LaPorter

Ways To Improve Self-Love

LaPorterFebruary 14, 20213 Replies

Self-love is not selfish; you cannot truly love another until you know how to love 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 Valentine’s Day to all of you who celebrate this beautiful day of love. Let’s take this opportunity to discuss a concept called self-love. When I think of self-love, I think of:

You accepting yourself fully with no exceptions.
You treating yourself with kindness and respect.
You nurturing your growth and well-being.

Without self-love, you may:

Be highly critical of yourself and others.
Fall into the “people pleasing” spectrum.
Tolerate abuse or mistreatment from others.
Neglect your own needs and feelings.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Self-Love Workbook

DEFINE SELF-LOVE

You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously. – Unknown Author

Self-love like anything else can be defined in different ways by different people. Before we move on, let’s take a moment to define self-love:

Self-Love can be defined as love of self; an appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue; regard for one’s own well-being and happiness.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Self-Love Workbook for Women

WAYS TO IMPROVE SELF-LOVE

The real difficulty is to overcome how you think about yourself. – Maya Angelou

Next, it is important to note that self-love not only speaks about how you treat yourself, but it also involves your thoughts and feelings as well. When you show self-love to yourself, you portray an overall positive view of yourself.

Here’s some great ways to improve self-love:

Write down and recite affirmations. When you change your internal narrative, you change the way you view yourself. For example, if you are looking for evidence that you are worthy of love, you will truly find love.
Forgive yourself when you make mistakes. Remember, you are human and sometimes you will make mistakes. Acknowledge the mistakes, then forgive yourself and move on.
Prioritize your health and well-being. Be intentional about what you put into your body and always plan for daily exercise.
Find ways to meet your own needs and hold yourself accountable. Always put yourself first and do things that make you happy. If you fall short, hold yourself accountable and make necessary adjustments. Then, move forward.
Accept your imperfections and find your happy place. Take a moment to embrace the here and now. Then, think of a place that makes it simple to just be happy.
Challenge yourself often. Take time to challenge yourself. Set realistic goals and pursue them daily.
Cultivate gratitude in your life. Gratitude helps lead you to happiness. Take time daily to write down what you’re grateful for. Visit this list often to reflect on the goodness of life and all that it brings.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3 – You Are A Badass Book

SELF-LOVE AFFIRMATIONS

Love yourself and the rest will follow. – Unknown Author

Finally, being kind to yourself helps you bounce back faster, live healthier, and stay on track.

Here’s some uplifting self-love affirmations to practice daily:

I am beautifully made.
I accept myself as I am.
I am worthy to be loved
I am confident and empowered.
I am worthy of everything good in life.
I deserve to be happy.
I am fearless and brave.
I am proud of my accomplishments.
I accept who I am and I love myself.
I am filled with kindness and gratitude.

Finally, I hope you have learned some different ways to help improve self-love in your life. Remember, self-love is the foundation of who you are which would allow you to be assertive, set boundaries, practice self-care, and create healthy relationships with others.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process sis the bravest thing that we’ll ever do. – Brene Brown

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 do you practice self-love in your life?
What makes you happiest in life?
What does your dream life look like?
What do you need to forgive yourself for?
What are you proud of yourself for today?
What qualities do you think others admire about you?
What have you done lately that you didn’t get to brag about?
What is your self-care routine?
How much do you truly love yourself?
What have you learned from this journaling experience?
Write out your ideal vision of your “dream life”.
Write out 10 self-love affirmations.
Write out a perfect morning or evening self-care routine.
Write yourself a love letter.
Write out 15 compliments you can give yourself.

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

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).

Leap of Faith

LaPorterFebruary 2, 20211 Reply

God is still writing your story. Don’t let go of your faith because of what you have to see. – 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! Let’s Welcome in February by taking a leap of faith. Despite what you have experienced so far this year, be thankful that you are here today to speak about it and read my inspirational blog. It’s important to pour positivity into our lives so we can be better prepared to overcome obstacles. I think of this process as taking a leap of faith, removing fear as a temporary setback, and adding courage to step out of our comfort zone.

DEFINITIONS – FAITH, FEAR & COURAGE

I choose faith over anxiety hope over worry love over fear. – Unknown Author

Faith can be defined as:

Complete trust or confidence in someone or something; Strong belief in God or in the doctrines of a religion, based on spiritual apprehension rather than proof.

Fear can be defined as:

An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

Courage can be defined as:

As the ability to do something that frightens one and the strength to withstand in the face of danger, fear, difficulty, pain or grief.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Faith Prayer Journal

STEPS IN THE FAITH PROCESS

Faith isn’t a feeling. It’s a choice to trust God even when the road ahead seems uncertain. – Dave Willis

To begin with, I believe we all have some level of faith within us. Often times in life, we are scared to take the leap of faith which holds us back from fulfilling our potential and becoming the best version of ourselves. Starting today, believe in your heart and mind that you will receive whatever it is that you are praying for throughout your journey. No mountain is too big for our God. I always think of a mountain as any obstacle, problem, or situation that occurs within our life time. Now, let’s talk about the steps in the faith process.

STEP 1 – Take a Step Back

Throughout our journey, it would be nice if we could backtrack and start over from time to time without harming anyone along the way. But how did we get to the point where we want to press the reset button? For some of us, we try to learn from our mistakes which causes us to wonder why we made them in the first place. Retracing our steps helps us remember who we are and where we come from throughout the faith process. This means spending time reading God’s Word, meditating and praying often. Then, looking at our current situation to see where we may have taken the wrong turn.

STEP 2 – Apologize

Then, it is time to apologize for our mistakes if you have hurt someone along the way. For some people apologizing and asking for forgiveness is too hard to handle alone. In most cases, our pride stands in the way of apologizing to make someone else feel better. It is important to retrace our steps and learn how we should be honest to not just ourselves, but also to others. We should all strive to learn and grow from our mistakes. This learning and growing experience is not meant to be easy, but it is a necessary step in this learning and faith process.

STEP 3 – Make Amends

Then, it is time to make amends with those who we have done wrong. In some cases, amends can be straight forward and in other cases it can be quite messy. But nevertheless, be true and honest to yourself. Put everything you have into this faith process to amend your relationships and receive forgiveness from the person(s) in question.

STEP 4 – Move On

Then, the final step in this faith process is the time to prepare yourself to move on. Remember, it is good to ponder on your mistakes, but don’t let them shame you or make you think you are alone throughout the faith process. No matter how big our mistakes seem in life, God’s love and grace can help us through those darkest days. We shall be well and rise again. Just let go, release, and move on.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Audiobook I Will Not Fear

HOW TO OVERCOME FEAR

Fear has a large shadow, but he himself is small. – Ruth Gendler

Despite having faith in your life, it is important to discuss how fear can also creep in. Fear is a normal reaction that warns our bodies to be careful. Everyone experiences some level of fear in their life from time to time. However, coping with everyday fears can be frightening for most people. Keep in mind, it is impossible to think clearly when you’re feeling overwhelmed or fearful. You must be ready to face your fears head on so you can dictate how your story will end. Remember, you are the root cause of your fears, and most importantly, you can be the solution to them as well.

Here’s some ways to help you overcome fear:

Name your fear and face it. Believe it or not, fear is not always obvious.
Arm yourself by replacing fear with God’s presence.
Imagine your success, not your failures.
Act out your new story and visualize your happy place.
Don’t try to be perfect. Take time out to rest and reset.
Practice mindfulness and focus on your breathing techniques.
Identify your fears by writing in your journal.

What makes you afraid? Questions help trigger your fears and bring them to the surface. Remember, fear will consume you if you allow it. Dig deep inside to gain encouragement and strength to move passed your fear so you can proceed with taking the leap of faith that you desire.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3 – Color Me Fearless

WAYS TO HELP BOOST COURAGE

Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision. – Winston S. Churchill

Next, many situations occur in life that call upon us to do something we find scary, upsetting, uncomfortable, anxiety provoking, or distressing. We have to learn how to move out of our comfort zone throughout this journey called life, so we can develop, grow, and expand both our mental and physical capacity. Are you up for the challenge? I sure hope you are.

Here’s some ways to help boost your courage:

Don’t overthink it. Once you’ve decided to do anything in life that requires courage, don’t wait, proceed to act.
Commit yourself ahead of time. Stating intentions to your support system will make you be accountable and you will follow through with the activity.
Do the activity with a friend. Recruit a friend or family member to participate in the activity. Interacting with another person is a true way of managing fear and anxiety.
Think of how good you’ll feel afterwards. Give some serious thought to how great you’ll feel about yourself after you take this leap of faith. You will feel more confident and increase your determination.
Think of the doors that would open for you. If you struggle with courage and anxiety issues, you may need to seek help from a mental health professional or support group. Take some time to consider all the ways your life could be different if you were able to tackle your issue(s) successfully and use the motivation this process gives you to take the necessary step.

My prayer for you today is that you take the words from this blog post and hide them deep in your heart. Take time to reflect on them often throughout your journey. The moment you take that first step on your journey is the moment you start working toward your dream. You will notice the little seeds of courage starting to sprout all around you. Take a deep breath and capture the moment. Despite the fear you may feel because you are entering an unknown territory, embrace your true feelings and take a leap of faith knowing that courage is not just around you, but within you. Faith is all about believing. You don’t know how it will happen, but you know it will.

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Your faith can move mountains and your doubt can create them. -Unknown

Take a moment to think about the concept of having faith. What is the best way to increase your faith today?
List five ways you’ve become stronger and more faithful today, this week, or this month.
Why is it difficult to face your fears?
What would you do if you knew how to overcome fear?
What does it look like for you to take a step of courage today?
Write about a door you know God has closed in your life. How did you find the courage to work through this experience?
Have there been times in your life when you’ve needed to be courageous? Take a moment to write about the situation and what you did to overcome your fears.
Describe an area of your life in which you wish you were more courageous. What is it, and how would you benefit?

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).

Restore Yourself

LaPorterJanuary 18, 20217 Replies

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

- 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?

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).

Transform Your Mindset

LaPorterJanuary 11, 20211 Reply

You don’t need a new day to start over, you only need a new mindset. – Hazel Hira Ozbek

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 discussing ways to transform your mindset. After all, your life is only as good as your mindset, right? I have chosen to start over, right now in this very moment. I want to erase all my negative thoughts and feelings from my inner being. I want to replace all negativity with a new pattern of positive thoughts and feelings; a new wave of emotional balance and well-being; a new connection to my life as I know it, think it and feel it. There will be a new belief system inscribed within me. This powerful process will help you to transform your mindset, but you will also need to:

Develop a positive attitude.
Spend quality time focusing on self-reflection.
Commit to writing in your journal consistently.

POSITIVE ATTITUDE

A positive attitude will lead to positive outcomes. – Unknown Author

First, it is important for you to face each day with a positive attitude. Dig deep inside to strive for new opportunities that surround you every day. Focus on right now and not what ifs. Believe it or not, even as I type these words, it seems easier said than done.

Here’s some great ways to develop a positive attitude and help transform your mindset in 2021:

Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal
Set some attainable goals for yourself
Read and be grounded in God’s Word
Meditate and be prayerful
Read inspirational and spiritual books often
Post positive quotes where you can read them daily
Recite positive affirmations throughout your day
Practice yoga and stretch routines regularly
Seek professional help from a licensed therapist

I realize it will not be easy for some, but to move to a better place in life, we sometimes need to place ourselves in uncomfortable situations and/or conversations. Involve yourself with like-minded individuals who build you up and not tear you down.

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – Empower Your Thoughts by Scott Allan

SELF-REFLECTION

Women need real moments of solitude and self-reflection to balance out how much of ourselves we give away. – Barbara DeAngeles

Next, self-reflection can be defined as meditation or serious thought about one’s character, actions and motives. Self-reflection is a humbling process. It’s essential to find out why you think, say, and do certain things, then better yourself throughout the process. In addition, self-reflection:

Allows you to notice negative patterns in your life. Consider alternate approaches to your situation(s) and begin to move away from the stressors altogether.
Keeps you focused on the bigger picture. Identify a clear vision of where you want to see yourself in the future. Write it down and remind yourself of what you hope to accomplish.
Prevents you from worrying about things out of your control. Instead, direct your energy toward things you can absolutely improve within your life.
Helps you face your fears. Recognize and admit your fears to yourself and eventually learn how to handle them.
Allows you to clearly define happiness on your own terms. When are you most happy? Who do you most enjoy spending time with? What accomplishments are you most proud of and why? By recognizing the positive life events, you can apply your knowledge to future goals and endeavors.

Keep in mind, self-reflection is an incredible gift so please embrace it every day. Meditation can make our journey through life more peaceful if you allow it to. In the mirror we find a reflection of our appearance, but in the heart, we find a reflection of our soul.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – Soul Therapy Journal by Jacqueline Kademian

JOURNAL PROMPTS

What is happening in your mind right now? in your body? in your spirit?
What does my vision for tomorrow look like? for next month? for 2021?
What are the best choices I have made in life so far?
What is one of life’s little pleasures that I appreciate?
Has your mind spent more time today focused on the past, present or future?
How do you keep your thoughts in check throughout the day?
What are you inviting into your life with your actions or thoughts?

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. How do you plan to transform your mindset? Do you consider yourself having a positive attitude? Do you plan to implement self-reflection into your daily routine? Please 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).

2021 Blogging Milestone & Goals

LaPorterJanuary 1, 20214 Replies

Blogging, Writing, Renew Inspiration, Journal Prompts, Affiliate Programs, Social Media, Milestone — Renew Inspiration

Remember to celebrate the milestones as you prepare for the road ahead. – Nelson Mandela

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).

Today’s Thought – I will focus on progress, not perfection.

Happy New Year and welcome back to Renew Inspiration! I want to take a moment to share my 2021 Blogging Milestone & Goals with you. It has been three years since I stepped out in faith and created my Renew Inspiration blog. I stayed committed and focused throughout this time while sharing uplifting blog posts. My ultimate goal was to keep you inspired, encouraged, and motivated. I am happy to say that I’ve accomplished this goal and will continue to do so moving forward. In addition, I want to pause at this time to thank you for being supportive throughout my blogging journey!

Today I am excited to share some of the reasons why I enjoy blogging:

To inspire, encourage and motivate
To share ideas and my passion for writing
To cope with life and its many challenges
To expand networking opportunities with other bloggers/writers
To express myself and share creative writing experiences
To make money using affiliate programs

RENEW INSPIRATION BLOG DETAILS

Here’s my Renew Inspiration blog details:

Website https://renewinspiration.com
Blog Posts – 74 in 2019 vs 51 in 2020
Blog Subscribers – 323 in 2019 vs 441 in 2020
Blog Stats – 16,748 in 2019 vs 32,597 in 2020

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1

AFFILIATE PROGRAMS

In addition, I have set up affiliate links to help monetize my Renew Inspiration blog. Moving forward, you can continue supporting my blogging efforts by clicking on the links below to make purchases, then I will receive a small commission to help offset my blogging costs.

Here’s my Affiliate Programs & Links:

WordPress

Blue Host

Amazon

Pixistock Link

https://pixistock.com/stock-photo-subscription/ref/695/

Ivory Mix Link

https://ivorymix.com/product-category/memberships/?wpam_id=1185

SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS

Next, my Renew Inspiration social media accounts continues to grow because of supportive people like you. For that, I want to say thank you and I appreciate all of you.

Here’s the links to my social media accounts:

Pinterest – pinterest.com/lporter08/

Followers – 6,700 in 2019 vs 8,300 in 2020
Monthly Viewers – 210.5k in 2019 vs 338.5k in 2020

Twitter – twitter.com/renew_lporter08

Followers – 3,887 in 2019 vs 4,011 in 2020

Instagram – instagram.com/renewinspiration/

Followers – 887 in 2019 vs 1,045 in 2020

Facebook – facebook.com/renewinspirationmindbodyspirit

Likes – 474 in 2019 vs 572 in 2020
Follows – 486 in 2019 vs 599 in 2020

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

2021 RENEW INSPIRATION BLOG GOALS

Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment. – Jim Rohn

Spending time writing and blogging has taught me so much about myself. I’ve found my passion while inspiring others along this journey we call life. It’s important for me to keep learning, be flexible, ask other bloggers/writers for help, and be willing to adjust with the blogging industry standards.

Here’s my 2021 Renew Inspiration Blog Goals:

To increase my Renew Inspiration blog subscribers.
To market my Renew Inspiration blog using various social media platforms.
To support other bloggers via Twitter and in Facebook Groups.
To collaborate with other bloggers throughout the year.
To complete & publish my first Renew Inspiration book project.
To research E-book ideas/processes and create at least one this year.
To participate in various online courses to improve my writing & blogging skills.

AMAZON RESOURCE #3

JOURNAL PROMPTS

What are your short-term and long-term blogging goals?
How have you been getting in the way of achieving of your blogging goals?
How you stay organized as a blogger?
What are some of your blogging lessons and what you learned from them?
What inspires you to write, blog, and be creative?
How has blogging helped me get closer to being spiritually grounded?

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. How does writing or reading inspirational blogs help you? Please 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).

Trusting Your Vision and Goals

LaPorterDecember 26, 20205 Replies

Hold the vision. Trust the process. – 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! Hope you enjoyed your Christmas Holiday with family and friends! Today I want to focus on trusting your vision and goals as 2020 comes to an end. It’s important to set aside time to think about your future and to set realistic goals that will help you be happy as well as successful. What better time to create your 2021 vision than now?

Here’s what I plan to discuss:

Define vision and goal.
Discuss why it is important to create a vision.
List 5 kinds of realistic goals.

DEFINE VISION & GOAL

Where there is no vision, there is no hope. – George Washington Carver

Let’s start this discussion with the definition of vision and goal.

Vision can be defined as the faculty or state of being able to see or the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom.

Goal can be defined as the object of a person’s ambition or effort; an aim or desired result.

When I think of vision, words like sight, dream, imagination, creativity, future, goals and reflection all come to mind. Take a moment and create your own list. Since we are different in many ways, our lists may vary, but our vision should remain the same – to strive for success and accomplishments; to feel happy and full of worth. Would you agree?

AMAZON RESOURCE # 1 – The Goals and Vision Master Course

CREATING A VISION

A vision is the art of seeing things invisible. – Jonathan Swift

Now, that you have decided to create your 2021 vision, it is important to discuss the need for creating a vision. Why is this process so important? Well, choices we make in life create consequences, whether good or bad. Unfortunately, without clear vision or direction, we fail to acquire the quality of life results we expect.

Keep these important facts in mind when preparing your 2021 vision:

A vision begins as an idea in your imagination.
The idea turns into the intention and will to achieve that idea.
The vision is the articulation of the desired future that you strive to achieve.
A well-defined vision leads to satisfaction and a sense of meaning in life.
Partial visions lead to an imbalance life and no purpose.
Visions should come from internal needs, not on the reflections of others.
The lack of a clear vision leads to settling for whatever happens.

Remember, a shared vision empowers and impacts quality of life only if you allow it.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2 – A Woman With Vision Book

5 KINDS OF REALISTIC GOALS

Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible. – Tony Robbins

After you have created your 2021 vision, it’s time to focus on setting realistic goals for your life. Even though there are many different kinds of goals, I want to focus on the following 5 kinds of realistic goals that will help you improve your life:

Career Goals – Let’s face it, we spend a lot of time focusing on our careers after graduation because we want to be successful. Career choices should be based on:

Knowing what you’re passionate about in life.
Determining long-term career aspirations as a whole.
Creating short-term tasks to help you achieve your long-term career aspirations.

Example – I love to write and inspire others so I am pursuing a writing career.

Finance Goals – Now, that you have a successful career, it’s important to have your finances in order. Create finance goals to help you:

Become financially secure.
Reduce your risk to spend frivolously and be wasteful.
Be prepared to handle future hardships.

Example – I plan to open a savings account so I can build an emergency fund to help cover unexpected expenses that may occur.

Health Goals – Set health goals so you will live a long, enjoyable life. Take time to evaluate your diet, fitness levels, and family health history. Create goals to:

Modify your lifestyle to improve your overall health.
Encourage daily meal planning and prep.
Make time for daily exercise.
Schedule your routine doctor visits.

Example – I plan my daily exercise and write it in my planner like any other appointment.

Personal Development Goals – Throughout life, it is important to explore your personal gifts, talents and interests. Strive to improve your life and increase your personal growth by:

Taking a class to learn a new skill or hobby.
Joining a local group or club while pursuing a new hobby.
Volunteering in your community.

Example – If you love to cook or draw, sign up for a local class to improve your skillset.

Spiritual Goals – Spend time feeding your spirit so you can live in line with your personal values. You can practice:

Reading God’s Word, praying, and meditating.
Self-reflection while reading inspirational books.
Listening to positive and uplifting podcasts.

Example – I will schedule time to write in a gratitude journal every night.

Be grateful for the good that is already present in your life. If you relax your mind and allow your dreams to be your wings, then your vision will come to pass. Don’t be afraid to DREAM BIG and know that you are going to accomplish great things in life! Acknowledge any goals you have already achieved and acknowledge the presence of God in your life. So, what are you waiting for? Begin creating your 2021 vision and goals today!

AMAZON RESOURCE #3 – Bloom Daily Planners 2021

JOURNAL PROMPTS

Create the highest, grandest vision possible for your life, because you become what you believe. – Oprah Winfrey

Define vision and goal in your own words. What kinds of words come to mind? Write them down, then reflect on them.
Are you afraid of creating a vision for your life? If so, what are some of the things stopping you? Write them down and reflect on them often.
Do you honestly believe in your 2021 vision? Why or why not?
After you complete this vision process, do you plan on supporting it?
Are you afraid of readjusting your goals throughout the year?
In what other ways do you plan to make positive changes in your life?

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. How do you define vision? Are you willing to set some realistic goals? How often do you focus on your vision? What are your thoughts about vision? Please 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).

Coping with Grief During the Holidays

LaPorterDecember 19, 20203 Replies

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

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! 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

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!

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).

Life’s Journey

LaPorterDecember 11, 202010 Replies

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – 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! This morning I pause to bless this special day that is a beautiful gift from God. Today, I am celebrating my 47^th birthday. Now, what better way to celebrate my life’s journey than to write an inspirational blog post just for you.

After all, every day we wake up it should be a fresh start. If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit that this year has been really tough on all of us, but especially those who have lost loved ones due to covid-19. I am so sorry for your loss. I could not imagine what those families are going through right now, but I do know that the holidays are especially difficult when you are grieving. Unfortunately, I lost my mother on December 19, 2015 so I relive this sense of sadness and grief during the holidays just like it happened yesterday.

WAYS TO NAVIGATE LIFE’S JOURNEY

Life is an opportunity, seize the day, live each day to the fullest. Life is not a project, but a journey to be enjoyed. – Catherine Pulsifer

Today, right in this present moment, I want to take time to reflect on how to navigate life’s journey. I honestly look at where I am today, and I look at how I came to be here. I acknowledge the darkness and the light that shines within. Each day I focus on my vision of positive changes that I need to make in my life so that I may heal and grow in the most beautiful way possible.

Here’s some great ways to help you navigate life’s journey:

Every day do something that will lead you closer to God. (Read & Study God’s Word, Pray, Meditate, and Listen to Gospel Music)
Thrive on happiness, a calm mind, and good health. (Reading, Journaling, Exercising, Walking in Nature, Practice Meditation, and Listening to an Inspirational Podcast)
Have faith, be courageous, and dream big. (Keep Believing, Trusting, and Hoping)
Strive for greatness and embrace change along the way. (Be Your Own Inspiration, Be Flexible, and Open Minded)
Don’t procrastinate. Think positive and plan ahead. (Observe Everything Around You, Stay Focused, and Create a Vision for Your Life)
Love to no end, be grateful, choose joy and be kind. (Spread Love to Others, Nurture Your Grateful Heart, and Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti)
Be strong enough to let go and wise enough to wait for what you deserve. (Show Strength, Courage, and Wisdom)

Now, this will not be an easy task, but it is a necessary one for you to grow into your better self. However, I do realize this journey has no rules, no right or wrong answers. I accept my journey for what it is, and I acknowledge that only I can do my healing work. Don’t be afraid to make this process personal.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS & PEP TALK

Your mind is a garden. Your thoughts are the seeds. You can grow flowers, or you can grow weeds. – Unknown Author

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 and a pep talk I would love to share with you:

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.

PEP TALK ACTIVITY – Look in a mirror today and say these words out loud – I love myself today because I am beautiful, I am strong, I am powerful, I am fabulous, I am unique, I am blessed, I am smart. Repeat 3 times. Now, be creative and create your own personal affirmations to describe yourself. Allow this to be your pep talk in the morning, repeat it throughout the day, and you can even post them at home/at work.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

JOURNAL PROMPTS

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?

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?

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?

BLUEHOST RESOURCE

WORDPRESS RESOURCE

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. Have courage to push harder than yesterday if you want a different tomorrow. Stay positive and be the best version of you possible. How do you plan to improve life’s journey? What is your favorite positive affirmation or quote? What do you believe in? Please 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).

Self-Reflection Through Journaling

LaPorterDecember 7, 20207 Replies

Time spent in self-reflection is never wasted, it is an intimate date with yourself. – Paul TP Wong

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! This is a wonderful time of the year to re-evaluate your goals, attitude, and mindset. What better way to do this than a concept called self-reflection through journaling? Believe it or not, self-reflection through journaling can allow you to:

Make positive changes in your life.
Gain clarity inside and out.
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.

As you can see, journaling is a safe place to practice self-reflection, your time to just write how you feel, and no one will ever know.

AMAZON RESOURCE #1

WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-REFLECTION THROUGH JOURNALING

Life is only a reflection of what we allow ourselves to see. – Unknown Author

During this journey we call life, it is 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 have got nothing left to give, your body can guide you to a peaceful place of greater vitality, inner strength, and well-being.

Here’s some questions to help you with the self-reflection through journaling process:

Cultivate stillness within you and reflect on these questions:

What habits did I achieve today, this week or this month?
What could I better improve on in my life?
Where were you this time last year and what you have learned since then?

Practice prayer & meditation and reflect on these questions:

What is on your mind right now in this very moment?
What is your prayer for the day?
Are you paying attention to your breathing while you are practicing meditation?

Write in your journal and reflect on these questions:

What is the easiest way to get my thoughts and feelings out on paper?
What is an experience that changed my outlook on life?
Do I re-read my journal entries to find patterns in my habits or thoughts?

Analyze a past event and reflect on these questions:

Why do you feel the way you do about the event?
What is one thing outside my control that I need to stop worrying about?
Why do you feel guilty about the event or the outcome?

From my experience, it is important to have your guard down when making the decision to practice self-reflection through journaling. Remember, there is no wrong or right way to do this process, you just need to write! No overthinking or edits on paper, just write your honest thoughts and feelings down. Never be afraid to sit in your truth and re-arrange broken patterns. Stay patient and trust your journey.

AMAZON RESOURCE #2

JOURNAL PROMPTS

MIND

What thought patterns do I have and how do they impact my life?
What takes your mind away from positive and/or peaceful thoughts?
What is one thing I can do this week to improve my meditation time?

BODY

How can I honor my body on today?
What are some ways I can take better care of myself this week?
Does your self-care need improvement? How would you improve it?

SPIRIT

What is an area in my life where I need to trust God more?
What do I need to be free from and surrender to God?
How much are you trusting God with your life right now?

BLUEHOST RESOURCE

WORDPRESS RESOURCE

SHARING WITH ONE ANOTHER

Let’s talk. Journaling can help you overcome any problem or obstacle that you face in life. Have you already tried journaling to overcome challenges? How do you approach self-reflection through journaling? Please 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).