It is common to want to have a sense of belonging. When women belong, we are established as part of the group. That sense of belonging is a normal human need, just as food and shelter. If you feel like you belong, you feel your life has value. And you cope with your emotions better.

Sometimes, we lose our sense of belonging, though. This can be for a myriad of reasons. Traumatic events could influence a person’s self-compassion and self-esteem. Trauma can leave survivors out of sync with the world. They feel lonely, overwhelmed, in turmoil, and have emotional pain that creates a different sense of anxiety.

Humans are social beings. The quality of our relationships is affected by our emotional, mental, and physical health. Researcher and author Brené Brown says, “A deep sense of love and belonging is a fundamental requirement of all men, women, and children. Biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually we are wired to love, to be loved, and to belong.”

Regaining a Sense ...

Can you stand on your own two feet? Are you the independent type, or do you rely on others for your answers, care, and decisions? If you are looking to improve your independence, you are in luck! It is never too late to increase your independence, and doing so will significantly increase your freedom to enjoy your life with no limits!

Indeed, we are often the person who holds us back the most. And if you think that is true - what areas are you holding yourself back from achieving more success? Is it your health, finances, business, or relationships? It is probably more than one of these. So here are four areas of your life where you can create more independence and begin thinking for yourself:

1.  Health

I think everyone can agree that you cannot make gains in any other areas of your life without your health. To be independently healthy, you need to exercise good habits in your life, such as eating quality foods, getting the proper nutrition, and staying active. These are all...

 My opinions are valuable, valid, and relevant because I have a lifetime of experiences.

My opinions are just as important as everyone else’s. I have intelligent thoughts to share with the world. My thoughts and beliefs are insightful and meaningful. Others are grateful for my perspective and advice. I want to support others by letting them know what I think.

I am confident that my words possess the power to change lives.

My friends often seek my advice. I openly share my opinion on the situation we are discussing. My family members love to listen to my opinions. The things I say are important and interesting to them.

I feel comfortable voicing my opinion on any topic in all situations. I know my viewpoint is well-received and respected. Others enjoy listening to me talk and place a high value on the things I say. I enjoy speaking up and take every opportunity to share my thoughts.

When I feel like my opinion is unimportant, I remind myself of all the times I have h...

Age has little to do with the enthusiasm of my heart. I keep my heart lively by focusing on the significant issues in life. My heart remains young.

I take time to enjoy fun activities because doing so keeps my heart laughing. Appreciating the humor in life prevents me from being bogged down by its stresses. I can see what is important in my existence.

I choose friends based on their similarities of the heart. I avoid using age to determine someone's compatibility with me. Individuals who relish life hold a forever place in mine.

The timeless state of nature helps me to value every day on Earth. It helps me realize that being present at each moment maintains my heart. I focus on how nature restores itself and brings forth youth in an endless cycle. When something gets me down, I quickly get rid of it and concentrate on innovation.

Negativity has little place in my life. I maintain a healthy mind and soul by practicing positive living. I lean into God for strength. This a...

Recognizing your success boosts self-esteem. But it also helps you realize more about yourself and your strengths. Every woman excels in at least one area (often more than one). Acknowledging even small successes can help you realize where your best skills lie and do activities that empower you to take advantage of these skills.

When you do something well, you sense accomplishment, confidence, and pride surge in you because you could achieve something that helped yourself or others. In many cases, you were the best individual for the task and were more skilled to achieve it than others. So, people look to you to complete the job and accomplish the feat so quickly and easily. 

During the times you are having difficulty or are struggling with challenges, it is essential to look back to your successes and realize that you can do great things and succeed at what you are currently doing. Now and again, life throws us a curveball. This makes us uncomfortable and causes us to struggle...

I find pleasure in simple things and simple life. Having a simple life has many advantages. Simplicity ensures that I can thoroughly enjoy my life.

I acquire and keep only the things that mean the most to me. Having too many possessions and commitments requires too much of my time, money, and energy. Yet, the value that they add to my life is little.

I focus on the most important people, things, and activities in my life. This lifestyle is most enjoyable to me.

It is easier to have a complete life when life is simple. Complex life has missing elements. The complexity always ensures that something is missing.

A simple life has the necessary room to make additions. Valuing a simple life means it is also easy to subtract things. Subtraction is more than easy because it is enjoyable. I am excited when I find a way to make my life even more simple.

A simple life has financial advantages, too. I only spend my money on those things that are necessities or add the most mea...

Focus: The importance of mindset transformation through the renewing of the mind to combat negativity.

Renewing Your Mind for a Positive Outlook

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2)

In today's fast-paced society, personal development is often associated with career advancement, goal-setting, and self-improvement. However, true growth stems from a deeper place—a growth mindset rooted in Christ. When we allow God to direct our personal development, we experience transformation that goes beyond worldly achievements. With God’s truth as our foundation, we are empowered to face challenges, embrace change, and trust that every obstacle serves a higher purpose in our journey.

Zig Ziglar said, "Positive thinking will let you do everything better than negative thinking will."

A Biblical Foundation for Growth

True personal devel...

I celebrate life through dancing. As I dance, I release stress and let go of worries. I can move around, jump, shout and enjoy myself. I feel set free when I step on the dance floor.

I enjoy the effects of lifting my hands, moving to the beat, and throwing my head back. I release myself from fear of what people might say and let myself have a good time.

Dancing is enjoyable because it is an avenue for me to express a different side to my personality. If I hit the dance floor, I am looking to have a good time with my best girlfriends.

As I put my hands in the air, I allow worries to roll off my body. With every step I take, I overcome fears and negativity. Dancing offers me confidence and energy like nothing else.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 KJV

1 To everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

2  A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to bre...

My efforts determine my happiness. Happiness is an achievement that is within my control. However, sometimes I need to work for it.

It takes discipline to be content. I trade fleeting pleasure for long-term satisfaction. Saving money for retirement gives me more peace of mind than splurging on fancy clothing and electronics. Going to the gym after work keeps me healthier than sitting around watching TV.

Perseverance is important. I plan for obstacles and find alternative ways to reach my goals.

I direct my efforts towards cultivating gratitude and finding happiness. I appreciate the love of my family and friends. I give thanks for my health. I practice forgiveness and let go of grudges that weigh me down. I engage in positive thinking and transform hardships into challenges.

I manage stress. Taking a walk clears my mind. Deep breathing dispels tension. Rest and meditating on God’s word restore me.

My dedication to my relationships contributes to my happiness. Enhanc...

Life can be both simple and fulfilling. The desire to make life more complex than needed is a source of discontent. The greatest things in life are simple and meaningful at the same time. Joy and pleasure are present in my life today.

Contentment with simple things is a sign that my ego is under control. I limit my desires to things that matter to me most.

Making simple things more complicated is a habit I avoid. I use my creativity to make the complex easier. When I do, I free my mind from concern, stress, and worry. Joy and pleasure are the results. I see the link between joy and simplicity all around.

I appreciate being alive. I enjoy being free.

Children have a wonderful and simple view of the world. I strive to adopt that same simple perspective.

An act as simple as smiling can transform someone's day. I look for simple actions that make a difference in my and others' lives. There is power in the simplest moments.

I seek simplicity. I recognize that the sim...