It may be just me but it seems that as we grow older we become more and more cautious and more willing to stay in our comfort zone.
I recently had a conversation about the topic of courage with a gentleman and he simply stated to me, “I’ve never been very brave so why should I start now!”
If you grew up in America, as I did, I contend you are far braver than you believe yourself to be.
Most of us have shared experiences that required us to overcome our fears and be courageous. Check out this list of courageous things you may have already done:
Learned to walk Learned to ride a bike
Started school Changed schools
Got a shot Sang in the school choir
Sang a solo in the school choir Tried out for a team
Got your driver’s license Asked someone on a date
Accepted an invitation for a date
Asked someone out after you’d been rejected
Applied and interviewed for your first job
Showed up for your first day of work
Spoke up in a meeting when no one else would
Went to college Moved out of your parents home
Asked someone to marry you Accepted a marriage proposal
Became a parent Moved to a new city
Got a colonoscopy Got fired
I think you get the idea. You can probably easily add to this list.
While fear is different for everyone I’m sure you can relate to some level of fear on many of these life items.
In some cases we really didn’t have a choice. Obviously, we HAD to go to school. The fear was still real and it required courage for us to get there.
As I experienced many of the above items I can still remember the fear associated with the event. Yet, I did it and I survived and in many cases thrived.
Emily Thomas, who is a social media strategist, recently posted on Linkedin, “More often than not, when I do the things I’m afraid to do at first, something awesome usually happens as a result.”
Peer pressure, which we usually associate with our school days, is alive and well into our adulthood.
I know I personally still worry way too much about what others might think or about being judged.
I also know this is true of, probably, the majority of adults, even though most of us won’t admit it.
It’s time to pat yourself on the back for all the courageous things you have done throughout your life.
It’s time to stop worrying about what others might think of you or how they might judge you.
For some of you this will probably be disappointing news, but, most people really aren’t thinking of you very much or maybe not at all. Sorry!
What is the fear you are facing you this week?
Courage requires action. What steps will you take today to be courageous in the face of your fear?
It’s time to revert to your childhood and summon up the courage you used to have!
“Ultimately we know deeply that the side of every fear is freedom. “ Marilyn Ferguson
Proverbs 3:5-8
Have a STRONG and COURAGEOUS day!
