These 10 Underrated Quotes Are a Reminder to Us to Live a More Courageous Life

Even if you're not a coward, these quotes can help you become braver.

I didn't ever want to admit that I was a scaredy-cat. But I was, in my youth.

Dive into the deep end of the pool off the highest board? I don't think so. Maybe I'll try the low one — you know, the one. It's about a foot above the surface of the water.

When my father insisted I attend his art school after graduating high school, I refused. I wanted to go to my choice — Pratt Institute, but that meant working and attending college. Sorry, I'm too chicken to take that on, though many have successfully done so.

I was ready to flex my gutsy muscles and leave my loveless marriage in New Jersey for California by the time I was in my twenties.

A new home, job, and relationship were thrilling and a little frightening, but I prevailed.

Stretching myself beyond my usual safe boundaries helped me become a more powerful woman.

The following quotes inspired me to keep achieving, developing my skills, and advancing to become more daring.

1. "I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul. "— William Henley.

This quote taught me that I rule my life and am responsible for all decisions. I had to face whatever issues I ditched when I moved from New Jersey. Some friends I left behind were unsupportive, yet I had to follow my heart and soul — mastering my fate.

2. "It isn't where you come from; it's where you're going that counts." — Ella Fitzgerald.

Again, this one literally and figuratively spoke to me when I settled in California. I was carving out a new life for myself, and my future was clearly in my hands — frightening but exciting. Courage was indeed mine, proving I left behind my "scaredy-cat" days.

3. "Go out on a limb. That's where the fruit is." — Jimmy Carter.

Following a divorce, I faced going back to work to support myself and my two boys. Since being an employee meant working full-time and putting my children into daycare, I opted to start a business and work my hours around school time. That was precisely where the fruit was, though the profession wasn't glamorous — it was the right choice.

4. "What matters most is how well you walk through the fire." — Henry Bukowski.

Divorce is never a pleasant experience, yet this quote taught me that our children's happiness and security were paramount. I managed to be the strength my sons deserved and required.

5. "What you seek is seeking you. "— Rumi.

Many years later — 45 to be exact — my high school sweetheart and I reconnected. I never thought this would happen; however, he is my husband today. Our stars lined up perfectly — we sought one another — unbeknownst to us.

6. "Live your life as if everything is rigged in your favor." — Rumi.

I first heard this quote when Oprah was interviewing Arianna Huffington. I love this passage so much. If you believe it and take smart and brave risks — aka opportunities — you will create a wondrous, adventurous life.

7. "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that count." — Winston Churchill.

How often have we felt we failed because we made a mistake that seemed dire at the time? Yet, you picked yourself up and tried again — and perhaps again. Success at last! Keep going. Failure is simply finding what doesn't work.

8. "It is not happy people who are thankful. It is thankful people who are happy." — Growing Bolder.com.

This quote is especially useful at this busy time of year when we are often so rushed we forget to be thankful ongoing. That includes being grateful for the courage you already possess that will be needed at some future time.

9. "There's a wall between you and what you want and you got to leap it." — Bob Dylan.

He would know. He's written many songs that have gone down in history. He is also the first musician to win a Noble Prize in Literature — for his songwriting.

We cannot let those walls block us — they are a part of life — leap.

10. "It's better to love than to be right." — Tracey Jackson.

This quote comes to mind often. My first reaction whenever my husband and I disagree is to prove how right I am. What a silly action to take. I gain a few moments of ego-boosting, and he gets annoyed.

Better to let him be right — that would be showing love — even when I am in the right — peace endures, and he's happy.

Kindness prevails, and we are both satisfied.

The quotes that can lift, inspire, and help us be more courageous are plentiful. Whenever I hear one that resonates with me, I note it on an index card and file it away. These cards are at my fingertips when I need a jolt of encouragement.

These beautiful, motivating sayings never fail to give me a needed boost.