Inspirational Words for Every Day

Need inspirational words for every day? One of the goals at Courageous Life is to bring you inspiration on a regular basis through our website and this blog. 

We believe that people need to hear good news, encouraging words, and they need some motivational help as well in tough times.

We would like to think of our blog as preventive medicine for the soul!

Have you ever been on a search for some inspiration, but yet you struggled to find it? You certainly won't find it in the news, and you won't find it on any TV show either.

In an effort to keep up with our mission to provide you with encouragement and kindness, we would like to share with you some inspirational words today that are sure to give you a lift. Will you share these with others too?

Some Inspirational Words for All People 

Here are some strong inspirational words that we came across in our search for bringing you some of the most touching words you could share with others whether it's someone you work with, live with, or even go to school with. Check these out! 

When you feel like giving up, remember why you held on for so long in the first place. – Unknown
If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again. – Flavia Weedn
If you’re going through hell, keep going. – Winston Churchill
You must do the think you think you cannot do. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Time heals all wounds. – Common Saying
Whenever you make a mistake or get knocked down by life, don’t look back at it too long. Mistakes are life’s way of teaching you. Your capacity for occasional blunders is inseparable from your capacity to reach your goals. No one wins them all, and your failures, when they happen, are just part of your growth. Shake off your blunders. How will you know your limits without an occasional failure? Never quit. Your turn will come. – Og MandinoYou must make a decision that you are going to move on. It won’t happen automatically. You will have to rise up and say, ‘I don’t care how hard this is, I don’t care how disappointed I am, I’m not going to let this get the best of me. I’m moving on with my life.”– Joel Osteen

More Inspirational Words for Your Day!  

Here are a few more inspirational words that we absolutely love! Enjoy! 

Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending. – Carl Bard
Tragedies do happen. We can discover the reason, blame others, imagine how different our lives would be had they not occurred. But none of that is important: they did occur, and so be it. From there onward we must put aside the fear that they awoke in us and begin to rebuild. – Paulo Coelho
It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.– Aristotle Onassis
Just because something isn’t happening for you right now, it doesn’t mean it never will. – Unknown
At any given moment you have the power to say: This is not how the story is going to end. – Christine Mason Miller
What defines us is how well we rise after falling. – Unknown

We hope that you enjoyed these "inspirational words" today, and we hope that you check back soon for more of them here at www.courageouslife.com! 

Quotes About Courage that You Can Share Today!

Quotes about courage are something awesome that you can share with others when they need a quick pick me up, and if they are feeling fearful of making an important decision. 

Have you ever been in this situation? Have you ever wondered what thoughts could help you get up and running and stay up and running in a positive manner?

Could you use a bit more courage in your day? Whether you are looking for inspiration, motivation, or just a word about courage, take a look at these quotes about courage right now, and see if they resonate with you!

Quotes About Courage to Warm the Soul 

Here are a few of our favorite quotes about courage to warm the soul and take you to a place where you can have a word to recall that you can share, or just help you to get through your day.

 “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” - J.K. Rowling 
“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” -Nora Ephron 

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” - Winston Churchill

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.” - Coco Chanel

“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what." -Atticus Finch 

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” -Nora Ephron

“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what." -Atticus Finch 

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” -Lao Tzu

“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” - E.E. Cummings 

More Quotes About Courage! 

If you liked those quotes about courage, you are sure to like more that we have to share with you! Check out the following as well!

“Courage: the most important of all the virtues because without courage, you can't practice any other virtue consistently.” -Maya Angelou 
“Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement thatsomething else is more important than fear.” -Meg Cabot 
“A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for.” - William G.T. Shedd 
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear.” -Mark Twain 
“Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear - not absence of fear.” - Anais Nin

Have you enjoyed what you have read here today? Have you had the chance to check out our other blog entries as well? If you enjoyed these quotes about courage, then please comment below and share this with others on Facebook, Twitter, and Google Plus! 

Motivational Videos to Stir Your Spirit!

Have you ever watched some motivational videos that just got you so stirred up, you didn't know what to do with yourself?

You probably wanted everyone you know to watch them right? In fact, you may have posted it to your Facebook page, Twitter, or even on your own personal blog or website, right?

Chances are you were looking for more when you found this article, and now, we are going to share with you some of our very own favorite videos too.

What you will find here, is some fantastic, motivational videos in this first section, that will motivate you to live with courage in every aspect of your life.

Are you ready to be blessed, motivated, inspired, and encouraged? 

Motivational Videos that Will Move You! 

There are tons of great motivational videos out there, but the ones that really count are the ones that touch the deepest part of you. 

This is one of our fan favorites on Facebook, simply because the words are a reminder that anyone can make it, if they exhibit courage, and that they can conquer anything.

When you watch this video, don't you feel as though you could jump off the mountain in the background and fly? 

If so, don't you think that God would give you the wings to do so?

God tells us to "be strong, and of good courage" ; and if we only ask, He will always be there with us, on the scene in a moment. Isn't that wonderful of Him? 

What other videos do we have for you that we believe will take you to new levels of motivation? Check out these next few videos! 

More Motivational Videos About True Overcomers

Here is one that I know you will love, and one that will resonate with so many. Enjoy! 

How about this flashmob of cancer survivors. Pretty inspiring eh?

What about this next one?

This one is even more special and dear to our hearts here at Courageous Life, so check this out! 

Karen Long is such an inspiration to us, and those that have watched this video, are truly inspired and encouraged especially cancer patients.

Naturally, it's great when you have a huge support system, but Karen still had to decide that she was going to live the life God intended, and she still had faith. 

What about you? Do you need some encouragement?

Do you need something to help feed your spirit?

If so, then check out our YouTube channel and connect with us on Facebook HERE!

We invite you to become a part of what we are doing, and help us create more motivational videos by sharing your story! 

Words of Wisdom-Inspiration for Living

Words of wisdom are always nice to get, especially in times of trouble, or if you are in a time of need.

You have probably received some wise words from your parents, grandparents, Pastors, teachers, professors, and friends that you trust. What did you do with them? That is the important part.

It has been said that the man that is foolish doesn't receive wisdom very well. Do you agree? In our humanness, we often refuse instruction, and we keep our elders at arms length.

Why? We know that we cannot deal with the truth most of the time. How sad. It's better for us to face it head on.

When was the last time you were given some words of wisdom? What did you do with them? Let me tell you a story.

The Last Words of Widsom I Ever Got 

I recall a time when my dad had given me a wise word before I went out to the car to grab something out of the trunk. He always told me, "look before you leap, and look before you lean." I never understood that, but dad always had a reason for EVERYTHING he ever said. 

So, what did I do? I walk out to the trunk, and without looking, I lean toward the trunk to pick up the shopping bags from the grocery store. As I reached in and my leg touched the hot exhaust pipe, it took a few seconds before I went, "YOW!" 

My parents weren't too dramatic, in fact, they heard me scream on the inside of the kitchen, but they didn't come running. Why? Dad always knew the difference between life and death, and life and dumb! So, when I went into the house with those two grocery bags and tears streaming down my face, he said, what happened to your leg? 

I looked him for a second and said, "I leaned forward without looking." He sort of smiled, but his eyes were that of a loving father. Dad just stood there for a second as that half-moon shape bubbled up on my leg with a nasty blister. 

Dad said, "I guess you'll look from now on, right?" He then told me to sit down while he grabbed an ice pack. See, it isn't that dad didn't care, but because he was raised with a militant father, and he was in the military, he just always said things without really explaining himself. He always told us that it didn't  matter why he told us to do something, just to do it. Those are words of wisdom! 

Will You Receive Words of Wisdom? 

Now that question becomes, will you receive words of wisdom? Will you receive instruction? I have found that as men and women go through life refusing instruction, they end up suffering more by doing things that they could have avoided. 

It pains me to see people in this space, of where they have:

1. No love
2. No instruction
3. No one to show them they care
4. No one to listen

Sad isn't it? It's funny how we as children get mad when our parents discipline us, but when we grow up to be adults, we understand why they did what they did, and said what they said, and we then hope that we can teach our children every bit as good as they taught us. 

We long for our children to hear us, and to still love us even if we have been hard on them right? I hope that this blog post was insightful for you, and that you are willing to share this with others. If you enjoyed reading "words of wisdom:, please COMMENT below, and share on Facebook, Twitter, and anywhere else you can! 

Courage Quotes-Need Some?

Have you been looking for some courage quotes? If so, then you have come to the right place. We hope to be a source of encouragement, and we know that many folks these days lack the support system to get what they need. This is why Courageous Life exists, and it's why we do our best to reach out to those that are hurting or in need.  

Sometimes what we read can have a tremendous impact on our lives. Have you ever had a bad day and then you read something that made it all better? Have you been in the middle of something painful, and you just wanted some encouraging quotes to read? 

If you are looking for some courage quotes, we got 'em. We wanted to share some of our top quotes with you, to help you start your day looking up! 

Some of Our Favorite Courage Quotes 

Ready for some great courage quotes? 

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition." -Steve Jobs

"You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along." -Eleanor Roosevelt 

"I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear." -Nelson Mandela 

"Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage you can't practice any other virtue consistently. You can practice any virtue erratically, but nothing consistently without courage." -Maya Angelou

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." -Winston Churchill

"There are no easy answers' but there are simple answers. We must have the courage to do what we know is morally right." - Ronald Reagan

"Courage is being scared to death... and saddling up anyway." -John Wayne 

 "Don't Make Assumptions. Find the courage to ask questions and to express what you really want. Communicate with others as clearly as you can to avoid misunderstandings, sadness and drama. With just this one agreement, you can completely transform your life."- Miguel Angel Ruiz 

More Amazing Courage Quotes  

Need just a few more courage quotes? 

"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life." -Muhammed Ali

"Courage is not simply one of the virtues, but the form of every virtue at the testing point." - C.S. Lewis

 "It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power." -Alan Cohen 

"You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor." - Aristotle 

Are you in need of an uplifting word? Make sure you stop here often to learn about courage and more!  

Courage-What is it Really?

Courage. What is it anyhow? Is it the ability to walk into a house that is haunted? Is it the ability to standd up for your rights even if others tell you NO? What is courage? What does it really mean? Why do so many people need it, or at least seem to lack it?

Courage is actually feeling the fear, but doing it anyway. I can remember listening to a marketing coach say this at a conference last year, and I thought, yep, that is accurate.

Howeve, why is it that some have it and some don't? Could it be our upbringing, our religious beliefs, or even our financial blueprint? What makes us courageous or not at all?

Real Courage Always Believes

It has been said that when someone has faith, they can move a mountain. So, are faith and courage the same thing? Yes and no. In reality, faith is believing without seeing, but courage is the feeling  you get that leads you to take action.

For example, when Jesus was walking on the water, and the disciples though He was a ghost, he said to them, "Oh yea of little faith." This was because:

1. Jesus knew that in their humanness they were afraid 
2. Jesus met them where they were mentally
3. Jesus wanted to use this experience to teach them

Through this experience, he wanted his followers to know that he was NOT about fear, but about love, and a sound mind. He wanted them to have that, and to cling to that with hope, not to lose hope. Don't you see that God was about building up people and NOT letting them become downtrodden by life?

Sometimes it's hard to see God in everything, but it has been said that, we don't see God in all, we don't see God at all! God is always there even when we face fearful times, and when we face trials. So, do you think courage is a great way to define faith? What else would you call it?

Be of Good Courage 

Have you ever read the verse that asks you to be of good courage? If not, here goes:

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.- Psalm 27:14

 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD your God, he it is that does go with you; he will not fail you, nor forsake you. -Deuteronomy 31:6 

If need a pick me up, why not hang with us at Courageous Life? We are a community that is here to help you boost your self-esteem, develop character, and to learn more about courage, and facing the demons that wish to destroy your life.

We know that not everyone will have the support system, and that is why WE exist. We also give you the chance to show your courage with our t-shirts, decals, and more. If you need some courage, check us out at www.courageouslife.comd.

Motivation Letter to a Person in Need

Have you ever heard of the motivation letter? While you might think it's a letter written to someone to inspire them or motivate them to do something, it's actually a bit different.

This letter is NOT even close to helping you get motivated, but rather to help you motivation someone to look at you as their solution!

Need I say more? Could it be that you can easily motivate someone to hire you? Could it be that you easily get others to come around to your way of thinking?

What if you could easily persuade an organization to believe that you alone are the ideal candidate. This is what the motivation letter is all about.

However, what if you wrote a letter to someone in need that motivated them to change their life? What if you could write a simple letter to help someone gain a better understanding of what they could do each day for positive change?

Let's take a look at a short letter that a mother wrote to her child to do just that!

A Mother's Motivation Letter 

There is no doubt that the purpose of writing something motivational is to get someone to make a move! Sometimes I believe it was intended for part of the word motivate to be missing letters to spell MOVE!

Moms are good at this; getting people to move, or getting their children to do things that need to be done. However, as children we can often be stubborn about it, right? So, how does a mom take the concept of an application letter and use it for the betterment of her child?

It read a little something like this:

"Dear Son,

I know that while you may be feeling down about not getting that job you applied for, remember, you are MY son. In fact, not only are you MY son, but you are an amazing man. You don't know this one detail of your life, so let me share it with you to prove that you are a fighter, and that yes, you WILL make it.

When you were born, you were a bit early. In fact, you were early enough to make everyone worry, and to get the attention of the doctors and nurses in the hospital for that thing they call, "STAT".  You were very unhealthy, and the doctor told me then that you would probably not grow fast enough, eat properly, or you could have a host of problems. That is what HE said.

You had other others plans though, and you fought to stay alive, and then you fought some more. I was impressed with you then, and I am still impressed with you now. See, my dear son, at a time in your life when you just came into this world, with very little chance of survival, and all of the odds stacked against you, you still made it. I believed in you, even though you weren't aware, it's that thing they call "energy", but I also call it a "mother's love".

No matter how much I loved you then or love you now, it's still your choice. You come into your own because you DECIDE, not because someone does it for you. You did it then, and you can do it again. You could feel my belief, but you still in your own way chose to fight as an infant. Now, you can choose again.

KEEP FIGHTING. 

Mom's Motivation Letter with Love

Now do you see? Can you see how a motivation letter can be something more than a cover letter? Can you see how this letter could motivate a young college graduate to keep trying? To keep reaching? These days, we have enough tragedy and lose enough hope that it's not worth getting people to shed more tears.

Motivation is what makes the difference, and if you care about someone today that is struggling, why not write them a motivation letter of your own? Live courageously.

Short Inspirational Quotes Just for You

Short inspirational quotes are great to find, especially during a time when there is a lot of tragedy and pain in America. You can NEVER have too much inspiration, motivation, or encouragement, right?

This is why we have been focusing on providing you the most inspirational writings, uplifting stories, and life lessons.

We thought that bringing you some fantastic quotes, on just about everything would be a great idea, and that is why we wanted to bring you some great quotes to this blog, so that you wouldn't have to look very far.

Are you in need of some inspiration and encouragement? 

If you would like to read some reall great short inspirational quotes to help life your spirits, lift your emotions, and to share with others, then keep reading so that you can share some great quotes with your friends and family today and everyday!

Some Exceptional Short Inspirational Quotes 

Have you ever wondered who came up with the best short inspirational quotes? They vary from celebrities, writers, and actors, to the most profilic businessmen and women. Here are some of our absolute favorites that we truly believe are most inspirational and yet movitational at the same time.

Tom Peters
If you're not confused, you're not paying attention.

Antoine de Saint-Exupery
A goal without a plan is just a wish.

Dorothy Bernard
Courage is fear that has said its prayers.

Lewis Carroll
Everything's got a moral, if only you can find it.

Michel de Montaigne
Ambition is not a vice of little people.

Malcolm Forbes
Failure is success if we learn from it.

Henry David Thoreau
It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
A clever man commits no minor blunders.

Albert Einstein
Great ideas often receive violent opposition from mediocre minds.

Notice the quotes about great ideas and goals? These are without a doubt so great to read don't you think? The great thing about finding these quotes online is that you can:

1. Access them from your pc
2. Access them from your phone
3. Access them on a tablet 

They are easy to access with the touch of a button at any time, isn't that wonderful? Would you like some more? 

Short Inspirational Quotes by Great Thinkers and the Influential

Francis Bacon

Knowledge is power.

Albert Einstein

Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.

Confucius

Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.

William Shakespeare 

This above all, to thine own self be true.

Montaigne

No wind favors he who has no destined port. 

Socrates 

Know thyself. 

Author Unknown

I’d rather be optimistic and a fool, than pessimistic and right. 

Pretty good eh? If you would like to see the motivation behind what we do, and you would like to share this with others, then check out www.couragesoulife.com, and read more about why we share these short inspirational quotes! 

Quotes on Success

Have you been looking for some quotes on success? We wanted some, and so we decided to look for the very best so that we could share them with you. Success is important to almost everyone, and for some it's a matter of success in their business.

This is why we wanted to share with you some quotes on success, from some very wise men and women that know all about what it takes to have success, and how to get there!

Some Quotes on Success by Celebrities

Just to share with you some of the best, we decided to take some of these quotes from some super successful folks, many of them celebrities. Take a look! 

"In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure." -Bill Cosby
"A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him." -David Brinkley
"Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it." -Bruce Lee
"Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure in the mind of another." -Napolean Hill
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." -Winston Churchill
"I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed." -Michael Jordan
"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other." -Abraham Lincoln

Some Quotes on Success by Some Unlikely Folks 

Sometimes it just might surprise you the quotes on success that you can hear coming from some of the most unlikely people. How about some historical figures, a few of which we see above, but some scientists, and some other interesting characters?

“Try not to become a man of success. Rather become a man of value.” - Albert Einstein

“So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains.” ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You'll Go!

“Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get” ― W.P. Kinsella

“Failure is the condiment that gives success its flavor.” ― Truman Capote

“If A is a success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z. Work is x; y is play; and z is keeping your mouth shut” ― Albert Einstein

“The worst part of success is trying to find someone who is happy for you.” ― Bette Midler

“Dare to Be

When a new day begins, dare to smile gratefully.

When there is darkness, dare to be the first to shine a light.

When there is injustice, dare to be the first to condemn it.

When something seems difficult, dare to do it anyway.

When life seems to beat you down, dare to fight back.

When there seems to be no hope, dare to find some.

When you’re feeling tired, dare to keep going.

When times are tough, dare to be tougher.

When love hurts you, dare to love again.

When someone is hurting, dare to help them heal.

When another is lost, dare to help them find the way.

When a friend falls, dare to be the first to extend a hand.

When you cross paths with another, dare to make them smile.

When you feel great, dare to help someone else feel great too.

When the day has ended, dare to feel as you’ve done your best.

Dare to be the best you can –

At all times, Dare to be!” ― Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free
Have you ever read so many great quotes on success? These are just some of our favorites, not to mention that is why we decided it was time to share them with you. 

Do you need encouragement? Do you need help in building your self esteem, or just feeling as though there are others that feel like you do about life in general? Why not join our community at www.courageouslife.com, and check out our apparel and other products as well to share your success in life. 

While you are at it, why not share your "quotes on success" in the comments below! 

I Am Love!

I am love, are you? It's a great question, and it's one that has people talking these days. Everyone wants to know what love is, but yet they try to hard to hit the mark with something that is anything but. The truth is, love is all we should ever be, or all we should ever really offer to someone. Do you believe this? I do, and I know that love can heal you as well.

In fact, if you have never had the chance to read writings about Mother Theresa and her life and works, take the time to do so. That woman was a true example of love, and what love can do for people. It is no surprise that Mother Theresa was well respected by so many, as she wanted to reach out to those that no one else would reach out to.

So, rather than asking a question about whether or not you are love, wouldn't it be wise to make an affirmation? What about stating to others, "I am love." It's really simple, and I find that just making that statement as your affirmation, will do far more for you than it would to question it.

Let me tell you a story.

I Am Love Whether You Are or Not

I was chatting with the girlfriend of a friend of mine the other day, and it's an understatement to say that she is an amazing individual. We will call her "Lynn" in this case to protect her identity as is generally the case here. 

Recently, her boyfriend took his life, and she was deeply in love with him, but after the fact, she came across an old email in his email account, where he states that he wasn't so sure about how he really felt for her until the end of January. 

Wow. 

She had fallen madly in love with him, and while he continued to tell her he loved her, his emails made her feel otherwise. She felt deceived, and she sees something that makes her believe that he deceived himself as well. 

The reality is that I don't think that he could live with himself. He had been living a life filled with lost jobs, high use of alcohol, drugs, and women previously to try and cover up how he really felt about himself. This really had nothing to do with her, but naturally as humans, when our self worth is down we tend to believe that people do things as the result of us "not being enough".

I am love, and I give love. How about that for an affirmation? 

I Am Love and I Am Loved 

It is often do hard for us to go back and look at things differently, and believe that yes, we are loved, as we are love. We have to KNOW that we know that we know, that our value isn't based upon what someone else thinks or does. 

Our value is determined by God the Father, our Creator and Friend. Was there ever a time when you believed that you weren't enough? Have you ever felt as though you weren't enough for someone to love you back? 

Ah, God tells us that we are worth more than gold and silver. In fact, God is clear about telling us that our worth isn't based on what others say. The human mind and heart are full of error and deception, as we are only human. 

It's up to each of us to choose to say, I am love. Loving others is courageous! 

Positive Thinking Does Make a Difference!

Positive thinking is something that you hear a lot about these days, especially from motivational speakers like Tony Robbins, Les Brown, John Maxwell, and of course, who could have forgotten Zig Ziglar!

We all know who they are, and even if we don't know them all, most know who Tony Robbins is, the youngest in the crowd at the moment. The truth is even if you make fun of those that talk about positive thinking, it's much needed in a time of a tough economy and when tragedies strike.

A positive mental attitude needs to be reinforced as our world seems to be spiraling out of control, but there are plenty of folks that are left without a leg to stand on, meaning that they have no support system at all. Could it be that you are the only positive influence others see?

This is why it's important that each of us works on building up our faith, our strength, and our life to exemplify something positive that inspires others and brings a smile to their face. Wouldn't it be amazing if we could get others to want what we have in life?

Getting to Positive Thinking 

If we are struggling with a life event, and trying to find answers and find our way, how do we get to the place where we can become more positive and stable in our thinking?

How can we get to the place where we are able to sit and listen to others, taking it all in and helping others that need a word of encouragement? What do we do to get to a place where positive thinking is all that we know? How do we get "stable"? The answer is really this;

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I BELIEVE that the thinking part in this Scripture is exactly what people need to remember, Christians and non-Christians alike.  I don't know of anyone that wouldn't need to "think on these things", and as we continue to go forward in this life every day we continue to face tragedies that make zero sense.

When we are constantly bombarded with:

• Murders
• Theft
• Stocks crashing 
• Sickness 
• Job loss 

It is no surprise that we live in a culture when we  need emotional fitness almost as badly as we need anything else, but so few of us have it. It's time to make a change.

Remember, you could be the only Jesus some folks see, and it pays to have positive mental attitude!

PS- Were you helped by reading this blog entry today? Is there some area in which we could encourage you that we haven't written about yet? Come check us out at www.courageouslife.com, and make sure to stop by our SHOP to share your courage with others!

The Only Disability is a Bad Attitude

The only disability in life is a bad attitude, let it be known. Lately, I've seen a lot of these bad attitudes, and yet people can't seem to see what I see. How is it possible that no one understands this? How is it possible that people can live in the dark, and not help others?

I also know that if you don't see God in all, you won't see God at all. Yes, that's true too. However, if we choose NOT to see him, it's a disability for sure, meaning that we have chosen to blind ourselves. So, why is it that we choose a road that seems so easy at the first, but yet we know ends in destruction?

Life is all about choices, and each day that we awaken, we MUST decide. As hard as it is, we have to decide, and as adults when we have children and we are responsible for these young lives and minds, we are required to take the high road and walk a bit more.

The only disability is a bad attitude.

The Only Disability is Choosing to NOT Have a Vision

It has been said that "where there is no vision, the people perish". I think that's true, how about you? While many of us have a vision of what we want for our business and our lives, we need to have a greater vision for it. 

In reality, that quote came out of the Word of God, and while others may deny it, it's true. God has taught us the value of vision, and if don't heed to that, we will miss out on the best God has to offer us. Why would we want to do that and risk it all? 

The only disability is choosing NOT to see what God has for us, don't you agree? I mean, in reality, we could see so many things, but without God, there is no beauty, with no clear path. Make sense? We can't really go it alone in life, and that is why God tells us to call out to Him, and to seek Him. 

Not only that, but this is why he calls us to fellowship with one another in an attempt to encourage each other and lift each other up when things get rough. Remember the story of Moses and Aaron? This is a perfect story! 

The Only Disability Moses Had Was Lack of Faith 

Remember when God told Moses to go and approach the Pharoah and ask him to let the people go? Moses was mortified because he was so sure that he wouldn't be able to speak well enough to get the Pharoah to say yes! 

The Lord was angry with Moses, no doubt, and as it turns out, even God knew that Moses' brother was a good speaker. Ah, Moses had a way out, but it still didn't please God that Moses didn't feel that he could do the job with God's help. 

Aaron was right there for Moses, all along. He would have been there whether or not Moses thought he could do it, but Moses was so reluctant, and what cost? His lack of faith! 

Sometimes, the only disability is lack of faith. Wouldn't you agree? Don't let Satan have a foothold in your life, instead, turn to God every time without reservation and let God have his way. Don't let life get the best of you or anyone else for that matter. 

Live courageously! The only disability is NOT doing so! 

Emotional Pain and How to Heal it

Emotional pain is one of the worst types of pain we can have. There is no doubt that each of us have experienced our very own dose of emotional pain, but we also know that we have some good ways of dealing with it, and some not so healthy ways of dealing with it.

Drinking, drugs, smoking, eating, and other addictions can often lead to a life much worse than the one we thought we already had. Can you think about a time when you have done something to cover up your pain, and it wasn't a healthy way of doing so?

There are tons of ways to deal with our emotional pain in a healthy way, and I want to share with you what they are. There is a way to overcome all things, and of course with God all things are possible. Let me tell you a story.

Facing Emotional Pain Head On

To help you understand how you can deal with the tough stuff in life, I want to share a story with you that should resonate with almost anyone. 

Seven years ago, a friend of mine went through a tragic event in her life, and at the time, she just wasn't sure how she would ever see the good in it, or deal with it head on to help her live her life. She had been violated sexually, and naturally, this is one of the hardest things to overcome. 

It's so personal and so private, but during the healing time, she ended up drinking and using drugs to help her eliminate the pain from her life. The emotional pain from being sexually assaulted is something that even psychologists will tell you is very difficult to overcome without intense counseling and therapy. 

She avoided getting professional help, because she didn't want to be labeled as someone that had something wrong with her, because she was the one assaulted and not the other way around. What she didn't understand at the time was that yes, she was right! 

She was the victim, however, what she would learn later is that she didn't have to be in that state of mind, or be a victim for the rest of her life. She discovered that "being the victim", left her in a captive state, and without freedom to live her life. 

What allowed her to exit from the cage of pain? It was forgiveness! 

Forgiveness is the Key to Releasing Emotional Pain 

While some of you may feel this is a completely inaccurate way of healing emotional pain, I can assure you that the ultimate in doing so is forgiveness. It doesn't make what the offender did okay, by any means, but it does release you to heal. 

This also doesn't mean that you have to talk to them or be friends with them. Forgiveness is all about letting go, and detaching what they did from the idea that they did this to you because you have no value. 

I can prove this in a few ways:

1. Those that have been sexually assaulted have low self worth
2. Those that take their life tend to love others and reach out to them more than they do for themselves 

This is a sure sign that these individuals seem to believe that they have no significant value in life, and they feel as though they don't fit in anywhere. This is a lie! You are valuable, and you do matter! In fact, studies show that when kids are raised with this outlook in life, they grow up with less emotional strain and they are ultimately more successful. 

Forgiveness is NEVER easy, but it takes courage. The easier path in life is to be angry and stay that way, but that life won't bear any fruit. If you are experiencing emotional pain, seek help from someone that can provide you with sound and Godly counsel, and live courageously! 

Telling the Truth is Courageous

Telling the truth is something we all need to do, even if we don't feel that our elders do it, or our peers do it. What matters is what we have CHOSEN to do it. Even if someone doesn't know the difference it's vital that we tell the truth. 

God knows, and we know, and ultimately those of us that live in Christ will feel the pain and the burden when we are NOT truthful. It's better to be honest, even if it hurts, then to be dishonest and lead others astray. 

What is the difference and WHY does it matter? Telling the truth is what God asks of us, what He wants from us, and  we can ultimately lead a better life when we follow through with this. Let me tell you a story. 

Telling the Truth NOW Makes Life Easier Later 

If you look at this photo to the right, this gentleman seems to be struggling with telling the truth. Why is he struggling? In this case, let's say that he doesn't want to be so transparent and reveal who he really is in life. 

It may be that he wanted a certain life, but yet he didn't have it. He says things that elevate him, but they do nothing for anyone else. Sounds selfish right? Not to mention, it just isn't the truth, plain and simple folks. 

How about weight loss? He wants to lose 20 pounds, and he is anxious to get there. People start asking him, "So, how much have you lost?" His reply is, "I've lost 20 pounds!" Huh. That's odd, the scale only says 16 pounds down. 

It's so amazing how we do this, and the problem is the more we do it, the more we are okay with this. This is a problem of integrity, and it's a problem of character. Character is who you are when no one is looking, and your integrity is in question when you lie to them when you are talking to them. 

Telling the Truth Means Being Authentic 

Remember, it's best to be yourself, no matter who you are. Real love, is when people love you no matter what they know about you, and no matter what they have shared with you. This is why so many marriages fail. 

They are NOT authentic. 

Men and women hide bad habits, hide facts about their life to impress one another, or out of fear that they won't be loved as much as they could be otherwise. Unconditional love says that no matter what, love conquers all. Even if you tell the truth. 

Sometimes the truth is ugly folks, but it's alwayss right. So, ask yourself a few things:

• What truth can you tell today to someone you have lied to?
• What can you do now going forward to implement healthy behaviors?
• What one thing could you change to be a person of character? 

Think on these things, and remember, telling the truth is ALWAYS right! 

How to Be a Rich Woman

Have you ever wondered what you would need to do to learn how to be a rich woman? What would it take for you to acquire wealth, status, and favor in the eyes of the world around you? For most women this is the goal, but for others it's not.

Many women only long to be rich in love and life, build better relationships with family and friends, and are not as concerned with the material things of this world. Many women want only what love can bring, and not the material things. So, can a woman be truly rich in all aspects of life?

Does a woman have to sacrifice one to get the other? Are both possible? Is it a sin to have money? Of course NOT! The truth is, God wants you to live richly, but there are some guidelines, and some things that you need to remember in order to live the life God intended.

If you want to learn how to be a rich woman, KEEP READING.

How to be a Rich Woman is About What You Think? 

Have you ever heard that learning how to be a rich woman starts with how you think? If you have ever watched The Secret movie, you know what I mean. The idea that you attract wealth into your life, right? What about the idea that you attract the poor into your life?

You can still attract anything, because perception is projection. While I believe that The Secret is made up of biblical principles and distorted, it has occurred to me that yes, we could stand to change the way we think.

Let it be known that you:

1. Believe in thinking good and pure thoughts
2. Believe in thinking on whatsoever is honest and lovely
3. Believe in thinking that you are fearfully and wonderfully made 

These are all things that make a woman believe that she can achieve wealth from the time she is a young child. Can you imagine growing up as a little girl, and hearing your father call you "princess"? Isn't that wonderful feeling?

If you did not experience that, then you may read this, with the emotions clawing at your heart, despising him for NOT calling you "princess". You are NOT alone. There are countless women out there just like you that have been in that space of pain.

Just as it's important for fathers to tell their daughters how beautiful they are, they also need to instill in them that they can have, be, or do anything they desire. This includes learning how to be a rich woman. Whatever context that comes in, the choice is yours.

Life is all about choices, so what do you choose? As we get older, it's our responsibility to decide what is best, and to separate the bad from the good. We need to find mentors that can come alongside us and give us guidance.

Even if you see a child that is struggling that isn't yours, wouldn't you help them? Don't you want them to be able to recognize what God's best for their life really is?

If you believe that all girls should and can learn how to be a rich woman, then be sure to stop by and check out our website at www.courageouslife.com today!