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.

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.

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!

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

Jamie Oliver’s TED prize talk, makes the case for an all-out assault on our ignorance of food. Jamie spoke at TED2010 this February in Long Beach, CA for 22 minutes, about the state of world health, or rather the lack of it. Jamie is reaching out globally, with courage and passion.

Remember the shaggy-haired “Naked Chef” of late-’90s? One of my favorite cooking shows back then.  Jamie was courageous, raw, and was passionate about food. I became a fan. He has built a worldwide media conglomerate of TV shows, books, cookware and magazines. His idea of sharing unpretentious food with friends and family, was refreshing to me. Everyone gets to play in the kitchen.

Jamie now has Fifteen Foundation’s. He has trained young chefs from challenged backgrounds to run four of his restaurants.  He visits schools to teach children to grow organic gardens of their own, and for their school time meals. Jamie’s School Dinner, Ministry of Food and Food Revolution USA combine Oliver’s culinary tools, cookbooks and television, with serious activism and community organizing — to create change on both the individual and governmental level.

I wanted to introduce you to Kimberly Schneider, The Manifestation Maven, who I had the pleasure of meeting recently. Kimberly is the creator of The Cornucopia Method of Manifestation™, a powerful and proven 5-step process that has helped thousands of people all over North America create more of what they want and less of what they don’t in their lives. I love Kimberly’s comfortable manner, while relaying very valuable information.

A former trial attorney and psychotherapist, Kimberly especially likes working with live audiences. She specializes in “5-minute life makeovers” because a few minutes are often all she needs to identify limiting beliefs and communicate them in a compassionate yet direct, lively and compelling manner.

Kimberly facilitates www.ManifestationMastermind.com, a teleseminar coaching program, and works with select high-level business coaching clients in her Alchemy of Business, VIP Map a Business in a Day and Day of Transformation coaching programs.

A poet, dancer, world traveler, spiritual adventurer and business alchemist, she lives in the St. Louis area with her husband, two kids and two cats. Kimberly has two extraordinary children, one of whom has special needs.

Visit Kimberly at:

http://kimberlyschneider.com/

www.facebook.com/kimberlyvschneider

www.twitter.com/kvschneider