17 Ways To Rise Above

After reading this… the only word that comes to mind is WOW! I am blown away by the power and truth of your words. It is not common in life to come across something so real, true and liberating. Reading this was more than just words on some web page, this was a powerful message that spoke directly to my soul and stoked the burning fire within me. To help you understand how EPIC this was for me, let me put it down like this: My soul is like a ship sailing through a chaotic sea, and this post was like a burning beacon put there by a kind and generous soul who by the simple act of revealing this bright ray of truth, hope and powerful inspiration to help guide us lost ships to safer waters, and a better future. Things like this are a blessing and more precious and powerful than any sum of money or other materialistic bullshit. I feel like i just found a million bucks after reading this, and I just want to say thank you for taking the time to share this and having the will to help your fellow man. The world desperately needs more people like you, Big Chris. We should all strive to live life with the passion and truth that makes you such an amazing and real person.

I just had my mind blown! This is a truly inspirational post. The fact that you are willing to share your trials and tribulations so that maybe others can take away life lessons and learn from them takes some balls… You have an enormous amount of wisdom to share and I hope you don’t ever stop sharing it with the world… In a world full of liars we need honest people like you:)

Thanks bro, this is awesome post at the perfect time. You’re on a roll with your latest writings, they really got me thinking in a positive way.

I skimmed most of it and had to pass up the foul words but I did get a lot out it. No matter what, I need to press forward to make my business grow. I hate cubicles and never want to go back. Thanks for making it real.

Hey Chris, Deep stuff man and great words to read at 6.30 in the morning as I start my day, listing all the thing’s I’m grateful for in my life. It’s funny how life is so paradoxical that we must an can only experience “left” if we first have know “right”, and sometimes we live in the “up” but do not realize, and cannot really appreciate the “up” until we go “down” all the way only to bounce back even higher and harder.
have a great day mate J

I thought this post was so well written. Live and Learn..and Live Life to the Fullest! Love what you do, and do it with passion and a zest for life! So many mindful things to take away from this blog. You are a true man to live up to your flaws and learn and share about your mistakes with the world. It takes guts, it takes balls and I admire a person who can educate others by his life experiences, good and bad. Thank you so much for sharing your story and wisdom, and educating others with your thoughts and views on how to live life to the fullest! Happy New Year Chris! 🙂

I think you’re blogging is reaching a different level here. Great inspiration for me to write more like this, but simply just great inspiration! Thanks again for what you do!

This is going on my wall “There’s an AWESOME Life Waiting For You… Just On The Other Side of That Shit You’re Afraid Of” Chris McCombs

I dont think you really…really realise the effect and impact of your thoughts and honesty on your audience. You are setting off a an explossion of inspiration all over the world Chris. this is no longer about workouts, personal training etc. this is about life.

Damn man…mmhhh. Thi is too much for me man. thank you man. really thank you. God speed.

I’d love to write a response that conveys ample gratitude… Impossible.

For me, personally, the timing of this article is ideal. The message. Your background. Writing. Everything. I really appreciate it, man. I’ll share this in my newsletter, fan page, everywhere. Great message here, everyone should read it.

PS. If you’re up for it, would love to touch base soon if you’re free. I sent you a book a couple years back, “Rat Bastards”, not sure if you remember… Anyway, would be great to connect.

Best,
Chad

Damn.. Thank you Chris im 23 years old trying to find my way, this definately helped.

Chris,
This was one of the best things I could of read during this time in my life. I have a lot of dreams and sometimes I want to throw in the towel but reading your blog and especially this post has refreshed my mind. Thanks for all that you do!

Damn Chris McCombs, your a BOSS ! That’s what’s up man, sick sick post right there.

Hey Chris,

Im loving this blog! You talk the truth about everything, in a way that can only be described in words once you’ve been through the experience for real.

If you’ve not read it I’d recommend the book ‘Conversations With God’ by Donald Neale Walche – one of the best things I’ve ever read on this aspect of life and the soul (even though I’m not ‘religious’ as most would describe it)

Thanks again Chris for the inspiration that your words carry.

Looking forward to seeing you in a few weeks

Justin

Great post Chris. Great insight on what “matters’ in the end. Too many caught up in the flash and not really living what little time they have here. Praise God for your “getting up, brushing off” and living life. Great read. Write a PG version so I can share it, like an AM station version LOL
Blessings,
Randy

I am not easily impressed nor inspired. I have to FEEL whatever things – inside my head – before I act. Your words, the in your faceness of it all – has touched me! I am going to follow or link or share or whatever to stay connected to the words and person behind them. I overcame huge hurdles over the past couple of years — I am stalwart in my dedication to myself – your words are like icing on the cake to my mindset for success. Bravo!!!

I loved reading this. I’m taking my business to the next level and I need all the inspiration I can get.
Thanks for the insight and motivation Chris. Keep it coming!

Again a wonderful blog to inspire to leave between fear, rejection and defeat. Today, I bought tickets to Brea Improv Club so I can laugh me ass off instead of dwelling on negativity.

Big Chris,

I loved this post. Lots of inspiring stuff. I had never read the entire Henry Rollins quote. I am going to see if his stuff is on gtunes to start listening to his songs. We have been through similar things in our lives and it is awesome to read about these types of things. Face, Embrace, Erase and dealing with terrible things head on is great advice. It is so easy to get lost in drugs or drink when things seem like they could not be any worse but they can always be worse. I am glad I read this today. Thanks.

It’s always amazing how much of yourself you’re willing and able to give to show others there’s a new way, a different way, maybe even a better way of thinking, doing, being. Great stuff brother!

Thanks for this post Chris! Its Fantastic!
I Love the Henry Rollins “steel” quote.
Meditation and exercise are truly a very powerful combination.
Also, thanks again for the inspiration…Iv been praying for it!
Keep em coming 🙂

He’s back!!!

Loved this post brotha! Old school Chris speaking truth with nothing to hide. Perfect timing for this man, I really needed it. Glad you’re on it again. Thanks again for everything, I won’t ever forget it was you who helped get my business off the ground and to start the boot camps. I appreciate you and everything you do. Thank you

Chris your ability to put yourself out there is unbelievable. I have been reading your blog and emails for a couple years now and I’ve never felt like I wanted to respond until this post. Your authenticity is what life should be about. I’ve been building my own business for several years now and feel like I should be reading this every morning to keep me motivated yet level headed about life 🙂

I would love to spend an hour with you and pick your brain…unbelievable honesty and bad assness (that’s not a word).

God does great things for those who share his Truth. Thank you for sharing His Word. You are a vessel that we don’t often see making the journey for God. So, thank you for taking this journey and sharing it with the rest of the world in such a cool way.

This is amazing Chris. An eloquent, heart felt poetic beginning to a very enlightening post. The introduction is literally worthy of some sort of writing award… made the hair stand up on my neck. I echo Sako’s sentiments… glad to see the old Chris back. You’ve been greatly missed

Chris,
This is my first time reading your blog…was recommended to me by a friend.

I will definitely be back to read more. Thank you…I enjoyed your reflections immensely.

Chris,

I love the new BLOG. Great format where you can really open up and be yourself. I love what you have overcome to be where your at now.

Rock On,

Brian Meisenburg

Krebs told me I need to read this today and he was right. We’ve been through a lot of similar storms and this was very necessary. Appreciate you putting it out and being real Chris.

Appreciate you my friend.

Luka

Wow, all of these speak to me, but “Do Cool Shit”? PERFECT. Not doing enough of that…. often only when things are “more clear”… just realized that aint gonna happen because I am up to something big… So the Chaos bit was perfect to read in the same sitting. So then, from reading this, Today… now… i will even “schedule” doing the Cool Shit that’s missing. Thanks again, always worth my time.

Chris:

Perfect medicine for my soul today – spot on, Brother! Especially the part about Living the Truth- I spoke the truth today, it was VERY unpopular, and will likely get me fired – Oddly enough, I have peace cause like you say, truth eliviates fear!!! Keep keeping it real and many thanks!

Having been a reader off and on of your blog throughout the last three years, I am compelled this time to actually say something. Directly after my wedding I decided to just go all out and apply as many of your ideas as possible to my personal training business and shit started to happen which gave me so much confidence. I now have my own fitness studio and have kept it afloat for the last year but my husband just left me in the last few months and I find myself in need of some inspiration and OMG, It’s here. This post has resonated and hit me hard, so much that I’ve reread parts two and three times already since yesterday. Thank you for being genuine and so insightful and sharing it with your readers. I look forward to meeting you someday when I’ve finally hit my stride and can come to one of the masterminds. Keep it up! Truly bang on in so many ways. <3

HOLY SHIT! I’ve been a follower for a long time, but damn dude this blog nailed it. I will be re-reading this several times in the new year….GREAT SHIT!!!! Thanks Chris!

Wow! Just an awesome post, Chris. I shared it on Facebook and am sending it to my friends (list)

This is what I wrote to my sister;
“One of the best things I’ve ever read on the Internet. Please take the time to check it out”

Very well written and look forward to your emails.

Thank YOU!

Always uplifting to get good advice but more so during the beginning of the year when we are looking for motivation. Thanks a million Chris. Always nice to get a little boost to follow your dreams and get started with your goals. Happy New Year!

Very well said, Chris, and another example that we are students of life, not graduates.

Thanks simple and direct, especially about intuition and truth they are one and the same.

Chris – as I’m heading into huge changes in my life – currently in the midst of a terrible storm, you have provided me with the courage to move forward, to finally enjoy my life instead of simply going through the day-to-days….and have given me hope that there will be light at the end of this dark tunnel that is my life.

Perfect timing – amazing words…

Thank-you — Holly

Riding in the subway in Australia, you hear this every time you enter and leave the rail car over the intercom “Mind The GAP” funny what that means to mean now after reading your latest post

“What will you be doing 5 minutes from now?”… live a life where you really don’t know or is it that you never really do and that’s what makes the journey interesting ….you have great stuff/stories and I am better for reading them when you share them.

Koyaanisqatsi,

Tony

I am truly impressed, amazed, and thankful for this post. With no doubt, I know this post has deeply affected me and will affect others in a positive way. This is by far one of the best pieces of writing I have ever read my life.This post is actually the first post, I have read from one, but you just gained another faithful follower. I will definitely send this link to my friends and family. Just amazingly and I’m looking forward to going back and reading more of your older posts and I’m anticipating your future ones. You have real talent.

Amazingly gifted. The way you use your passion to uplift others. I must say, i’ve been discouraged recently in my lack of progress with group training. I’ve purchased material and workbooks still to no avail. But I must say after, reading your post, I owe it to myself to give it one more try. Thanks

Earl W

This is the first time that I visit your blog and I’m sure it will be the first of many. It made my day , I think you have a awesome writing and so much true in your words. Thank you so much.

Hey Chris,

Wow – thank you…

You had me in the first 10 seconds, and seriously, this is one of the best things I’ve ever read online, right up there with Johnny B Truant, Jon Morrow, the Badass Project and Merlin Mann. Props to Adam Dukes for recommending you.

So much to love, resonate with and act on. Respect & gratitude at the highest level. I’m on board…

Very best wishes from sunny Scotland for an awesome 2013,

Matthew

Thanks for this Chris Mccombs. I appreciate it. I run a 6 figure business, but in my heart of hearts I want to be an actor (i have since i was a kid) Fuck It today I’m gonna work my ass off at achieving that dream.

Hey Chris thanks for the awesome post. I just shared it with my contact list and it routed to my Facebook fan page. 🙂

Hey mate,

Really, really excellent post.
Dare I say – profound, even.

Now, Chris, may I bring up perhaps what is the next step?

There are two kinds of lessons in life – word lessons and world lessons ( concepts and experience).

Seems like you have had some powerful experiences (world lessons) that led to you sharing your word lessons in a very powerful way.

That’s like telling someone the benefits of “iron” – all well and good, and even motivating for some – but the real challenge is to create an environment where they can have that experience themselves – experiences are uninformative – aha! moments – which alter the experiencer – leaving a “different” world to interact with.

An example –

People with “phantom limb disorder” – feel pain in a limb – even though it has been ambulated.

There was no real treatment for this until

A Dr. who’s name I forget – did this:

Let’s say a man has had his left arm ambulated and complains of pain in the hand.

He has the man sit in a chair resting his right arm on a table.

He then puts up a mirror about a foot to the left of center several feet high.

He man – as he looks out – has the experience of seeing his right arm and hand – and in the mirror – his “left arm and hand”.

The DR. has the man go thru several clenching and unclenching exercises – and – according to what I have heard and read – the success rate for elimination of the pain is over 90%.

As you said – “why” is always a tricky subject – but one might posit that having the experience of “seeing” his left arm clench and unclench allows for the cramping to disappear in a way that nothing else would.

To take that analogy to your work – that would be the challenge – create an environment (the table and mirror setup) that allows one to have the kind of experiences that transform – rather than concepts. .

Hope this is clear.

I think you have it within you to take this to the next level and do some of that.

Best,

Bill

Came across your blog from my local gym in Cornwall. I couldn’t stop reading and felt a huge mix of emotion. I thought about a friend in need of help who doesn’t want to talk so wont take my calls, I thought about running a marathon but I’m too scared I can’t, I thought about the sadness of things I definitely cannot achieve, but how I can still be happy. Blimey, great blog. Keep going.. who knows what we will all achieve when we share and believe.

I like what you said when it comes to motivation, I’ve found for myself that to be motivated towards something is often a lot more beneficial than to be be motivated by fear of something. Going towards something we want rather than away from something we don’t. Probably has something to do with what we’re focusing on thus creating in reality. Thanks for the post, it got me thinking 🙂

Thanks a lot Chris. You not only made my day, but you opened by mind towards the future and the battles to come. I really appreciate this message.

Thanks.

Chris, Brother, you don’t know me at all but I’ve seen your stuff in the past and followed you from afar. Truth be told I didn’t like you much and bear with me as I explain some more.

I train at Renegade Gym in New Jersey and I’m close with Jay Ferruggia. I quietly do some web/tech work for him behind-the-scenes. He spoke of you often and asked me to follow some of your stuff. I remember reading and thinking there had to be something more going on. I’m not questioning your success one bit – to the contrary I applaud you for your skill and acumen. For me something seemed off on the personal side of your posts – too polished, too perfect. And then I saw the pics of you rockin the Renegade T when you got back in shape and thought ‘holy shit this guy looks amazing’. I was definitely jealous and I’m not ashamed to admit that now. Like you I’m 42 and I bust my fucking ass in the gym but didn’t see anything near the gains you were making.

I asked Jay about the possibility of Steroids and he told me no way. I didn’t believe it. So I stopped following your stuff because it ate at me.

Flash forward to yesterday – you pop into my head for some unknown reason and I hunt down your blog on my phone in the car. I find this site and I am shocked as shit by this post. I was heading to class and couldn’t read the whole thing so I save it for today and get completely immersed in your site for the last hour or so.

Truth again – I came back looking at your site to see if you were still posting the same way. Came to it from a bad place. And as I read the post I did a complete 180. I am amazed and touched at the same time. I appreciate that you have shared your struggles and look forward to reading your journey more.

Talk about stranger than fiction, right?

There is more to it – like you I have my own demons. Things I’m still working on too. I put up a “public” image of myself for years that was not true. I lived a huge lie. It all came to a head the last two years – financial collapse, my marriage failed, deep depression & anxiety. It was hell. Maybe that is why I got the vibe I did from your site before – we can sniff out our own on what is genuine and not and at that time I was far from genuine myself.

Like you, as the dust settled I felt unburdened by the things I clung to before and work hard to live in the now or the gap as you say. I’m a fan of Eckhart Tolle’s book too – you are spot on with it. At the beginning of this year I asked myself a seemingly simple question ‘What do you want to do?’.

I’ve always wanted to be a firefighter. But I was afraid – not of the fire but of my own ability, my own mental character to do it. I lacked confidence. But then I realized I’ve worked for years in student services (and technology) helping people, often quietly & love fitness/strength/conditioning – and I’m pretty good at both of those. Fire Services is an extension of what I’ve already been doing – a melding of public service and fitness. So I jumped in and joined as a volunteer in my hometown. I finish Fire Academy this coming Tuesday – one more big exam to pass and I am a full fledged firefighter. The class, my classmates, the instructors, the members of the fire department I joined – all of it has been amazing. The whole journey has been 1000 times more rewarding than I ever expected. And I’m good at it – keep in mind I’m modest so that is tough for me to write but I see it clearly. And I can’t wait to learn more, keep training & help others.

I am thrilled to find your site and the real you. Best of luck on your journey Brother…I’ll be following along.

That’s a pretty great post, but I am more inspired by the fact that you replied to nearly everyone’s post.
I just started reading your post actually. At first I just wrote them off because I didn’t see how they could help my Pilates studio. But I got to admit. I like your style. I look forward to more post. Thank you!

Glad I clicked your link to read that AWESOME post.

I try not to conform but as it happens you get consumed by things alon the way. Time to reset- thankyou

Your honesty is appreciated! Keep rising above x

Thank you, sincerely. I needed this today more than any other day.

Damn Chris, how good did that article feel to write? It always amazes me how transparent you are about your trials and, at the same time, willing you are to work your ass off and help others. Good shit bro. keep it up!

That was like 2 seminars, 10 books and 5 hours of therapy all in one blog post. So true man, when getting to your core, magic things start to happen!

Man, I sit here with a tear in my eye, not ashamed to say, my inside roaring with a desire to push forward. I have 22 years military special operations to reflect upon, raised two wonderful kids, love a wonderful woman and train as hard today at 51 years of age as I did in my twenties (few more aches and pains) just recently moved close to the beach and military town we dreamed about for the past ten years. After reading these words I know God has trully blessed my life, thank you for expressing with words from deep within. My prayer for all reading this post is to read again and then read again, this is truth and the truth shall set you free.

Man Chris, As I sit here at the Fire Station and work my 24 hour shift,Im blown away and its exactly how I felt for so many years after my dad died of a massive heart attack on December 12,1998 at the young age of 51 right after he retired. I normally dont tell alot of people this but for some reason I feel the power of god and he will wake you up when you think you can do it own your own,and I finally got the message…..I have been a full time firefighter for 21 years and I have seen Shit that just fuckin takes its toll on you mentally and physically.My father made good money and provided for my older brother sister and me but was a alchoholic while my mother was finishing nursing school.Always picking fights and was always gone.I struggled with school and excelled in sports but having add back then was a total di

I got cut off sorry,but I had so much anger inside after he died,unsettled buisness,and mixed with crawling in burning fucking houses and seeing little children that I cut out of cars and seeing stuff like that takes its toll on you and all the fuckin iron you lift in the gym doesnt make the pain go away….So I thought I would turn to drinking to kill that pain and in 2004 just like you Im lying on my living room floor in 3000 sq ft house that I used to love gone..She left me and I know what its like and feels when your sto go is ripped out. Then as a Proffessional Firefighter I thought I was going to find her and talk to her and get pulled over and tried to fuckin take on about 10 cops and that wasnt to smart…Everything I had worked my ass off was fixing to be gone because I thought I was a bad ass ripped fireman and I could do it on my own Bull Shit!!!!!!!!I had to hit rock bottom and I thought I had made peace but I still kept thinking I could do it own my own,We reconciled and I talked and made myself think and her that It was going to be ok and that I made peace but I was lying to myself and bamm in 2005 August 29 the lord tried to wake me up again and Hurricane Katrina destroyed our house and we lived

Jan 3, 1941… my parents are well aware of a looming WAR, and Dad was in the Army-AirCorps, but Mom loved him and they chose Jan 3 to pledge marriage vows… they used MANY of your axioms to make a wonderful, flawed life together, living their values and raising four children… this one learned Korean, got a Top Secret clearance, helped after the USS Pueblo incident, earned a doctorate, sang for friends, played guitar, helped sick to be healed and live healthy lives, learned Thai, studied life-self-responsibility… and was sent your linkie, here, by my Kiwi friend in New Zealand…

Big Chris. Man. This is heavy.

Like others, I have come here via both Chad Howse, and The Art of Manliness, and I believe you’ve very adequately encompassed several topics lost on our generation with this post.

I’ve often referred to myself as being born in the wrong timeline, or “a generation late,” based on my core values that I hold near and dear, and the way I deal with inner conflict in a way that’s constructive, or beneficial to my walk through life. Lately, however, all the shit has begun to pile up. My career imploded, friendships were cut loose, trying(and failing) to start a family, legal woe,- it’s been a trying year enough to reduce even the strongest men to a weepy mess.

Thanks for the inspiration to continue fighting the good fight. If you haven’t helped anyone, you’ve directly influenced me to keep pushing on with both middle fingers raised high.

Thank you for sharing your story, your words, your heart and your soul. This touched me deeply tonight in a very sad place. Thank you and blessings!

I admire the outlook… Isn’t so easy to think this positive… I battle with wanting to live a full life against living the right life… what is the right life ? I too ask myself… I find myself boggled with many things day in and day out and wonder if I even should be… but the fact that I’m just wondering scares me… I’m 24 and still wondering…. hahaha.. I shud be out there… However, I must say I enjoyed reading you stuff and am going to read some more… Inspired I am

I discovered your new blog just a couple days ago, I have no idea how new it is but I’m glad I found it. I started my own blog back in July, trying to find my true voice, and then in September my younger brother took his own life. I used to get up every morning at 5 am to write but after he died nothing seemed worth writing about. None of the writers I’d been reading inspired me anymore bro…I came across this post from a referral, I think it was J. Ferruggia or Chad Howse, can’t remember. Doesn’t matter, what does matter is that after reading your “about” page I’ve been getting up early and writing again. This post killed it as well! I just want to say thank you for waking me up. I look forward to reading all your posts in the future. Thanks for starting your “new” blog Big Chris…means the world bro.
Mac.

I can’t express how much I LOVED this!!! Thank you so very much for sharing it with us! It’s so inspiring!! I am going to read it all again! Straight up and REAL!!!!!

wow!! this was just what i needed. im 16 yrs old 6ft tall 130lbs and im suffering from depression and anxiety and porn.. it sucks! im a good looking guy i just messed things up, for anyone looking for motivation or inspiration i look at bold and determined.com, chad howse,strengthcamp (youtube), buakaw (muay thai),greg plitt, and i just found this blog. thanks a lot man 🙂

You speak the Truth… very insightful and humble tome.

As far as “Jam Your Tunes Man” –

I’ve always found that some of the lyrics of the music I grew up listing to expressed simple yet profound Truths that many people missed seeing over the music itself. But for me I always took great pleasure in listening to those Truth’s wrapped in a sea of great music that felt like a roller coaster ride to listen to.

The one that always stuck out the most for me was on Robin Trower’s –
Bridge Of Sighs Album… Little Bit Of Sympathy:

“The light is strong and the man is weak
And the world walks in between
So rise above on the wings of love
See and let yourself be seen ”

Thanks for doing that!

Peace

Awesome stuff as usual man. I’m trying to rebuild my life and that of my kids’ to the best of my ability. I’ve been in survival mode for several years and have realized I don’t have all that much time left. I’m going to send this to my son who’s been battling depression and see if it resonates with him as it did with me. Happy New Year to your wonderful expanding family 🙂

Hey Chris, I believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting you once last year at a event I attended with Ben Ballinger, who is my boyfriend. He shared this link with me, and I will always be grateful for him sharing this and for you awesome attitude about life. This is very inspiring and I will def have to quote some of your thoughts. Amazing!

Words of living life… You have learned much in this life I can see through your words…touched my heart and soul…share on Brother, this world needs this positive influx…. This life is not fair, and we truly need to learn that it is not all about “me” when this can learned, maybe things can change….but only through learning to truly love unconditionally and always BELIEVE…. GOD BLESS YOU<3

Thank you. It’s all I can possibly say right now. Thank you!

Good read and a personal eye opener for me. Last year I went through soooo much bad stuff and a break-up with my husband and remember feeling in exactly the same place as you describe at the beginning. When it came to the end of the year I took a little time to evaluate my year, as I always do and searched hard to find out why I had been put through all of these challenges. I couldn’t find any reason why?! So I just put it down to ‘a bad year’

Reading this made me realise that I’d learned almost every one of the lessons you state right here in that year. I am a totally different person now, for the better – the year wasn’t in vain, it was the most important year of my life!

Thanks for this, keep up the good work dude 🙂

A friend liked a post on facebook that led me here, and the timing it absolutely perfect.
I’ve been having trouble remembering #2 lately but sometimes all a person needs is a reminder that someone, somewhere has been through/is going through something exactly the same or even more difficult.
Reading this post made me think about a lot of things I’ve been forgetting the past few weeks.

Thank you.

Chris:

An amazing blog and such terrific advice. You have inspired my year!

Chris — You and your story are inspiring and you have me “rethinking” some of the things I am doing with my business and my life. The Paul Coelho quote: “We always know which is the best road to follow, but we follow only the road that we have become accustomed to”……really resonated with me. Thanks for sharing it.

Just as I lay on the floor a like minded man posted this on my wall…..and so I thank you both

Loved tee whole read, very true all over. helped me get through a lonely Monday 🙂

[…] 17 Ways to Rise Above by Chris Mccombs- This was one of the most thorough yet simple motivational pieces I’ve seen in a long time. Chris does a tremendous job of driving home some of the necessary traits that we must possess to live an incredible life. A funny, no BS, straight forward look into how awesomeness can be achieved is what this article is all about. Do yourself a favor and take some of these pointers to heart. […]

[…] 17 Ways To Rise Above – This is possibly the best thing I have ever read online. Seriously, please take the time to check this post out. Read the first few sentences and if it doesn’t suck you in, move on. I’ll bet you’ll be hooked after the first couple sentences. […]

This is some seriously insightful stuff. I’ve just finished a psych degree and feel like I’ve come out as a qualified scientist, not a clinician who knows how to help people with life’s problems, but this pretty much summarizes everything an actual psychologist preaches yet they don’t teach you any of this as part of the degree! Just wondering whether you work in the field or are interested in it?

Man, this is awesome – so glad I found you!

Chris

Came to this article via a friends facebook post; See the 11 ways to live your life with BALLS. Read through that, subscribed to your blog and got directed to read this.

I just wanted to say Thanks.

My life was pretty dark. After reading both those articles theres now a light on and somebody is home.

Motivational, Inspirational and exactly what I needed.

I’m not an english speaker, but I’ll try to expres my ideas.
Think this article have a great power. It is motivational. and… I’m going to do what I really thought to do, and not what I must do.
Great thanks!!!

Hey Chris,
Great post as always. Definately relate to Martin’s comments above. Living in darkness is tough. And often following your true course in life is extremely challenging. Take it one day at a time and give it your all. Thanks for the enlightening words brother!

Aw right Chris, you have been given alot of good words for such a young man, I responded to you in many affirmatives, we agree about much…I am grateful for your thoughts and in some ways Heartened by the fact that you are my son’s age, I would like to commend you ona well thought out piece of writing and the powerful and positive response that you have received on your Blog. To me, this is all notable of Something, …What? You must Receive the next Something Christopher ‘The Christ Bearer’, you have been heard….

thanks to twitter, I’ve been turned on to some good stuff. your blog is no exception. thanks for taking the time to put your thoughts in print. your words are common sense, but sometimes people (me) are too wrapped up in the 9-5, hectic-ness of daily life to just sit back and ‘take it easy’. seeing it in print, reading and re-reading it over and over, just makes sense. sort of like a mantra. solid stuff.

Chris,
Just caught up with you via a crossfit site I like. Wow man. You’ve got gift. HereI was sitting here tonight thinking about some things and I find your blog. Interesting how things are brought to you atthe right time. So I read your stuff and it helped me realign some priorities and find some things I’d forgotten. Thanks for the direction tonight and realignment. We all need it sometime right. I can tell you’re a guy Id probably get along well with
Rock on my man
Jason

Hi Chris,

I came across your blog today through a friend of mine. I just spent the last hour reading your About Me section and a few of your posts. When I was reading your personal story, it literally brought me to tears. We all have our demons, and reading about yours reminded me that we’re all human. We’re all in this together. Only Light can drive out the darkness.

I’ve been going through a pretty rough patch in my life lately, but reading your stuff is the swift kick in the ass that I’ve been in serious need of. Reading particularly about waking up on the Marble Floor thinking to yourself that you ruined the past decade of your sobriety, but having the fucking balls to pick yourself up and dust yourself off—that’s the stuff of legends, my friend.

Thank you for having the courage to push through. And thank you for having the courage to share your downfalls with the rest of the world. Through your strength, others are finding their own. Tonight, I’m grateful to count myself among them.

Take care, brother.

Hey Chris… I read this post at the right time. I have a lot of crap coming at me– work related, family, and financial… But none of it is insurmountable and this post helped me put that back into perspective. I always refer back to this Winston Churchill quote when I feel like I am getting pounded: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” With that said, I just passed my NASM exam today so I am really on my way to building my fitness business. So with a little hard work lights do shine at the end of those dark and lonely tunnels and nothing killed me… Again, thanks for your help, advice, and words of wisdom.