spirit – Page 5 – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

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.

My Inner Voice

LaPorterFebruary 25, 20184 Replies

Renew Inspiration has given me my inner voice to express my thoughts toward important topics that are dear to my heart. Thank you for spending this time with me on today. I don’t take your time for granted so allow my words to bless you and resonate in your spirit on today. Come along with me on this journey to experience my inner voice.

I didn’t give you the gift of life, life gave me the gift of you -Unknown

My inner voice cries out for all the children who are neglected and abused. My heart opens up for children who needs to be nurtured and loved despite their rough backgrounds. My thoughts are always racing about ways I can help children overcome obstacles that was not no fault of their own. Even though your inner voice cries out, you know that you are unable to help or save them all, so what do you do?

Where there is great love, there are always miracles -Unknown

My inner voice cries out for not just my own children who were adopted at a young age, but I strive to make a positive impact on the lives of every child I come into contact with. Some days your smile, your kind words, uplifting compliment or just a kind gesture are the only positive moments a child may experience throughout their busy day. Once again, I realize I cannot reach them all, so what do you do?

God knew that it doesn’t matter how your children get to your family. It just matters that they get there. -Kira Mortenson

My inner voice cries out for children who were blessed to find a loving family to take them into a safe and loving home, but to a child that has experienced abuse and/or neglect it’s hard for them to adjust properly due to the trauma of their pasts. In some cases, the new parents have no idea what the child has experienced, therefore it is difficult to help the child cope with his or her feelings. Sometimes it takes more than a prayer, hot meal, a warm hug, or a kind word to make these children feel the love that you are willing to share.

Let’s stay here for a moment. Now, what is happening right now, in this very moment. There is a new family unit being built with a foundation of love, prayer, and positive support. So that should be enough, right? Unfortunately, I can speak to this from my current experience. I call this creative parenting because you have to make adjustments daily in order to meet the child where they are for that moment. Even outside therapy sessions are not enough to deal with the emotional stress that families experience when trauma was introduced to children at young, tender ages.

We do not need to know the beginning of a child’s story to change the ending -Fi Newood

With that being said, my inner voice cries out to all parents who have sacrificed everything in order to provide for their children, both biological and adopted. The willingness to put your life on hold in order to provide a positive structure and future for a child shows your character. The child’s total well-being is always in the forefront of your mind. I strive to advocate for both of my sons each and every day. When children have special needs, it’s even another layer of difficulty put on the family unit. You have to make sure that the necessary resources and time is set into place not only at home, but also at school and extracurricular activities, such as sports, clubs, hobbies, etc. You are the voice for your children and must advocate for them in every waking moment. In return, you must teach your children how to advocate for themselves as well.

My inner voice cries out each and every day that I wake up knowing that I am responsible for two children that look up to me waiting on direction and guidance. It’s not always easy, but the experience strengthens you and changes your life forever. Let’s not give up on our children throughout our journey called life. Help support our children who may not have the positive support at home. Be a mentor, volunteer at your local schools, volunteer at local youth agencies, be a foster care parent, or even adopt a child. There are so many ways to give back to those children who need it most. I do realize WE cannot save them all, but even if we save one, that’s better than doing nothing at all.

Time for Renewal

LaPorterFebruary 21, 20186 Replies

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you -Ezekiel 36:26

Now, tell me what is your breaking point? When do you just STOP and take a rest? When do you say “No” to others because you already have too much on your agenda? Believe it or not, most people do not make time for the renewal process to take place in their lives. We just keep going and going like the Energizer bunny, right?

However, it is important to realize when it is time for renewal. Allowing time for renewal offers one many advantages in life. First, time for renewal offers one personal growth and expansion from the inside out. Second, time for renewal offers one a fresh start to something that will be much better, and in most cases, greater than what they were already experiencing. Third, time for renewal offers one the ability to make necessary plans and allows their mind to think of resolutions that need to take place. Fourth, time for renewal can give you rest from the day to day hustle and bustle of life, which can interpret to self-reflection. Fifth, time for renewal offers one an opportunity to transform one’s mind and body to a more refreshed state.

If we just be still and listen, we will hear the sigh of relief inside our hollow bodies…we will hear the quiet and slow beats of our hearts and the pleasant thoughts surrounding our busy minds!
I encourage you today to really think about your personal journey and how important it is to make time for renewal. You will experience life awakening experiences that will allow for personal growth as well as an expansion of your creativity that only you can explore and enjoy.

Until next time, believe in yourself today, tomorrow and forever!

Quotes:
Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances -Maya Angelou

And suddenly you know, it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings -Meister Eckhart

The Soul Within

LaPorterFebruary 11, 20186 Replies

Scriptures:
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Do you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. I Corinthians 6:19-20

Once again, I want to thank you for believing in me and supporting my writing endeavors. I don’t know about you, but I am putting last week behind me and planning to have a much more productive week ahead. Sometimes I just sit and think about everything that life throws at us from day to day…from hour to hour…from minute to minute! For some of us, this experience can be very difficult to manage throughout our journey. We depend on support from family and friends to help us through those challenging times. For me, I pick up a pen and just start writing. Whichever way you choose to release this negative energy is good, the most important thing, is to release it. However, some people are not that fortunate. They have to face these hard times alone or just don’t have the means to find ways to handle the pressures of life.

The Soul Within was written with you in mind. Even if you are not experiencing a difficult time right now, just keep living. It is important to learn how to mentally withstand difficult situations presently and in the future. According to the Webster Dictionary, soul is defined as the principle of life, feeling, thought, and an action in humans, regarded as distinct entity separate from the body. Your soul is the part of you that consists of your mind, character, and thoughts.

The soul within is like an instrument playing a special tune to everything that life throws our way. The soul within clears our mind in the midst of chaos and confusion. The soul within offers a sense of comfort and peace as we go through challenges in life. The soul within at times, get filled up with our emotions especially when we experience heartache and pain. The soul within often times try to protect us from the negative world we live in. The soul within runs so deep that some people have out of body experiences that only they understand and can explain. The soul within is your protector, your guide, your teacher, your angel, your friend. The soul within can be a mother to the motherless and a father to the fatherless. The soul within can be your companion, comforter, and helper. The soul within showers you and those around you with love, peace, joy, and gratitude each and every day. The soul within will always be there tucked deep inside just waiting for the right time to assist you, but we have to learn how to get out of the way. No matter how difficult it may be, take a deep breath, close your eyes, and enjoy the soul within experience.

Quotes:
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. -Maya Angelou

Maybe you’ve been assigned this mountain to show others it can be moved. -Unknown

Positive Thoughts:
Stop trying to calm the storm. Calm yourself, the storm will pass.

It is well with my soul.

Her soul is fierce. Her heart is brave. Her mind is strong.

Motivation for Weight Loss

LaPorterJanuary 18, 20182 Replies

Despite your personal commitment and determination to succeed, it is hard to stay motivated when you commit to weight loss. There are so many barriers, such as family obligations, tight budget, crazy work schedule, no time to exercise, fail to preplan meals, etc. We can find excuse after excuse to not stay on track. Well, I have some suggestions to get you motivated today, tomorrow, and forever more.

First, change your way of thinking and know that motivation begins with you. Believe in yourself and become your own cheerleader throughout your journey.

Second, create a Weight Loss Journal and write down your personal weight loss goals, both short-term and long-term. Also, include your starting weight, exercises, motivational pictures, and inspirational quotes.

Third, find time for prayer and meditation throughout your journey. It is important for you to have a clear mind in order for you to focus on the total weight loss experience from head to toe. Now, I am not saying that this journey will be an easy one, but with your personal commitment, a changed mindset, and planning, you can set your self up for quite the experience.

Fourth, give yourself a pep talk and/or compliment yourself at least once a day. For example, look in the mirror and say “I believe in the person I’m becoming” or “I am beautiful, inside and out so I will eat write and exercise today”.

Fifth, surround yourself with supportive and like minded individuals. For example, join a local gym, take a class at your local recreation center, schedule workouts with family or friends, join groups on social media, and read uplifting blogs like this one everyday.

Finally, remember that your weight loss success is found in your daily routine, not in excuses.

Here’s a few quotes to help renew inspiration within you on today.

MIND: Rule your mind or it will rule you. ~Buddha

BODY: Embrace & love your body. It’s the most amazing thing you will ever own.

SPIRIT: Water your roots, so your soul can blossom.

Step Out on Faith

LaPorterJanuary 14, 20184 Replies

Have you ever just stopped to listen to your mind, body, and spirit? Now, come on I need you to be honest with me. Sometimes we have to take a moment to reflect on our lives and those individuals who surround us day to day. It is also important to think about what really makes us happy as we approach our personal goals in life. Do we wake up each day to strive to be better than yesterday or just to be mediocre? Do we strive to help others achieve his or her goals or are we selfish? Do we always put the needs of others (family and friends) before our own? If you answered YES to any of these questions it is not uncommon.

I have come to a point in my life where I want to do something that I have never done before. Believe it or not, you are reading it right now, this very moment. I have decided to step out on faith to pursue a blogging career. I have always enjoyed writing in my journal, but I recently began writing to comfort my soul when my mother passed away in December 2015. This was a dark time for me, but writing allowed me to capture my feelings on paper and allowed my tears to flow freely. Writing offered me a new way of looking at life. Yes, I am sad and I will truly miss my mother’s presence here on Earth, but I have a new inner strength that is scratching to get out in order to help others overcome his or her fears.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I am nervous about the new venture, but I am determined to succeed in all that I do in life. Yes, that means my new blogging career as well. I love to learn new things and I cannot wait to see what my new passion has in store for me. I hope you are ready for the fun and motivational adventure that we are off to explore. Come on, don’t be shy. I would love to have you stop by and visit often so we can encourage one another throughout this journey, we call life. Until next time, live…love…laugh…CELEBRATE life every day!