Inspiration

How many of your thoughts are fearful? I want you to notice how many times per day you find yourself fearfully obsessing about what might or might not happen in your life. 

Do you worry everyday about your job, children, life partner or your business? Notice what you fear the most and how often you recycle the same fears.

Track your fears in a notebook or on your phone. Become aware of just how fearful you really are.

Living in fear is an addiction. Worrying about the future is worthless. It’s a choice to hang on to fear. It’s what we tend to do when we think we’re unworthy, incapable or unwilling to surrender.

Would you be willing to put the same time, effort and energy into your personal growth, living your dream or helping others?

How would your life be different if you changed your relationship to fear?

Take a few minutes today and get a clear picture of what your world might look like. What would you be doing differently?

Fear steals our energy, our dreams and our opportunities. Fear keeps us stuck in procrastination, projection and a self-made prison. It distorts our past, present and future. Fear is blinding and binding.

It’s time to shake things up and change your relationship with fear. Here’s how:

1. Dig deep for courage and confidence. Remind yourself of previous brave times. It’s time to take the action that you need to make living more enjoyable, adventurous and fun.

2. When you feel better go back to your plan. Stop taking phone calls and stop reading emails. Stop working. Sit with yourself in a quiet space and go within. Breathe. Pray. Meditate. 

3. Tell fear to take a back seat. Nip it in the bud. Don’t give it the breathing room to survive. Starve it and allow it to shrink to nothing.

4. Let go of your story. Tell fear, “The End!” Focus on the task or step in front of you. Relax into the moment. That’s where life happens.

5. Lean into your fear. Ride it out. It will lead you to your next step, a potential gain, new knowledge or a bigger perspective.

6. Stop making it hard. Change your thoughts and believe! If you want it to be easy, belief that it can be. Don’t listen to everything your mind says. Talk back to it.

7. Write down what has gone right in your world for the last 24 hours. We usually focus on a problem or two, and forget all of the good stuff. 

8. Write down what you got right in the last 24 hours. Forgive yourself for what you did wrong or any mistakes you’ve made. Count your successes. What did you do right? Miracles happen when you shift your perception. 

9. Do something that scares you. Show fear who’s the boss. You’ll get more confident and stronger. You will grow your courage muscles, spirit and dreams.

10. Bet on yourself. Believe that you’ll be able to handle whatever comes up. Know that you can get through anything. Talk yourself out of your fear. Think, speak and act your way to success.

11. Get help. Take a course. Create a plan. You are the inventor. You determind your future. Make it grand!

 12. Venture beyond known territories. Visit new places. Make amazing friends. Try something new. Stretch your limits. Widen your comfort zone. Make life exciting. Be courageous. There’s a whole new world waiting for you!

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My e-courses are available at over 70% off! You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get beyond your fear. Grab one and begin now!

My best work is my course, 30 Days of Bold: Feeling Excited And Ready. Check it out. Today is the best time to begin something new!
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Marc and Angel, a beautiful husband and wife team began their blog Marc and Angel Hack Life in 2006. Ever since they have been inspiring, teaching and coaching thousands of readers with stories of success, love, life and relationships! 

I had dinner with Marc and Angel last summer and found them as inspiring and authentic as they come across on their blog. I love following them on social media. 

They continuously post fabulous and fun photos of themselves enjoying life. They never fail to make me smile and wish that they were my next door neighbors!

They have 100 thousand raving fans, 1000 – 100 thousand subscribers, 100 million page views, and growing! 

Their first book, “1,000 Little Things Happy, Successful People Do Differently“ is a focused collection of short, concise tips and reflections on the little things that make a huge difference in our daily lives.  It’s available online on Amazon.

Note: And then there were three! From Angel’s Facebook page last Thursday: “It wasn’t easy… It was amazing. It was magical. It was worth it. Introducing Mac Austin Chernoff. Born Thursday, July 10 at 9:25 pm, 6 lbs 14 oz, 21 inches. We are in LOVE. 

Here are a collection of 16 inspirational Marc and Angel quotes that will inspire you to get over your fear and on with your dream! Don’t forget to share them with your friends.

Marc and Angel Quotes

1. Your biggest fears are completely dependent on you for their survival. ~ Marc and Angel 

2. Regardless of fear or actual real world barriers, whenever you want to achieve something, you have to envision it and declare it. You have to keep your eyes open and focused specifically on what you want. It’s simply impossible to hit a target you haven’t declared, or get anywhere worthwhile with your eyes closed and your vision blurred. ~ Marc and Angel

3. Don’t be afraid of facing your fears. They’re not as scary as you think, and they’re not here to stop you. They’re here to let you know that what you want is worth fighting for. ~ Marc and Angel

4. So get up, get out in the stormy weather of the real world, and kick fear as hard as you can right in the teeth.  Do so by staring at it dead in the eyes and then walking right through it into the storm. Let the rain kiss your skin. That’s the first step. Because once you’re wet, you won’t fear the rain anymore. ~ Marc and Angel

5. Failure is not falling down; failure is staying down when you have the choice to get back up. Ultimately, what you need to remember is that you are in competition with one person and one person only – yourself. Your toughest competitor is simply the voices in your head. ~ Marc and Angel

6. You have to stop worrying, wondering, and doubting every step of the way. Laugh at the confusion, live consciously in the moment, and enjoy your life as it unfolds – struggles and all.  You might not end up exactly where you intended to go, but you will eventually arrive precisely where you need to be. ~ Marc and Angel

7. You want to be stretched to the edge of your ability sometimes. It needs to be hard and uncomfortable. That’s how your brain grows. We learn when we’re in our discomfort zone. ~ Marc and Angel

8. Breath by breath, let go of fear, expectation, anger, regret and frustration. Let go of the need for approval too. You don’t need any of it. The world is as we are inside. What we think, we see, and we ultimately become. ~ Marc and Angel 

9. There’s no use in wallowing in negativity. You simply can’t expect victory while planning for defeat. ~ Marc and Angel

10. You need to take small chances every day. It’s the best way to face any problem, crush every fear and overcome life’s greatest challenges. And you get just about as many chances in life as you’re willing to take. So never let your fear decide your future. ~ Marc and Angel

12. Because your obstacles are your opportunities. Obstacles are put in your way to help you determine if what you want is really worth fighting for. ~ Marc and Angel

13. Move forward with gusto. Remember that the extent to which we sometimes allow fear to rule our lives is truly startling and unnecessary. Especially when you consider one very important fact about fear: It’s a total figment of your imagination. ~ Marc and Angel

14. Great challenges make life interesting; overcoming them makes life meaningful. When tomorrow comes, today will be gone forever. In its place will be something that you have left behind. Let it be something worthwhile – something you are thankful for. ~ Marc and Angel

15. When your efforts are met with failure, you know you are on to something; because on the flip-side of that failure is a real, substantial accomplishment that doesn’t come easy. Your failed attempt is simply evidence that you are reaching higher. And “higher” is always the best direction to travel in. ~ Marc and Angel  

16. If you only remember two words from this whole article, let them be: “Stretch” and “Observe.”

Stretch:  As in… stretch yourself. Always push yourself to the edge of your ability, so you can expand it and grow. 

Observe:  As in… observe your mentors and those who are more skilled than you, so you can take notes and emulate them. ~ Marc and Angel

17. Believe that the answers are out there waiting.  Believe that life will surprise you again and again.  Believe that the journey is the destination.  Believe that it’s all worth your while.

 

Life is good.

I often wear a baseball cap when I run. Embroidered on the front is “life is good.”  I believe that. I always have. I always will, no matter what.

Live gives us what we expect it to. I can live in fear and experience more fear or I can expect the best and get what’s best for me. Life can be that easy, if we allow it to be. 

But we often get in our own way.
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My e-courses are available at over 70% off! You don’t have to spend a ton of money to get beyond your fear. Grab one and begin now!

My best work is my course, 30 Days of Bold: Feeling Excited And Ready. Check it out. Today is the best time to begin something new!
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We say we want more abundance but we don’t allow ourselves to receive. We say we want to be healthy but we are unwilling to do what it takes. We want to be in a loving relationship but we refuse to love and accept ourselves.

If you want a good life, create one. It’s yours for the taking. Nobody is stopping you but you. Here’s how:

Dial into the positive. Learn to be an optimist. Build on the positive. Bet on yourself. Allow yourself to enjoy life. It’s your birthright.

Don’t settle for normal. Don’t go for ordinary. Reach higher, work harder. Do what nobody else is willing to do. You deserve the best.

Be a doer. You build courage muscles by doing courageous things. Speak up. Be heard. Try new things. Practice acts of bravery. Believe in your worthiness. Go after what you want. Do what it takes to get it.

Trust your gut. When big decisions need to be made, don’t allow fear to paralyze you. Get in a quiet place, go within and just quiet down. Listen for guidance. You’ll feel energized and empowered.

Quiet your inner critic. Don’t listen to the voice in your head that causes you to second guess yourself and feel crazy. The one that says, “you can’t,” “it won’t work,” or “you’ll never make it.” Tell it to just shut up and keep moving.

Step up your self-care. Slow down. Say ‘no’ more often. Set boundaries. Learn to pause. Take time to feel. Rest and recharge. End the craziness. Get used to nurturing your soul. It’s golden.

Create routines. Exercise. Meditate. Express your gratitude. All three lessen depression, moodiness and anxiety.  They also decrease fearful thoughts and increase your well-being.

Find your tribe. Spend time with people you love. Keep them close. Lean on them. Allow them to hold you up when you feel that you can’t go on. Accept their love and understanding. Express your gratitude.

Create peace in the midst of chaos. Know how to calm yourself down. Take time-outs. Center yourself. Practice deep belly breathing. Don’t allow anyone or anything to know off center.

Get outside. Sit. Run. Walk. Hike. Swim. Paddle board. Kayak. Roller-blade. Rock climb. Find something you enjoy and spend time in nature doing it. Nature heals. Feel the sun on your face and the wind on your back. It’s there to comfort you.

Forgive yourself and others. Everyone is doing the best they know how to do. Resentment and bitterness cause you pain. Let it go. Give yourself a break. Simply bless others and move on.

Don’t fight the naysayers. Learn to respond versus react. Release them from your life. Bless them and let them go. It can be painful but remember this is your one precious life. You have the right to live it your way.

Serve. Help others get ahead. Volunteer. Be a mentor. Give your time, talents and money. Give when it hurts. Give when it’s difficult. Give! It’s the biggest secret to an abundant life.

Forget perfection. It doesn’t exist. Life is messy and unpredictable. Find beauty in that. Do your best. Be brave. Be worthy. Create a fearless future. Life is good!

Do you have the guts to claim your abundance? How many times have you walked away from what was rightfully yours? 

My daughter works for Southwest Airlines. As her parent, I can fly standby, free of charge, so long as there is an empty seat on the plane. But there is a pecking order: employees have first dibs, then parents and then those with buddy passes.   

When I want to fly, I have to arrive at the gate two hours early and ask to be put on the standby list. It’s best to be first on the list. 

Ten minutes before the plane leaves, the flight attendant calls out the names on the list and announces who gets a seat. 

A few weeks ago, I was flying from Portland, OR. to Phoenix, AZ. There was a flight leaving at 6:00 am. I arrived at the airport at 3:30 am, allowing plenty of time to get through security and to the gate. 

I was in line with one other parent. I tried to start a conversation with her but she was not interested.

An hour and 50 minutes later, 10 more people were standing in line with us. It was crazy busy and the air was filled with anticipation and anxiety. I had a good feeling about getting on and remained calm.

At the last minute, the other parent looked at me and told me her daughter was having surgery in a couple of days and she was on her way to be with her. She had her fingers crossed. 

Two seconds later, the flight attendant announced there was one empty seat available and called my name. I was on! 

I felt compassion for the woman who didn’t get on the plane. I know the feeling of disappointment from past experience. 

Yesterday, I was flying from Detroit, Michigan to Phoenix, Arizona with Hubs. Again, we arrived early and already there were several people in line for standby. Again, I had a good feeling that we’d both be getting seats. 

There were only three empty seats. Ten minutes before take-off, the flight attendant called Hubs. Then another mother who was traveling with her young son was called. But her son was not. They couldn’t travel together because the third name on the list was mine. 

It was clear they were both upset. The flight attendant explained that she had to follow the order of the list and that her son was after me. 

When the woman decided not to get on the plane without her son, I was assigned the last seat! I cheerfully took it. 

We’ve been flying free and standby for nearly seven years. There have only been a handful of times when we didn’t get on. We know from experience the best times and days to fly. We know what cities to avoid. 

We know how to show up and claim our abundance.

Holding back out of fear 

There are times in life when we hold back and miss out because of fear, guilt or feelings of unworthiness. At the same time, we complain, whine and feel left out or unfairly treated.

How you may be resisting your abundance: 

• You don’t put yourself first because you feel undeserving or unworthy. 
• You turn away help and support because you insist on doing things yourself. 
• You have too many false beliefs: I can’t. I’m afraid. There’s not enough for me.
• You say “no thank you” when you are offered what you want.
• You don’t ask for your needs to be met even though others are willing to meet them.
• You don’t accept compliments or gifts.
• You take a back seat because you’re afraid of being seen and heard.
• You turn down a job because you don’t feel qualified.
• You make excuses about why something can’t be done.
• You see the cup half empty instead of overflowing.
• You hold back out of your need for perfection. 

There are infinite possibilities, opportunities and blessings waiting for everyone. Everyone is worthy and deserving. Everyone has the right to flourish. 

How you can step up and claim your good: 

Be bold. Don’t be afraid to go first, stand out or be heard. When an opportunity presents itself, put your name on it. Claim it. 

Be a giver. Help others get what they want. Be kind. Give of your time, talents and money. Never pass up an opportunity to be generous. Givers always gain. 

Don’t be afraid to fail. So what if you make a mistake? So what if you fail. Rise up again. Keep trying. What’s possible for others is possible for you. 

Don’t be afraid of success. Know that things will change as you succeed. You’ll be required to leave behind familiar people, places and things.

Expect good things to happen. Stop imagining the worst. Believe that the best is yet to come. Anticipate your needs being met. 

Be open to receive. Learn to say “yes please!” Go through life with an open heart and open hands. 

Let go of false beliefs. Believe in yourself and your dreams. Do what it takes to think, speak and act in a positive manner. Don’t underestimate your abilities and strengths. 

Release perfection. Get out of your own way. Start where you are and do your best. Let the rest go. You can improve as you go. 

Take responsibility for your life. Be willing to go the extra mile. Stop making excuses. Quit whining and complaining. No matter how difficult it gets, keep going. 

Abundance is everywhere. When you are afraid, muster up a few minutes of courage, face your fear and move beyond it.  That’s where breakthroughs happen. That’s when you notice unlimited good. Each step out of your comfort zone expands your growth, expands your life and expands you abundance. Don’t miss out!

Share you thoughts below.

Please help spread my message by sharing on Twitter and Facebook! I’m forever grateful to all bold life peeps, the wonderful flight attendants and Southwest Airlines!