"The only difference between stumbling blocks and stepping stones is how you use them" - anonymous Everyone has a story - one with ups and downs and lessons to be learned along the way. No one is immune to failures, but it's the way that we view our failures that create success. In "Rising Above," 13 entrepreneurs share their stories with you because we know our stories are not meant for us to keep to ourselves - they are meant to be shared with the world so that all can learn from our lessons as well. When we fall down, it's our chance to learn and grow. If you've ever been around successful people, you see that they approach failure with excitement because they know that it's one more step towards their goals. It's not viewed as a bad thing and it's definitely not viewed as a reason to give up - it's a reason to keep going. They get back up and go after their desires with commitment, optimism and focus, knowing that what they want is totally achievable. If you've ever struggled with being a people pleaser and say, "yes" way too often when you really mean "no" then read the story "Trading Guilt for Power". If you've ever lost your self-worth or sense of self after a troubled relationship then read the story "Too Good To Die, Not Good Enough To Live". If you've ever wanted to quit - quit moving forward, quit helping others - just quit anything then you must read the story "One Word". ... and there are many, many more stories inside. The stories within this book are meant to share what we've learned in our life and businesses and we hope that you are inspired by them. Read them in whatever order you wish as the titles appeal to you. Co-authored by ... Vickie Gould, Law of Attraction Marketing and Book Coach Zinna Davis, Forgiveness/Faith Builder Coach Brooks Gibbs, Author & Mentor Dr. Joy Lough, Founder/ CEO of Joy Lough Enterprises, LLC, Journey Coach Curtis G. Marsh, President/CEO Capital Growth Management Janis Melillo, Transformation/Wellness Health Coach, International Best Selling Co-Author Lisa Nielsen, Benefit Specialist and Educator Dr. Emmanuel Nwoye, Business and Spiritual Relationship Coach, #1 International Bestselling Author Jane Richardson, PhD Communication Consultant, Expert Witness, #1 International Best Selling Co-Author Sherrod Schuler, Minister/ Speaker/ Corporate Change Agent Sandra Stachowicz, Transformational and Empowerment Coach Stacie Winkfield, Fairy Brand Mother and Social Media Strategist Laverne Wyatt, Diversity Marketing and Branding Specialist