Tag: Ways to Restore Yourself

How To Survive Life Changing Hardships

How To Survive Life Changing Hardships

LaPorterLeave a Reply

How To Survive Life Changing Hardships, Renew Inspiration

Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny. – C.S. Lewis

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).

Special Thought – Life is hard. But not impossible.

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Let’s WELCOME APRIL in by learning how to awaken our whole being – mind, body and spirit through journal writing. Knowledge is power and I want to share some with you today. Well, I hope you have your journal and something to write with. I love to write in my journal because it is a safe place for me to put my feelings and emotions into words, then put my words into action.

  • Mind – Your mind will always believe everything you tell it. Feed it faith. Feed it truth. Feed it with love.
  • Body – Your body is healthy and beautiful.
  • Spirit – Everything you need is within you.

Journal writing is a form of personal expression. Journal writing can be whatever you want it to be. Now, take a moment and write down the questions below in your journal. Then, spend some time answering each question.

  • What are your strengths and weaknesses?
  • What is your proudest accomplishment?
  • What is your biggest failure?
  • What is overwhelming in your life right now?
  • How can you reduce this overwhelming feeling?

This journal writing exercise will help you navigate life and the various hardships you may experience along your journey.

WHAT IS A HARDSHIP?

If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today. – Thich Nhat Hanh

There are so many people still hurting right now and struggling to find a way to put their lives back together after being isolated for so long during the pandemic. Have you ever wondered how some people survived life changing hardships during this time?

Hardship (noun) can be defined as a severe suffering or privation; adversity or something difficult or unpleasant that you must endure or overcome.

The most common examples of hardship include:

  • Illness or injury
  • Change of employment status
  • Loss of income
  • Natural disasters
  • Divorce
  • Death
  • Military deployment

Believe it or not, hardships are a constant reminder that we are human. Whether big or small, we all go through hardships in one form or another in life.

HOW TO SURVIVE LIFE CHANGING HARDSHIPS

Everyone has hardship in their life. Everyone has pain. – Gayle Forman

Let’s face it, life is full of ups and downs. Even though each person must experience their own set of hardships in life, it’s important to know how to navigate through the process so you will survive life changing hardships.

  • Make A Plan – While you don’t have a crystal ball that’s going to tell you when hardships may occur in your life, you can look at patterns in your life to see what challenges you may be experiencing at the time. Then, make a plan for you to follow if a hardship may occur in the future.
  • Know You’re Not Alone – Believe it or not, there’s someone in this world who has gone through the same thing you’re experiencing right now. You’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to share your burdens with family or friends who are willing to assist you during your darkest hour.
  • Ask For Help – There’s no need to feel ashamed or to go through hardships alone, ask for help. Whether you ask a family member, friend or stranger, there should be people in your life that want to see you overcome this hardship and succeed.
  • Express Your Feelings – Don’t trap your feelings inside, but instead express your feelings either verbally or in writing. Talk to a friend, therapist or write in your journal.
  • Endure Your Hardships – Unfortunately, there is no escaping hardships in life. However, it’s important to know that you must endure your hardships rather than looking for an easy way out.
  • Be A Risk Taker – Don’t be afraid of failure. In order to accomplish great things in life, you must be willing to take risks.
  • Positive Mindset – What you think becomes your reality. Train your mind to think positive and uplifting thoughts. For example, recite positive affirmations, read an inspirational book or listen to inspirational podcasts.
  • Look For Learning and Growth Opportunities – When you’re stuck in the trenches of life, it’s hard to find a positive outlook. However, push yourself to find learning and growth opportunities as you endure the painful hardships.
  • Don’t Give Up – Whatever you do in life, don’t give up. Make goals for yourself and make a plan to reach those goals. When hardships occur in life, be ready, take time to analyze the situation, put your pride aside and ask for help if you need it.

Learning how to deal with hardships takes time, persistence, a positive attitude, and a willingness to change.

LIFE CHANGING AFFIRMATIONS

At the end of hardship comes happiness. – Charlie Gilkey

Affirmations are a great way to kick-start your day or to end your day in reflection. The purpose of positive affirmations is to affirm to ourselves that things are good even if we don’t necessarily feel that way at the time. Life changing affirmations can be used as a guide to help you receive healing and immediate change in life. Remember, consistency is key. Also, it’s important to find affirmations that resonate with you and align with your beliefs. Take a moment each day and recite the following life changing affirmations:

  • Today is filled with possibility.
  • I am limitless, my soul is eternal, and my potential is infinite.
  • I have the power to create the life I desire.
  • I am worthy of love, happiness, and fulfillment.
  • I create happiness by appreciating the little things in life.
  • I am strong enough to overcome life challenges.
  • My life is filled with purpose.
  • I can become anything I put my mind to.
  • I am confident about my future.
  • I see failure as an opportunity to learn.
  • I am fearless and my doubts are replaced by faith.
  • I don’t live for things. I live for a spiritual purpose.
  • I am superior to negativity and I rise above my struggles.
  • I have a healthy body, tranquil mind, and a vibrant soul.

Designate a time in the morning and at night when you can recite affirmations aloud. By saying them aloud, you hear the powerful words, and it can help you internalize them as true. The key to seeing a positive change in life is to say the affirmations with conviction and make it personal.

WAYS TO RESTORE YOURSELF

When something is renewed, restored, or resurrected, it’s never the same as it was before. God has something better! – Jana Carlson

After you have embraced the concept of how to survive life changing hardships, it’s important to realize that you have the power to cultivate positive energy within your own body as well. Yes, even when you are exhausted, burned out, and feel like you’ve got nothing left to give, your body can guide you to a more peaceful place of greater vitality, inner strength, and well-being.

Here’s some helpful ways to restore yourself at any given time in life:

  • Rest when your body says rest. When you listen to your body and give yourself the rest you need, you’ll rebuild your energy over the long-term.
  • Practice self-awareness and cultivate stillness within you. Allow yourself to feel the stillness around you, letting it soak into your body.
  • Practice whole-body breathing. Feel your breath inside your body and notice how far it reaches within you.
  • Nourish your body wholeheartedly. Be conscious and heartfelt in how you nourish your body by choosing healthy foods that feel inherently good for you.
  • Develop a self-care routine that may include practicing restorative movement, light walking, stretching, and yoga. This will help regain energy in your body.
  • Have compassion for yourself and treat yourself kindly. Be kind in your thoughts and feelings towards yourself. Do this in Christ’s strength, not your own.
  • Nurture what inspires you, the simple pleasures of life through your thoughts, energy and actions.
  • Don’t neglect your own needs. Learn to guard your time like the precious gift that it is.

Remember, to be totally restored takes time as well as our precious minds focused on God and His greatness. We can survive life changing hardships if we keep our faith in God. Then, and only then will God renew us with hope and joy leaving us with much needed anticipation for eternity.

TIME FOR REFLECTION – JOURNAL PROMPTS

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

  • What motivates you the most?
  • What have you purposefully skipped out on, even if you wanted it?
  • What’s the first thing you turn to when you feel overwhelmed?
  • What changes do you want to see in your life in five years?
  • What do you wish to gain or experience coming out of a current change you’re going through?
  • What are three goals (big or small) you want to accomplish from this change?
  • What flaws and mistakes can you forgive yourself for?
  • How can you make sure to fill your cup before giving yourself to others?
  • What’s a limiting perspective or mindset that you’ve lived with your entire life? How do you plan to work through it?
  • What gets you out of bed in the morning? Are you pursuing that daily?
  • What things are you willing to let go of so you can live your best 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).

Copyright © 2022 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Journaling Through Grief and Isolation

Journaling Through Grief and Isolation

LaPorter10 Replies
Renew Inspiration, Journaling, Grief, Isolation
Renew Inspiration

Journal writing, when it becomes a ritual for transformation, is not only life-changing but life-expanding. – Jen Williamson

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

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Despite the unrest, hatred, loneliness, and fear that is often times experienced during grief and isolation, it’s important to find healthy ways to cope with our thoughts and feelings. Today, I want to share how journaling through grief and isolation can help you take back your life during this difficult time.

DEFINITIONS – JOURNALING / GRIEF / ISOLATION

A journal is your completely unaltered voice. – Lucy Dacus

Before we get started with our discussion, let’s go over a few definitions to help us better understand journaling, grief, and isolation.

  • Journaling (verb) – Keeping a written record of our thoughts and feelings that helps to create a meaningful connection with ourselves.
  • Grief (noun) – Deep sorrow, especially that caused by someone’s death.
  • Isolation (noun) – The process of being separated; loneliness.

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING THROUGH GRIEF AND ISOLATION

You will never change your life, until you change something you do daily. – Unknown Author

Journaling is my safe place, my time to just write how I feel and scream on paper and no one will ever know. A journal provides a safe environment to experiment with your writing style and technique. When you write in a journal it becomes your personal journey of creative and heart felt thoughts.

Here’s some benefits of journaling through grief and isolation:

  • Reduce stress and anxiety – Expressive writing has been shown to lower stress and anxiety levels during any situation.
  • Improve your memory – Regular journal writing can improve your short-term memory.
  • Stay organized – Keeping a journal such as a weight loss diary or grief journal lets you maintain an organized record of your progress.
  • Strengthen your self-discipline – Journaling helps you to keep a regular writing schedule until it becomes a habit.
  • Prioritize problems and fears – Journaling helps you to see your triggers more clearly so you can prioritize and solve your problems and fears.
  • Allow yourself to self-reflect – Don’t over think your written entries, just write honestly and make time for self-reflection.
  • Clarify your thoughts and feelings – Jot down your thoughts and feelings with no editing and you will get in touch with your internal being.
  • Be creative – Add photos and positive quotes to enhance your written entries.

As you can see, keeping a journal allows you to track patterns, trends, improvement, and growth over time.  Make sure to reflect on these thoughts often throughout your journey.

***Grab your FREE Benefits of Journaling Through Grief and Isolation Checklist today***

WAYS TO RESTORE YOURSELF

God restores everything. When I submit the broken pieces of my life to Him. He restores me to a beauty far more than what I prayed for. – Unknown Author

As I sit here today thinking about how great God is in our lives, I cannot help but wonder why we will not just be still, get out of God’s way and allow Him to restore our lives. Often times, we read God’s Word, pray, and meditate but forget to let God order our daily steps and thoughts. We have to remember that we cannot restore ourselves as we go through the grief and isolation period, but we must be restored by God, our Maker and Creator. What better way to be totally restored than to spend quality time journaling through grief and isolation?

  • Rest when your body says rest. When you listen to your body and give yourself the rest you need, you’ll rebuild your energy over the long-term.
  • Cultivate stillness within you. Allow yourself to feel the stillness around you, letting it soak into your body.
  • Practice whole-body breathing. Feel your breath inside your body and notice how far it reaches within you.
  • Nourish your body wholeheartedly. Be conscious and heartfelt in how you nourish your body by choosing healthy foods that feel inherently good for you.
  • Explore gentle and restorative movement. Light walking, stretching, yoga can help you regain energy in your body and life.
  • Have compassion for yourself. Be gentle with yourself when you’re exhausted and treat yourself kindly. Be kind in your thoughts and feelings towards yourself.

Finally, whether you’re just starting to journal through grief and isolation or you’ve been doing this process for some time now, it’s important to realize that you have the power to cultivate positive energy within your body in any given moment. Yes, even when you are exhausted, burned out, experiencing grief, going through isolation, and feel like you’ve got nothing left to give, your body can guide you to a peaceful place of greater vitality, and inner strength.  Remember, it’s important not to forget where God has taken us from but knowing that God still has plans for our lives. To be totally restored takes time as well as our precious minds focused on God and His greatness. Then, and only then will God renew us with hope and joy leaving us with much needed anticipation for eternity.

SELF-REFLECTION & JOURNAL PROMPTS

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure. – Oprah Winfrey

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. Upon entering the journaling process, you will find that you are able to reflect freely without judgement. Now, close your eyes and clear your mind. Grab your pen/pencil. Open your journal or notebook. Then, use these helpful journal prompts to help you enjoy your autumn activities:

  • Do you plan to start journaling through grief and isolation?
  • What is grief trying to tell you?
  • How can you begin to make space for grief instead of avoiding it?
  • What are some of your saddest moments when you feel stuck in isolation?
  • How has God restored your soul?
  • What wisdom have you learned from grief?
  • What are the most important life lessons you have learned?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS & COMMENTS

Let’s take a moment to share with one another. God is fixing the broken pieces of your life. Get ready for restoration. God is preparing you for everything you prayed for. Do you enjoy journaling through grief and isolation? How do you spend time restoring yourself? Please share your responses in the comment below so we can learn and grow together. I am excited to hear from you. Until next time, stay encouraged, stay healthy, and stay safe!

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).

Copyright © 2021 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Restore Yourself

Restore Yourself

LaPorter7 Replies
Renew Inspiration, Restore Yourself, Refresh Your Mind, Renew Your Spirit, Ways to Restore Yourself, Journal Prompts
Renew Inspiration

Come to the water. Live in the moment, and be. Refresh your mind. Rest your body. Renew your spirit. Regain a gentle heart and peaceful soul. Reclaim yourself. Restore in the power that is greater than you. – Bonnie L. Mohr

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! As I sit here thinking about how great God is in our lives, I cannot help but wonder why we will not just be still, get out of God’s way and allow Him to restore our souls. Now, let’s think about that for a moment. We read God’s Word, pray, meditate, and attend church services week after week, right? So, why do we forget to let God order our daily steps and thoughts? We have to remember that we cannot restore ourselves, but we must be restored by God.

You must include these three spiritual principles in your life to help restore your soul:

  • Rest – Enjoy a time of relaxation in God’s presence. Read God’s Word, pray and meditate.
  • Reflection – As we look back over our lives, we should feel protected, safe and secure under the leadership of God.
  • Replenishment – Now that we are living a renewed life for God, we cannot help but anticipate being with God forever in the future.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Restore Yourself: The Antidote for Professional Exhaustion by Edy Greenblatt, Ph. D.

WAYS TO RESTORE YOURSELF

When something is renewed, restored, or resurrected, it’s never the same as it was before. God has something better! – Jana Carlson

After you have embraced the three principles noted above, it’s important to realize that you have the power to cultivate positive energy within your own body as well. Yes, even when you are exhausted, burned out, and feel like you’ve got nothing left to give, your body can guide you to a more peaceful place of greater vitality, inner strength, and well-being.

Here’s some helpful ways to restore yourself at any given time in life:

  • Rest when your body says rest. When you listen to your body and give yourself the rest you need, you’ll rebuild your energy over the long-term.
  • Practice self-awareness and cultivate stillness within you. Allow yourself to feel the stillness around you, letting it soak into your body.
  • Practice whole-body breathing. Feel your breath inside your body and notice how far it reaches within you.
  • Nourish your body wholeheartedly. Be conscious and heartfelt in how you nourish your body by choosing healthy foods that feel inherently good for you.
  • Develop a self-care routine that may include practicing restorative movement, light walking, stretching, and yoga. This will help regain energy in your body.
  • Have compassion for yourself and treat yourself kindly. Be kind in your thoughts and feelings towards yourself. Do this in Christ’s strength, not your own.
  • Nurture what inspires you, the simple pleasures of life through your thoughts, energy and actions.
  • Don’t neglect your own needs. Learn to guard your time like the precious gift that it is.

Remember, to be totally restored takes time as well as our precious minds focused on God and His greatness. Then, and only then will God renew us with hope and joy leaving us with much needed anticipation for eternity.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – The Christian Meditation Journal by Rhonda Jones

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!

    • How has God restored your soul?
    • Every day is a new opportunity to learn something new, whether you planned to or not. What was today’s lesson for you?
    • What made you smile today? Make a list of all the things that brought you happiness.
    • Every day is an opportunity to become better than you were yesterday. Set at least 3 short-term goals for yourself. On your mark, get set, write.
    • What are some of your proudest moments, and why?
    • Life is all about balance. Some days you’ll be happy and others, not so much. Write down a brief description of one of the saddest moments you’ve ever experienced. How did you cope with your sadness?

WordPress.com

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).

Copyright © 2021 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved

Journaling Through Isolation

Journaling Through Isolation

LaPorter1 Reply
Renew Inspiration, Journaling, Isolation, Journal Prompts
pexels

Isolation is the one sure way to human happiness. – Glenn Gould

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

Welcome back to Renew Inspiration! Despite the unrest, hatred, loneliness, and fear that is often times experienced during difficult times, it is important for me to continue writing positive and uplifting messages to inspire you. As I sit here today thinking about how great God is in our lives, I cannot help but wonder why we will not just be still, get out of God’s way and allow Him to restore our souls. We read God’s Word, pray, meditate, and attend church services week after week but why do we forget to let God order our daily steps and thoughts? We have to remember that we cannot restore ourselves, but we must be restored by God, our Maker and Creator. What better way to be totally restored than to spend quality time journaling through isolation?

BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

You will never change your life, until you change something you do daily. – Unknown Author

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.

Here’s some benefits of journaling through isolation:

• 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.

• Strengthen your self-discipline – Journaling helps you to keep a regular writing schedule until it becomes a habit.

• Allow yourself to self-reflect – Don’t over think your written entries, just write honestly and make time for self-reflection.

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

• Clarify your thoughts and feelings – Jot down your thoughts and feelings with no editing and you will get in touch with your internal being.

As you can see, keeping a journal allows you to track patterns, trends, improvement, and growth over time. Make sure to reflect on these thoughts often throughout your journey.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

WAYS TO RESTORE YOURSELF

God restores everything. When I submit the broken pieces of my life to Him. He restores me to a beauty far more than what I prayed for. – Unknown Author

During this journey we call life, it’s important to realize that you have the power to cultivate positive energy within your body in any given moment. Yes, even when you are exhausted, burned out and feel like you’ve got nothing left to give, your body can guide you to a peaceful place of greater vitality, inner strength and well-being.

• Rest when your body says rest. When you listen to your body and give yourself the rest you need, you’ll rebuild your energy over the long-term.

• Cultivate stillness within you. Allow yourself to feel the stillness around you, letting it soak into your body.

• Practice whole-body breathing. Feel your breath inside your body and notice how far it reaches within you.

• Nourish your body wholeheartedly. Be conscious and heartfelt in how you nourish your body by choosing healthy foods that feel inherently good for you.

• Explore gentle and restorative movement. Light walking, stretching, yoga can help you regain energy in your body and life.

• Have compassion for yourself. Be gentle with yourself when you’re exhausted and treat yourself kindly. Be kind in your thoughts and feelings towards yourself.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

JOURNAL PROMPTS

The world has slowed so you can rediscover yourself. – 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!

• Do you plan to start journaling through isolation?

• How has God restored your soul?

• Every day is a new opportunity to learn something new, whether you planned to or not. What was today’s lesson for you?

• What made you smile today? Make a list of all the things that brought you happiness.

• Every day is an opportunity to become better than you were yesterday. Set at least 3 short-term goals for yourself. On your mark, get set, write.

• What are some of your saddest moments when you feel stuck in isolation?

Remember, it’s important not to forget where God has taken us from but knowing that God still has plans for our lives. To be totally restored takes time as well as our precious minds focused on God and His greatness. Then, and only then will God renew us with hope and joy leaving us with much needed anticipation for eternity.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Your elevation may require your isolation. – Unknown Author

Let’s take a moment to share with one another. God is fixing the broken pieces of your life. Get ready for restoration. God is preparing you for everything you prayed for. How do you spend time restoring yourself? Do you enjoy journaling through isolation?

Please share your responses in the comment below so we can learn and grow together. I am excited to hear from you. Until next time, stay encouraged, stay healthy, and stay safe!

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).

Copyright © 2020 – Renew Inspiration – All Rights Reserved