What motivates us as humans? I was pondering this subject thinking about various things that motivate, such as courage, inspiration, encouragement, and all the great qualities of life. There are many forms of motivation, for example fear is one. It does not take much to scare people into action. When fear is the motivating factor, the results will be different than those motivated by love, yet it may be an important stepping stone to acting from a place of love.

I have been motivated by many things in my life, but it always comes back to the basics. Living an authentic life doing what my heart leads me to do. By trusting that motivation comes from life all around me and from inside my soul, I am able to determine my best path. Like everyone I have made decisions out of fear. Many of those decisions were not the best, but they taught me what I do want. That is the power of contrast, which is essential for growth and expansion.

What and who motivates you? Does it last, or are you motivated in the moment and quickly lose momentum? Think about what fires up your soul. Inspired passion for excellence is a key factor in motivation. Passion, creativity, inspiration and productivity keep us alive and vital. This video on the life of bamboo motivated me to remember to plant the seeds, water them, encourage them and be patient for the growth that can explode from being nurtured.

Are you in the flow or out of the flow? We are either flowing with our good or going against it. How is the energy flow affecting each of our lives and how can we harness it? Watch this video of Oprah Winfrey for some insight. Oprah is a woman who delivers gifts of love to the world. What a wonderful example of Living in Courage.

Children are courageous teachers and encourage on so many levels. I find this video refreshing and inspirational. Yoga Bubble jvg music album was released March 17th, 2011. Thanks to yoga music teacher Jason Victor Gubbay for the magical music. The video was shot live at Bondi Junction in Sydney Austalia. Yoga instructor Suzanna helps guide the children in fun hatha yoga postures/asanas and savasana. Watch the baby on the sidelines trying to follow the poses!

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

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

On November 9th 2010, I was interviewed by the host of Spiritual Broadcasting Network, George Lewis. We talked about various subjects relating to my life, courage, spirituality, family, friends, books I enjoy and the “Five Nasty’s” as I call them. I would like to thank George Lewis and his producer Tom Johnson for their professional, yet comfortable format that made the interview fun for a newbie like me.  I will place this interview in the Category – Debra’s Online TV Interview.  Thank you for listening!

Courage is constancy under the most trying of circumstances and action at the moment when it is needed most.  This statement that is applicable to life in many ways.  Replace the word courage with love, harmony, encouragement, inspiration, or peace.  These are concentrated actions that can assist us in times of need.  When we do anything in life that requires these qualities, life improves.  Choose any word to add to the beginning of this statement that appeals to you and see how it fits.

Our world is based on well being.  When we allow this feeling to flow in it’s fullness, we feel very good.  Watch this inspiring video on well being!  You are the only one that holds the keys to your happiness, courage, love, abundance and all good things.

Debra Oakland @ Living in Courage

As I was catching up on Facebook today, I noticed the video “How To Be Alone” on my friend Pamela Dangelmaier’s FB wall. As Pamela says, this video carries a poignant message. I couldn’t agree more.

I quote Bravo, who produced this video – “A whimsical piece that explores the multi-faceted definition of “alone”; the relationship between solitude and loneliness; and the multitude of ways we can embrace being alone while negating the associated stigmas.” This video is by filmmaker, Andrea Dorfman, and poet/singer/songwriter, Tanya Davis.

There are so many lonely people in the world. Some even lonely in a room full of people. By learning to enjoy the moment for what it is, life can become more joy-full.

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, Love to complete your life.”

This video was sent to me by Jack Armstrong, a man I greatly admire. His incredible book “Lessons from the Source” is a spiritual guidebook for navigating life’s journey. I have done more than one blog post about this book, because I believe it holds the keys to life in “lesson” form.  I find this of value, don’t you?

What sings to your soul?  What is your passion?  I talk to people every day, who are reaching into their hearts, to find the joy, the passion that they know lives inside of them. Giving up is easy. Anyone and everyone can do that, and most do. Check in with yourself for some honest answers. Listen to your heart. Be brave, live courageously by living the life you came here to live.

“The potential hidden within each of us is staggering. Shed the old layers. Devote yourself to something of value that sings to the passion in your soul. Now you become the master of your destiny.”
-Debra Oakland

People want to be happy.  It’s that simple.  It all starts with you, not “out there” in the world.  There is nothing that will make you happy for long, or satisfy you, if you are not happy inside. Take some time to connect with what brings you joy. Happiness is infectious, joy expands only when you are ready to embrace it. Be a willing participant. Become the master of your destiny.

Debra Oakland @ Living in Courage Online