes have a mind of their own.

Growth is painful. Change is painful. But nothing is as painful as staying stuck somewhere you don’t belong. – Unknown

When my mother passed away in December 2015, it changed my life completely. I have not been the same since. I am still going through the grieving process but realized throughout the early stages that I needed help. I could not handle all of my emotional feelings and I felt my mental state was all over the place. At that time, I did not realize I was experiencing depression. Sometimes it creeps up on you and if you are not careful, it will cripple your inner being. It is important to share your personal story so that others who may be experiencing similar situations will know that it is possible to endure, go through and overcome.

Today I plan to close the door to the past, hold my head up high so I can open the door to the future, then take a deep breath, step out on faith to go through the open door and start a new chapter in my life. Are you with me? I know it feels scary sometimes and you may feel like you are all alone. It takes courage to let go of the familiar and embrace the new. Sometimes our lives have to be completely shaken up, changed, and rearranged to relocate us to the place we’re meant to be. Always remember, YOU are allowed to change, but you must decide to take the first step.

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. – Unknown

Positive Affirmations

Every next level of your life will demand a different version of you. I will allow change to take place in my life on today. No exceptions. No excuses. I plan to water my roots, so my soul can blossom. Now, repeat after me:

• I plan to trust and believe in God.
• I will love myself and believe in myself.
• I plan to encourage myself and others each day.
• I plan to inspire others by using one of my gifts.
• I will speak positive vibes each day.
• I will embrace change in my life.
• I will step out on faith throughout my journey.
• I plan to endure and overcome heartache, pain, suffering, sadness and loneliness.
• I plan to show courage and boost my own confidence.
• I am powerful enough to be that change in someone else’s life.
• I will commit to improving my personal well-being (MIND, BODY & SPIRIT).

Repeat these positive affirmations each day. Feel free to add your own to the list or change some of the words to make it personal. The idea here is to speak positive words in your spirit each day and eventually you will believe, then become what you are speaking.

Ways to Help you Adjust to Change

Here’s some ways to help you adjust to change:

• Read and study God’s Word. Plant the scriptures in your heart.

• Seek God’s face each day through prayer and meditation. Make your requests known.

• Pray a specific prayer for positive change in and around your life.

• Set personal goals and a plan to achieve them. Put it in writing and look at it often.

• Journaling practice helps to get your thoughts on to paper and out of your head.

• Make time for self-reflection. Go for a walk, spend time journaling, reading, drawing, meditating or coloring. Do what makes your soul happy and keeps your mind relaxed.

• If you feel that your mental stability is getting worse, seek Professional help in the form of therapy from a licensed therapist or social worker, medication to treat depression or anxiety, or support groups to help share your feelings with like-minded individuals.

journaling, writing, coffee, expression, change — pixabay

Time for Reflection – Journal Prompts

MIND

You must learn to master a new way to think before you can master a new way to be. – Marianne Williamson

• Write about personal beliefs or things that held you back in the past? How do you plan to avoid them in the future?

• How can you create a space to help clear your mind?

• What are some of your mental obstacles in life that are holding you back?

• Our passion is typically something that brings us pleasure. What are some of your most passionate thoughts and how do you nurture them?

BODY

These mountains that you are carrying, you were only supposed to climb. – Najwa Zebian

• Imagine what a new beginning would look like or how it would feel. Write about it.

• Sit or stand very still. What are you feeling right now in this very moment?

• What are you having a hard time accepting in your life?

• What are your strengths and weaknesses?

SPIRIT

Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24)

• What steps do I need to take to become spiritually grounded in God’s Word?

• What is holding you back from trusting and believing in God?

• Does my life reflect what my heart desire? If not, what changes can I make?

• Stand in the rain and let it wash you clean. Feel grounded in the Earth. Write about all of your senses (sight, smell, sound, touch, taste).

pink flower, patience, hidden, within — pixabay

Time for Reflection – Quotes

Change is coming. Embrace every bud, every bloom, every moment. – Unknown

If nothing ever changed, there’d be no butterflies. – Unknown

Life will only change when you become committed to your dreams than you are to your comfort zone. – Billy Cox

The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new. – Socrates

Don’t let the concept of change scare you as much as the prospect of remaining unhappy. – Timber Hawkeye

Every positive change in your life begins with a clear, unequivocal decision that you are going to either do something or stop doing something. – Unknown

The 3 C’s in Life:
Choice, Chance, Change.
You must make the choice, to take the chance, if you want anything in life to change.

Share Your Thoughts in the Comment Section

Remember, change is a powerful and necessary process that happens in life. It is important to know how to react to your personal experiences and to realize when life’s changes may cause anxiety or depression. At that time, don’t be afraid or ashamed to seek help from a Professional therapist or social worker. What are your thoughts or feelings about this blog post? Do you know anyone who suffers from anxiety or depression? Are you willing to do the necessary work in order to change your life or bad habits?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Meditation from the Inside Out

LatishaJuly 5, 201810 Replies

The inspiration you seek is already within you. Be silent and listen. – Rumi

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I hope you enjoyed your 4th of July holiday to my United States readers. I don’t know about where you live, but it was humid and in the 90’s. No grilling here! I cooked some steaks and hamburgers in the Air Fryer which makes for less cooking time and less mess to clean up in the kitchen. Well, enough about cooking and food. I want to discuss a very important topic today related to our mental state, relaxation and total well-being. The topic is called meditation.

meditation, yoga, pose, stillness, peaceful, water — pexels

Did you know…

• Meditation reduces stress?
• Meditation helps with clearing your thinking?
• Meditation increases our capacity for empathy and compassion?

Meditation is not a way of making your mind quiet. It’s a way of entering into the quiet that’s already there. – Deepak Chopra

meditation, stones, relax, peace, nature — pexels

Thought for today – I am in perfect balance. I am physically and emotionally connected and healed. I am free of worry and I am at peace with who I am. Every day I grow stronger and more relaxed. I love myself and life.

The goal of meditation isn’t to control your thoughts, it’s to stop letting them control you. – Unknown

Alright, let’s be honest here. Do you practice meditation daily? weekly? monthly? or never?

Meditation, when practiced regularly, can bring about a true personal transformation from the inside out. As you allow yourself to experience your inner peace and security, you will naturally begin to discover aspects of yourself that were previously hidden due to stress. Keep in mind, when practicing meditation, your body undergoes a structural change, which demonstrates the profound impact of simply sitting down, perfectly still, with your eyes closed, breathing deeply nice and slow. Meditation relaxes the entire brain and places your entire body in a calm way of living. Simply put, meditation is spending quality time with your soul and not allowing anything or anybody to distract you.

The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness. – Sakyong Mipham

Physical Benefits of Meditation:

• Lowers high blood pressure
• Lowers the levels of blood lactate, reducing anxiety attacks
• Decreases tension-related pain
• Increases serotonin production that improves mood and behavior
• Improves the immune system
• Increases the energy level, as you gain an inner source of energy

If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place. – Lao Tzu

Mental Benefits of Meditation:

• Anxiety decreases
• Emotional stability improves
• Creativity increases
• Happiness increases
• Gain clarity and peace of mind
• Problems become smaller
• Sharpens the mind by increasing focus

As you can see, meditation is your time to relax, unwind, and practice your deep breathing techniques. Even though you are free to meditate anywhere, it would be nice to create your very own personal space in or around your home dedicated to meditation.

Tips to Create Your Personal Meditation Space

Tip 1: Choose a location with nature in mind. For example, lush green trees, soothing blue water, beautiful flowery garden, next to a window, on a patio, porch, empty room decorated with nature colors and pictures, etc.

Tip 2: Keep the space clean. If the environment around you is clean, your mind can also be relaxed during meditation. Less clutter is better.

Tip 3: Invite lots of fresh air. An airy and well-ventilated room is surely going to make you enjoy your meditation better.

Tip 4: Light shades work better. Pastel shades give a more soothing feel compared to dark or bright colors. You may choose a room which has either white or light shade walls that helps you relax.

Tip 5: Light it up as you like. Allow sunlight to come through your windows or if it is evening you may want a specific type of lamp to help set the relaxing mood.

Tip 6: Smell the relaxation. You may choose from a variety of fragrances as per your choice. Whether it is aromatic incense sticks or essence oils, the choice is yours.

Tip 7: Think comfort. You may choose a soft yoga mat, a low-height mattress, soft cushion or a comfortable chair.

Tip 8: Play it soft. You may choose some soft instrumental music which helps enhance your experience.

Journal Prompts

Let’s make it common practice to write in your journal after you practice meditation.

• I like to practice meditation because ___________________________.
• When I practice mediation, I feel ___________________________.
• What are your daily habits?
• What is a habit you want to break?
• What is keeping you from changing?
• List 5 emotional trigger words. How do they make you feel?
• Has your mind spent more time today focused on the past, present or future?

Remember, once you get into the habit and experience the mental clarity, emotional stability, physical relaxation that the meditation practice offers, not practicing meditation seems unimaginable. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s set aside some quality time today to renew inspiration – mind, body and spirt by practicing meditation!

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
If you practice meditation, please share your favorite place to meditate. What is your favorite time of the day to meditate? Do you like music playing in the background when you are meditating? Were you aware of the health benefits when practicing meditation? Have you experienced any positive health benefits while doing meditation? If so, please share in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

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Courage to the Next Level

LatishaJune 17, 20189 Replies

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!

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Welcome March – Total Health & Wellness

LatishaMarch 1, 20182 Replies

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Psalm 37:23

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6

Welcome March! Well, today is March 1st. Where did February go? I do realize it is the shortest month of the year, but I cannot believe we are ten days from Daylight Savings Time (March 11th) and nineteen days from the first day of Spring (March 20th). Well, I have to ask you…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 or do you just want to give up? Who inspires you to reach for your dreams throughout this journey called life or do you feel left alone? Does anyone challenge you to set realistic goals for yourself? If not, today is your lucky day. I would like to challenge you today to get inspired for TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS. Let’s strive to organize your MIND, BODY & SPIRIT.

The mind is like water. When it’s turbulent, it’s difficult to see. When it’s calm, everything becomes clear. -Prasad Mahes

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

Now, on our journey for TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS, it’s important to make a mental connection with your body and spirit. First, make sure to be realistic and put your thoughts into perspective honoring your personal beliefs. Second, don’t be afraid to prioritize things that matter most to you in your life right now, in this very moment, and remove all negativity, both people and things. Third, don’t be afraid to say NO to others and think positive thoughts throughout your day. Fourth, start using a calendar or planner to organize your appointments and errands. In addition, create a separate To Do List daily to stay organized and stress free.

Journal Prompts
• What are your priorities in life?
• What do you need to be content?
• Write down something that you want to remember. Why is it important to you?

Your body loves you. Love it back. -Unknown

Embrace and love your body. It’s the most amazing thing you will ever own. -Unknown

Now, that we have discussed our MIND, it’s time to discuss our BODY. First, it’s important to treat your body well and with respect. Second, our bodies are built to move so make sure you plan some kind of exercise daily (cardio, strength training, stretching). Third, make sure to eat a well-balanced diet to include plenty of fruits and vegetables. Remember, move more, eat less. No more excuses. Fourth, set realistic goals and a create a plan to reach your goals. Fifth, track your food and exercise. Sixth, join an online Wellness or Health Program, such as Weight Watchers or Spark People for additional support.

Journal Prompts
• Write 5 things you would like to do more and make a plan to do them.
• What do you love about yourself?
• Identify your strengths and weaknesses.

Everything has a spirit – honor that. -Unknown

In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit. -Anne Frank

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. -Albert Einstein

spirit, reading, Bible, God's Word — Pixabay

Now, we have discussed MIND & BODY. Let’s now discuss our SPIRIT. First, it’s important for you to connect with your inner being or your spirit throughout the day. For example, spend time in prayer, meditation, and reading God’s Word to receive the proper guidance in your life. Second, you can attend religious services often to get your spirit renewed or find scriptures to meditate on throughout the day. Third, take time to write down a spiritual quote or your favorite scripture to have it hidden in your heart. Fourth, you can get engaged with your spiritual self by reading inspirational books, writing personal reflections in your journal, or listening to spiritual music. Remember, your spirit drives your thought process, your emotions, and your mood so we have to keep it grounded with a strong foundation.

Journal Prompts
• What are you thankful for? Why?
• What are my values? What do I believe in?
• Identify one way you would like to grow in the next year.

So, are you up for the TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS challenge? I sure hope this blog has given you a boost of energy and some ideas to help you get started. Please leave a comment and share what you have chosen to do differently in order to better organize your MIND, BODY & SPIRIT. Remember, we learn from one another so don’t be shy. I look forward to reading your comments.

TOTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS TIPS
• Your success is found in your daily routine.
• Fitness Rule #1 – Never skip Mondays.
• Count your blessings and practice kindness every day.
• Let go of what you cannot control.
• Listen to your heart.
• Remember, to breathe.

Where do WE go from here?

LatishaFebruary 17, 20184 Replies

Where do we go from here? As a concerned parent, I struggle with my emotions related to the constant gun violence within our schools around the country. I thought a school was supposed to be a safe place for our children to learn, to dream, to imagine, and to grow friendships. However, every time I watch the evening news, there seems to be yet another tragedy plaguing our hearts, another story of senseless violence toward our children. Unfortunately, our children are no longer safe when they attend school because people are violating this safe zone to terrorize and murder innocent people for their own selfish gratification. What makes matters worse, is these stories seem to be the norm in our communities…in our cities…in our states…all over the United States of America! Our elected politicians only want to discuss this issue when there is another school shooting that takes place. Do you notice this trend too? Quite frankly, one death should be too many! Every American should be outraged at how our politicians are handling these kind of life changing events. These tragedies can happen anywhere. The next time it may be a school in your area, just a thought.

Where do we go from here? I honestly think that we need to discuss the root of the problem, in my opinion…MENTAL HEALTH! I don’t know about you, but I hear mental health come up in every last one of these mass shooting stories. As I look at the mental health programs in our community, or the lack there of, mental health is the first program to have funding cut and our politicians always choose to close the mental health facilities. I often wonder where people go that need this mental health resource? Unfortunately, these people have to deal with their own personal issues and they live right in the midst of our neighborhoods. We will never solve the gun violence as a whole because we do not have control of every person that owns or gets a gun in their possession, but we could make an attempt to reduce the number of casualties and/or school shooting events around the United States of America if we only had courage to do so, just a thought.

Where do we go from here? Well, I feel that we should go back to the basics: love, family unit, and prayer. This is truly my inspirational twist to such a serious problem that exists everywhere in the United States of America. First, where is the love and compassion for one another throughout our communities? I was taught that charity begins at home. We have to teach our children to love themselves so they will be able to love others. Also, we have to teach our children how to respect themselves as well as others, and their property. Remember, we cannot be afraid to correct our children when they are wrong. We must continue to embrace them with love and nurture them to the fullest. Second, where is the strong family unit? I remember the saying “a family that prays together, stays together”. When was the last time your family prayed together? When was the last time you sat down and talked with your child and/or a young person? Communication is very important and don’t under estimate our children. Remember, our children are little people that exists in a cruel and harsh world. Third, when do we pray together besides in church? Personally, I think we should put prayer back into our schools so that our children could have a spiritual covering throughout their day, but that’s my opinion. There is so much confusion and chaos within our schools and It seems to be getting worse, not better. After all, our children spend a great deal of time in school, so we need to give them hope again by offering a more positive and safe educational environment.

We don’t have control of gun violence, but we should have control of our households. Strive to meet the need of anyone, young or old, that may be suffering from mental health issues. Don’t just turn a blind eye to the situation. Do the right thing and find some help in your local community. If you are unable to find the services, contact your state or county and demand services be provided. Don’t forget your child’s school as well. The school may have mental health contacts to provide to families too. Finally, let’s begin sending letters and making phone calls to our politicians. I believe our children are worth it. After all, they are the future for tomorrow, right? I would love to hear your opinion about this matter. Please leave a comment so we can discuss this very important topic on a positive platform.