Are You Bold Enough?

by: Ruthann McKenzie

Nothing fabulous ever happened within a comfort zone. This does not mean go crazy and spend all your money and credit cards on great shoes (I know I would if it did). However, stop acting and living each moment in fear. Be bold, make bold moves, and think outside of the comfort zones. This does not mean you will not feel scared when you do something bold and new, but you do it anyhow.

Surprise yourself by doing something new and exciting. You may actually enjoy it. There have been plenty of times with my design and photography work that I have decided to be bold and do something others would not do. Sometimes it has paid off for me and other times it hasn’t. Either or that did not stop me from trying and thinking out of the box with new ideas. If anything, when an idea I thought I would like did not turn out as I planned something new was born from it. Boldness births new ideas.

Everyone is doing the same thing. Where has that ever gotten you thinking the same thoughts as others and doing the same thing? Not too far or maybe it has gotten you to the point of envying those who do think out of the box. Creativity begins with a bold idea that someone executes. We all have the same power within us if we choose to harness it. It is okay to try something different because we are not meant to live in boxes.

Before we all hopped on bandwagon trends someone had to step out on a limb and be bold enough to try it first. Well, why can you not be that person to try something bold and start a new trend? Even if a trend does not happen from it, then just be happy you stand out from the crowd as a unique soul God created. If we have a creative Creator who hand crafted the world, then we are equally created with bold creativity on the inside of us. Harness that bold creative power and see where it takes you fearlessly.

10 Best Motivational Quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Let your freedom ring!

You're only destined to become what you decide to be. sounds simple enough, but with that decision is the recognition that we have the light and the power on the inside of us to be everything God says we are.

As we honor Dr. Martin Luther King's life on this particular day that has been set aside. We should realize we don't have to be a phenomenal amazing public figure or an amazing super hero with a day honoring our name, to be of service and achieve our purpose, just doing the small things we're able to do is what makes us extraordinary. Dr. King left us motivational words that we can use everyday to be of service to the world and fulfill our highest calling.

• Step out on faith: 

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

• Never give up:

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

• Hard work pays off: 

“Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle.”

• Be resolute: 

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

• Stand up for justice above all:

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”

• Keep your head up:

 “Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.”

• Be dedicated to service:

"Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’"

• Be gracious with yourself and others: 

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.”

• Stay strong, and keep the faith:

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

• Keep God first at all times:

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.”

What are some of your favorite quotes or sayings from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that inspire you everyday? Let's us know in the comment section below. You can follow the latest updates on Facebook and the Breath Of Life Daily Newsletter. 

VIDEOcast: Dr. Cindy Trimm "I Know Who I Am"

Dr. Cindy Trimm expounded on the importance of  the soul and knowing who we are. Trimm shared many great points. Some of the quotes listed below are just a few that jumped out to us. Trimm elaborated in her message "I Know Who I Am" that God breathed life into us. There is a spirit (ruach) in man that gives inspiration, it is the inspiration of the almighty, knowing who we are is critical:

• God breathed the breath of life into man and he became a living soul.
• The soul animates the body, when you lose your soul you have no control. If you fail to nurture your soul you fail to nurture yourself.
• God has expressed himself in you, He has voice printed you.
• When God created you, He gave you your soul, your soul gave you the ability to have a spiritual life. your soul is responsible for your identity and your ability.
• The breath of God has already voice printed your identity, your personality.
• When you discover who you are you will no longer be controlled by people.
• When you discover who you are you will no longer be defined by external circumstances.
• When you discover who you are Life will no longer happen to you, you will happen to life.
• It's not people's responsibility to define who you are, it's yours.
• The solution to your problem is within.

See full video (below):
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What were your favorite points in the video? list them in the comments section below. 

How To Prosper And Be Blessed Like Jabez

by: Ruthann McKenzie

If you have ever read 1 Chronicles 4, it is primarily all genealogy. When you get to verse 9 and 10 the story changes a little bit. You hear of man named Jabez, who was honorable. This man who was called "because I was bore him in pain" asked God to take harm away from him so he would not be "pain" any longer. Jabez was trusting enough to asked God for blessings. God was faithful in providing blessings to Jabez. Yet, there is so much more that we can grasp from these verses.

The story of Jabez is hidden among lists of genealogy, yet Jabez's father is not mentioned, nor are his brothers. The Bible does state he is honorable. In other words, Jabez delighted himself in doing good and following God's commands. Despite his family history, or lack thereof, it did not stop him from being an upright man in the sight of God. Jabez had walked with God and knew that he could ask for God to change the trajectory of his life. So instead of remaining in lack like his family, with no good history for his name, He asked God to bless him and change his future.

After doing much research on the verses I was greatly enlightened. I have not always prayed the "prayer of Jabez" in faith. It was more out of selfish gain or misunderstanding. In the Bible it states ask and it shall be given unto you (Matthew 7:7). However, most of the time we ask out of our own selfish gain or motives. Other times, we want the pain and sorrow to pass from us in an instant. So, we pray and we ask the Lord to bless us, to fill us like never before and that is a good thing, if we are asking for the right reasons and we believe God can truly do these things for us.


A few points I take away from this gem of scripture:

• Trust in God. Jabez  had faith that God could do something special in his life. He had to allow God to lead and we clearly see him asking and trusting God with the statement, "that your hand might be with me". 

• God delights in us honoring Him. Jabez was honorable in the sight of the Lord. If we do not honor God first, but ask for blessings out of selfish gain, then as stated in James 4:3, we ask but do not receive anything because of our wrong motives. Our hearts must align with God's heart and we must honor God first.

• Have a vision for your life. Jabez had a bright vision for his life. He no longer wanted to be referred to as "pain" or "sorrow". He knew the Lord could change this for Him and grant Him with better than his family ever had.

• Ask the Lord to bless you. The final point I take from this passage is that we must stay in constant communication with the Lord. When you seek God first and your heart and His align, then you will ask for blessings to be a blessing to others. Once Jabez asked to be blessed and God granted his request, I am sure it changed the outcome of not just his situation, but generations to come. 

There are many beautiful points that can be gained from the simple, yet powerful prayer of Jabez. I pray you will see this prayer as a sign of how much God loves you and wants to bless and change your future. So often we can get caught up in what we want, we miss God's heart for us. Jabez did not ask and receive out of selfish motives. Quite contrary, God prospered Jabez because He knew that Jabez's heart was in the right place and Jabez was no longer scared to ask God to change his atmosphere.

Abound in abundant blessings!

Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram:@theconfidentyou 

3 Ways To Move Forward In The New Year Successfully

by: Ruthann Mckenzie

Are you ready to move forward?

Moving forward to the new year should be something greeted with great expectation. Whether the year was a wonderful one or there were bumps in the road, there is a new start with the new year.  You can begin the steps to making a change prior to the new year. Yet, it is good to pause and reflect on what to make better for the next year.

How can you make the best of the upcoming year? The following three things should be taken into consideration with 2015 right around the corner:

• Recognize the value of time. Time is so important and we need to leave behind wasting precious moments on irrelevant things. Enjoy living in the moment and see the value in each day. Make the most out of each year, month, week, and day.

• Do not remain bondage to the past. Whatever painful situation that has happened this year or years ago can be let go of. Our memory can be used to focus on where the Lord has brought us from versus remembering all the hurt. Pain is inevitable in this lifetime, but misery is optional. You do not have to remain bondage to the past. Resolve to let that go as 2014 comes to a close.

make a new start, with a new year...

• Create clear priorities for your life. It does not take any set time of the year to realize what is important to you. However, when a new year approaches it is time to take inventory of your priorities and establish what is important and why. Practice utilizing your time wisely from the start of your day, establishing what takes priority.

These skills can be useful moving into the new year. Continue creating awesome vision boards and defining clear goals for how you are moving forward with your life. If you are ready to start fresh and not sure where to start, then check out Just Be Confident and how coaching and mentorship may be able to work for you. Make 2015 your year by moving forward!

Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram:@theconfidentyou 

8 Lessons I Learned From Volunteering At A Homeless Shelter

by: Ruthann Mckenzie

Six months ago, I felt strongly compelled to help volunteer and teach at the homeless shelter. I figured that there may be something within me to help teach others through my life stories. Well, six months later and I realized I relate quite a bit to those I have the pleasure of teaching. However, instead of it being lessons I teach from the bible, the life stories I hear from others share Christ to my heart. 

I wanted to share some of the lessons I have learned so far. What teaching at the homeless shelter has taught me so far is...

Ministering by feeding the homeless

• Preach to a world that is dying. Yes it is important to go to church and hear the word and study for yourself. Yet, if we sit in the pews week after week, then we will miss effective opportunities to spread the word. 
• The love of Christ needs to be shared. If you have hope, then share that hope with others who may not have experienced it before. 
• We all go through hardships, but you can always bless someone else. Hearing a story from a homeless individual who was blessed with a gift card and bought food was nice, but hearing him share that blessing with someone else he didn't know was amazing. He was selfless when he was also in need. It doesn't matter what situation you are in, you can always afford to help someone else.
• We are all gifted and have a purpose. You can find yourself in the service of others. It's a humbling, but rewarding experience to empower others to aspire for more again and use their giftedness.

• Jesus made friends with those we consider "outcasts". Perhaps He did so because those people were pretty cool and just needed someone to talk to and show them love. Jesus didn't look down on people in pity, but he was compassionate and through his love showed others the way up. By being more Christ-like,  perhaps we can socialize with those we may consider "outcasts" to the world and share love.
• Get out of your comfort place. When I began speaking at the shelter I stuttered and cried my first teaching. I was so overwhelmed with speaking in front of others. It was uncomfortable to say the least. At the end, I spoke with the director and she commended me on my effort and told me next month would be better. I could not help but think, "next month? Did she not see me cry?" But next month was easier, and months later I can no longer use the excuse I do not know how to speak in front of others. Which brings me to my next point...
• God can use the least of us. You do not have to be highly educated or rich in much. All you need to do to help others is be willing. A willing heart will take you far. People appreciate authenticity and realness over pretentious fluff of those who think they are better than everyone else. We all are broken vessels, but we can all be used. 
• If you want a change in the world, be the change. Stop complaining of how bad things are and actually make a difference in some way. You were not just placed on this earth to acquire things, be filled with self, worship for your own gain, or mope about how bad things are. No you and I were placed here with a purpose to worship Christ and love. We can display the love of Christ by helping those in need.

The smallest step in the right direction is significant to the kingdom. You don't have to know the most or be the best, but a willing heart is all you need. I trust that when you yield to service of others you may discover more about yourself than ever before. Be the change you wish to see and dare to make a difference!



Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram:@theconfidentyou 

Living Out God's D.R.E.A.M.

by: Regina Elizabeth Robinson

Hello beautiful People! My word for you today starts with a word that was given to me by my sister Francena Robinson. Here were her words to me:

 “I am sitting here at work and something just hit me. Lot's wife - There is nothing behind you. I am just reminded of all the times I have looked behind me, and I am sure others have done the same. Looking in the past or behind you only brings about death. There is no way to move forward if the past or what you are leaving is always on your mind. Looking forward to what's ahead is where true joy is.”

I got this email on a day when I was having my own little pity party about what I considered wasted time, talent and resources in my life. It reminds me that He is always with me. And He always sends just what I need, right on time. What a perfect word. A word for me. A word for you. A word for now.

So I challenge you today to stop looking to your past for answers and start looking to your God. Time to put feet to your faith and run hard after those dreams He has placed on your heart. If not now, when. The dream He gave you is not just for you, it is for this world, for the lost, for His Kingdom. So follow your dream. Always Dream Big because we serve a God of endless possibilities.

And remember
   Be Determined to do what ever it takes
   Be Ready for anything at all times
   Be Excellent in every area of your life
   Be Absolute in your Faith
Find Meaning in the Higher Call.

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

Be Blessed. Stay SASSY! Keep Winning!

-Regina “Sunshine” Robinson is the CEO/President of EWATE (Empowered Women Accountable To Each Other), a Women’s Empowerment organization whose main purpose is to empower & encourage women to be all they were created to be in order to fulfill God’s perfect plan for their lives. Their slogan is “We’ll Help You Get Your SASSY Back.” Her personal motto is “It’s Not Over Til I Win” and for her, she wins when she sees others “WINNING”. You can find Regina on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Transformation: The Caterpillar And The Butterfly

By: Ruthann Mckenzie

The journey from the caterpillar to the butterfly is far greater than people give it credit for. We all praise the butterfly for its beauty and grace. Yet seldom do we praise the butterfly for the extraordinary journey it takes to become its intended greatness. It seems that we distinguish the butterfly from the caterpillar as if they are two separate entities. The purpose and destiny of the caterpillar is tossed out because the butterfly steals the show.

Scientifically, the butterfly goes through four different stages before it becomes an actual butterfly.  Of the high number of eggs the butterfly lays, only approximately 1 in 20 will make it to the next stage. After the egg develops, more will drop off if they cannot survive their first meal as a caterpillar.  At the stage of a caterpillar is where most of the work and transformation comes in to play.  It takes much effort and strength to make it through to the final stages of spinning into a cocoon.  It takes so much work for the caterpillar to turn into a butterfly that there are five different stages within the caterpillars life alone.  Through all of those stages, some still do not make it.

The greatness of the butterfly is that it goes through all of that work.  Before the butterfly actually forms its wings, before it even turns into a caterpillar, at each stage it could all come to an end.  However, only the strongest endure to the end and flutter into the majestic butterfly we praise so highly.

We can all learn a lesson from nature through the process of becoming a butterfly.  People will always just see the end result.  So at whatever stage you are at, they see that as the end.  This is not true for the caterpillar, whose life mission is to become a butterfly. This is also not true for us and our journey.  People will only praise us once we make it to the top, however they neglect the process and journey that it takes to get to the final stage.

Even at the final stage for a butterfly, they still have more work to do.  Their migration and laying of eggs are work that means their journey of life does not end once they become a butterfly.  Likewise, our journey does not end once we endure to the end of our vision.  Nevertheless, others will not see the additional work that is ongoing. This does not negate the fact that work and the journey continues.  

For myself, keeping certain things in mind has helped me realize how important the journey really is. Keep in mind these four things as you continue on your path to your dreams:

1. Embrace where you are. At each stage there is a lesson and there can be fulfillment. This will help guide us through each stage.

2. Be willing to change. A willingly open and receptive heart can take you so far. It can take you to the final stage of the butterfly. However, when you fail to want to change then your growth becomes stagnant and dies. This is also evident with the caterpillar.

3. Enjoy each stage. Find beauty as often as you can. It doesn't have to be the ideal situation to still find something positive. If the only positive thing you can find is being alive, then enjoy that because it means more will come.

4. Remain humble so when you are exalted in due time it will be well deserved. I doubt the butterfly ever looks at the caterpillar and despises it's beginnings. Even in its glory of its journey, remaining humble is ever important.

So, do not give up.  Do not look down upon the caterpillar because it is not yet a butterfly.  Instead praise the caterpillar as well for laying the groundwork and foundation for the butterfly.  When we are in our caterpillar stage, do not give up. Not everyone makes it because they see their current situation and do not want to envision the future for being better and brighter. They cannot see the end result.  Even if it seems like an eternity, the final stage, the butterfly stage, will occur.  Keep pressing forward and enjoy the journey at each stage.  For the simple fact that you have not given up yet means there is better coming if you just endure.

Love the butterfly, but respect and enjoy the caterpillar as well. It is a reflection of our journey.  




Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram:@theconfidentyou 

How To Take The Limits Off And Win

 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us." Romans 8:37

Question of the day is…(drum roll, please)...are you a winner or a whiner? Honestly, I tend to be a whiner.  When troubles come my way, I am ready for God to take away the pain.  As for me, my first response in trouble is, "let this cup pass from me". 

This week I was reminded of Romans 8, specifically verse 37, “…we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Here Paul is letting the church know that God has already made them victorious. When this letter was written in Greek the word used was "hypernicomen", which translates as a compound word to "being overly or beyond expectation" and "victory". The actual translation of "more than conquerors" means we have above and beyond the victory of those in the world through Christ.  We are more than conquerors because of God and His love. In short, we always win, or overcome, despite our situations.

As humans, I believe it is natural for us to be weak and ready to give up. We are merely made from dust, but made by a perfect Designer. I believe God created us from dust so we can continuously boast in our wins through Him. Yet, we rarely utilize the authority and power within us given by God. We can overcome every trial and conquer any battle as long as we trust fully in the Lord. Having confidence in Christ means that we know we can be more than conquerors. You are not just a conqueror, but more than a conqueror! Above and beyond what you can think or imagine, you have power dwelling within you to overcome though Christ. I mean, how awesome is that?

We have established that God declares that you are more than a conqueror. Now, why aren't you declaring that for yourself daily?  Yes, this life can be difficult and challenging, but we need to hang tightly to all God has to say about us. An important thing to realize in this passage is that Paul was speaking to normal everyday people, like you and I, but telling them how powerful they really were through Christ.  The letter from Paul was not written to the highest courts in the land, the Roman empire, or wealthy people, but it was written to a church that held no authority in the natural realm. However, we don't have to be mighty in the world's eyes to be more than a conquerors in Christ. Think about that next time you do not believe you are above and beyond victorious.


If we keep God first and allow Him to be greater within us, then we will begin to notice it is much easier to be at peace. There is nothing that can come in between the love God has for us. We can be more than conquerors in all aspects of life, over trials and tribulations, if we stay connected to God. So I ask again are you a winner or a whiner? If you are a whiner, then trust today that God calls you strong and more than a conqueror through His unfailing love.  Be a winner today!



What are some others scriptures you refer to break into your winning power? Leave a comment below and Follow the conversation with @BOLDJournal on Twitter and Instagram.


Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram:@theconfidentyou 

Motivation: Just Be Confident!

by Ruthann Mckenzie

“In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger – something better, pushing right back.” ― Albert Camus

My life is turning into a series of adventures. Trying to juggle multiple tasks and not lose my mind in the process has proven to me how ambitious I can be. Yet, as much as I keep stretching and coming out of my shell. With each new day and new opportunity I try to attain I'm realizing how much more important confidence is. I get so scared I'm going to mess everything up I fail to just live. At times confidence means just showing up and doing your absolute best. Forget the doubt and fear, forget the self sabotage and just do it!

I have not figured out the success of life, but I am on the road of self discovery with greater confidence.  When I decide to let go and just be confident, then I noticed how much my self defeated speech dwindles.  Note, it does not go away, but it does quiet down.  I have compiled a few lessons I have learned along the way. I will share what makes a confident individual from the lessons I have learned...

In doing much research on the topic of confidence, I have listened to countless sermons, speeches, reading books, articles, blogs, and spoke to others to get their take on what confidence means.  This blog has been a long time coming and for good reason.  I wanted to bring something different to the table with the explanation of why confidence is important.  

One of the meanings from the dictionary in for confidence is "full trust;belief in the powers, trustworthiness, or reliability of a person or thing:" The word is derived from the word trust.  Do you have trust? Are you trusting the process? Better yet, are you trusting what God says about you? 

1 Corinthians 9:26

Today, I wanted to inspire you with a biblical perspective on confidence.  Confidence is simply trusting and confidence begins with a firm trust in God.  As scripture  points out, we are to be confident solely in Christ, not ourselves.  Without Him, there is no confidence to be gained in this world. When I do coaching sessions, these are the primary points that I teach. These have been topics I have taken much time researching and has helped those I coach and myself. I pray it will encourage you too as you gain greater confidence in Christ.

• God loves you. This gives you the confidence to do new things. God loves you where you are in your life and that love will makes you want to transform for the better through Him.

• Confidence refuses to live in fear. Confront fear and be willing to move against fear instead of waiting for the feeling to pass. Hebrew 10:39 states, "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith..." Do not let fear rule your life and shrink back, have faith and conquer fear.

• Confident people have positive attitudes. Positivity is a choice. You are not protecting yourself by having a negative attitude. For example, you are not going to prevent the rain by having a poor attitude towards the rain. Instead, you can see the rain and dance in it knowing at the end you will receive a rainbow and the sun. You have the power through Christ to be happy. In Christ your attitude can change.

• Confidence recovers from setback. Being wrong is not the end of the world, and that does not diminish confidence. No failure is permanent and each new day you can begin again if you have a dream or vision. Do not quit!

• If you are lacking in confidence, check your level of faith.  Faith is trusting or confidence in the Lord to bring about that which has not happened yet. We have to have confidence in the Lord that He will bring to pass what He says He will do. Faith is a confident expectation of God's promises. Hebrew 11:1 states, "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."(Assurance is another word for confidence).

• Change your approach with confidence.  Real confidence is faith activated and trusting in the Lord.  As Proverbs 3:5 states, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding."  Keep in the forefront that this is not about you doing it alone, but trust in God.

• Confidence looks forward. There is hope in this life through Christ and we are more than conquerors through Him. Maximize your strength within and keep moving ahead.

• A confident person avoids comparison.  There is no need to want what others have as you have your own gifts and talents.  There is freedom in loving who you are and not comparing. Figure out with God what His will is in your life and work towards that. Be who God made you to be humbly and confidently. He made you unique!

• A confident person takes action. Find the solutions and do not just complain. There is no living in "if only" and "what if".  Make sure what you feel in your heart is God. You do not have to wait for confirmation from anyone other than God for your dreams and visions.

Live today and JUST BE CONFIDENT!

Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram:@theconfidentyou 

Note for 2015: Greater is coming!

This is directed to the dreamer...For the visionaries...For those who think they are crazy for holding fast to what they believe...For those who know that abundance is in living life to the fullness...For those not willing to think that life only has to offer paycheck to paycheck or bad breaks. This is for the one content with little or with much, but will never be complacent.

Greater is coming! You have greatness residing on the inside, that is bubbling over. With 2015 under sixty days away, I hope that everyone has committed their plans for the new year.

In a world where it seems more people are complacent with what they have, it is time to hold fast to the greater life that was intended for us to live. At what age did you stop dreaming? When did you begin to realize this was as good as it gets? Well, I challenge you to challenge that notion of thinking today. Who told us that we were created to be ordinary or play it safe? Why do we fear coming out of our comfort places and taking a risk, even if it is once in a while? Fear is a lie! Why do we have to be so conscious of being realistic that we stop dreaming and believing? We stopped believing in greater.  We settled at living the bare minimum and calling that okay.

Now by all means, greater looks different for all people, and that is okay. However, why do we try to group up greatness into a box? We try to put abundant living in a box, but it cannot be contained and it never should. Who told you that greater is not possible, feasible, or attainable? Were they accomplishing greater or living a safe life? Either way, why did their option become your reality?

I think so often we base our reality and desires on what others tell us. Who are "they" to say it is not possible or realistic? Who are "they" to tell you to be "happy" right where you are and never aspire for greater. One day when I meet my Creator I want Him to smile from my life being poured out. I want Him to tell me I used every gift He gave me instead of holding on to it or never discovering it out of fear. I rather choose abundance.

Choose to look on the brighter side. Choose to take this moment you are in that does not feel too good as the stepping stone you need to propel you into greatness. Choose abundant living. Christ wants greater for you. You were not created to just live, but to live abundantly. Remember Galatians 6:9, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Today Will Be Different

by: Coach Ruthann

Today's motivation is from an excerpt from my current book, Today Will Be Different. Day four of the book is dedicated to what motivates you. Hopefully, you will think deeply about why you are motivated to move forward and continue to make a change into 2015.

What motivates you?

In order to move forward from old habits and old thinking, it is imperative to identify what motivates us to change. Change can come from external forces or internal ones. Perhaps you woke up and knew today would be different. That is great! However, it is even better to keep in mind why you are making changes in your life so you will not give up on the task at hand.

Ask yourself who is your motivation to keep moving forward. If you have a person in mind, perhaps a family member, athlete, public figure, even yourself, then identify why that person motivates you.  Within the reason of who motivates you, you will find that something within you seeks greatness. We all have greatness within us, some of us just need to dig a bit harder to pull it out.  

Let me post to you a personal question, what has kept you from the changes you would like to see in your life in the past? Again, this could be internal or external forces. If you started and stopped pursuing your goals and dreams in the past, that is okay. All you really need to get started again is to realize that you are ready now, and that you possess all of the unlimited resources within yourself to make the necessary changes.  When you are fully committed to change there will be no excuse to hold you back once more. You will know what you have to do and why.

Once you become fully committed to changing, then it would be a great time to write down your reasons for change. Do not be negative or critical of yourself.  The point is to keep a clear reason and vision of why this change is necessary.  This task may be easier of an undertaking with a coach to help empower you and shine light on ideas you may not have thought of before.

Ruthann McKenzie is the creator of justbeconfident.com where she blogs and coaches others to be confident and live victoriously. Follow her updates on Facebook and Instagram:@theconfidentyou