Courage Done the Army Way

If you were in the Army in years past, were you expected to exhibit courage in a specific way?

Chances are you might say yes, or if you saw something horrific you may not remember. The Army states that their definition of courage is to face fear and danger of any kind, whether it's physical or even moral.

That sounds like a lot of courage and you may not feel you have "Army like" courage or strength at all. In fact, even if you are in the Army, you may have times in which you don't feel as strong as you would like to, or as strong as you are expected to.

There are ways for you to get stronger, and to help you stay that way. We wanted to share with you how you can be courageous not only with the help of the Army, but why it's okay to have friends in your life to give you a nudge.

Courage Comes in Community 

Some of you can make it seem so easy; you feel confident about everything in your life, or you at least appear to be confident with most things in your life. What about courage?

It's a tough place to be when you don't feel strong, and you are faced with adversity. If you have been in the military or you are today, you may feel less than strong if you have been faced with a tough situation. Most of us just cannot fathom where you have been. In an effort to help you cope, there services available to you, including:

• Embedded Behavioral Health clinics
• Wound Warrior Project and affiliates 
• Local churches or your chaplain

These won't always be easy for you to access, but the theme for the Army for 2013 has been "The Courage to Seek Help." The month of October is dedicated to bringing awareness to Army families and others around them. This is an endeavor that is much needed, especially in times of war.

This is also a great thing because it can teach our children the value of seeking help, and that it's courageous to do so. After all, isn't the plan of life to reach out and love others? To extend a hand and help others in need? Whether that need is financial, spiritual, or to help them face something daunting, it's there.

The main goal for those serving our country is to identify problems now before they escalate. It's better to save a life now and encourage a life, then lose one. Do you agree?

We believe that courage is having faith and helping others. We want to promote this idea, and to reach out a hand to all who could use a little encouragement. Do you know a soldier or a family member or spouse of someone serving that could use a little encouragement and inspiration?

Tell them about our community on Facebook, and why not send them a tshirt or hat as a gift? You can go HERE to take a look at what we have to offer. We thank you for stopping by, and we salute you for your service to our country in times past and present, whenever and wherever you have served.

Have courage!

Inspirational Words from Desiree on Reinventing Yourself

Inspirational words for your life are never easy to find when you feel like you can't do something. Especially losing weight and taking care of yourself. America has been on a binge for a really long time.

Desiree Tebeau knows how you feel. She came to a realization that things weren't good when her father had fallen, and she couldn't get to him fast enough.

Desiree weighed in at 375 pounds, and when she stepped on the scale she just said, "enough". She had already had trouble with her knees, but the weight made it really difficult for her, even after having surgery on her knees.

What started all of this? It was nothing more than battling physical therapy, pain, her dad's diagnosis of cancer, and to cope with it she just kept eating.

While there are many stories we could write to share with you, we know that inspirational words couldn't come soon enough for those of you who have been battling obesity for a long time. We know that instead of criticism and constant nagging from friends and family, what you need is a little direction and some inspirational words to help you get through.

Inspirational Words from Desiree 

The breaking point for Desiree was when plus size no longer worked for her. Upon her 30th birthday, her mother had purchased a size XXXL size in men's jeans, and when she put them on, they ripped. At that moment, Desiree's heart sank. What options did she have? 

No one came to her aid with inspirational words, she just decided that she had to reinvent herself. She set out on a mission to:

• Cut out dairy
• Carbs 
• Eat lean fish and turkey meat 
• Special K bars for snacks rather than sweets 

She wants you to know that it's often the small changes that matter, and it isn't that dramatic jump that makes it happen. In fact, if you were to look at the challenges that most overweight individuals face, they come from the inside. It's often a life of abuse, neglect, low self-esteem, and other challenges that spur an individual to binge eat. 

Desiree says to start out small, then kick it up a notch and get a trainer if you can. You'll need encouragement along the way and it may not be from your family and friends. Coaching never hurt anyone! 

We at Courageous Life believe in you, and we are here to give you the inspirational words you need to make it! We believe that by sticking together, encouraging each other to have courage, make better choices, and live life to the fullest, it takes a community. That's us. 

So, here is what you do! Order one of our t-shirts today. You can look when you go HERE right now at our men's and ladies apparel. Order the size you want to fit into. Then, go and set goals for yourself. Once you reach your goal, will you send us your photo and let us see how you are doing? 

We aren't a training center or weight loss program, we are to say, "Hey, you can do this!" We wish you all of the best, and we are always here to offer some courage, inspirational words, and more at Courageous Life! 

Inspiring Quotes for the Workplace

If you don't like where you work or who you work with, then inspiring quotes can be helpful if you are having a tough day! I love to pull them out and read them when I am going about my work day, just because it helps me often put things back into perspective. 

What if just for one day, you could spea something inspirational to someone else, whether they were a friend, co-worker, or even a family member? What if you could share some good thoughts with others just to see them smile?

We want to share some inspiring quotes for the workplace with you so that you can get that much needed pick me up in the middle of your day, and so that you can help others smile that work alongside you! 

Inspiring Quotes for Everyone for Everyday 

In the middle of difficult lies opportunity. -Albert Einstein
The surest way not to fail is to determine to succeed. -Richard Brinsely Sheridan
Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible for those who believe. -Gail Devers Kites rise highest against the wind; not with it. -Winston ChurchillToo often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. -Leo BuscagliaTake the first step in faith. You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. -Martin Luther King If you can change your mind, you can change the world. -Joey Reimer Don't try to innovate for the future. Innovate for the present. Peter DruckerIf you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost. That is where they should be. Now put the foundation under them. -Henry David Thoreau The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. -Martin Luther King 

Now can you see why so many love these inspirational quotes for the workplace?

More Inspiring Quotes for the Workplace for Sharing Everyday! 

Attitude is the way you look at things around you. A positive disposition towards experiences shapes you for the rest of your life. Success and happiness at workplace largely depends on your attitude. Needless to say what the results will be if you have a winning attitude.

Success or failure in business is caused more by the mental attitude even than by mental capacities.Sir Walter Scott
When you believe you can-you can!Maxwell Maltz
A strong positive attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.Patricia Neal
Our paradigms, correct or incorrect, are the sources of our attitudes and behaviors, and ultimately our relationships with others.Stephen R. Covey
Your attitude is more important that your aptitude.Zig Ziglar
Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.Kahlil Gibran

We hope that you enjoyed these inspiring quotes, and we encourage you learn more about what we do, and how you can share inspiration by what you wear when you visit www.courageouslife.com. 

Inspirational Bible Verses

Inspirational Bible verses are great when you need a pick me up, and they are most certainly great when you are hurting inside. There is nothing more difficult than not having something to turn to when you need an encouraging word.

This is why God's Word is a constant, and why so many look to it daily for help and insight for living.

Have you been in need of God's touch, but you felt that you were too far from Him? Have you desired too hear from God, but you felt that you were too far away?

If you are in need of some inspirational Bible verses, and you have been having trouble finding them, keep reading.

We wanted to share some of our favorites with you, so that you wouldn't have to go very far! Are you ready to be inspired by God himself?

Check Out These Inspirational Bible Verses 

Here are some inspirational Bible verses just for you!

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11
One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple. -Psalm 27:4
Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. -Psalm 34:8
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. -Proverbs 17:17
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.- Isaiah 40:31
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. -John 15:13
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? -Romans 8:31

A pretty good start for the day? We think so! 

More Inspirational Bible Verses for You! 

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,  neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:38-39
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. -I Corinthians 13:12
Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.  So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. -2 Corinthians 4:16-18
But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.  What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ  and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ--the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. -Philippians 3:7-9
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love,  may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,  and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,  to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. -Ephesians 3:17-21

I don't know that there is anything more inspirational than God's Word do you? Whether you are hurting, feeling good or just need answers, check back often to see what we have to share. There are new stories and inspiration each day. 

To learn more about our reason behind sharing these inspirational Bible verses, pay us a visit at www.courageouslife.com. 

Inspirational Words for Any Day of the Week

Inspirational words are often needed when tough times ensue. I know this all too well. In fact, I have to tell you that recently, I've been looking for them a lot. I've been looking for them for me, but for others too. 

Have you ever found yourself looking for words of encouragement during a difficult time? Have you ever wondered where you could find words of hope and inspiration?

Now you can find them here, just when you thought you didn't have more sources to use or to find something you could share, you found out you were incorrect!

So, here we are providing you some inspirational words for you and for you to share with others, so that you can spread hope and joy to others.

Inspirational Words for You 

Here are some wonderful inspirational words we found to share with you, and they are from folks that come from all different walks of life. 

You have to take what people think is wrong or even foolish and make the breakthroughs of tomorrow. – John Kheir, MD -
Success is stumbling from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm. - Winston Churchill -
We are kept from our goal, not by obstacles but by a clear path to a lesser goal. - Robert Brault

There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again. - Elizabeth Lawrence -
A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm. - Henrik Ibsen -
An army of lions commanded by a deer will never be an army of lions. - Napoleon Bonaparte -
If you feel that you are indispensable, put your fingers in a glass of water, withdraw it, and note the hole you have left. - Author unknown -
Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success. - Dale Carnegie -
Experience is pure gold. Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want. - Ann Landers -

These quotes come to you straight from some folks that have had tremendous success in their lives, and others that are merely hard workers, and inspirational speakers. No matter where you come from, you have something to offer for sure.

Here are some more quotes that will help lift you to another level, no matter where you are, and no matter what you are doing.

More Inspirational Words to Live By 

Here are some more inspirational words for your spirit as well. 

Your talent is God's gift to you. What you do with it is your gift back to God. - Leo Buscaglia -
The issue is now clear. It is between light and darkness and everyone must choose his side. - G. K. Chesterton -
What is there beyond knowing that keeps
calling to me? I can't
turn in any direction
but it's there. I don't mean
the leaves' grip and shine or even the thrush's
silk song, but the far-off
fires, for example,
of the stars, heaven's slowly turning
theater of light, or the wind
playful with its breath;
or time that's always rushing forward,
or standing still
in the same — what shall I say –
moment.

What I know
I could put into a pack
as if it were bread and cheese, and carry it
on one shoulder,
important and honorable, but so small!
While everything else continues, unexplained
and unexplainable.
….mostly I just stand in the dark field,
in the middle of the world, breathing in and out…

- Mary Oliver from "What is there beyond knowing" -

Now that you have some encouraging words, will you share these with others? Will you make an effort to share the good you find with others?

If you would like to learn more about our motive for "inspirational words" then visit us at www.courageouslife.com.

Words of Wisdom for Business Owners

As a business person, I love sharing words of wisdom with other business owners, employees, and customers. Why? Because they are all people. We are all people. None of us is worth more than the other, we are all in this together.

The most disturbing part of this is that I see that we have a tendency to separate people by class, race, creed, religion, and what they wear. What good does that do? It really doesn't do anything good or postive in any sense.

Since when do we have any right to treat people differently because we own a business or think we are someone special? We are here to serve people aren't we? Better yet, what would you say if I told you that we are here to serve those that serve others?

If you want to hear some words of wisdom, keep reading.

Words of Wisdom from Leaders 

Have you ever read this quote from Albert Schweitzer? Good words of wisdom! Take a look: 

I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I do know: the onlyones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and foundhow to serve. -Albert Schweitzer

 He is right. His words were true then and they are still true today. I hear so many people running around all of the time talking about how they aren't sure of their purpose yet that is the craziest thing I've ever heard in my life.

I don't know that I could ever NOT think about what my destiny is, but happiness is something we all want right? Schweitzer knew what he was talking about when he made that statement above. In fact, if you have never heard of Simon Sinek, then you should get to know him.

Simply go to YouTube and type in Simon Sinek, and what you hear will amaze you, stun you, but above all you will be smiling at the end of it all as you make a discovery. That discovery is that we are all people, we all want the same things, and we should all treat people like people.

When was the last time you paid someone a compliment? When was the last time you lived life full out each day as if nothing else mattered? Think about it.

Words of Wisdom for Followers 

Are you aware that not everyone was intended to be a leader? Some of you are made to not only follow, but you could very well be the helper that comes alongside and makes a huge difference in the lives of others.

What would you rather be? A leader or a follower? What about a person that serves others? That way, you don't have to put limits on yourself, label yourself, or worry about anything else. Right? Just be the best you that you can be.

I hope that these words of wisdom have stirred you to do something more in life, and that you have now realized  it's all about people, and not you. Live courageously!

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! 

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!