I used to think Courage was the absence of fear. After a while I realized how truly insane that idea was. Everyone feels fear because we are human. It is impossible to go through life without experiencing fear at some point. Although not everyone recognizes or admits that they feel fear.
Today I have a very different understanding of Courage. Courage is showing up for life and fully experiencing it all without hiding or numbing. Courage is being yourself fully and following Your path without apologizing. Courage is being honest with yourself, God and others especially when it’s not popular or supported. Courage is loving, receiving love, fully knowing others and allowing ourselves to be fully known. The experts call this intimacy 😉
Courage is doing the hard work of healing and forgiving ourselves and others. Courage is standing firm and not running when the waters rise and the ice breaks the docks (yes, my hubs runs a marina). Courage is speaking softly and gently when you want to scream and curse. Courage is not defending yourself when wrongly accused. Courage is leaning and inviting people in when you want to push them away. Courage is also putting yourself out there knowing rejection is a possibility. Courage is laughing with someone even when you want to punch them.
Courage is practicing your heart out for your violin concert even though you’re pretty sure you don’t want to continue with it next year. Courage is looking that stage in the eye and walking onto it like you own the place and rockin that concert. My girl looked it up and down and said “you don’t own me” and she killed it.
And that my friends is Courage! What is “It” for you? What have you felt fear about and done anyway?