Inspiration for Monday-Autistic Children Get Time with Santa!

Generally, I enjoy looking for inspiration for Monday because it seems to be the hardest day of the week for me. After a holiday even more so, but that doesn't mean that I am NOT in the holiday spirit.

What I find I have to recover from is all of the hoopla about shopping Black Friday and people using stun guns on each other to get the best bargain. However, there are still some good folks out there that think otherwise.

This bit of inspiration for Monday I wanted to share with you, and I am sure you will agree that it's touching, and will inspire you and others to take action this holiday season.

Inspiration for Monday Out of Malls?

As it turns out, there are several malls in the US and Canada that have found a way to make some autistic children very happy. They get to meet Santa on their own terms. 

This is because they will have some time to meet Santa set aside for them, rather than their parents bringing them to meet Santa when the other children do. Great idea or what? This time with Santa is before the malls open, which means they won't have to be uncomfortable in crowds and loud noises which many autistic children don't do well with. 

If you are reading this and you are the parent of an autistic child, or perhaps you foster one, you know all too well what they often miss out on. As a parent, you struggle to figure it out and how you can find the balance. Lights and music are turned down too to help out with the setting for a calm visit with Santa for this Christmas season.

While you may still be in need of inspiration for Monday, there is no doubt that this story sheds light on how you can help those that are not only less fortunate, but those that just need to celebrate a little differently. It's all about the children isn't it? As well, it's all about putting a smile on their little faces.

Do you have a story to share? If you have your own inspiration for Monday, we would love to hear from you here in the comments below, and we would also love to hear from you on Facebook on our page for Courageous Life!

How Did You Spend Black Friday?

Black Friday is supposed to be the biggest shopping day of the year, at least for some people.

I've never shopped Black Friday, nor do I ever intend to start. I don't have anything against it, but I think that people go crazy over the darndest things.

Over the years, I've noticed that Christmas has become over commercialized, and holidays have turned into spending sprees.

There is no more creative giving, no more giving from the heart, but rather so much emphasis on how cheap you can get something.

If it can't be bought, it's not worth anything, or so it seems. The saddest part of this? There are so many people excluded from this day on the calendar every year. There are those that haven't an extra dime to spend on Christmas gifts due to lost jobs, disability, and even those that just feel they can't even leave the house for fear of being pummeled for the best deal of the day.

Now, I say all of that to say this; I don't disapprove of Black Friday and I don't dislike friends and family that shop on this day. I don't even intend to become an anti-shopping campaigner, or be one of those crazy people that try to boycott it!

However, I do want you, the reader to really think about what is happening today and ask yourself; "Is it really this important?" I find that if I stop and ask myself if something is important ten minutes from now, and my answer is no, that it won't change anytime soon.

Especially when it refers to buying something. Spending just isn't that important in the grander scheme of things. I hope that you feel the same way. It's time to reach out to others, and after all, Thanksgiving is all about being thankful for what we already have.

It seems odd that one day we are thankful for what we have, but the next day we have to have more. We have to accumulate and spend as much as we can. It's quite maddening, isn't it? Where do you stand on Black Friday?

I am not asking you to stop shopping on "Black Friday", or even to discourage others. What I am asking you to do is consider what matters most in your life. Think about those that could use a visit in the hospital on your day off, or how about sitting down to send out cards to those that are ill?

There are so many other ways that we could use our time, rather than seeing how much we can spend on ourselves, or even on Christmas gifts in general. What say you? It's time to be different, and live courageously!

Where Does Your Motivation Come From?

Where does your motivation come from? If you were to take a look within yourself, where would it lead you? Your answer is different from mine I am sure of it, and not to mention that it's okay. :-)

Each of us have our own likes, dislikes, and of course getting up in the morning. What is it that drives you? Loving another? Taking care of your family? Living your best life each day! If you are creative, then it could be something you are doing to use your talents that makes you get up each day and go at it again.

The key to this is "what is your WHY?" You need something to drive you in life, otherwise you can really lose sight of your purpose, and thus end up feeling less than the light that you truly are. If you were take just a moment and think about all of the things you love to do and those you've inspired before, what comes to mind first?

Your motivation daily is what drives you to be or not to be, and that is the question. Is it getting your bonus check? Hopefully it's something a bit deeper, because a lot of people are driven by getting a paycheck and monetary gifts.

It's time that each of us take a deeper look inside as to how we can contribute to the lives of others, and how we can bring positive change to the lives of others. Can you help others meet a need in their lives? If you are able, why not see to it that others are getting their basic needs met, and perhaps it's time to give to those that are less fortunate.

The holidays aren't that far off, and with that in mind it's time for you to consider how you can help others live their best life. It's time to remove the focus from you and join those that are living courageously. Does this shed light on changing your motivation?

PS-Did this blog inspire you today? What have you decided to change? Be sure to check out our entire website here, and don't leave without taking a look at our inspirational and motivational apparel. Live Courageously!

Fresh Inspiration from Who I Run 4

If you need a little inspiration today, then check out what this organization is doing to help special needs children. Who I Run 4 is a unique organization that pairs runners with children with special needs.

Even if you feel it's tough to find the motivation to exercise, think again. These children will change everything for you, and how you feel about exercising. Nothing is stopping them from getting in their runs!

The best part is that this organization also offers these special needs children the chance to have runners run for them when they cannot. Should a child wish to participate in a charity race or some other event, they can have someone run for them.

Truly, it would give you the motivation to run for a young child that wishes they could, am I right? The founder Tim Boyle, started this organization when he connected with a man with Down Syndrome and a crippling hip condition that prevents him from doing much of anything in terms of exercise.

Boyle had posted a photo for his upcoming run in a 5K, and this gentleman with Down Syndrome commented on it. When this man, Michael Wasserman commented on Boyle's photo, he simply said, "You can run for me anytime, Tim!"

That comment stuck with Boyle, and as a result he got the idea to start this organization to get folks to do just that and run on behalf of others.

To date, more than 3,000 matches have been made and it's encouraging more people to participate and get them motivated to move! Can you say inspiration? Take it a step further, and let's take a closer look at how these runners communicate the children they run for.

Runners post letters on Facebook, photos of medals they have won for them, and these runners are also wearing t-shirts with the children's names on them. Does it get more touching than that? Boyle's only concern was that he would have tons of kids looking for runners to connect with, but instead the turnout for runners looking for children surpassed what he ever thought would happen.

This is truly an inspiration, and it's something we can all learn from in how we can help others still live out a dream or get encouragement through an alternative idea. It's simply amazing. Would you pair up with a child if you were approached about an opportunity like this?

Don't wait for "nspiration" to find you; be courageous and go out there and get it!

Gossip is Like a Cancer

Gossip is like a cancer, and it's killing families, friends, and worst of all our children.

It seems that people have a real gift for talking about others rather than talking to others; the end result is devastating.

No matter who is doing the talking, it can be devastating, and the end result can be a lack of trust and love between family members as well as between friends.

It can feel like the whole world is crashing down when those you believe are the most supportive of you really aren't.

This is why we all need to make a concerted effort to put an end to gossip. We often don't realize the ramifications it can have, but it's something that we shouldn't be doing at all-PERIOD.

Why People Gossip 

There really isn't a reason need as to WHY people need to gossip, but there are reasons that people do it. Oftentimes, I find that people do it to make themselves feel better about themselves.

Many times people just have the itch to tell something they have heard, and the thing is, they don't even know if it's true. You can read all of the psychological mumbo jumbo you want, but in reality the reason for gossip is usually to feed this need to feel better than others or to try and elevate ourselves above others.

This really isn't the same as sharing stories or memories folks, this is backstabbing and talking about others that aren't present. You can call it what you want, but the reality is that people are so busy filling voids in their own lives that they lose sight of how they are hurting others in the process.

So, how can we make a courageous effort to STOP gossiping?

It would be wise for us to:

1. Talk to others directly 
2. Ask questions if curiosity is really there 
3. Always respect others enough to ask if it's okay to ask 
4. Pray for others and let them know we are available if they have a need 

There isn't any reason that we should be gossiping about others, and it's time that we took a stand as adults to show our children a better example of how to act and live with one another.

Be Courageous!

Be Courageous and Touch the Untouchable!

Has anyone ever told you to be courageous and talk to the people that you normally wouldn't talk to? What about touching people that are what others would call unclean in their dress and in their appearance? 

This photo credited to Washington Times.com

It seems that at times we hear the most remarkable stories of those that are willing to reach out to those that we normally wouldn't approach, and we hear about public figures like Mother Theresa that reached out and touched the lives of the poor and needy. 

You may not have ever found yourself doing this type of work, or maybe you think about it but it somehow always seems to escape your mind. Pope Francis decided to be courageous when he reached out to touch a man and pray for him. 

The man he touched to pray for is severely disfigured and his face is covered with tumors. Who would touch this man besides the Pope? Not anyone that I know of, and I would find myself shuttering at the sight of such a thing if I were up close and personal with them. 

Pope Francis has called for courage and compassion from the Catholic Church, but it sure wouldn't hurt the rest of us to show compassion and love to those that we normally wouldn't consider talking to or even touching for that matter.

The church, no matter what denomination is called to be "Christ like", and this means that we are to live as He lived, and to walk as He walked never passing judgment on others for what they look like, do or even say. 

When people are hurting, they simply need someone to be courageous and show them a better way. They just need to see love, they need to feel love and above all they need to know that people genuinely care and are reaching out to them in prayer or any other capacity. 

What will you do with this information and insight today? Will you reach out to those in need or do you intend to avoid the topic altogether? Whatever your feelings are right now, remember it's always right to be courageous and do what others won't. 

PS-Were you inspired by this blog post today? Did you feel compassion for someone you know right now that could use your help or maybe even a hug? If you have a story to share, we would love to hear from you! We would also love for you to connect with us on Facebook, which you can do by doing HERE! 

Inspiration from Autistic Twins in NYC Marathon

If you need a little inspiration, you won't have to look much further than Alex and Jamie Schneider, the autistic twins that ran in the NYC marathon.

Human beings have a great way of putting limitations on their own life, and if you have been looking for a glimpse of hope, then this story is what you need to read. The marathon isn't just about the twin brothers, but its a family affair.

These twins have been running from the time they were young, and it's been a great way for them to connect with their parents. These parents aren't disappointed at all, but rather proud that their sons are running this marathon despite the odds.

Have you ever experienced the birth of a child that doctors said wouldn't do much in life? Was your child limited by what doctors had to say about their physical well-being?

The twin's mother say that they are non-verbal most of the time, however, this was the one way that they were able to connect with them when they loved to be chased and chase their dad when they were little. Something so simple turned into a way for the twins to interact and connect with their parents despite their autism.

This story has brought inspiration to millions, and was aired on Good Morning America the morning of the NYC marathon. It was also made known that their was a club that has volunteers that offer to run with individuals with disabilities. What a great organization, and as you can imagine this organization is much loved by the Schneider family.

Did this story give you some inspiration as well? Have you put limits on yourself because of what others say or do to you? Do you allow the opinions of others to rule your actions in this life? It's time to be courageous!

No matter what you might be facing today, just watch this video of the Schneider twins, and be sure to share this with others too. You won't be disappointed, and you may crack a smile! Please check back often for more inspiration from Courageous Life, and if you would love to follow what we are doing to help others, you can connect with us on Facebook HERE!

PS-Want to share your courage and motivation with others? Be sure to stop by our website and check out all of the great t-shirts, hats, and decals we offer for men, women, and children when you click HERE!

A Mother and Her Courageous Choice

Do you think mothers are courageous? We sure do, and we believe that they are courageous all of the time. Mothers make decisions that always put their children first, at least in most cases I know of. The mother we wanted to talk to you about today is no exception. 

In fact, she is the model of what makes mothers awesome. The New Zealand Herald published an article earlier this year about this mother, and the decision she made to have her baby despite what doctors told her. The news?

Toni, this young mother was told that the baby she was carrying would only live for a short time if the baby survived. If you have been following our blog or have joined our community, then you know the stories we share not only reflect courage in the lives of others, but we share miracles. 

This story is nothing short of a miracle, and you'll love sharing this with your friends and family too! 

Courageous Choice Over Doctor's Recommendation

Toni was pressured by her doctor to terminate her baby early based on what they say were anomalies that showed up in the ultrasound. Toni was told that her baby girl had many problems physically that not only cause her to live a short time, 

She was told that there was no amniotic fluid around the baby, and that the baby's brain was growing out of sync. Plain and simple, she was told there is no hope. The condition she was diagnosed with, occurs in 2 out of every 100 pregnancies. 

This Premature Rupture of the Membranes was the overall diagnosis for Toni, which is what doctors say causes the baby to suffer physically. Toni made a courageous decision to NOT follow the doctor's advice and carry the baby despite the pressures. 

As a mother, Toni never feared giving her baby a chance at life, and when the baby was born, none of the complications she was told she had were evident. Her baby girl was born only with what is referred to as a horseshoe kidney. 

Is it possible that God rewarded her for her decision? We can't answer that, but what we can tell you is that it's always right to be courageous. Life is precious, and we value it. We believe you should too! 

If you love what we have shared with you today, please leave a comment below! 

Live a Courageous Life! 

Why Discrimination is Wrong for Any Reason

Today, you probably heard the noise about the anti-discrimination bill in the workplace against the lesbian and gay community. The thing is, any employer isn't allowed to discriminate right now, or did I miss something?

Over the past few years there have been tons of debates over black and white, lesbian, gay and straight, and whether or not everyone has the right to this or that.

When did any of us become the police of each other? Since when is it okay for any human being to tell another human being that they can or cannot work somewhere?

The facts released that 21% of the lesbian/gay population say they have faced workplace discrimination. It's appalling.

Why would it even matter? While these debates are still happening in the hearts of Americans, Congress shouldn't have the ability to even enter this debate. It doesn't look pretty, and this is on the heels of disapproval ratings of the President.

If we are going to stand up for people and give equal rights, shouldn't they always be the rights of the people? Why should there ever be a time when we have to say that people "should be able to work where they want?" Isn't it the right of every man  and woman to earn a living?

It's' time for Americans to stand up against discrimination and to live out the dream of a free country, where equality is real and exercised with every man, woman, and child. It's also time for us to stop labeling people as "okay" or "not okay".

It's time for Americans to reach out a helping hand, and to exercise love rather than judgment on their fellow man. While Congress can continue to present ENDA, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, there is no need for people to turn anyone away for work ever.

There is no need for discrimination of any kind, whether it be due to the color of someone's skin or their sexual orientation. We all get to make our own choices, and live our own lives. Do we not? This is America, let's take it back!

If you support the equal rights of all men and women, and you believe that it's courageous to do, won't you join us? You can connect with us on Facebook, and if you enjoyed reading this blog, please feel free to leave us a comment below!

Be courageous!

Courage of a Mom with Breast Cancer

Would you have courage to go on if you were diagnosed with breast cancer? If you are the mother of two children, you don't really think of anything else but NOT giving up. This is the story of my mom. My mom was diagnosed early in life with breast cancer at the age of 40. Not only was she young for the average age of diagnosis at that time, but my mother was also called back immediately after her very first mammogram, EVER. 

I was in the 5th grade, and my brother was two years ahead of me; it was tragic. I could never admit it, and I kept telling my mom that there was nothing wrong with her. I kept saying to her, "You are not sick!" As upsetting as that was for her, I believed in my heart that she would make it, and she did. I couldn't imagine being so young and losing my mother. So, I just pretended it didn't exist. I think for our sake, she took on that role and my words and just decided that she just wasn't going to die. That is the courage of a mother.

A photo of me and my mother on my wedding day, November 14, 2009
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The first step for my mother was meeting with the surgeons, and at that time, they just drew on you. That couldn't have been fun for her. Not just that, but like any woman, mom feared that she was going to be someone different, somewhat alien in that she was losing a part of her anatomy. She had a mastectomy on one side, a reduction on the other, and the surgeons just kept mentioning more surgery. 

Her thoughts? I can't stay in the hospital forever, I have children to raise and a husband. Wow. No thought for herself; she just knew that she had to get better. That is courage. Every time I saw her, she had her makeup on and she was smiling. She didn't act as though anything was wrong with her. I just kept believing that she wasn't ill. The day of her surgery, my dad broke down as she was being wheeled back for surgery, and then at that time, it hit me that she was sick. 

To see my dad cry was a once in a lifetime thing; he just didn't do it. We were the family that people looked to for strength, and how to raise their family. Mom and dad were the parents that showed up at every school function, no matter what. No matter how tired she was, even after mom went back to work, she was always there. 

My mom has exhibited a ton of courage over the years, and although our relationship hasn't been the greatest, we love each other. I admire her still for what she did then, and what she is doing today. Feisty or not, she is my mom. I am going to be a mother soon, actually I already really am. No matter where you children come along, you love them. I love mine, and I haven't even met them. 

The one thing I learned from her is to NOT give up. She was so determined, the surgeon promised her his determination. His announcement when they popped out of surgery was music to the ears. "I got it all, no chemo or radiation." Wow. Even mom's "courage" gave others faith, and she still shares her stories with others. 

I just requested a t-shirt from Courageous Life for my mother, in honor of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month. Won't you do the same? It's for a great cause, and it's less than what most of you spend to eat out. You can go HERE to get your pink t-shirt. Share your courage! 

Motivation Runs Deep but What About Your Willpower?

Motivation has to run deep, and it has to run deeper than your willpower. Recently, the Huffington Post published an article about willpower versus motivation.

The idea? Willpower can only go so far, but what happens when that doesn't work?

Oftentimes in our humanness, we believe that there is something out there that will make us do better and be better.

It's as if we think we can't do these things on our own. It's okay when we find that we can't, and we have tried everything. It's okay to recognize the need for some coaching or masterminding.

However, doesn't it just come down to making a decision and then following through with it? Today, we just want you to think about the difference between yourself and others that have been successful in life.

Why There is No Comparison with Motivation

The most dangerous thing you can do is compare yourself to others. There really is zero comparison. Chances are, if you have done this, the individual you are comparing yourself to doesn't have the same gifts and talents you do, and that can change everything.

Motivation doesn't come from believing that you are missing something that someone else has, it comes from you digging deeper for what you want in life.

For example, look at the photo of the track above. Even if you started walking on it today, would you be able to finish one full lap or even two? If you are out of shape, you may not be able to do so. What is your level of commitment? What is motivating you to start walking?

Looking at your motivation for doing something rather than looking to others is the key here. Look within. Your inner strength and your ability to make decisions is crucial! If the person you are looking to for answers has "the perfect body" in your mind, you won't see it for yourself anyhow.

Don't fall into this trap. This is about you, what you want, and what you are willing to do to make it happen. Such is the case if you are trying to change your life. Change isn't always easy!

Need a little boost of encouragement? You can connect with us on Facebook, and you can also grab one of our t-shirts to run in! (or, whatever it is you are doing for exercise!) You can check out our motivational t-shirts HERE!

We hope that you were blessed by this post. If so, and you gained some insight into your "motivation" for doing things, please leave a comment below for us on this blog. We would love to hear from you!

Courageous Life

Your Courageous Life-Are You Really Living it?

What if there were a movie made called Your Courageous Life? Would it show that you were in fact courageous? Would it show that you loved and helped others?

Did you stand up for others? All that would be evident if your life were put up onto a screen for all to see.

I think most of us would find that our life hasn't been all that courageous over the past few years, or at least as how much we would like for it to be.

I am sure that you have had some times in your life when you didn't want to help someone, or perhaps you didn't want to love them either. I know I have, we all have. We are called to be a beacon of light to others, and courage could also be known as expressing your faith.

What would you do if you had a second chance to film Your Courageous Life?

A Re-Take on Your Courageous Life

Every day is a new day to make a change and take a chance. It's also another day that we could be helping someone. The only time I've found any peace in my life was when I put others first. That meant really looking at what I believe and why, and sharing with others how I intended to exercise that. 

It's one thing to say you have "love", or that you are putting "love" into action. It means nothing until you actually do. Right? I mean, otherwise it's just a lot of talk and a lot of things that don't mean much to others around you. 

There is a ton of suffering in this world, we don't need anymore. The more we can do to reach out  to others and encourage each other, the better off we will be as a country and as a world united! What would you vow to do if you could get a retake on Your Courageous Life? 

Would you vow to:

1. Live out each day to the fullest? 
2. Perform one random act of kindness per day?
3. Help someone else even if you are experiencing a trial of your own?
4. Give back no matter what you feel you lack?

These are all a good place to start, and having courage is always right. You can do it. You can be more, and you can be a bigger influence in this world then you think. 

If you would like to join a community of like-minded people that can encourage you to live "your courageous life", go HERE now to check us out on Facebook! 

How to Get Motivated to Live Out Your Best Life Every Day!

Have you been struggling with how to get motivated? We thought we would help you out a bit! At Courageous Life, we believe that BELIEF in fact fuels your fire, but we know that without motivation it's tough to make it through one day when you face some challenges.

We thought it would be a good idea to share with you some ideas on how you can get motivated and stay there for as long as you need to!

How to Get Motivated with Daily Activity

Here are 10 things you can do to help you not only learn how to get motivated, but to help yo stay there!

1.  Keep a journal! Did you know that journaling your thoughts can help you reflect on where you are in life, and help you get out your feelings on paper? It's great when you can go back and see how far you've come as you make progress!

2. Create a vision board. Get an inexpensive piece of foam board and put photos up of what you want in life. Your house, the car you want to drive, and anything else you can think of. Look at it every day, and you'll be well on your way to staying motivated.

3. Join a community of like-minded people. We at Courageous Life believe in community! We believe it can help you get encouragement when you share with people just like you that are struggling. Join us!

4. Get a motivational list of videos! Watching videos of successful people that have struggled to get to where they are is a great idea. Check out Les Brown, Tony Robbins, and many more!

5. Know your WHY. If you don't have a compelling reason to do something, you'll struggle for a very long time. Have a WHY!

6. Talk to successful people. It's always wise to seek counsel from those that have gone on to be successful before you. They can help you see how to get motivated by pushing through the tough stuff.

7. Read good books! It's wise to read the Word of God, but also read biographies of people that have gone on to be successful. It's great to read how they overcame challenges.

8. Start a blog. Blogging is a great outlet for you to share your thoughts and help others. Helping others can make you feel good!

9. Reward yourself. Don't be afraid to reward yourself if you reach a goal. Whether it's dinner out, a movie, or something else. You will stay motivated when you do this!

10. Set goals and be realistic. It's best for you to set goals with anything in life. If you set goals, it's going to keep you motivated for what you want in life. Set goals, short term, then long term. Where do you want to be in 10 years? This is what we mean!

We hope that you found this article helpful on "how to get motivated", and if you would like some apparel to help remind you that we are here to help, go HERE to learn more about what we offer!

Courageous Life!

Mothering in the Soul

Mothering, what a topic. Where and how do I start? Hmm, it's a loaded question, and for that matter a loaded topic. Well, for me it is anyhow, and if you are a woman like me that has been struggling to have a baby, you are in the right place.

I can tell you what it feels like to have a miscarriage, and more than one for that matter. I can also tell you that people say stupid things, and they really don't mean to. I can tell you that the more losses you experience the harder it gets, but having said that, you learn a lot.

Mother's Day has come and gone, and I finally got to the point I felt I could write this. As hard as it is, I know that I am NOT the only woman out there that desperately wants a baby. Empty arms, loneliness, call it what you will, it's all the same to me. Really, it is.

Mothering, is something close to my heart, and above all, you should know that you are already there. You are a mother without a baby...just like me.

Longing for Mothering

It has been said that the longings of the heart can drive us into our greatness. I know otherwise. I know this from the side of life when you long for something so much it breaks your heart. My heart has been broken for nearly 4 years now, as my husband and I have tried to create life.

Ah, but we technically do not create life, God is the life giver. We are raised up to believe that we can do, have, or be anything we want. Somewhere along the way, when things don't work out, we discover that isn't the case. It has happened to you, to me, your siblings, you parents, but remember, they just wanted you to know that you could do more than they ever did because they believe in you so much.

This is a bit different, because it's that heart longing, that longing that comes from the soul. It's a natural thing for a woman to long to be a mother, it's who we are! Some women choose not to be mothers, and that is okay too. For those of you that long for this, you just need to know that you are NOT alone.

Even on a day when your friends are celebrating with their children, they hold their babies, they can kiss their cheek, and they can have their newborn's tiny finger wrapped around their finger, they don't understand what it feels like to be on the outside looking in. Even if they have had a miscarriage in the past, they know how you feel, but in this moment, they are relishing in the joy they now have a new life they can hold and love.

So, where do we stand? With this longing that claws at your heart and leaves a big gaping hole, what do you do with it? How do you survive this emptiness you feel inside? It won't go away, but here is something you can do.

Mothering the Best Way You Can Until That Day Comes 

As hard as it is, and believe me when I say it's hard. I know, because I've done it already, but.....what you learn about mothering, and solidifying that desire in your heart so that you know that you know that you know, is this:

1. Love the children of your friends and play with them until then 
2. Volunteer at Children's Hospital and offer the love you have to the children that were left behind by their parents. They need you. 
3. Volunteer to rock babies if you can 

You may not be immediately ready for any of this, but I can assure you that everything you learn will make you not only a better person, but it will teach you that yes, you are more than ready to be a mother.  So, what else do you until you are able to do these things? 

Mothering is On the Way 

While your time for mothering is on the way, remember, you are so much more already. You are a woman that is valuable, that makes a contribution to societ, in the workplace, and beyond. You MATTER, you really do. 

I can assure you that as women, we often feel that the only contribution we have is to clean a house, work our jobs, then work more when we get home. I find that many of the women I've met just like me, that long to have a baby often hold onto it because they believe so hard that is all they were meant to do after 4 or 5 years of marriage. 

Ladies, rest easy. Your time is coming! Yours is coming, mine is coming, and when that day comes, you will have a peace that passes all understanding, and a love that you never thought possible. The other side of this that is emotional...let it happen. It's okay to cry, it's okay to hurt, but you are not alone, nor are you required to go through it alone. 

Friends may not understand, family may not understand, but mothering is a big part of who you are. If you had a loss, and you still look at your ultrasound photo like I did, and you still lay awake at night longing for the day, and no one else said it to you before, "Happy Mother's Day". It's coming.

You may have the crib, the blankets, the teddy bear, but all you are missing is the baby. Much love. 

Courage-What Defines This for You?

Courage is a great thing, yet it seems these days that so few people have it. With so much negativity in the media and in the world in general, it seems that we have more to worry about but less men and women coming forward to share their thoughts on what is happening and why.

Do you realize that if you don't like something, you simply need to be the change you want to see? Although we often look at change as way too hard for us, and we may think that getting others to change is too hard, we have to keep looking.

What if those before us just gave us and did nothing? What if those we call leaders didn't exist? What if those we call leaders didn't teach us what we have learned? What would we be like? Would we have acquired that knowledge elsewhere.

To do those things, it took courage. What will you do?

Do You Have Courage? 

Has anyone ever asked you if you have courage? If so, there was probably a reason that they asked you. It doesn't mean that you are weak, and it doesn't mean that you are someone that they won't follow, but it does mean that you need to look within yourself for something deeper.

Can you recall a time when you saw something taking place that you didn't agree with, and you did nothing? That was a lack of courage, and on a deeper level it may be a lack of conviction as well. The question isn't whether or not you are capable of being courageous, but it's a matter of whether or not you know what you believe and why.

If you do, it's easier to stand up for it right? There are tons of quotes about courage, and if you have any doubt as to what it means to exhibit courage, read those quotes and you'll better understand it. Read biographies about leaders and what they do, and by all means be sure that you check our our website so that you can read more about the leaders we are meeting, and what they are doing every day to make a difference.

You won't hear about them in the news, or the newspaper, or even the radio. You won't find them on Entertaintment Tonight, American Idol, or even Bill O'Reilly's show. These people just go and do, and they do for God. There is a big difference.

How will you show your courage today? 

Marge Simpson and the Inspiration Behind Her Character

Marge Simpson is a name that many of you know, and while you may believe that her character has nothing to do with what we write about, just hear me out. The creator behind her character, Matt Groening, used everything he knew to create what many consider an entertaining show, and in this case it was Groening's mother.

Margaret Groening passed away on April 22, 2013, while sleeping,leaving an entire cast of characters in her wake. Perhaps her purpose in life was two-fold. She was the mother of a creative man that has brought joy to millions, and she inspired one of the main characters in the show, The Simpsons.

This brings me to ask you two questions:

1. Do you fully understand your purpose in life?
2. Each day, do you ask, "How can I inspire someone today?"

Little did Margaret know that she would inspire her very own son to create something so powerful like this, and at the time she probably had no idea what her purpose would be other than to raise her son. Let's take a look at the character of Marge Simpson, to get a better idea of who she was and still is today. 

The Character of Marge Simpson

Go ahead and laugh. Yep, we are talking about Marge Simpson. In fact, it's not so much about her, but remember, it's the woman that inspired her character. It causes you to wonder whether or not every detail was just like Groening's mother, or if it was just a few trade offs here and there. 

If you read the story about Margaret, you will find out right away that yes, she did in fact marry Homer! Why? Ah, he was the one that made her laugh. While her hair wasn't blue, the laughter factor alone spells The Simpsons, simply because laughter is WHY Groening created it in the first place. 

In his mind, it was about writing what you know, and creating something that you are familiar with. In fact, Margaret's maiden name was Wiggum, just in case you didn't catch the character Chief Wiggum. Ah, how Groening was able to weave so much family into the story is amazing, and it's what makes this story so special. 

I am sure that Groening will need some time to grieve the loss of his mother, but it was her that inspired him to write these stories, and she breathed life into his characters for millions around the world to enjoy and identify with. The characters went far beyond just the mother figure of Marge, but they encompassed the family as a whole. 

Do you wake up with the desire to inspire? If you believed for a moment that you could breathe life into the characters of a story, or someone's life for that matter, wouldn't you do it? In some ways, we can learn from Marge Simpson, don't you think?

If you could be more of an inspiration like Marge Simpson, then go to www.courageouslife.com to learn more about how we can help encourage you daily! 

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

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