Over the past year, I noticed something shift. Friends I once counted on stopped showing up. Invitations went unanswered, and I found myself diving alone more often than not. At first, it stung—realizing that connections I thought were solid had faded. But in that silence, I discovered something powerful: quiet confidence. It wasn’t about proving anything to anyone else. It was about standing firm in who I am, even when the crowd got smaller.

That discovery made me realize just how critical quiet confidence is for veterans.

Why Quiet Confidence Matters for Veterans

• Depression and Self-Worth: When you leave the service, the structure, validation, and sense of mission disappear almost overnight. Depression feeds on that emptiness. Quiet confidence pushes back by reminding you that your value doesn’t end with your uniform.
• Isolation vs. Connection: Many veterans feel their social circles shrink, and loneliness creeps in. Building confidence allows you to accept that loss without being defined by it—and opens the door to more authentic, reciprocal relationships.
• Resilience: Quiet confidence equips you to face hard days with inner strength. It’s a tool that grounds you and keeps you moving forward, no matter what’s happening around you.

Three Hacks for Building Quiet Confidence

1. Start Small – Embrace little acts of individuality: say what you really think, wear what feels like you. These small moves grow into a strong foundation.
2. Choose Your Circle Wisely – Surround yourself with people who celebrate your authenticity and give back as much as they take.
3. Work With a Coach – Coaching provides a safe space to identify your strengths and build a confidence that directly combats the effects of depression.

Takeaway

Quiet confidence doesn’t shout. It whispers strength. For veterans struggling with depression, it’s a lifeline—a way to rebuild trust in yourself, reclaim purpose, and walk forward with resilience.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Life has a way of opening doors you never even knocked on. The real question is whether you’re ready to walk through them when they appear. Opportunities often come disguised as challenges or surprises, but with the right mindset, you can recognize them and act with confidence.

Here are three life hacks to help you stay prepared:

First, practice daily reflection—take five minutes each evening to ask yourself what went well, what challenged you, and what surprised you. Second, surround yourself with the right voices—spend time with people who encourage growth and possibility, not those who hold you back. Third, set micro-goals—break big ambitions into small, achievable steps that build momentum.

When you live this way, the doors that open unexpectedly won’t feel intimidating. They’ll feel like the next natural step forward.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of One Dive at a Time, we dive into the power of progress. Too often, divers get caught up in speed—how quickly they can master buoyancy, nail a mask clear, or move on to advanced dives. But the truth is this: it doesn’t matter how slowly you go, as long as you don’t stop.

I’ll share three key tips for building lasting dive skills:

• Consistency over intensity – small, regular practice beats one big push.
• Micro-wins matter – celebrate the small victories that add up to mastery.
• Patience with your pace – your journey is yours, and persistence always pays off.

Listen in as I share real examples of divers who grew their confidence and abilities not by rushing, but by steadily showing up. Progress isn’t about perfection—it’s about momentum, built one dive at a time.

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We need your help to get this funded! https://www.facebook.com/share/14HNKe7RzPH/

https://www.standsurecoaching.com/foundation

In this episode, we share exciting progress on the Cordy Gaeta Rice Coaching Scholarship and what lies ahead. Our startup fundraiser is officially underway with a goal of $10,000, and thanks to your generosity, we’re already one-tenth of the way there. Every dollar raised goes directly to securing ICF-affiliated professional coaches—the gold standard in coaching—for veterans.

We discuss why having the right coach matters, what sets ICF-certified coaches apart, and how this scholarship ensures veterans are matched with coaches who uphold high standards, ethics, and accountability. You’ll also hear about the application process we’re building for veterans, the rigorous requirements for coaches, and why we’re determined to keep this program strong from the very start.

This scholarship honors Cordy’s legacy of compassion, strength, and friendship—carrying forward his example of being there for others.

👉 How you can help:

• Share this initiative with your network
• Support the fundraiser and spread the word
• Be part of changing a veteran’s life through coaching

Together, we can make sure veterans have access to the coaching they need to thrive.

#CoachingForVeterans #CordyGaetaRiceScholarship #HealingThroughCoaching

The Cordy Gaeta Rice Scholarship honors Cordy’s legacy by providing free, certified professional coaching for veterans living with PTSD. Through a partnership between the Stand Sure Foundation and Neptune Warrior, this nationwide initiative removes barriers and creates a forward-focused path for veterans to build confidence, manage stress, and rediscover purpose beyond the uniform. 100% of donations go directly to coaching sessions, ensuring every contribution makes an immediate impact.

https://www.standsurecoaching.com/foundation

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we announce the launching of the Cordy Gaeta Scholarship through the Stand Sure Foundation.

Cordy wasn’t just a member of Neptune Warrior—he was family. He brought encouragement, humor, and strength into every space he walked into.

Through a partnership with Stand Sure Coaching, veterans will now have access to certified coaches who are trained to help them navigate the challenges of PTSD, transition, and post-military life.

#veterans #veteransuicide #coaching #cordy #mentalwellness

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