Renew Inspiration – Page 4 – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

Improve Personal Growth Through Self-Reflection

LaPorterJanuary 12, 2022Leave a Reply

Self-reflection is a humbling process. It’s essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things…then, better yourself. – 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! Happy New Year! It has been a few weeks since I’ve written or posted an inspirational blog post for you. Unfortunately, I’ve had some family issues arise that needed my full attention and for that I truly apologize. Before I dive into my topic today, I want to express appreciation for ALL OF YOU who have taken the time to read, subscribe, and follow my Renew Inspiration blog. It really means a lot to me. My prayer each and every day is to find the right words to say to help you along this journey called life. I look forward to reading your personal thoughts and experiences in the blog comment section for each post. It’s not only refreshing to hear your point of view, but it is also healthy to have on-going dialogue with one another.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can improve personal growth through self-reflection. Am I happy or sad? Am I willing to make the necessary changes that are needed to excel in all aspects of my life? Am I content right now or willing to step out of my comfort zone to explore new endeavors? These are just a few questions that I have found myself thinking about over the last couple of months.

Have you ever just sat down in a quiet place and allowed yourself to think without interruption? This process is called self-reflection. It’s really important to spend quality time in self-reflection mode so you can:

- Increase self-awareness
- Gain clarity inside and out
- Make positive changes in your life
- Develop genuine self-confidence
- Present new perspectives and insight
- Offer up a glimpse into your soul in its purest form
- Provide a safe outlet for your personal thoughts and feelings
- Give a creative space of self-expression without criticism

AMAZON RESOURCE #1 – A Year of Self-Reflection Journal

DEFINE SELF-REFLECTION

Time spent in self-reflection is never wasted. It is an intimate date with yourself. – Paul TP Wong

Before moving forward, I think it is important to understand what self-reflection is before you can commit to practicing it on a regular basis.

Self-reflection (noun):

Meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions, and motives.

To take it a step further, you must be willing to learn more about your fundamental nature, purpose, and essence of life. Take a moment and look in a mirror. What do you see? You see a reflection of who you are on the outside. For example, you notice your physical facial features, the color of your skin, your hair color and style, etc. However, self-reflection is not only your outward appearance, but it is a way of assessing yourself deep within – mind, body, and spirit. In addition, re-evaluate your goals, attitude, and mindset often. Then, don’t be afraid to make appropriate and necessary changes that will help to improve your personal growth.

HEALTHY WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-REFLECTION

Life is only a reflection of what we allow ourselves to see. – Paul TP Wong

As you begin to improve personal growth through self-reflection, you will notice a shift in your mindset, an increase of positivity in your life, and discover a deeper connection within. Here’s some healthy ways to practice self-reflection throughout your journey:

Prayer and meditation – Take a moment to quiet your mind, read a scripture, pray, and meditate. Allow your mind, body, and spirit to only connect with God so you can hear His voice.
Yoga and exercise – Every day is important to do some form of yoga and exercise. Movement gives you more energy and helps keep you healthy.
Reading inspirational books – Reading keeps your brain healthy, but reading inspirational books also keeps you in a positive mood.
Reciting positive affirmations – Reciting positive affirmations will give you hope and encourage you to focus on your goals/dreams.
Listening to music – Music can be soothing and a great way to calm your spirit.
Writing or journaling – Writing is a form of self-expression. Capture every moment of your life in a journal so you can pause to reflect on the good times and make changes to avoid bad situations.
Listening to an inspirational podcast – Strive to be inspired by listening to your favorite and uplifting podcast. Listen to what your mind, body, and spirit needs, but also listen to your heart.
Drawing and painting – Showing your creative side will help to open your mind to different aspects of life. You become calm and relaxed as if you have no care in the world.
Vision board – Create a vision board so you can have a road map to success. Be creative and use pictures from magazines or from online, quotes, goals, etc.

FIND YOUR ZONE FOR SELF-REFLECTION

Honest self-reflection opens your mind to reprogramming, change, success, and freedom. – Vikas Runwal

As we stated before, self-reflection is a personal way for you to learn more about yourself. It’s important to find your zone and comfort level so you can reap the positive benefits of self-reflection. Here’s some helpful tips:

- Tip 1 – Be honest with yourself and with the process. Honesty is key to success. It’s important to remind yourself how things are going and how you are behaving throughout the process.
- Tip 2 – Notice behavior patterns. Be aware of your behavior patterns so you can strengthen the positive/healthy ones and remove the negative/unhealthy ones from your life.
- Tip 3 – Be able to articulate your core values. Take time to identify what’s most important to you so you can evaluate if you’re living those values throughout life. Your lifestyle has to shift at some point, and you should notice the change from the inside out.
- Tip 4 – Be forgiving. Be gentle with yourself when you don’t seem to get it right along the journey. Offer yourself patience, forgiveness, and grace. Remember, we’re all human and we all make mistakes.
- Tip 5 – Keep track of your self-reflection. Start a journal where you record your observations and monitor your personal growth throughout this process.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – 52 Weeks of Self-Reflection

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

My body is healthy, my mind is focused, my soul is calm. – Unknown Author

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

MIND

What are you thinking right now in this very moment?
What thought patterns do you have and how do they impact your life?
How does meditation guide you through your day?
Has your mind spent more time today focused on the past, present or future?
How do you deal with difficult thoughts or failures?

BODY

How do you feel right now in this very moment?
What is one old habit you want to eliminate in your life?
What do you consider to be your most challenging flaw?
How often do you exercise during the week?
How do you relax your body?

SPIRIT

Are you spiritually grounded right now in this very moment?
What is something you need to be free from and surrender to God today?
What is your favorite Bible verse and why?
Are there areas of your life where you need to learn to trust in God?
How has journaling helped you get closer to being spiritually grounded?

Instead of doubt, sadness, anxiety, and depression, choose to improve personal growth through self-reflection to help you cope with life challenges. You will think differently, feel better, and strengthen your spiritual being. Your whole being will thank you and those people surrounding you each day will thank you as well. Peace, love and blessings!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS

As I stated before, I look forward to hearing from you. Please take a moment to reflect on these questions and share them in the comment section. You’ll be surprised how much we learn from one another. What are your thoughts related to self-reflection? How often do you practice self-reflection? How has self-reflection changed your life?

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).

Organize Your Life

LaPorterDecember 27, 2021Leave a Reply

When we clear the physical clutter from our lives, we literally make way for inspiration and good, orderly direction to enter. – Julia Cameron

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! Let’s set a goal to organize your life in 2022. Did you know that the secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine? If you take the time to organize and commit to your daily routine, you will become happier, successful and strive to keep and/or maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Remember, this process is personal so think about what you want different in your life or how you want to change your current situation. Then, build your healthy choices or habits on a strong foundation based on your personal goals, beliefs, and values.

EFFECTIVE TOOLS TO HELP ORGANIZE YOUR LIFE

Getting organized is a sign of self-respect. – Gabrielle Bernstein

Take time to learn more about your life, nutrition, fitness, and spiritual-being to help you become a better version of you in 2022 and beyond.

Here’s some effective tools to help organize your life that you can implement today:

Start each day with a clear list of things to do.
Spend time in prayer and meditation.
Write things down in a journal.
Make an effort to meet obligations and deadlines.
Don’t procrastinate, but instead plan ahead.
Declutter regularly and give everything a home.
Keep only what you need and discard the rest (donations or trash).
Stay away from bargains and sales, but instead only purchase things you need.
Delegate responsibilities often so you don’t feel overwhelmed.

Begin your journey by cultivating healthy habits to increase your daily productivity levels. Although life can be challenging at times, you can learn how to be organized if you open your mind and commit to practicing what works for your new lifestyle.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Unstuff Your Life (Book)

WAYS TO ORGANIZE YOUR TIME, MIND, BODY & SPIRIT

For every minute spent in organizing, an hour is earned. – Benjamin Franklin

Do you find yourself constantly rushing through your day or forgetting things? If so, you need to focus on organizing your time. Getting organized and proper time management can impact your life in a positive way and help you cross things off your daily to-do list.

Here’s some organization and time management suggestions:

Use one calendar or planner to manage your daily activities.
Don’t overbook yourself.
Don’t be afraid to say no sometimes.
Use a daily to-do list as a quick checklist and make necessary adjustments.
Schedule in “ME” time or time to just relax just like any other appointment.

MIND

Here’s some positive ways to organize your mind throughout this process:

Think Positive – read inspirational quotes or positive affirmations daily.
Spend Time in Meditation – quiet your mind, calm your spirit throughout your day.
Set Personal Goals throughout the process.
Track Progress of your personal goals throughout the process.
Keep a Personal Journal or Blog capturing your thoughts and feelings.

BODY

Here’s some positive ways to organize your body throughout this process:

Schedule “ME” time often.
Practice Self-Care activities, such as haircut, manicure, pedicure, facial, warm bath, etc.
Create a Daily Ritual. For example, reading before bedtime or exercising in the morning.
Exercise Daily, no exceptions.
Planning and Cooking Healthy Meals.
Schedule Time to Relax. For example, read a good book, dance, write or family outings.

SPIRIT

One of the tactics the enemy uses against believers is to keep us disorganized and feeling scattered throughout life. The enemy wants to replace our Godly priorities with worldly distractions.

To avoid feeling disconnected from God, you should do the following:

Read and Study Scriptures Daily – sacrifice time to read and study scriptures.
Hide Scriptures in your Heart – know scriptures so you can speak to your situation.
Keep a Journal – scriptures, prayers, thoughts or feelings, notes from scriptures.
Prayer and Meditation – be in constant communication with God.
Listen to the Holy Spirit – stay connected with God so you can hear His voice.

BENEFITS OF USING CHECKLISTS

Checklists are a great way to help you organize your life and free up headspace which will ultimately decrease stress levels caused by worrying about the future. Although, there are many benefits of using checklists, here’s my top five.

Checklists make it easier to prioritize your daily tasks.
Checklists help you focus on the task at hand without too much effort.
Checklists can lighten your mental load since you have less to think about.
Checklists allows you to create a healthy habit that will improve your overall lifestyle.
Checklists help to boost your self-confidence throughout your journey.

BONUS – Grab your FREE checklist template today to help organize your life in 2022 and beyond.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Ways to Organize Your Life (Book)

As you can see, taking time to organize your life has many advantages. With a few simple changes to your daily routine, you can:

Save time and money
Cut back on worry, anxiety and stress
Reclaim your sanity
Be willing to try new things or go on new adventures
Limit the fear of change
Stop living in the past, but instead focus on your future
Refrain from putting yourself down

So, what are you waiting for? The best way to get things organized in your life is to simply begin. Spend less time stressed out, worrying and scrambling through a chaotic lifestyle. You can’t get anything done when you’re distracted and disorganized. Your personal roadmap to a successful and prosperous life begins as soon as you make the conscience decision to organize your life today.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3 – How to Simplify Your Life In 30 Days (Journal)

JOURNAL PROMPTS

What is your vision for 2022 and beyond?
What is your priority for the next week? month?
What did you do today that helped you get organized?
What are you struggling with at the moment?
What would you like to change your daily routine?
What’s holding you back from improving your lifestyle?
Write about your favorite way to recharge your energy levels.

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).

Find Hope Through Journaling

LaPorterDecember 20, 20212 Replies

When the world says, “give up.” Hope whispers “try it one more time.” – 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! When I think of hope, I think of beauty that’s all around me and positive vibes that flow from within. Hope is like a beautiful flower that thrives on sunlight and water. In a spiritual sense, hope relies on your daily commitment to God’s Word, prayer, faith, and worship.

BUILD A SOLID FOUNDATION OF HOPE

Never underestimate the power of hope. Hope fuels us with the energy and courage to go forward. – Adele Basheer

But how do you find hope through journaling as you grieve? Learning how to safely navigate through the grieving process can be scary for some and hard for others. It requires you to feel vulnerable, yet it forces you to find your way through the sense of loss and loneliness. At times you feel like pushing everyone and everything away. I challenge you today that instead of running away from your pain, heartache, and misery, choose to invite God in to comfort you during this difficult time.

Here’s some steps to help you build a solid foundation of hope that will carry you through the storms of life, such as grief:

Step 1 – Submit yourself to God because He has not given up on you. God is the source of our hope. Come to God in humility and He will restore you. “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Step 2 – Strengthen your faith because there is an eternal life to come. Allow God’s previously fulfilled promises from the Holy Bible to renew your hope. “Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the Glory He will give us later.” Romans 8:18
Step 3 – Trust God’s timing because God is truly in control of everything. Remember, sometimes God answers prayers quickly and at other times God allows us to wait. If God is God, then nothing happens in our lives apart from His knowledge and permission. We have to learn not to rely on ourselves, but on God who can raise the dead. 2 Corinthians 1:8, 9
Step 4 – Thank God today because you’re not facing this difficult situation alone. Every day set time aside to thank God through worshipping, reading God’s Word, praying, and meditating. For God said, “I will never fail you. I will never forsake you.” That is why we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, so I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:5, 6

Remember, hope is what helps us deal with grief, find positives in our current situation, help us continue searching for something better, and to have faith that everything will work out in the end.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – A Guided Journal for Healing & Hope

WAYS TO RESTORE HOPE IN YOUR LIFE

Each day, there is a new beginning, a new chance, a new hope, a new light! – Unknown Author

Did you know that having hope in life will give you courage in the midst of a storm, such as grief? Hope is seeing light in spite of being surrounded by darkness. Hope is the only thing stronger than fear. Hope is the ability to hear the melody of the future.

Here’s some ways to restore hope in your life:

Be kind to yourself and others.
Listen to another person’s story.
Treat each day like a precious gift.
Look for meaning in the most challenging moments.
Reconnect with nature.
Focus on your spirit and shift your expectations.
Listen to music and channel your energy into productive change.
Show gratitude and compassion.
Think about the essential goodness of humanity and volunteer.

Despite what you may be experiencing in your life right now, never stop believing in hope because miracles happen every day. Be brave and take risks. After all, nothing can substitute your true experience, whether it is positive or negative. So, continue to hope for a positive outcome to happen in your life.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Grieving with Hope: Finding Comfort as You Journey Through Loss

FIND HOPE THROUGH JOURNALING

Hope is that beautiful place between the way things were and the way things are yet to be. – Unknown Author

In reality, most people fail many times before they succeed so never stop hoping for positive change to happen in your life. One way you can do this is by journaling on a regular basis. Journaling provides a safe place for you to speak truth and to find comfort without judgment.

Here’s some ways to find hope through journaling:

Set realistic journaling goals each week and establish a writing routine that fits into your current lifestyle. You may need to rearrange your daily tasks, wake up earlier or spend time writing before bedtime.
Begin to visualize yourself finding hope again after your goals are achieved. Take a moment and ask yourself what life looks like after the goals are reached, then spend a few minutes every day picturing yourself in that very same life. Of course, writing in your journal will help you stay committed or spend some time creating a vision board.
Evaluate your progress as you move through the steps you’ve identified as necessary to reach your journaling goals and adjust your efforts as needed along your journey.
Prepare for your journey. Look at what you’ve already achieved, think about your strengths, think about what’s important to you, and where you want to go in life.
Set out on your journey. Build the knowledge you need to succeed, focus on the basics, set small goals, and achieve them.
Make time for self-reflection often to examine one’s own thoughts, feelings, and emotions to gain better insight of one’s life.

The importance of hope is immeasurable. Continue to seek out positivity and recognize you can change your life at any point. Many of us need to look forward to the future and stop focusing on past experiences. You never know what tomorrow may bring so keep hope alive through journaling. Until next time, have a wonderful and safe holiday season!

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

How do you define hope?
What do you hope for each day?
Do you find hope through journaling? If so, please explain.
Did you see or hear anything today that gave you hope?
How did this feeling of hope change your perspective in life?
Why do you find it difficult to find hope when you’re experiencing hardships in life?
Have you lost hope along your journey? If so, why do you feel this way?

BONUS – Here are five suggestions on how to use journaling during times of grief:

Have your journal with you at all times. Since grief comes in waves, always have your journal with you. You will find that your journal will provide relief and comfort during your difficult times.
Do a brain and pain dump. Write in your journal without editing or worrying about grammar checks until you feel better. This process allows you to reflect on your thought patterns and overall physical well-being.
Write a gratitude list. A gratitude list is a powerful way to focus on what is positive during a time when it seems that you will never find hope again. You can start your list by writing…Today I am grateful for ____________.
Do timed writing exercises. Scheduling timed writing exercises will help you develop a regular writing routine that provides productivity and encourages creativity.
Use writing prompts when you feel stuck. It can be helpful for you to pause and select a writing prompt during your journal writing time. Examples – 1) Today my grief feels like… 2) My happiest memory of you is … 3) What I treasure is this …

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).

Amazing Black Friday Deals For New Bloggers

LaPorterNovember 26, 2021Leave a Reply

Renew Inspiration, Black Friday Deals, New Bloggers — Renew Inspiration

Blogging is not rocket science, it’s about being yourself, and putting what you have into it. – 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 and Happy Black Friday! Today, I want to share some amazing Black Friday deals for new bloggers. I’ve learned a lot of valuable information related to blogging since I launched my Renew Inspiration blog in 2018. Even though, there is so much information swirling around online, the blogging process can still be overwhelming to the average person. Now, don’t get me wrong. Blogging can be a rewarding opportunity for most people who choose to do it, but launching a new blog can still be a scary experience for many. It’s important for new bloggers to keep learning, be flexible, ask for help, and be willing to adjust with the blogging industry standards.

If you make any purchases using the affiliate links below, I will receive a commission at no additional cost to you that will help support my blogging efforts.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Blogging All-in-One For Dummies Book

REASONS WHY PEOPLE BLOG

So, have you ever wondered why people blog in the first place? I know for me, I started blogging as a hobby so I could share my passion for writing. Then, I continued blogging to inspire and encourage others to overcome life’s challenges. Let’s take a moment to look at some reasons why people blog. Some people use blogging to:

Inspire, encourage and motivate
Teach and establish expertise
Share ideas and their passion for writing
Cope with life and its many challenges
Expand networking opportunities
Express yourself and share creative writing
Maintain online journal
Provide book reviews or product reviews
Capture travel experiences and photos
Make money by selling product or using affiliate programs

Can you think of any other reasons why people blog? I will love to hear your thoughts so please leave your answers in the comment section.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Make Money From Blogging Book

TIPS FOR NEW BLOGGERS

Moreover, if you’re riding the fence about exploring a blogging venture, here’s some valuable tips for new bloggers to think about before attempting to launch their new blog:

Tip 1: Determine your niche first – What is your passion? What do you want to share with the world? What is your specialty or your expertise?
Tip 2: Identify your target audience – Who is your ideal reader? Write directly to them. Keep your readers wanting more from you with a strong headline and intro.
Tip 3: Create clear and precise goals for your blog – Why are you blogging? For fun, a hobby, a business, to sell product or to monetize using affiliates? Write down your goals and make sure to reflect on them when preparing blog posts.
Tip 4: Come up with a catchy blog title and tag line – It’s important to catch the attention of others so they will visit your blog.
Tip 5: Create the perfect logo for your blog – The logo should show your creative side, but also pull your audience in. If you’re not creative, you can always hire someone to design your logo. You can find quality people using social media platforms or by checking out websites like Upwork or Fiverr.
Tip 6: Determine if you want to launch your blog using a free website or if you want to invest money in a company like WordPress, then a hosting company like Bluehost.
Tip 7: Establish one or two social media platforms to focus on when you first launch your new blog. For me, I love to share my new blog posts on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. Once you are comfortable, add more as you have the time.
Tip 8: Have 2 or 3 really in-depth blog posts complete before you decide to launch your new blog. In addition, have more blog posts in various stages, such as drafts to be edited, outlines and topic ideas ready to write.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3 – How To Blog For Profit Book

HOW TO START A BLOG

Now, that you’ve decided blogging will work for you and your lifestyle, it’s time to start your blog. The good news is that starting a blog or adding a blog to your existing website is easy and affordable. Here’s the steps to start a blog:

Step 1 – Setting Up Blog – There are free blog options such as WordPress, Squarespace or Wix but to retain control and professional image, consider investing in a domain name and hosting, and installing WordPress or other content management system on your host.

Step 2 – Add Content – Once your blog is up and running, you need to keep it active with new and fresh content to grow your readership. I would suggest developing a set schedule for writing and posting to your blog.

Step 3 – Marketing – Great ways to reach your market are through social media, an email list and reaching out to other bloggers.

Step 4 – Add Income Streams – You can promote other companies’ products and services in affiliate marketing. Most companies, such as Amazon, Wal-Mart, Target and Kohls offer this program. You can also offer advertising or feed ad networks, such as AdSense, on to your blog.

Once you have launched your blog, it is important for you to stay engaged with your readers. I am going to be honest, engaged will mean different things for different people. For example, if you are selling product or a service, you need to respond to your customers on a regularly basis. However, some people are blogging just as a hobby, so your engagement may be less involved and limited to writing blog comments or subscribing to other people’s blogs.

AMAZON RESOURCE #4 – One Hour Content Plan Book

HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS AFTER BLOG LAUNCH

Finally, ready, set, blog! It’s your time to shine with written word. Inspire others, be creative and always look for new ways to connect to your readers, but at the same time take it slow. Here’s some other helpful suggestions to keep in mind once you have launched your blog:

Post consistently – Plan to post 2 to 3 times per week to stay engaged with your readers.
Use quality photos – Whether you take your own photos or pull photos from a free site, such as Pixabay or Pexels, make sure to use quality photos that are relevant to your blog post.
Discover your writing style – Start with a catchy lead, have a conversational tone throughout your blog and ask questions at the end to get your readers engaged.
Write down your thoughts – When inspiration swirls in your head, write it down so you can reflect on it later. It is important to keep all your thoughts and ideas in one place for easy access during the writing process.
Social Media connections – Give your readers three or more ways to follow you. For example, Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.
Comment on other blogs – Don’t be shy and be sure to write encouraging comments on other blogs. In most cases, the other bloggers will show your blog some love too.
Facebook Groups – Join some Facebook Groups to network, share your blog content, learn from other bloggers and to offer support to others who may just be starting out. For example, I setup a Facebook Group called Journey from Grief to Healing to encourage others along their grieving journey.
Pinterest Boards/Pins – Join some Pinterest Boards and create some boards of your own. Then, create Pins and share them on various boards.

GREAT DEALS FOR NEW BLOGGERS

So, here’s some of the great deals for new bloggers that I came up with using companies that I currently use and have found success with throughout my blogging journey.

BLUEHOST

Bluehost offers savings up to 75% off of shared hosting and provides a website builder option.

Shared hosting starting at $2.65/month for 12 months – You will obtain a domain, SSL certificate, 1-click WordPress install and Expert 24/7 support.
Website builder starting at $2.65/month for 12 month – You will obtain a domain, drag & drop features, 300+ design templates and total WordPress design freedom.
Choice Plus Plan starting at $4.95/month for 12 months.
Website Builder Pro Plan starting at $9.95/month for 12 months.
E-commerce Starter Package is 40% off 12 months term.
Free WordPress Site Migration.

Select the link below to SIGN UP:

WORDPRESS

WordPress is one of the easiest ways to start your website. You can use their free option or you can check out the paid option which provides other benefits, such as design plans for any budget, ability to customize your domain, editor features to build a blog or a full website, and awesome customer support.

40% off all themes
20% off eCommerce plans
40% off extensions at WooCommerce.com

Select the link below to SIGN UP:

AMAZON

Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer that sell a wide variety of consumer goods, electronic devices, and digital media. There are many awesome Black Friday deals you can take advantage of as well as joining their Prime Membership.

Prime Membership

Amazon Prime is a paid subscription service offered by Amazon that gives users access to products and services that would otherwise be unavailable, or available at a higher cost, to the typical Amazon customer. The standard annual membership cost is $119/year for regular customers and the student annual membership cost is $59/year.

Here’s a list of some Prime Membership benefits:

Free 30-day trial membership (you can cancel at any time)
Exclusive deals and discounts
Free two-day delivery for eligible items
Scheduled delivery options
Free delivery on restaurant orders
Unlimited photo storage
Streaming ad free music and video options
Watching your favorite movies and TV shows
Free release-date delivery on new video games, books, music, and movies
Same-day shipping for orders over $35 of eligible items (items must be ordered before noon to receive it by 9 p.m.)

Select the link below to SIGN UP:

CONVERTKIT

ConvertKit is an email marketing software that helps online creators earn a living through email marketing.

Help grow your audience
Foster your community
Earn a living online
Provide How-To Guides, Blog Articles, Workshops, and Podcasts
Sign up for free or start a free trial
Create unlimited landing pages and/or forms
Create and send broadcast messages
Sell digital products and subscriptions
Automated funnels and sequences
Paid subscriptions starting at $9.00/month or $108.00 billed annually (2 months free)

Select the link below to SIGN UP:

PIXISTOCK

Professional looking stock photos and graphic templates that are updated each month.

$100 off Pixistock’s Annual Memberships
Quarterly Membership starting at $127.00
Lifetime Access and enrollment into the Content-to-Profit program
FREE Reels Roadmap Course when you purchase any membership plan
Social Media Content Calendar
Lead Magnet Templates
Webinar Slide Decks
Digital Product Mockups
Client Booking Templates

Select the link below to SIGN UP:

CANVA

Canva is a free-to-use online graphical tool that combines design, photo editing, and layout to help you create invitations, business cards, social media posts, and more. A drag and drop interface make customizing thousands of templates simple and easy.

Create a design using templates and features provided
Access the design school for courses and tutorials
Learn how to brand your business

Select the link below to SIGN UP:

Remember, you do not need to understand everything about the blogging process before you launch. I hope these suggestions and tips give you something to think about from one new blogger to another. Good luck and happy blogging!

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

The influence of blogging is overall a very positive force in the media. – Garrett Graff

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. Now, close your eyes and clear your mind. Grab your pen/pencil. Open your journal or notebook. Ready, set, write!

What are your short-term and long-term blogging goals?
How have you been getting in the way of achieving of your blogging goals?
How you stay organized as a blogger?
What are some of your blogging lessons and what you learned from them?
What inspires you to write, blog, and be creative?

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Let’s talk. Why do you blog? How long have you been blogging? What is your niche? What are some helpful tips you can share with new bloggers? Do you plan to monetize your blog? Do you take advantage of Black Friday sales? What is your favorite store? Do you prefer shopping in the physical store or online? Share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

Thanksgiving Blessing

LaPorterNovember 25, 2021Leave a Reply

My life is not perfect, but I am thankful for everything I have. – 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! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! I don’t know about you, but I have so much to be thankful for on today. I am thankful for the gift of life and for those I am blessed to share this wonderful life with. I take nothing for granted during the holidays because I realize this can be a difficult and stressful time for most people for many reasons, such as the loss of a loved one, broken relationships, unemployment, depression, anxiety, pandemic, just to name a few.

Life is better when you smile from time to time, cry a little, laugh a lot, and are thankful for everything you’ve got. Every single struggle and setback I encountered has made me a stronger, wiser and humble person. I have learned how to love instead of hate and smile instead of frown. We have to humble ourselves in life, so we can learn from life lessons. I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. For example, if I would not have gone through so much pain and heartache, my Renew Inspiration blog would not exist today or I wouldn’t have written my first book that will be published soon. For that, I am forever thankful!

THANSGIVING BLESSING

There is always something to be thankful for. – Unknown Author

I am truly blessed with everything I need. I am working hard toward everything I want. And most of all, I appreciate and thank God for what I have. I want to pause and let you know that I am thankful for the part you played in my journey! I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog posts, writing thoughtful and caring comments, and most of all, taking that leap of faith and subscribing to it.

Here’s just a few things that I am thankful for this year:

I am thankful for salvation and Jesus dying on the cross.
I am thankful to still be in the land of the living.
I am thankful for my loving husband, family and friends.
I am thankful for our lovely home.
I am thankful for reliable transportation.
I am thankful for being employed throughout this pandemic.
I am thankful for having a good portion of health and strength.
I am thankful for having food to eat and clean water to drink.
I am thankful for my Renew Inspiration blog.
I am thankful for my Journey from Grief to Healing Facebook Group.
I am thankful for my first writing project that will be published soon.
I am thankful for all of the support you give me throughout the year.

As you can see, there is always something to be thankful for. Would you agree? Yes, even when we are in the midst of a storm in our life, we have to hold our head up and thank God for giving us the strength to overcome the many obstacles that come and go throughout our personal journey called life.

GRATITUDE AFFIRMATIONS

Start every day with an attitude of gratitude. – Unknown Author

Gratitude affirmations will help to change your focus into looking for things to be grateful for throughout life. If you take the time each day and recite these affirmations, you will find yourself being happier and looking forward to living a more vibrant life.

Here’s a few of my favorite gratitude affirmations:

God is the source of my hope, strength, and gratitude.
I am the co-creator of my reality and I am grateful to be who I am on today.
My life is filled with an abundance of goodness.
The universe supports me and all my desires.
I am grateful for all the love that surrounds me, and happily give it back.
I express deep appreciation for the small steps I achieve each day.
I am taking the time to reflect on this past year and my heart fills with gratitude.
I choose to be kind to myself and love myself unconditionally.
I am grateful for the food on my table and for the people I am blessed to share it with.
All challenges are an opportunity for growth and I am thankful for the chance to evolve.
I appreciate everything I have in my life and always keep the door open for more blessings.

Let’s remember the reason for this season. Thanksgiving is a way we should be living our lives each and every day. So, grab your journal and write down at least 10 things that you are thankful for. As the day goes by, review your list and add to it as you see fit. What are some of your obstacles throughout this process? Share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

The most beautiful way to start and end the day is with a grateful heart.

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. Now, close your eyes and clear your mind. Grab your pen/pencil. Open your journal or notebook. Ready, set, write!

What are you thankful for and why?
What was the best thing that happened today?
What immediately comes to mind when you think of your blessings?
What accomplishments in your life have brought you most happiness?
What hard parts of your life may contain hidden blessings?
How can I make more space in my life for the things I love and enjoy?
What can I do to nurture my spirit more throughout the week?

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).

Conquer Grief During the Holidays

LaPorterNovember 22, 20211 Reply

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

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

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

GREAT IDEAS TO HONOR YOUR LOVED ONE

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

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

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

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

PRAYER

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

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

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

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

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

Healing From The Inside Out

LaPorterNovember 14, 2021Leave a Reply

Your wound is probably not your fault…but your healing is your responsibility. – Megbyrnes

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! Despite what you may be going through in your life, God wants to heal you from your emotional bondage that continues to hinder your spiritual growth to maturity. God wants to give you peace, love, and comfort throughout your journey. God wants to free you from those things that will harm you. It’s important for all of us to read, pray and meditate in God’s Word in order to begin healing from the inside out.

GOD IS MY HEALER

But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)

There is no doubt in my mind that God is my healer. I ask God to bless me with vibrant health and overflowing joy every day. When you enter God’s presence with praise, God enters your circumstances with power. Yes, we should be confident and know that God is forever powerful within this Earthly realm.

THE CROSS OF JESUS CHRIST

And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me. (Matthew 10:38)

As you may or may not know, the cross is God’s remedy for our emotional pain and distress. Without Jesus’ death on the cross for our sins, no one would have eternal life. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). This verse explains the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The cross of Jesus Christ provides the way to heaven for sinful mankind, like you and I, who could never get there on our own.

- Ways I want God to transform me…
- Define an area in my spiritual life where I need to see God’s guidance is…

GOD’S WORD

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (Romans 10:17)

Next, the healing power of God’s Word is shown throughout the Bible. God truly has unfailing love for His people. God has always challenged us through His Word to experience Him in a tangible, but loving way so that He could bless us with health through our obedience. The Word of God says, “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life” (Proverbs 6:23).

My favorite passage of Scripture is…
One lesson I learned from Scripture this week is…

REJOICING AND PRAISE

I will praise the Lord according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the Lord most high. (Psalm 7:17)

God is the only unchanging constant in our lives. When all is gone – health, family, friends, money, position, etc. God remains. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Isn’t that something to rejoice about? Not only is God present with us, but God’s Word also tells us that nothing can separate us from that great unconditional love.

Today or this week I was most blessed by…
The area where I need to put more trust in God is…

THE HOLY SPIRIT

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

Believe it or not, it is a fact that God knew that we could not change our sinful ways or heal ourselves in our own strength. God gave us His Holy Spirit to live within us and to take up residence in our hearts. The Holy Spirit gives us new birth, makes us a new creation in God’s sight and places us into the body of Christ. The Holy Spirit helps us to better understand and apply Scripture to our daily lives. (I Corinthians 2:12-13)

I feel God’s presence most when…
I feel most distant from God when…

GOD’S BODY, THE CHURCH

And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

God’s Word tells us that God loves and accepts us, yet we strive to get love and acceptance from people we can see, hear and touch. If one part of the Christian body suffers, every other part suffers with it. So, if you are in a difficult situation, do not be alone. Reach out to Christian family members, friends, support groups, or spiritual counselors.

I am eager for God to…
My calling in life is…

A NEW SELF-IMAGE IN JESUS CHRIST

For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (Galatians 6:3)

Not only must we believe in God’s evaluation of us, but we need to reject what our own faulty experiences and emotions tell us. Remember, self-image doesn’t change because we focus on pleasing ourselves, but it changes because we believe God and accept His love for us.

- An aspect of God’s character he recently revealed to me is…
- God is leading me to make the following changes…

WHAT ARE HEALING AFFIRMATIONS?

The soul always knows what to do heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind. – Unknown Author

Healing affirmations are words, phrases, or statements that are filled with faith, sincerity, and conviction. If you release and allow them to, healing affirmations can guide you through the process of self-care and self-improvement. Treat yourself with respect, compassion and increased happiness that lies within you.

Here’s a few healing affirmations that will give you strength and resilience. Recite them daily or as often as you need to.

I give myself enough time to heal from within because I know, I deserve it.
I am gentle with myself and never push hard to achieve things that are not worthy.
I accept my sadness and inner pain; because it’s okay to feel like that.
Every hurtful situation is an opportunity to heal emotionally and evolve spiritually.
My inner wounds do not define my existence. I am worthy of attracting peace within.
I made mistakes because I am not perfect, and that’s okay.
I choose to forgive, and I choose to be free.

Always remember, nothing in this world is too big for our God. Don’t underestimate God in times of trouble or distress. Humble yourself and begin healing from the inside out. Allow God to guide your every thought and step along this journey called life. Why you ask? Because God is our healer today, tomorrow and forever!

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Be like the lotus: Trust in the light, grow through the dirt, believe in new beginnings. – Healing Brave

- My spiritual gifts are…
- Define what brings me the most joy in life…
- Sometimes I get angry with God about…
- An act of obedience God is prompting me to take is…
- Journaling has helped build my spiritual foundation by…

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Listen to your soul. It knows the way. – Unknown Author

Let’s talk. God can heal our entire being – mind, body, and spirit. Do you believe God is your healer on today? Why or why not? What is the most significant area of your life that is not finding its way into your journal? What are your favorite healing affirmations? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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An Attitude of Gratitude

LaPorterNovember 2, 2021Leave a Reply

Gratitude makes sense of the past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. – Melody Beattie

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! There’s something special about this time of the year that should remind you to start every day with an attitude of gratitude.

DEFINE GRATITUDE

Gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives all those around you. – Eileen Caddy

To begin with, gratitude can be defined as the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.

In addition, gratitude helps people:

Feel more positive emotions.
Relish good experiences.
Improve their overall health.
Deal with adversity.
Build strong relationships.

There are three stages of gratitude that’s important to keep in the forefront of your mind.

Stage 1 – Recognition. Recognize that you will be okay in any situation.

Stage 2 – Acknowledgment. Acknowledge that you are grateful for all that you have.

Stage 3 – Appreciation. Appreciate people in your life who have been there for you.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT GRATITUDE

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul. – Henry Ward Beecher

Quite frankly, I believe that all good things come from gratitude. If you really think about it, gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings. We should live in gratitude each and every day. When you are thankful for what you have, you are always rewarded with more.

Moreover, here’s some additional important facts about gratitude:

Gratitude shields you from negativity.
Gratitude makes you at least 25% happier.
Gratitude helps to rewire your brain.
Gratitude eliminates stress and heals your body.

BENEFITS OF SHOWING GRATITUDE

Your ability to see beauty and possibility is proportionate to the level at which you embrace gratitude. – Dr. Steve Maraboli

Next, choosing gratitude in your life offers you an opportunity to see the world with God’s grace and teaches you to appreciate your life as a whole. There are other benefits of showing gratitude in your life, such as gratitude:

Helps improve your sleep quality.
Deepens your relationships with family and friends.
Reduces unnecessary stress in life.
Reduces negative emotions and boosts happiness.
Helps you feel peace and comfort.
Enhances self-esteem and helps you focus on your own abilities.
Increases productivity by increasing levels of alertness, confidence, and determination.

Remember, your ability to have and show gratitude in your daily life opens your mind, body, and spirit to an abundance of positivity. May your days be filled with love, happiness, laughter, and gratitude.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

How have you shown gratitude in your life on today?
What made you smile today?
How often do you practice gratitude?
Do you keep a gratitude journal? Why or why not?

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).

Recognize God’s Favor As You Grieve

LaPorterOctober 26, 20211 Reply

If you have God’s presence, you have favor. One minute of God’s presence can accomplish more than 20 years of your striving. – Heidi Baker

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, please take a moment and think about this question – Do you recognize God’s favor in your life as you grieve? If you answered no to this question, then it’s important for you to continue reading this inspiring blog post.

To begin with, God’s favor can be described as a divine kindness, or an act of true compassion on the part of God Himself toward needy and undeserving people. You can identify God’s favor in or around your life when you see three spiritual things happening:

God has sovereignly chosen a recipient of His grace.
God has blessed that recipient in one way or another.
God has intentions that His blessing be shared with others.

It’s important to note that sometimes it’s easier to see God’s favor in someone else’s life rather than your own. Continue to be grounded in God’s Word, in prayer, and in constant communication with Him so you can hear His voice speak into your life.

RECOGNIZE GOD’S FAVOR AS YOU GRIEVE

When God grants you His favor, nothing can stop the blessings He has in store. – Unknown Author

You receive God’s favor in your life when your heart, words, and actions line up with the Word of God. But how do you recognize God’s favor as you grieve? Learning how to safely navigate through the grieving process can be scary for some and hard for others. It requires you to feel vulnerable. It forces you to find your way through the sense of loss and loneliness. At times you feel like pushing everyone and everything away. Instead of running away from your pain, heartache, and misery, choose to invite God in to comfort you during this difficult time.

Here’s how you can recognize God’s favor as you grieve:

God’s favor is God’s grace. God’s favor is the reason you and I are saved. We are saved by God’s favor and His grace. Take time to deepen your understanding of God’s character throughout your journey.
God’s favor affects every area of your life. Every part of your life is impacted by the grace and favor of God. This means you are delivered, protected, preserved, healed, and made whole. Be patient in the process and listen with your spiritual ear.
God began showing you His favor even before you were born again. Salvation is the greatest expression of God’s favor in our lives. God continues to pour out grace and more favor to us every moment of our lives, if we only receive it.
God’s favor surrounds you continually. As a born-again Christian, you have been made righteous by Jesus and that righteousness came with God’s favor which surrounds you continually. Don’t compare your suffering with others, but instead invite others in who you trust.
You must realize and accept God’s favor to experience it fully. Before you can receive the benefits from God’s favor, you must know that they are yours to begin with. Just as with every other spiritual benefit, you must receive them by faith.

Whether you realize it or not, God’s favor is on your life even as you grieve. God seeks out those who love Him and love His commandments so that He can bless, guide, and protect them at all times. God’s gracious kindness is His to give, and He gives it when, to whom, and how he chooses. One touch of God’s favor can change everything in your life. Stay faithful and trust in His timing. God’s favor is yours now and forever.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

What takes your mind away from God, thus robbing you from God’s favor?
Do you sometimes block God’s favor in your life? Why or why not?
How do you plan to recognize God’s favor as you grieve?
What are some ways you can become stronger and more courageous?
What kind of support do you need while grieving?
Where do you see the unmistakable mark of the creator?
When have you seen God use something small to produce a big outcome?

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).

How to Lessen Worry and Anxiety

LaPorterOctober 12, 20215 Replies

Worrying is a waste of time. It doesn’t change anything; it just clouds your mind and steals your happiness. – 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! 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 learn how to lessen worry and anxiety for good.

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 the things that trigger these emotions.

Here’s a few questions that you can ask yourself:

Do you find yourself worrying or feeling anxious when you’re in certain places?
Do you find yourself worrying or feeling anxious during a particular time of the day?
Do you find yourself worrying or feeling anxious when you’re around certain people?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you have started the process to identify possible triggers that may cause you to worry or experience anxiety throughout your life.

DEFINITIONS

Anxiety comes from trying too hard to control the future. – Unknown Author

Before we go any further, let’s take a moment to define anxiety and worry. 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, such as tightness in chest, increased heart rate, rapid breathing, headaches, trembling or trouble sleeping. It’s important to note that 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 allows 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”. In addition, chronic worry and emotional stress can trigger many health problems, such as fatigue, headaches, inability to concentrate, irritability, muscle aches/tension, nausea, rapid breathing, dry mouth, dizziness, and nervous energy.

Here’s some common causes for anxiety and worry:

Stress that can result from work, school, personal relationship
Emotional trauma
Financial concerns
Stress caused by a chronic or serious medical condition
A major event or performance
Side effect of certain medications
Alcohol or drugs consumption
Lack of oxygen

As you can see, 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.

LIFESTYLE CHANGES THAT CAN HELP LESSEN WORRY AND ANXIETY

Stop worrying about what can go wrong, and get excited about what can go right. – Unknown Author

It’s impossible for you to completely eliminate worry and 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).

Here’s some lifestyle changes that can help lessen worry and anxiety in your life:

Understand your specific symptoms. What are your thoughts when you worry or when your anxiety escalates? In what situations do your symptoms intensify? Lessen?
Know what works for you. Which strategies are helpful in moments when you worry the most or experience high anxiety? Examples could be deep breathing exercises, mindfulness exercises, meditation, journaling or talking with a support person.
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.
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.
Schedule therapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional. Be open, honest, and willing to express how you truly feel.
Find a support group in your area or online to help you gain another perspective on your anxiety. Face your fears and don’t be afraid to share your experiences. Listen to others and give/receive feedback.
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.
Visit your local library and check out some books on worry and anxiety.

Finally, it’s important to get a clear understanding of what your triggers are and establish healthy ways to respond to them. Live in the moment and begin to divert your attention from the thoughts inside your head to what you’re doing in the present. Like any change you pursue in life, remember that it takes time to change your way of thinking and feeling. Be patient with yourself while you lessen worry and anxiety in your life.

BONUS RESOURCES:

SCRIPTURE

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)

PRAYER

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.

BOOKS

WEBSITES

Get Started (betterhelp.com)

Tips to Manage Anxiety and Stress | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA

17 Simple Ways to Relieve Worry, Stress, and Anxiety » Hope For Healing (hopeforhealingfoundation.org)

10 Crucial Differences Between Worry and Anxiety | Psychology Today

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, faith looks up. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

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?

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).