Empowerment is food for the thirsty soul. The essence of power flowing through our cells, nourishing body, mind and spirit.  Don’t you feel unstoppable when you think, feel and act empowered? I know I do. It feels good and you want to stay in that high vibration of energy.  Imagine living in a world where we are empowered 24/7 with all life as our cheerleader. Wow, who would not want to live in this In-Power-Momentum that propels us forward?  Well, we don’t live in that world, YET!  But while we are here, the more inner strength and courage we can use to propel us forward into our expanded self, the more Joy-full and creative we will be.  Momentum builds a platform for you to share your message on.

Unshakable resolve comes to mind, which ties into courage. Sometimes we just need to dive into the deep end of the pool holding tight to our dreams. Sure, you may get bounced around by challenges. I am going through a few myself right now. But if I cling to the shallow steps of the pool afraid to go farther, that is exactly where I will stay, at the shallow end of the pool.  I want to play with the big kids who aren’t afraid of the deep end.  One thing I have learned from experience is that challenges make you stronger, more empowered.

In January, I got to play with some of the big kids at Motivation Marathon. Now, these kids have been having fun in the deep end longer that I have, and a couple of times I felt like running back to the shallow end! It can seem daunting to follow them, but I must!  This event and all the speakers encouraged me to take the steps to propel myself forward into my dreams. My challenge is thinking it has to be done tomorrow.  I have so much to learn, and I trust in myself to know that I will be courageously successful in my own authentic way.  We all can, so jump into the pool wherever you like and when you are too comfortable, go farther until eventually you find yourself having fun and enjoying life in the deep end of the pool.

I feel very honored and grateful to have been one of the 47 speakers for Motivation Marathon. For those of you who missed this event visit www.motivationmarathon.com and register for your Free E-Book and while you are there listen to Gary Kobat’s one hour presentation along with the video of Dr. Michael Beckwith & Gary Kobat.  Click on Listen to Free Highlights of the speakers with more speakers to come…all FREE!  I promise, you will want to dive into the deep end of the pool when you hear these speakers!

Debra Oakland

Happy New Year from Living in Courage!

“The secret of happiness is freedom. The secret of freedom is courage.” -Thucydides

I wanted to share a bit of my year in 2011 with you, and to tell you that I am very excited to walk into 2012 with the gifts and lessons of 2011 under my belt. Here goes!

Wonderful lessons occurred in many areas of my life, and truth be told, some frustration and challenges.  These are things that are important for personal growth and change, so I remind myself that living from the inside out, as well as living in courage is my best way forward. I am learning to be more patient and embrace stillness, to commune with nature daily, to embrace my writing heart to pen, and to always enjoy the chapters of my life.  I have an amazing husband, family and friends that I am ever grateful for.  Better said, I am grateful for all that is here and all that is yet to come. My personal freedom is of utmost importance to me, and that freedom means living my best life from a place of love, wisdom and joy.  I am grateful for you and your support of Living in Courage.  I wish you a very Happy New Year in 2012!

Wouldn’t it be great to see everyone living the dream of freedom? Free will gives us the power of choice, and I like to think that true freedom lives within, as do all the great qualities of love.  When we make the choice to live from the inside out versus the outside in, our lives can transform.  We each have to find our own place in a complex world, but what a wonderful world we have to play and create in! Freedom from the ties that bind, whether physically, mentally or spiritually is a task worth pursuing with gusto. The importance of your personal freedom will determine your course of action. I can’t tell you what that course is, only you know what is right for you. I feel freedom is our birthright, and one that goes beyond our limited thinking feeling reality.  We can feel limited when we think our freedom is in jeopardy.  There are many forms of freedom. What does freedom mean to you? We can bring a sharper focus and more clarity to our sense of freedom when we understand that we are solely responsible for our life by the choices we make and the actions we take.

The voice of freedom is knocking.  We can all make a difference in 2012 by making  choices that reflect love, wisdom and joy.  We have a collective choice to change or not to change, to grow and expand, or to contact, which restricts life, and who wants that?  Freedom of choice is a gift to be treasured, so in conclusion, be a good person, be harmless to yourself and others. Respect the freedom of everyone, no matter the cultural differences. We are more alike than different. After all, if we expect to engage and enjoy our freedom by living from the inside out, that takes responsibility. In that way we can each be responsible for our own inner freedom.  The one that really matters!

Let Freedom Ring in 2012 and Beyond!
Debra Oakland

The song you will hear recently brought tears to everyone’s eyes on Korea’s Got Talent. Sung-bong Choi was a sad young man who called himself a ‘manual worker’ living on his own since he was 5yrs old. He represents Living in Courage in many ways, and stories like these always tug at our heartstrings.

This amazing young man has become an overnight sensation, and will no longer be living on the streets. The judges cried, the audience cried, I cried and you will too! Prepare to be blown away by this beautiful voice.

CHALLENGE
“Effort and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.”

Recently “Life By Me” described me as a writer, joyful experiencer and courage advocate.  I will take that and run with it!  In the article I wrote for them I said “We’re incredibly powerful beings, and yet, as Sting sings, “how fragile we are.” There’s a bridge between being broken and living in power. We get to choose which side of the bridge to be on and who we’ll assist to the other side. It takes courage to believe in ourselves, to be our true authentic selves, never apologizing for who we are. If we can create a spiritual space inside ourselves, a place where we can overcome life’s biggest challenges, we’ll truly live in courage. By navigating the bumps in the road wisely, joy becomes a very good travel partner.”  I truly believe this.  We are fragile, powerful, courageous beings experiencing and expressing ourselves in a multitude of ways.

Courage comes in many forms.  I like to think of the everyday hero, like you and me. By making wise choices throughout the day, being the best ‘you’ is courageous, because you are making a conscious choice for good. Sometimes challenges are put in our pathway, not to discourage us, but to call up the qualities of courage that are required, to find the opportunity in the challenge.  How you handle these challenges, and the choices you make determine how smooth or rough the experience will be. It takes courage to be harmless to yourself and others, to ask the question “Is the choice I am making in this moment for the highest and greatest good for myself and for all?” Life expresses out from us according to what is going on inside.  Every cell of our body emanates what we are thinking, feeling and acting upon.  You may be able to hide things from other people, but never from yourself.  We all need ‘purpose and direction.’ Being true to yourself should be the first order of business, and that my friend takes great courage. You can grow and be strengthened by challenges.  It is a choice, which can create a grand bridge to your joy.

In one of my quotes I say “Courage is required, down to the very fiber of our existence. Use your will, desire and persistence to develop the qualities you need to materialize your dreams, whether they be mental, physical, or spiritual.”  You are more powerful than you realize.  We all are.  Step up to yourself, for yourself.  Find your point of power and connect to it like your life depends upon it, and make courage your constant travel partner.

Debra Oakland

I am honored to be featured in Life By Me this week. I would like to thank my wonderful friend Chris Cade for recommending me to Life By Me.  Chris is featured on their site as a writer, speaker and empowerer.  I am listed as writer, joyful experiencer and courage advocate.  In fact I like the sound of courage advocate so much I think I will call myself “The Courage Advocate.”

Life By Me posts only one question “What is most meaningful to you?” Every day there is an original answer from all people such as Gary Zukov, Michael Beckwith, Judith Orloff, Dean Ornish, Leigh Taylor Young, Seth Godin, Marci Shimoff, Jack Canfield and many others. It is a wonderful space to get lost in…a real gem.

Click the link below to read my answer to the question “What is most meaningful to you?”

http://www.lifebyme.com/debra-oakland-living-in-courage/

This is a very inspirational video of a football coach and his team. It is important to be a team player in life. When you are someone people look up to, there are certain things that are required of you. This applies to all areas of life, not just football or sports. Being a living example to others takes courage. Do you have what it takes?

A few qualities that come to mind are Kindness, Determination, Leadership, Mentor-ship, Tolerance, Wisdom, Passion, Vision, Integrity, Persistence, Courage and Commitment. What is important is to take a good look your self imposed limitations. How far you are willing to push yourself to be your best YOU? Are you willing to put on a blindfold to all your limitation and allow yourself to cross the finish line? This video exemplifies inspiration and encouragement.

Debra Oakland

I have heard it said that our life is governed by immutable laws and principles that never vary. These laws are in operation in all time and places. I have also heard that every effect is the result of the cause, and that the effect becomes the cause, which creates other effects, and on it goes. I have found my life experiences unfold beautifully when I choose from a place of love. This brings “Endless Possibilities” into my experience. The power of thought is so powerful because it creates a result. I am magnetic, you are magnetic. This poses the questions “What am I bringing into my life, and what motivates me in my decision making?” I have to say that as each day passes, and I choose love as the motivating factor, my life expands. When I go back to old habits of thought, feeling and action, it is reflected back to me very quickly.

I choose to see it as a privilege to have the ability to make a conscious choice in each moment. How I think, feel and act has a vibratory effect that flows out into the world. I want to see change in the world, just as you do. The best way I can make my individual contribution is to act in accordance with love and peace. If I see this world as broken, I am part of the problem. I prefer to see this world pristine, healed, in a state of peace, love and joy. If I have a desire yet doubt it can be a reality, how can that desire show up in my life? It can’t. I envision this world in a state of magnificence and see it as an already existing fact. I have planted a seed thought of peace. I will nurture it endlessly.

How do you see your life, your environment, the world? Wisdom requires an understanding of the basic knowledge and working principles of the Universe. These laws and principles never vary. As you learn to work with these laws, illuminated wisdom will light your way. Miracles do happen. If you have no knowledge of your power, your courage, how can you use it? Accessing and applying the knowledge deep in your heart and soul will allow you to act with purpose and determination.

What are you thinking about throughout the day? Your thoughts and feelings are being fertilized by your attention to them. Have you ever looked through a camera lens that is out of focus? The object was blurry, hard to see or unrecognizable. What is in your viewfinder? Is it blurry or in focus? What you think, feel and act upon will find you. Acting on a desire out fear and doubt will send you less than desired results. When love and joy are the motivating factor, you will develop crystal clear clarity in attaining your desired result. Be vigilant, move forward, expand and stand in your power. The Universe if infinite. The unseen can be brought into your reality, because there are unlimited resources available to the Universe that you may not be aware of. Choose to work on one desire you want more than anything else. Focus the force of your thought, feeling and action upon it, while allowing the unseen forces of the Universe to handle the details. Stay happy, on course, never lose sight of your desire and know that it must come to you. If you are not focused, doubt your desired outcome, hopping from one desire to another, your end result will scatter like leaves in a strong wind. Do not worry about the time frame in which it comes to you. Have faith, knowing it is done. Once you take back your creative powers, you will never be the same.

Debra Oakland

I was reading a quote today about how the difficult moments in our life have the potential to open our eyes and open our hearts. I realize life has been challenging for most people this last couple of years.  I also know that people are expanding their knowledge of the world around them.  Taking more interest in how the world works.  I see people from around the world collaborating together, while keeping an open mind and attitude toward other cultures, religions and values.  Almost everyone wants the same things in life…love, happiness, success, peace and all the great qualities life has to offer.  Yes, we each go about in different ways, but we must learn tolerance, kindness and respect toward our fellow man.  It is time to put our best foot forward in the pursuit of peace. I know we are courageous enough to do this.  I have faith in humanity, as well as those of us that are here to lead the way into the global shifts that are to take place before our very eyes.  Get ready to open your hearts!

“Each difficult moment has the potential to open my eyes and open my heart. – Myla Kabat-Zinn

Debra Oakland

Will Smith is my courage cheerleader.  Watch this 10 minute video and I believe he may become yours as well.

Will says that “Your words and thoughts have power.”  I wholeheartedly agree.  He says he wants the world to be a better place because he was here.  He has done that.  He also says “If you are not making someone else’s life better, then you are wasting your time.  Your life will become better by making other lives better.” Wise words from a very wise soul who speaks with conviction and honesty.  This is a great video to watch if you feel you need some encouragement to overcome life’s biggest challenges.

This is a list of topics he covers in these interviews:

Shares his wisdom on life

Greatness exists in all of us

There is no shortcut to success

Lay one brick at a time

Focus on making a difference

Represent an idea

You have to believe in your plan

Nothing is realistic

Our thoughts are physical in the Universe

Attack you fears

Be willing to die for the truth

Protect your dream