Self-Awareness – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

7 Ways To Create Healthy Boundaries

LaPorterJanuary 17, 20221 Reply

Healthy boundaries are not walls to block others out. They are barriers that set us free to love the right people, most importantly ourselves. – Ann Lesuer

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I want to pause to say HAPPY MLK DAY! Hope you plan to reflect on how you can keep Martin Luther King’s dream alive. For me, I will continue to treat everyone with love and respect no matter the color of their skin. Also, I will continue to speak up when people of color are not treated fairly. It’s a shame that we are still speaking about this matter in 2022, but it is our reality.

How has 2022 been treating you so far? I have to be honest there’s a few areas of my life that have been stressing me out lately, but I continue to move forward each and every day. One area in particular that concerns me the most is the idea of setting personal boundaries to protect my mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional health. With that in mind, I want to share ways to create healthy boundaries within your current lifestyle. Although, creating healthy boundaries can be empowering and life changing, this process will also help you to:

Honor your personal values and beliefs.
Communicate your needs in a relationship.
Make time and space for positive interactions.
Set limits in a relationship in a way that is healthy.
Strengthen your inner self, mind, body, and spirit.

When you recognize the need to set and enforce limits that impacts your life in a positive way, you not only feel a sense of freedom, but you also improve your self-esteem, maintain self-respect, and enjoy healthy relationships along the way.

DEFINE BOUNDARIES

Boundaries are limits you set for yourself that determine what you will or won’t participate in. – Unknown Author

Before going any further, let’s take a moment to define boundaries.

Boundaries (noun):

Guidelines, rules or limits that a person creates to identify for themselves what are reasonable, safe and permissible ways for other people to behave around them and how they will respond when some people steps outside those limits.

It’s important to note that unhealthy boundaries may cause emotional imbalances in your life that can lead to dependency of alcohol or drugs, depression, anxiety, or other stressed-induced physical illnesses. However, if you commit to creating healthy boundaries within your lifestyle, you will:

Have good mental and emotional health.
Develop your own personal identity.
Avoid mental, emotional, and physical burnout.
Influence others’ behavior.
Improve self-awareness.
Maintain healthy and friendly relationships.

Remember, to always strive to live a well-balanced life throughout this process. I want to share the following barriers you may experience if you don’t establish healthy boundaries within your lifestyle:

- Fear of rejection.
- Fear of abandonment.
- Fear of confrontation.
- Feeling guilty.
- Lack of understanding.
- Safety concerns.
- Poor self-esteem.

BENEFITS OF CREATING HEALTHY BOUNDARIES

I allow myself to set healthy boundaries. To say no to what does not align with my values, to say yes to what does. Boundaries assist me to remain healthy, honest and living a life that is true to me. – Lee Horbachewski

Creating healthy boundaries is an important aspect of loving one-self and practicing self-care. Many people strive to understand the benefits of creating healthy boundaries throughout this fascinating journey called life. It’s important to have a set of values, principles, morals, and beliefs that provide a sense of purpose and meaning to life, then using those principles to guide your actions. Finding meaning and purpose may be a lifelong process for most people that evolves based on unique circumstances or individual life experiences.

The benefits of creating healthy boundaries allow you to:

Improve your self-esteem and self-respect.
Establish trusting relationships with others.
Protect your physical and emotional space.
Establish an equal partnership where responsibility and power are shared.
Separate your needs, thoughts, feelings, and desires from others.
Recognize your boundaries and needs are different from others.
Empower yourself to make healthy choices and take responsibility for yourself.

Keep in mind that it’s natural to experience a variety of emotions, such as hope, forgiveness, acceptance, doubt, fear, disappointment, or conflict along the path to creating healthy boundaries. Just be open, honest and allow yourself to feel all of the emotions that are taking place throughout your journey.

HOW TO CREATE HEALTHY BOUNDARIES USING SELF-CARE

A lack of boundaries invites a lack of respect. – Unknown Author

So, how do you create healthy boundaries while living your best life? The answer is quite simple. You must practice and implement a consistent self-care routine. Self-care is nourishment for your entire soul, mind, body, and spirit. Self-care can also help people become the best version of themselves when they learn effective ways to navigate through life.

Here’s some great ways to create healthy boundaries in your life using self-care:

Clearly define your desired boundaries and limitations to protect your well-being.
Communicate well while keeping your personal needs and values in the forefront.
Give yourself permission to express how you feel in any given situation.
Keep it simple and don’t feel the need to over explain yourself to anyone.
Seek positive support from people you trust.
Be assertive and bold when expressing yourself to others.
Set consequences and voice your concerns when people fail to respect your boundaries.

Learning to create healthy boundaries takes time and effort on your part. Set your healthy boundaries in your own time frame, not when someone else suggest you do so. Give yourself permission to take time out for you. From time to time, make an appointment with yourself. Don’t wait for good moments to arise, they rarely come. Plan your time wisely and create healthy boundaries that help nurtures your mind, body, and spirit. Peace, love and blessings!

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others. – Brene Brown

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

Meditate on peaceful thoughts. Define those thoughts in detail and write about them.
What is your favorite memory or life experience?
Write about a mental obstacle you overcame today.
Did you make time for mental relaxation today?

BODY

What do you feel right now in this very moment? Listen to your body and write about it.
Name one area of physical health you excel in, and one you would like to improve.
Write down 5 ways to relax and commit to doing at least 1 per day.
What gives your life meaning and purpose?

SPIRIT

How do you cope with spiritual struggles that occur in your life?
What set a spark in your soul today? this week? this month?
How do you respond to setbacks or failures? How could you change from within?
How does your spiritual values guide my daily decisions and actions?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS

The only people who get upset about you setting boundaries are the ones who were benefiting from you having none. – Unknown Author

As I stated before, I look forward to hearing from you. Please take a moment to reflect on these questions. Then, share your answers in the comment section below. You’ll be surprised how much we learn from one another. How often do you spend time journaling? What kind of improvements do you need to make in your life? Have you defined your meaning and purpose in life? Do you ever spend time reflecting on healthy boundaries? Why or why not? How do I get through tough times? Where do I find comfort?

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).

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

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).

9 Ways Affirmations Can Improve Your Life

LaPorterMay 28, 20217 Replies

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

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

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

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

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

9 WAYS AFFIRMATIONS CAN IMPROVE YOUR LIFE

Talk to yourself like someone you love. – Brene Brown

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

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

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

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

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

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

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

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

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

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

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

MIND

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

BODY

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

SPIRIT

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

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

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

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

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

Reciting Daily Affirmations

LaPorterFebruary 28, 20213 Replies

Every morning you have a new opportunity to become a happier version of 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! Can you believe it’s the last day of February already? Where did this month go? Let’s end this month discussing how reciting daily affirmations can improve your life. Believe it or not, daily affirmations are meant to help change your thoughts and move your attention to more empowering ideas that will ultimately create an improved result.

Daily affirmations are positive statements that can:

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

BENEFITS OF RECITING DAILY AFFIRMATIONS

We cannot become what we want by remaining what we are. – Max Depree

In order to receive the most benefits of reciting daily affirmations, it is important for you to read and recite them aloud. Then, state them in the present tense as if they have already been accomplished. This process will make your mind believe that it is already happening.

Here’s some benefits of reciting daily affirmations:

You increase awareness by acknowledging your daily thoughts, feelings, and emotions.
You become more grateful in any situation you are faced with.
You become encouraged and more motivated to accomplish personal goals.
You start being in the present moment not worrying about the past or the future.
You are flexible and more open to new possibilities; not afraid to take risks.
You learn how to manage your feelings and emotions under stressful situations.
You become more aware of your thought patterns and challenge negative thoughts.
You strive to become calm and at peace.
You become more aware of what you want and your mind helps you get it.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Affirmation Cards for Women

DAILY AFFIRMATIONS

If you want to fly, give up everything that weighs you down. – Buddha

Daily affirmations can be another form of positive self-talk. In addition, daily affirmations can be a reminder of how you want to be but also reinforces the beliefs you want to have. You want to feel good about saying them. Focus on finding solutions and learning how to make positive changes in all areas of your life then you will be successful in achieving all the goals you set. Repeat your daily affirmations 1 to 2 times per day so it will be a constant reminder of what you are aiming for.

Here’s some daily affirmations to help you get started:

I am becoming the best version of myself.
I am brave, bold, and beautiful.
I am in control of my life and feelings.
I am calm and at peace.
I have the power to create change.
I believe in myself wholeheartedly.
I have everything I need within me.
I thrive in positivity.
I am grateful for all that I have.
I am free of worry and regret.
I am worthy of my dreams and goals.
My thoughts become my reality.
My possibilities are endless.
I release all doubts and insecurities about myself.
I love myself enough to say no to things that no longer serve me.

Remember, taking the time to recite daily affirmations can help transform your life. Shift your focus and attention towards thoughts and feelings that are both positive and constructive. Start using daily affirmations along with journal prompts today, and watch the quality of your life improve throughout your journey. Focus on positive changes and you will get positive results.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 2 – Self-Love 2021 Calendar & Affirmations

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Your only limit is you. Be brave and fearless. – 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!

MIND

It all begins in your mind. What you think, you become. – Unknown Author

How does journaling help to improve your mental state?
What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned to date?
What quote(s) inspire you on a difficult day?
What do you love about life?

BODY

I am strong, fit, and well-balanced. – Unknown Author

Describe a difficult situation you’ve encountered. How did it make you feel?
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would you change and why?
How can you incorporate self-care into your daily routine?
What is something that you’ve overcome in life?

SPIRIT

You have been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved. – Unknown Author

How has journaling helped to improve your spiritual well-being?
What do you need to mute in your life in order to hear God’s voice?
What can you do today to help yourself get better aligned spiritually?
What does God’s presence feel like in 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).

Seek God’s Presence

LaPorterFebruary 7, 20212 Replies

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

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, I want to spend some time speaking about God’s presence. Let’s start with this question – How often do you seek God’s presence in your life? For some, seeking God’s presence is done daily and for others it is done on an ‘as needed basis’. What does it really mean to seek God’s presence? Well, I believe seeking God’s presence simply means to allow God to guide your every step and decision throughout your spiritual journey.

Here’s some ways for us to seek God’s presence throughout our lives:

Read God’s Word, study it and meditate on it
Fasting and praying regularly
Confessing your sins and repenting to God regularly
Reading daily devotions
Singing praise and worship songs
Attending church services regularly

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Book – Experiencing the Presence of God

STEPS TO IMPROVE AWARENESS OF GOD’S PRESENCE

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

Here’s some steps to improve awareness of God’s presence:

Step 1: Do everything in your life for the love of God. It is important to give God your happiness and praises as well as your pain and suffering. God is always listening because He is your protector.
Step 2: Look for God’s goodness in all things. Remember, it is important to notice God’s presence in both simple and great things. Acknowledge this fact often throughout your life.
Step 3: Create stopping points in which to rest in God. Spend quality time throughout your day to pray, meditate and communicate with God.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Book – Hope When Your Heart Is Breaking

INDICATIONS OF GOD’S PRESENCE IN OUR LIVES

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

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

Peace (Romans 15:33; Philippians 4:9) – When you know God’s presence, you can have inward calm despite chaos around you because He is the God of peace.
Rest, Refreshment (Matthew 11:28; Acts 3:19) – When you acknowledge God’s presence within, you will always have rest and feel refreshed.
Encouragement (Psalm 16:11; 21:6) – When you are aware of God’s presence, you can’t help but be full of joy and gladness because with Him come eternal blessings.
Shelter (Psalm 16:8-11; 31:20) – When you acknowledge God’s presence, you can feel secure and protected at all times.
Enlightenment (Psalm 89:15; 90:8) – When you get in touch with God’s presence, you will allow God to order your steps, then you will follow.
Nearness (Psalm 145:18; James 4:8) – When you bask in God’s presence, you can feel a sense of comfort knowing that God accepts you right where you are and you feel Him close to you.
Contentment (Hebrews 13:5) – When you experience God’s presence, you can be satisfied because you know you have all you need.
Endurance (Psalm 46:1; Isaiah 41:10) – When you spend quality time in God’s presence, you can feel renewed as you find His strength to help move you forward.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3 – Book – My Diary of Prayers

As you travel throughout your spiritual journey, there are always obstacles that we encounter while living our lives on Earth, but we must work around them in order to seek God’s presence and see him clearly. It is always important to stay away from anything and anyone who blocks us from being in the presence of God. Through this spiritual process, remember to seek God’s face by calling and pleading for Him to fill your presence with His anointing from on high. Only then will you receive the necessary peace, comfort, security and healing from God. Be peaceful, be happy, be whole.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

When you think that everything is against you remember God is always with you. – 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!

What is the best way to seek God’s presence in your life?
What do you need to meditate and/or pray about?
How do you plan to improve awareness of God’s presence?
What feels like a struggle in your life right now?
What advice do you need to receive from God?
Are you prepared to receive God’s advice?
How can you strengthen your relationship and faith in God?
How much time do you spend reading God’s Word, praying and/or meditating?

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).

Time Is Precious

LaPorterJanuary 26, 20208 Replies

Time is a created thing. To say I don’t have time is to say I don’t want to. – Lao Tzu

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! Time has a wonderful way of showing us what really matters. Honestly, it feels like forever since I’ve written a blog post and it was only last Sunday. I want to apologize for not publishing at least two blog posts last week. Between my new work schedule, family life obligations, and my boy’s mid-term schedule, I did not have extra time to write. Therefore, this hectic work week helped me realize my limitations with working full-time so my new goal will be to publish at least one inspiring blog post per week.

GOAL #1 – WRITING & BLOGGING

The purpose of the first draft is not to get it right, but to get it written. – John Dufresne

Well, like I’ve stated before, 2020 has started off busy for me, but in a positive way. For starters, on the writing front, I have decided to create the following writing and blogging goals:

• Write & publish my first Renew Inspiration book – 1st draft complete [2020 – 2021]
• Continue and improve my Renew Inspiration blog [On-Going]
• Strive to keep journaling, reading, writing, and meditating [On-Going]
• Network with other talented authors and bloggers [On-Going]
• Support other bloggers by reading their material & commenting [On-Going]

Overall, I have really enjoyed this blogging experience while connecting with you and have met so many awesome bloggers along the way. I felt it necessary to document my writing goals again this year in a blog post to keep me grounded on what’s important in my life, right now, in this very moment. In addition, I want to be accountable to my overall writing career and make plans to reach all of these goals. Why now you ask? Because I feel time is precious and I want to enjoy my passion which is writing.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1

GOAL #2 – WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life. – Unknown Author

Next, I plan to create a healthy work-life balance after accepting a full-time Secretary position in December 2019. This has been a great opportunity for me overall, but I need more time to adjust to my “new normal”. I really enjoy my new job, but there’s so much information to learn, new systems to analyze, and family obligations to juggle.

I realize my extra time is very limited and most days I find myself re-thinking my daily tasks when I need to be at work earlier for workshop prep which includes early drop offs and pickups for my boys. Oh, I cannot forget to mention the same thing happens if there are no school, early dismissal days or the boys have a therapy session to attend.

As you can see, I’ve been struggling to balance my full-time work, family obligations and writing projects which are all dear to my heart. My husband is very supportive throughout this process and have stepped up to help, but it is still very stressful and difficult for me to find a healthy work-life balance while adjusting to my new work schedule.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

TIPS TO MANAGE WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin. – Mother Teresa

Work-life balance can be defined as the balance that an individual need between time allocated for work and other aspects of life. Areas of life other than work-life can be, but not limited to personal interests, family obligations, social or leisure activities.

Here’s some tips to help you manage work-life balance:

• Tip #1 – Set realistic goals and schedules. However, do not strive for perfection.
• Tip #2 – Prioritize your health by eating healthier options, meditating and exercising.
• Tip #3 – Make time for yourself to relax, read, and update your planner.
• Tip #4 – Organize yourself and remove non-essential tasks from your daily agenda.
• Tip #5 – Rethink your errands and household chores. Then, delegate duties to others.
• Tip #6 – Take time each day to make a To-Do List which helps prioritize the tasks.
• Tip #7 – Analyze your tasks to figure out how you’re currently using your time.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

IMPORTANT SKILLS NEEDED

You’ve got to be a beginner before you can be anything else. – Unknown Author

As we continue this journey called life, strive to learn important skills that will help you grow as an individual. Remember, your success is found in your daily routine. Never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Don’t forget to find ways to help improve your time management and work-life balance throughout your journey.

Here’s some important skills needed to help you through this process:

• Goal Setting – Be able to set realistic goals and write them down.
• Prioritization – Be wise when you prioritize tasks for the day.
• Self-Awareness – Be aware of your needs and feelings.
• Self-Motivation – Be your own inspiration and cheerleader.
• Focus – Be sure to focus on your goal. Don’t look any direction but ahead.
• Decision Making – Be prayerful and ask God to direct your path.
• Planning – Be wise and plan ahead.
• Flexibility – Be ready and willing to adjust your schedule as needed.
• Stress Management – Set a time limit and take breaks often.

As we all embrace change while trying to live the best life, be mindful to how precious time is. Learn what’s important to you and always strive to be better today than yesterday. Be your own inspiration throughout life while learning how to set realistic goals, how to learn a new skills while setting healthy parameters for time management and work-life balance.

AMAZON RESOURCE #4

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Time is what we want most and what we use worst. – William Penn

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 time?
• How important is time in your life?
• What is your vision for the next 6 months? year?
• What fear is holding you back?
• What is one behavior you need to let go this year?
• What values do you want to live by and promote?
• What did you do today that brought you closer to your goal?

TIME TO SHARE & COMMENT

Let’s talk. 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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