Stress Management – Renew Inspiration Mind Body Spirit

Renew Inspiration, Coping with Grief During the Holidays, Celebrations, Holiday Season — Renew Inspiration

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

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Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I am truly lost and broken on today. It has been 5 years since my beautiful mother left her earthly body to be in heaven. I realize deep in my heart that she is in a better place where she will no longer be in pain while struggling to breathe due to suffering from severe COPD. I watched her change from an independent, vibrant, and feisty woman to one who struggled to care for herself on a daily basis. Watching her go through this terrible transition honestly broke me down to my core. It hurt me so much because I could not do anything to help her overcome this awful illness that she had to endure.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

WAYS TO COPE WITH GRIEF DURING THE HOLIDAYS

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

The holidays can be a time of sadness, pain, anger or dread for anyone dealing with an illness, grief or the loss of a loved one. Unfortunately, grief can also magnify the stress that is often already felt during the holidays. On the other hand, it’s important to note that it’s alright to have a good time in spite of your grief. Just allow yourself to feel whatever your heart is feeling in the moment.

Here’s some effective ways to cope with grief during the holidays:

Offer yourself some grace – Give yourself permission to feel whatever it is you’re feeling. If you feel sad, allow the tears to come; if you feel angry, allow yourself to vent some steam in a safe manner.
Be kind to yourself – Be sure to get plenty of rest and nourishment you need; do not take on more than you can handle; if you need to be alone, then honor that. If you desire the affection of others, seek it out.
Ask for and accept help – It’s okay to tell your loved ones the best way that they can help you during this difficult time. Remember, ask and you shall receive.
Set healthy boundaries – Choose to participate only if you’re ready and feel comfortable in the scheduled activity or event.
Focus on what you can control – Observe your surroundings and relationships. Then, do what makes you happy.
Find a way to honor your memories – Create a special way to memorialize your loved one. For example, light a candle, arrange to have a prayer vigil, release balloons, plant a tree, or create a stone garden.
Find support – Sharing your feelings is often the best way to get through them and finding people you can talk to will help. Family and friends can be a great support during times of grief. If they are unavailable, seek professional help from a licensed therapist, a grief counselor or grief support group in your area.
Make a difference in your community – Give to your favorite charity organization or purchase a gift for a needy child. Consider volunteering at a nursing home, hospital, hospice, children’s shelter or soup kitchen. This can help you cope with your grief by contributing to the greater good within your community.

Keep in mind, the best gift you can give anyone you love is that of being true to yourself and living your life to the fullest, even as you adjust to the loss of a loved one during the holidays. With time, I know I will learn to live and express myself differently, but for now writing is my first choice throughout this lost and broken journey. Have a safe and wonderful holiday season!

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

Why are you grieving?
What is your fondest memory?
Some of my grief triggers are ___________________.

BODY

Why do I feel lost and broken on today?
What was my high and low today?
I find it most difficult when __________________.

SPIRIT

What do I know to be true in this moment?
What is something you would love to learn in your lifetime?
I am really having a hard time coping with __________________.

BLUEHOST RESOURCE

WORDPRESS RESOURCE

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. Believe it or not, writing my feelings out in a journal or on my Renew Inspiration blog helps me sort out my thoughts. I’m able to release the hurt, loneliness, pain, anger, and heartache all in one place without judgment. Have you ever felt lost, lonely and broken throughout life? How do you cope with grief during the holidays? If so, how did you cope with your grief and pain? Please share your thoughts in the comments section. I look forward to reading your feedback!

Believe in yourself today, tomorrow, and forever!

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Time Is Precious, Clock, Work Life Balance, Writing, Blogging, Goal Setting, Skills, Time Management, Journal Prompts, Journaling — pixabay

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

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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!

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).