Another View of Courage

Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’ – Mary Anne Radmacher

Sure, Hollywood wants us to believe that courage is primarily the domain of the well-muscled action hero, but real courage is more like the everyday person who makes a better choice the next time a challenge presents itself.

Someone who doesn’t shrink from those things that need to be done… that (often quietly) insist on being faced.

You’ll create a much better life when you realize – and put into daily practice – the idea that courage is made of two things (primarily):

1) Taking action despite feelings of apprehension, worry or some form of I-just-don’t-wanna (and not attempting to eliminate feelings of fear before doing anything).

2) Not avoiding situations that require action and/resolution to further authentic goals and desires.

Courage is (really) not (just) “slaying dragons” or defusing the bomb one second before it detonates. Those situations are rare and if we wait for them to be courageous we’ll miss so many opportunities to build the “muscle” that is real courage.

So, do that thing you’ve been avoiding… that “thing” that will move you closer to what you really want and who you really want to be.

Similar Posts

  • Act, Now

    “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt Once again, I am writing to myself here. Time and time again, I have shown myself that when I act, I learn, grow and succeed. And when I prepare, and prepare, and prepare, and . .   all I ever get…

  • A (Surprising) Truth

    It’s easier to forego temptation than it is to stop after only a bit. For example, it’s easier to not have any ice cream at all, than it is to eat just the “recommended portion.” In these situations inertia serves us. If we’re standing still in relation to something  (for example, the ice cream in…

  • Expose Yourself

    There is only one way to avoid criticism: do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing. – Aristotle  *  *  * (No, not that way!) *  *  * Be willing to ruffle some feathers. Be willing to make mistakes and be judged by those on the sidelines. Be willing to feel a little bad, for a minute,…

  • It Is *Always* Possible

    Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. – Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama) I could go in all sorts of directions with this one, but I want to focus on one that doesn’t occur to so many people. Be kind to yourself. Always. That doesn’t mean you rationalize or tell yourself…