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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

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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

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!

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).

Engage in God’s Word

LaPorterAugust 23, 20205 Replies

Get in God’s Word until God’s Word gets in you. – 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).

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

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s begin this beautiful Sunday discussion on how to get engaged in God’s Word. Especially during this pandemic or any time of crisis, it is important to keep God’s Word in the forefront of our minds. As believers in God and Jesus Christ, we must schedule quality time to not only read God’s Word, but also to write down our personal thoughts about the verses read, determine how we can apply the verses to our own lives in 2020 and don’t be afraid to cross reference the information in the Bible Concordance.

PREPARING FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY

Pause and find the blessings in today. – Unknown Author

Making time to read and study God’s Word is so important for your spiritual growth. God’s Word can help guide us in the right direction or make us rethink a situation before we pursue it further. Take a moment right now to analyze where you are today and then continue reading my list of suggestions that will help you prepare for your spiritual journey ahead.

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

Don’t be afraid to be creative. Be your own inspiration. After all, this is your spiritual journey. Make it as comfortable as you like, but also for growth purposes step out of your comfort zone from time to time to make it an unique and pleasurable experience as well.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

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BETTER ENGAGE IN GOD’S WORD

Each day I need to let God’s Word interrupt me, rearrange me and redirect me. – Unknown Author

Our time spent reading Scripture, prayer, and meditation must alter us if we have truly experienced a spiritual encounter with God. After all, God has created us to interact and respond to His Word in multiple ways. We should all endeavor to engage in God’s Word throughout our lives and hold ourselves accountable.

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

Study – When we study God’s Word we are investing focused time in a passage word, character or theme. Study requires you to analyze the Scripture which takes concentration and focus. The primary goal of study is understanding.
Devotional – The goal for devotional reading is application. Simply put, what the Scripture means to me. However, we must make sure this is not the only way we interact with Scripture or we risk losing the truth.
Meditation – Meditation is the ability to hear God’s voice and obey His Word. During meditation it is important to fill your mind with Christ. The goal of meditation is reflection.
Memorization – It is important to understand what Scripture teaches us so have God’s Word hidden in your heart and mind. Memorizing God’s Word helps us achieve the goal of discipline.
Action – Clearly, we must be focused on doing what Scripture teaches. We must be changed and compelled into action, whether in our thoughts or our actions. Spending time in God’s Word must lead us to obedience.

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

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

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JOURNAL PROMPTS

True peace comes from knowing that God is in control. – 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. In addition, journaling is a powerful way to process events in your life, build self-awareness, get more clarity, and keep yourself on track. Journaling also allows for past reflection, future insight, and present surrender. Keep in mind that this is a journey. Everyone takes their own path. Ready, set, write!

MIND

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

What takes your mind away from the Lord, thus robbing your peace?

What is your biggest dream?
What has prevented you from going after your dream?
What thoughts have I been repeating in my head lately? Are they true?

BODY

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

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

SPIRIT

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

Where do you see the unmistakable mark of the creator? Thank and praise God for it.

How is God trying to get your attention to stop, treasure, and ponder how he’s working in your life right now in this very moment?
When have you seen God use something small to produce a big outcome?
What can I do to nurture my spirit more?

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

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ENGAGE IN GOD’S WORD KEEPSAKE

Please accept this ENGAGE IN GOD’S WORD keepsake. Post it on your wall, mirror and/or social media accounts and cherish it always.

Renew Inspiration, Engage in God's Word, You Are God's Masterpiece, Pink Flowers — Renew Inspiration

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. How often do you read God’s Word? When is your favorite time to ready and study God’s Word? Do you have a favorite scripture that is hidden in your heart? Do you keep a written Bible Journal or Notebook to reflect your study time? Please share your honest response in the comment section. I cannot wait to hear from you.

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).

Growth Through Grace

LaPorterMay 27, 20195 Replies

When there is no growth, there is no life. – 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! Grace is that attribute of God that enables us to break free of our sinful nature and follow God’s lead. Grace gives us strength, protection, and much needed direction. Grace changes everything. Grace has been defined as “the free and unmerited favor of God, as manifested in the salvation of sinners and the bestowal of blessings”. Simply put, grace is “undeserved favor from God.”

God’s grace is adequate for anything and everything that you experience in this life. Despite what prompted the hurt you’ve experienced throughout your journey, know that God’s grace can bring peace, hope, and healing. One beautiful thing about grace is that God does not withdraw His grace when you stumble or fall. Instead, acting with grace, God gently picks you up and enables you to take the next step. You can always find at God’s throne of grace whatever help you need whenever you need it. You can run to the Lord in times of trouble, when your heart is breaking, at life’s crossroads, and during the darkest and loneliest nights. Remember, God is waiting for you with open arms. Now, give God some praise for His sincere love for us.

By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast. Ephesians 2:8-9

God offers us an extravagant gift: His grace. The best thing about that, it cost Him everything, but it costs us nothing. The only payback God asks is that we reach out and take the gift and then rest in it with guilt-free comfort knowing that you are saved through faith. If you find yourself in a small place, God knows you’re there. He’s with you, and He can do something mighty big. Trust his amazing grace.

I don’t know exactly what’s next but I’m stepping forward with grit, anchored in grace. -Julie Graham

One thought I often meditate on is that when you trust in the Lord, you will never be disappointed. Spiritual growth begins with salvation given to us as a gift from God. Our daily spiritual growth is also utterly dependent on this grace of God. There are many ways to increase one’s growth through grace, such as reading God’s Word, allowing God’s Word to dwell in you, and staying in prayer through good and bad times while on your spiritual journey.
It’s important to have a clear and thorough understanding throughout this process. Keeping an open mind and meditating on God’s Word will allow you to apply God’s grace in your life so you can break free of your sinful nature.

BIBLE VERSES

Even though there are many Bible verses that include the word “GRACE”, I won’t list them all, but here’s a few of my favorites:

“Indeed, we have all received grace after grace from His fullness” (John 1:16)

“Also through Him, we have obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand” (Romans 5:2)

“But by God’s grace I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not ineffective. However, I worked more than any of them, yet not I, but God’s grace that was with me” (I Corinthians 15:10)

“But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness’” (II Corinthians 12:9)

“Now grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of the Messiah’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7)

“Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time” (Hebrews 4:16)

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, Master Grace Giver, thank you for giving me grace each and every day. Help me to become an extender of grace to others even when they don’t deserve it. I will never forget the price you paid to set me free, and for this I want to say thank you. Amen

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

A spiritual journal is a great way to track how you are growing spiritually. This type of journal is different from the traditional journal or diary in that it focuses on your spiritual self. A spiritual journal can aid you in becoming who you wish to be and it is a wonderful life-giving spiritual practice. Here’s some journal prompts to help you get started on your journal writing journey:

Growth Journaling Prompts

• What has prevented you from increasing spiritual growth?

• How can I improve my spiritual walk?

• In what area do I need to improve self-discipline?

• What is one thing I can do to improve my prayer life?

• What do I need more of in my life?

• What does God’s grace feel like?

• What do I need to mute in my life in order to hear God’s voice?

Prayer Journaling Prompts

• Heavenly Father, you are…

• Heavenly Father, I thank you for…

• Prayer for peace when it comes to…

• Prayer for moments when I am….

• Heavenly Father, please give me patience to…

• Heavenly Father, I pray healing over…

• Heavenly Father, I love you because…

Without God’s grace, we will not have growth and we would be lost souls. The more grace we have and ask God for, the more mature as Christians we will be. As I sit here typing this blog post, I am thankful God, in His grace, has given us His Son to save us, His Spirit to dwell within us, His Word to instruct us, and His people to encourage us.

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Let’s talk. If you write in a journal, how has this practice brought you closer to God? If you don’t keep a journal, what is your biggest obstacle to writing one?

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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Ways to Better Engage in God’s Word

LaPorterJuly 8, 20188 Replies

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

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

Here’s my suggestions for beginning this spiritual journey:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Journal Prompts – Time for Reflection

MIND

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

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

BODY

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

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

SPIRIT

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

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

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

Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and Target Affiliate Program which are advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and Target.com

Journaling: Get Ready, Set, Write

LaPorterJune 29, 201813 Replies

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Did you know that there are journals for just about everything that goes on in your life? Well, I want to spend some time discussing just a few journal types that helps me cope with the lost of my mother (the grieving process), the emptiness that I feel inside (depression), the various stresses of life that I experience often (looking for part-time work and parenting children with hearing loss) and allowing my creative juices to flow while writing (Renew Inspiration blog and HubGarden articles).

Journaling is my safe place, my time to just write how I feel and scream on paper and no one will ever know. Let’s take a moment to define journal. A journal is a personal reflection of who you are, it’s a repository for all the things that interest and inspire you. A journal provides a safe environment to experiment with your writing style and technique. Simply put, when you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts.

Benefits of Journaling:

• Reduce stress – Expressive writing has been shown to lower stress levels.

• Improve your memory – Regular journal writing can improve your short-term memory.

• Stay organized – Keeping a journal such as a weight loss diary lets you maintain an organized record of your progress and journey.

Journaling Tips:

• Keep a regular writing schedule so journaling becomes a habit.

• Don’t over think your written entries, just write honestly.

• Be creative. Add photos and positive quotes to enhance your written entries.

Types of Journals:

Bible Journal – Bible Journals can provide you with a therapeutic way to better cope with everyday situations, understand your feelings and establish a connection between your life and the biblical content. Include notes, scriptures, life lessons and examples, pictures, quotes, questions, etc.

Bible Journal Prompts:
• What is your favorite scripture and why?
• What values do you want to live by? Find a scripture to support your values.
• In what area of my life do I need to improve self-discipline?

Gratitude Journal – Gratitude Journals allow you to recognize, appreciate and record pleasant occurrences in your life. Also, you can include blessings, special moments of authentic happiness and contentment. Include what you are grateful for, personal thoughts, quotes, stickers, etc.

Gratitude Journal Prompts:
• What are you grateful for?
• What would my ideal day look like?
• What is one thing that I can do to change my attitude?

Prayer Journal – Prayer Journals allow you to deepen your relationship with God by writing down your prayers every day. Learn by reflecting on prayers that have been answered, and others that haven’t. Include prayers, scriptures, personal thoughts, self-reflection notes, quotes, etc.

Prayer Journal Prompts:
• What is one thing I could do this month to improve my prayer life and spiritual walk? Hint – Start a Prayer Journal.
• What is one thing I can do today that would promote a gentle and quiet spirit within me? Hint – Read a scripture, pray or meditate.
• Do you think God will answer your prayers? Why or why not?

Reading Journal – Reading Journals can be a place to store your personal reactions to what you’re reading. Writing down your responses will allow you to discover how you feel about the book itself, the characters, scenery or plot. Include the book(s) you are reading, personal thoughts, emotional responses, connect the book to your own life, questions you may have about the book(s), connect with the characters, etc.

Reading Journal Prompts:
• What is your favorite book and why?
• What is one book you’d like to read before the end of 2018?
• If I was given the opportunity to write a book, I would write about….

Scrapbook Journal – Scrapbook Journals is a cross between scrapbooking, journaling, collaging and sketching pictures to tell a story or to highlight a special memory. Include pictures, personal thoughts, quotes, stickers, etc.

Scrapbook Journal Prompts:
• Do you consider yourself being a creative person?
• How do you like to retell a story or special memory?
• What is one thing that I can do this week to improve my creativity?

Travel Journal – Travel Journals are a place where you can write about trips you have taken, what you learned during and after the trip. Include adventures, stories, memories, pictures, personal thoughts, culture, customs, the people you met/saw, favorite places you visited, quotes, etc.

Travel Journal Prompts:
• What makes this trip special to you?
• What are you planning to do on this trip?
• Take time to reflect on the location, people, the customs and the food.

5 Tips for Capturing your Best Journal Ideas:

1. Take your journal everywhere you go to capture those special thoughts or moments as they happen. If your journal is too big, you can always buy a small notebook to use while you are on the go. Then, transfer or glue your notes in your journal at a later time.

2. Select a journal that feels right to you. You can purchase a beautifully crafted handmade journal, a hardcover book with unlined pages, a softcover notebook with lined pages, a 3-ring binder with loose paper, or just a spiral notebook. It really doesn’t matter your style, just make sure that your journal feels right to you and you can comfortably use it to capture your thoughts.

3. Handwrite your journal entries so you are unable to edit your thoughts. Handwriting keeps things more spontaneous and gives you clues about your emotional state. If you’re anything like me, you can tell what you’re feeling just by analyzing the state of your writing.

4. Create an informal table of contents in the beginning of each journal. Number each page and try to list the topics covered as you go along. This makes finding stuff a lot easier down the road or when you just want to reflect on some of your past writings. Don’t worry about doing this each time you journal, but make sure to complete this step before starting your next journal.

5. Don’t worry about format, grammar, or spelling. Remember, this is your personal space and a written account for how you feel right now in this very moment. Don’t worry about following your traditional writing rules, just write.

So, whether you are currently writing in a journal on a regular basis or you would like to start, these journaling highlights should help you on your journal writing journey. Go ahead and grab your journal and write your ideas so you’re able to retrieve your thoughts whenever needed. Your journal holds your pertinent life information, so you can remember and reference at any time in your future. Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

I WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
If you do keep a journal, please share some of your writing experiences or the types of journals you like to keep; organizing tips and techniques; pros and cons of journaling; journaling tips that help you continue your journey. We learn from one another, so your comments are necessary for all of us to learn and grow. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Renew Inspiration is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates and Target Affiliate Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and Target.com

Welcome March – Total Health & Wellness

LaPorterMarch 1, 20182 Replies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your body loves you. Love it back. -Unknown

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

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

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

Everything has a spirit – honor that. -Unknown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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