It's time for you to stop trying so hard to run and hide from problems or conflicts. Let's F.A.C.E. it:
Face your challenges with boldness
Ask for advice from more than one person
Commit to being both patient and courageous in rising above
Envision yourself as a stronger person because of this obstacle.

Living under the cruel dictatorship of fear is optional. Become a freedom fighter. Acknowledge what you're afraid of without giving fear the power to rule your life. Say, "NO!" Say it a thousand times if you must.

There are so many things that you cannot control or change and a few that you can, including your own decisions. You might not be as helpless as you feel. Acknowledging your shortcomings is a good first step, but don't stop there. You have the power to grow and change over time.

Sometimes, the things you cannot do well can be a blessing in disguise. Practicing mindfulness and growing stronger in areas of weakness is a worthy goal.

Being courageous and taking a stand for what you consider important may irritate some around you - perhaps because they are jealous that you are so brave! Find your place and significant beliefs in life. Stand tall. You can live with the courage of your convictions without hurting or devaluing your family and friends.

Don't go through life feeling insecure, too often finding ways to hide or retreat from the reality of your life today. Instead, be B.R.A.V.E.
Begin thinking of yourself as a victor instead of a victim
Ready to stand up for what is right and healthy for you
Always remember you have more inner strength and courage than you realize
Victorious living begins with the courage of your convictions
Every day needs to start with "I will be BOLD to do what's right for me today."

Sometimes, being brave may be spelled better as BRAEV: Be Ready Always Expecting Victory. Why? Because being brave is refusing to give in to defeat. Refusing to succumb to defeat IS, alone, living victoriously!

Exchange your "cannots" and "will nots" for a braver, bolder you who says with confidence, "I'm not afraid to believe I can do this!" and "I am not freaked out by the words 'I WILL DO THIS!!'"

One powerful way to think of the word CANNOT is this: Canceling Another Nagging Negative Oppressive Thought. And, remember, most of those nagging negative thoughts that blitz your mind are telling you: "You'll NEVER amount to or do ANYTHING special. Just quit while you are ahead. NO, NO, and NO again! Here's your everyday option: "I'm kicking out of my mind ANOTHER nagging negative oppressive thought and canceling its power over me!!

Even if you are a little timid by nature, you can still accomplish new, big things! Set aside time to contemplate your goals and pick three favorites. Write down one small goal, one medium goal, and one large goal. Then, brainstorm thoughts, ideas, steps, and ways to fulfill that goal! Next, make a plan, be courageous, and start small!

Even if you're not interested in basketball, for illustration purposes, picture this: there is no time left on the clock. The score is tied. One point will win the game. Your best friend has one foul shot left to shoot. Someone next to you shouts, "Make it count." There will be times in your life when you are being depended upon to do, say, or stop something of vital importance. Decide ahead, and you will be ready to make it count!

It is a good habit to remind yourself who is in the driver's seat of your thoughts and emotions. YOU ARE! Use that determination and the fantastic brain power you possess to rise above dark thoughts and feelings to much more hope-filled ones.

Look around you. Name five things you can see. Name four things you can hear. Name three things you can feel. Name two things you can smell. Name one thing you can taste or one thing you can imagine tasting. Use your senses to become more aware of the present and less concerned about life's "what ifs."

Do you sense your feelings almost always dominate your actions? If so, during any given month, are there a few too many actions you regret? Build a stronger support team. Tell yourself often, "I will NOT ignore the facts before I act!"

The next time you have an "I can't believe I thought that" moment, take note: it's time to put up a barrier in your mind. Make an absolute commitment to go to war mentally by way of a mental barrier that says, "YOU MAY NOT PASS THROUGH. BE GONE."

A lot of who you become is determined by how you get back up when you fall despite knowing that others witnessed you fall. This is the time for you to REFUSE to give others the right to meddle with your self-worth.

You are probably facing many challenges right now. Acknowledge these hardships, but don't let them bury you.

The internet lies. People lie. Politicians lie. Society believes the lies it tells itself. Don't go there! Patiently and persistently seek the guidance and truth available each new day. The search will lead you down a path of life that is TRULY BETTER FOR YOU.

What do you fear the most? How often do you think about it? Has thinking, worrying, or fretting about it reduced the potential of this happening? Since the answer is probably "no," stop wasting your energy trying to control "what if" or "could be."

It's a good day to cast aside the fear of failure. No more wasting energy on fear. Be determined to invest your time, effort, and energy into becoming the most healthy and complete version of yourself because YOU are ridiculously amazing. Mistakes are almost always part of the process. Instead of dreading them, embrace them as part of your story, leading you toward personal growth and happiness.

What are your excuses for living a life stuck in neutral? Think of two things you can do or get help with to start chipping away at those towering walls of "I can't." Keep thinking and seeking and believing. In time, you will break down those once rock-solid roadblocks to a size you can handle and overcome!

One good thing about being knocked flat on your back is there is only one way to look - UP. Keep reminding yourself that there will be better days ahead, and be sure to guard against saying or doing something you would definitely regret. Exercising self-control is worth it!

Peer pressure can be pretty intense. It can trap you in the negative, neutralize the positive you have to offer others, or push you to become a hope-driven person. It's your decision, but the key to handling peer pressure is to prepare a plan ahead of time for how you will respond.

Beware! Be aware. And don't go there. When dark emotions or thought patterns begin to well up inside you, heed the warning signs. Have a plan for where you can go that's a better place mentally or physically. Now, go there quickly and without hesitation.

You have more control over your day-to-day attitude than you might realize. Here are four crucial As to embrace:
Always believe you can improve.
Allow the most challenging circumstances to make you a better person.
Actions are redirected by a positive attitude.
Altitude means "my attitude and actions will keep me on the high altitude road of positivity."

It's easy to look around and be discouraged by ONE difficult person or circumstance keeping you from a happier, more peaceful life. SHIFT some mental energy to something that is going well or at least getting better.