[Note: This post was originally posted on my Reward Your Success site with an additional paragraph.]

The sun beats down on you with unrelenting ferocity. Sweat trickles across your heated skin like little hot spiders. You wipe your forehead with the back of your hand, but it only transfers the salty condensation from one place to another.

Someone hands you a tumbler of ice water.

The rivulets trickling down the sides of the glass are little icy angels singing of shade and cool breezes. You pour the cold liquid down your throat, and all the cells in your body rejoice. Within moments you feel you could do anything, accomplish anything!

THAT is renewal.

Not Only But Also

I’ve written about reinvention a lot lately, but this past weekend I realized that’s not the only opportunity for change we face. A dear friend helped me understand that we need time to renew as well. In fact, we’re much more likely to need renewal more often than reinvention. Even if we’ve reinvented ourselves, we face obstacles and challenges on our brave journey. Renewal gives us a chance to reflect, adjust and rededicate ourselves to our goals.

Variety is the Spice of Renewal

Renewal can take many forms, depending on how harrying your journey has been lately. At its most basic, renewal is the pause that refreshes. Take stock in how you’re feeling–mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually. Record your thoughts in your journal, and while you’re writing, review your current goals. Remind yourself of how far you’ve come. Do something just for you. Take it easy for a little bit. Stretch–your mind or your body. Pray for strength. Contact a friend. Smile at someone. Share your moment with others so they’ll benefit from the renewal as well.