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9 Ways Affirmations Can Improve Your Life

LaPorterMay 28, 20217 Replies

One small positive thought in the morning can change your day. – Unknown Author

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 talk about how affirmations can improve your life. To begin with, the word affirmation comes from the Latin affirmare, which means “to strengthen and make steady.” Affirmations are meant to help change your thoughts and move your attention to more empowering ideas that will ultimately create an improved result. Affirmations can be another form of positive self-talk that can:

• Help set the tone for your day.
• Be used to target and improve any area of your life.
• Help you overcome any negative thinking patterns.
• Provide a reflection of the kind of life you want to live.
• Offer ways to improve your mood and emotions.
• Increase your self-confidence and uplift your spirit.
• Help you set realistic goals and create a plan to reach them.

Simply put, when used consistently, affirmations have the power to transform lives despite what you’re going through.

9 WAYS AFFIRMATIONS CAN IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

Talk to yourself like someone you love. – Brene Brown

In order to receive the most benefits of reciting affirmations, it’s important for you to read and recite them aloud. Then, state them in the present tense as if they have already been accomplished. This process will make your mind believe that it’s already happening. Repetition is key. The more you say it, the more you may believe it. Affirmations can improve your life by:

1. Increasing self-awareness so you can acknowledge your daily thoughts and feelings.
2. Allowing you to become more grateful in any situation you are faced with.
3. Keeping you encouraged and more motivated to accomplish personal goals.
4. Helping you be in the present moment not worrying about the past or the future.
5. Teaching you how to be more open to new possibilities; not afraid to take risks.
6. Helping you to manage your feelings and emotions under stressful situations.
7. Reminding you to pay attention to your thought patterns.
8. Keeping you calm and at peace.
9. Helping you become more aware of what you want and your mind helps you get it.

During this process, focus on finding solutions and learning how to make positive changes in all areas of your life. After all, taking the time to recite affirmations daily can be the start of transforming your life.

If you want to want to get started with using affirmations, CLICK HERE to get my FREE Positive Affirmations Guide.

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

Positive thinking must be followed by positive doing. – John C. Maxwell

Next, in order for you to embrace this new way of thinking and living, it is important for you to feed your spirit with positive vibes on a daily basis. For example, I choose to feel good about myself and life’s journey each day. Even when I am feeling sad or depressed, deep inside I aspire to be a giver. A giver of life, a giver of good vibes, and a giver of strength. This kind of thinking will help you overcome life’s challenges and improve life’s journey.

Here’s a few positive affirmations to help you get started:

• I am blessed and in charge of my life.
• I am beautiful, brave, and ready to learn.
• I am fearless and capable of so much more.
• I am bold, strong, and free to make my own choices.
• I am enough and perfect just the way I am.

Repeat your daily affirmations 1 to 2 times per day so it will be a constant reminder of what you are aiming for. Shift your focus and attention towards thoughts and feelings that are both positive and constructive. Start using daily affirmations along with journal prompts today, and watch the quality of your life improve throughout your journey. Focus on positive changes and you will get positive results.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful. – Unknown Author

Journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey and be patient with yourself. Ready, set, write!

MIND

• What thought patterns do you have and how do they impact your life?
• What did you do today that brought you closer to your dream?
• What is your life’s vision for the next 3 years?
• What is happening in your mind right now in this very moment?

BODY

• How can you love yourself today?
• What is one of life’s little pleasures that you appreciate?
• Who/What brings the most joy to your life?
• What are you inviting into your life with your actions?

SPIRIT

• What do you need more of in your life?
• What is something you would love to learn in your lifetime?
• What are the best choices you have made in life so far?
• How do you keep your thoughts in check throughout the day?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

How do you plan to use affirmations to improve your life? How often to you recite affirmations? Do you plan to add affirmations and writing in your journal to your daily routine? Please share your thoughts in the comment section.

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).

Holiday Cheer

LaPorterDecember 25, 20197 Replies

Wishing you a season of gladness, a season of cheer, and to top it all off, a wonderful New Year. – Unknown Author

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).

Special Thought – May the simple joys of Christmas warm your heart, fill your home, and last a lifetime.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Season’s Greetings and Merry Christmas! Always remember, the greatest gift you can ever own is not found in the shops or under your Christmas tree. It is found in the hearts of your loving family and your true friends. This should be a special time of the year filled with happiness, peace, and holiday cheer.

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

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1

WAYS TO SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER

May peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through. – Unknown Author

To begin with, holiday cheer can be defined as the comfort or encouragement one feels during the holiday season. Holiday cheer puts you in a good mood and put a happy tune in your heart. If we allow ourselves to be honest and feel the positive sensations inside, then we all could agree that life is always bursting with holiday cheer.

Here’s some ways to spread holiday cheer:

• Be kind toward yourself. Remember, you cannot give what you don’t have.

• Smile. Don’t wait to be happy. Think of something good in your life, smile and see what happens.

• Transform your life by being optimistic and positive. Be helpful and give compliments to others.

• Surprise the people you love with a special gift or flowers just because.

• Say something good about someone or something. Be genuine and spread positive vibes and thoughts.

• Send a card, special note or letter to family, friends, co-workers or neighbors.

• Being authentic and courteous to others by saying words, such as “good morning” or “have a wonderful day”.

• Volunteer for a good cause where you can help others less fortunate than you are. For example, visit a nursing home, hospital, children’s group home or a homeless shelter.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

WAYS TO RELIEVE STRESS DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year. – Unknown Author

On the other hand, while living your best life, it is important to find ways to relieve stress during the holiday season. Don’t wait for perfect circumstances to experience a stress-free atmosphere.

Here’s some ways to relieve stress during the holiday season:

• Take calm-down breaks to meditate, read a good book or just do nothing.

• Stay active and get moving by exercising, doing yoga, walking or trying a new class at the gym.

• Be generous and kind by volunteering at the local shelter/food bank or donating money to your favorite charity.

• Smile and laugh often by watching holiday movies, playing boardgames or enjoying quality time with family and friends.

• Plan a YOU day by getting a massage, manicure, pedicure or getting a new hair style.

As I stated before, feeling holiday cheer grows from the inside, then you are allowed to spread it to others along your journey. Learning to live in the present moment is part of the path you take towards holiday cheer. Don’t let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent stress that can descend during the holidays. It can be quite a rewarding experience to brighten up someone’s day by extending an act of kindness or just simply smiling at someone as you pass by. However, it is essential for you to bring holiday cheer to yourself which leads to a happy and stress-free life.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

JOURNAL PROMPTS

May peace be your gift at Christmas and your blessing all year through! – Anon

• What action did you take today that spread holiday cheer?

• How do you plan to serve others during the Christmas holiday and beyond?

• Who made you smile during the holiday season?

• Write about 4 emotions that come to your heart on Christmas day and why?

• List 10 words that come to mind when you think of holiday cheer. Ready, set, go!

• How frequently do you make time for self-care?

• What are some ways to give back during this holiday season and beyond?

• How do you plan to reduce stress in your life?

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Let’s talk. Share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback! How do you plan to spend the holiday season? How do you plan to share some holiday cheer to those around you? Do you have any family traditions or recipes that you share every year?

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).

Living in the Presence of God

LaPorterSeptember 30, 201811 Replies

stones, sunlight, God, presence, peace, happiness, calm — pexels

We cannot attain the presence of God because we’re already totally in the presence of God. What’s absent is awareness. – Richard Rohr

Special Thought – Every day is a new beginning. Take a deep breath, smile and start again.

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. (Psalm 139:7-8)

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! The presence of God is all around us. Can you feel God’s presence right now in this very moment? God inhabits every part of our lives except for the parts that we refuse to share with Him. Would you agree? When we don’t sense God’s presence in our daily routines, it’s not because God leaves us, but it’s because we have not developed a deep awareness of God’s presence in our lives. This process takes not only practice, but it also takes commitment and the willingness to surrender to God’s will throughout our lives.

FREEJournal PromptsCLICK HERE

Here’s some steps to recognize the presence of God:

• Step 1: Do everything in your life for the love of God. It is important to give God your happiness and praises as well as your pain and suffering. God is always listening because He is your protector.

• Step 2: Look for God’s goodness in all things. Remember, it is important to notice God’s presence in both simple and great things. Acknowledge this fact often throughout your life.

• Step 3: Create stopping points in which to rest in God. Spend quality time throughout your day to pray, meditate and communicate with God.

Now, place yourself in the presence of God, breathe deeply and be aware of his loving kindness. Always remember to put God first in everything you do. Don’t forget to acknowledge God’s presence in the simple and more complicated things in life. Spending quality time in God’s presence has to be a priority in life. I want to leave you with this scripture, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you”. (Hebrews 10:22)

Time for Reflection – Indications of God’s Presence in our Lives

Here’s some important qualities that are indications of God’s presence in our lives:

• Peace (Romans 15:33; Philippians 4:9) – When you know God’s presence, you can have inward calm despite chaos around you because He is the God of peace.

• Rest, Refreshment (Matthew 11:28; Acts 3:19) – When you acknowledge God’s presence within, you will always have rest and feel refreshed.

• Encouragement (Psalm 16:11; 21:6) – When you are aware of God’s presence, you can’t help but be full of joy and gladness because with Him come eternal blessings.

• Shelter (Psalm 16:8-11; 31:20) – When you acknowledge God’s presence, you can feel secure and protected at all times.

• Enlightenment (Psalm 89:15; 90:8) – When you get in touch with God’s presence, you will allow God to order your steps, then you will follow.

• Nearness (Psalm 145:18; James 4:8) – When you bask in God’s presence, you can feel a sense of comfort knowing that God accepts you right where you are and you feel Him close to you.

• Contentment (Hebrews 13:5) – When you experience God’s presence, you can be satisfied because you know you have all you need.

• Endurance (Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 41:10) – When you spend quality time in God’s presence, you can feel renewed as you find His strength to help move you forward.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Choose to Shine

LaPorterSeptember 8, 20188 Replies

As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. – Nelson Mandela, 1994 Inaugural Speech

Thought for today – I admire people who choose to shine even after all the storms they have been through.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I choose to shine bright on today. How about you? Now, it’s important to note that the ways I choose to shine may be different than yours on any given day, but the end result should be the same, we’re shining! Our lives should be an example and reflect positive vibes through the eyes of others. For example, it seems like random people always offer positive compliments regarding my smile or grateful compliments for the kind gestures that I showed them (holding the door open or just saying hello or good morning. Even when I am not feeling well or just simply having a bad day, I try hard not to reflect my negative vibes and feelings toward others. As we travel along this journey called life, we will experience some ups and downs. However, the way we respond to life’s challenges is the key to overcoming the obstacles that occur in our lives.

I am totally safe and surrounded by love, light, peace and joy. – Unknown

sun, shine, sky, mountains, peace — pexels

Choose to Shine

• Read God’s Word, pray and meditate.

• Smile and believe in yourself. Yes, believe in the awesome person you’re becoming.

• Show kindness everywhere you go. Especially, to unkind people.

• Forgive people who don’t deserve it. Then, let it go.

• Acknowledge your patterns of stress and release them into the atmosphere.

• Move out of your comfort zone throughout your journey so you can grow.

• Allow yourself time to heal from life’s challenging moments.

• Be gentle and patient with yourself. Practice self-care routines.

• Love unconditionally. Find time for self-reflection and to write in your journal.

FREEChoose to Shine AffirmationsCLICK HERE

Daily To-Do List

• Be grateful and count your blessings

• Practice kindness

• Let go of what you can’t control

• Listen to your heart

• Be productive yet calm

• Just breathe and live life to its fullest

Time to Reflect – Life Lessons

• Start where you are, use what you have and do what you can.

• Become more aware of what’s really worth your energy.

• If you want to know where your heart is, look where your mind goes when it wanders.

• Being happy doesn’t mean everything’s perfect. It means you’ve decided to look beyond the imperfections.

• Knowledge is learning something every day. Wisdom is letting go of something every day.

• The only keeper of your happiness is you. Stop giving people the power to control your smile, your worth and your attitude. – Mandy Hale, SimpleReminders.com

Every situation in life is meant to be temporary. When life is going as planned, make sure to enjoy every moment. And when life is not going as planned, know that it will not last forever and better days are sure to follow. Remember, your actions will always reflect who you are so the closer you get to being who you are meant to be…the brighter you shine! Now, here’s an opportunity for me to hear from you. Please leave a comment and share your feedback. How do you choose to shine during life’s most difficult times?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Trust and Believe

LaPorterSeptember 2, 20182 Replies

flower, purple, trust, believe, mind, body, spirit — pixabay

With all your heart you must trust the Lord and not your own judgment. Always let Him lead you, and He will clear the road for you to follow. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Thought for today – When we have nothing left but God, we discover that God is enough.

Get your FREE Journal Prompts HERE

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Do you trust and believe in God’s timing? As I thought about writing this blog, I could not help but think about how God can take our sadness and turn it into a joyful experience or vice versa. Only God can do that, right? For example, as I sat and watched the Aretha Franklin’s Celebration of Life, I started thinking to myself about the timing of her death. Even though Aretha touched so many lives with her music and left a legacy that no one could ever replace, why did she have to die when she did? Well, I guess I asked the same question when my dad passed away in 2003 and when my mom passed away in 2015. I am sure that you have probably asked the same question too when you have lost a loved one. Aretha, my dad and my mom had something in common. Their lives were interrupted with a terrible illness that kept them in pain constantly. No one wants to live in pain and suffering. I do realize that we all have to leave this earthly body at some point, but I don’t think we can ever prepare ourselves for death. What are your thoughts? Well, I honestly believe that God’s timing is accurate, so it is important for us to believe it, trust it and allow it to work in our lives. Remember, God will always answer our prayers when you least expect it.

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. – E. E. Cummings

So, what does courage have to do with trusting and believing? Well, courage is doing things even when you’re scared, right? It is possible for you to be scared to trust and believe in various situations as well. Remember to be brave isn’t something that happens when you’re not scared anymore. Believe it or not, brave people don’t stop hearing the whispers of fear. They hear the whispers in their head and choose to take action anyway. For example, being brave is hearing that voice of fear in your head, but saying, “Okay, but the truth is, God made me on purpose and for a purpose.” I can tell you that the moments of my greatest fears have also been the open doors to the greatest changes in my life. So, I step out, full of fear, but trusting that God is on the other side in new and wonderful ways. And so far, God always is, and will be for you too!

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear; I will help you. (Isaiah 41:13 NIV)

Keep honoring God with your life, stay in peace, trust his timing and God will open doors that no man can shut.

Journal Prompts – Time for Reflection
I release all fear; I trust my mind, body and spirit; I trust God’s process from beginning to end.

Mind
If our minds are ruled by the spirit, we will have life and peace. (Romans 8:6)

• What are your biggest personal milestones?
• What is your greatest passion and how do you nurture it?
• What are some of your peaceful thoughts?

Body
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is our true and proper worship. (Romans 12:1)

• What does self-image mean to you?
• What 10 words best describe how you see yourself and why?
• What do you think it means to be true to yourself?

Spirit
The spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world. (I John 4:4)

• When was the last time you allowed the Holy Spirit to guide you?
• Are you willing to empty yourself and allow the Holy Spirit to enter in?
• How well are you currently balancing your spiritual life?

Steady my heart. Quiet my mind. I need to hear your voice.

trust, believe, purple, peace, field, trees, sunlight — pixabay

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Do you trust and believe in God? What are your fears? How do you plan to overcome your fears? Do you have courage to step out on faith today? If not, what’s holding you back? Do you trust yourself? Do you trust God to guide and protect you?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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.

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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!

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Meditation from the Inside Out

LaPorterJuly 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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Peace Be Still

LaPorterApril 28, 20185 Replies

Even five minutes spent in silence will nurture and revive your soul and your spirit. -Doreen Virtue

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. It is important to know that you already have within you, right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world decides to throw at you. Just because you may be struggling in this moment, does not mean you are failing. Keep believing in yourself and good things will happen.

In solitude there is healing. Speak to your soul. Listen to your heart. Sometimes in the absence of noise we find the answers -Dodinsky

Peace be still. Look forward with hope, not backwards with regret. The fact that you aren’t where you want to be, should be enough motivation for you to keep pushing forward. Peace be still. Strive to push harder than yesterday if you want a different tomorrow. Peace be still. When you awaken each day, take a moment to open your eyes to the beauty of life within. This would be a good time for some self-reflection, meditation or yoga. Then, open your heart to the natural serenity that lies within you.

If you seek peace, be still.
If you seek wisdom, be silent.
If you seek love, be yourself.
-Becca Lee

Self-Reflection Journal Prompts:

• What’s on my mind right now?
• What do I need to hear today?
• How can I uplift myself?
• What advice do I need to give myself right now?
• What answers am I seeking?
• What doubts do I currently have? How can I ease them?
• What are my greatest strengths and how will they support me in achieving my vision?

Be peaceful, be happy, be whole.

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

Embrace Who You Are

LaPorterApril 22, 20185 Replies

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

personal, person, surrender, embrace, nature — pixabay

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! So glad you have returned for more uplifting inspiration that comes from within. Today, let’s focus on this topic: Embrace Who You Are! Now, think about that for a moment and define what that means to you, right now in this very moment. Then, answer this question: What is your personal vision for your life? Take a moment and visualize your life as you want it to be. Go to a quiet, private environment for 15 minutes every day where you can close your eyes and imagine your body, environment, relationships, and life in ways that please you. Always remember, what has been has nothing to do with what will be, and what others experience has nothing to do with your experience. This is the moment where you must find a way to separate yourself from all of the past and from the others in order to be what you want to be. Then, you will be able to embrace your personal journey one step at a time.

The more you embrace and surrender to change, the more you will be supported. -Unknown

hero, embrace, woman, power, strength — pixabay

You have within you, right now, everything you need to deal with whatever the world can throw at you. Do you believe this? Sometimes you have to be your own hero. Do you have the courage to do so? Just because you are struggling throughout your journey does not mean you are failing. Keep believing and the good things will happen. Do you have the faith to believe in yourself? Always remember the one who falls and gets back up is so much stronger than the one who never fell at all. Your purpose is to fully be all that you are. Now, think about that for a moment. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell yourself with confidence – I BELIEVE IN THE PERSON I’M BECOMING!

Your greatest obstacle and your greatest strength stare back at you in the mirror every day. -Unknown

Make your own happiness and peace of mind a priority. Be more positive, be happier, think positive & find greater success by doing the following:

• Write yourself a love letter.
• Learn something new from someone today.
• Choose a positive mantra and repeat it throughout the day.
• Take a moment to write down your values. What is most important in your life?
• Keep good on promises to yourself. Do at least 1 thing to work towards your goals.

Strength grows in the moments when you think you can’t go on but you keep going anyway. -Unknown

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!