The year gone by, and even now the coming months as we move forward, and maybe back again into what will become a new reality, we will all need courage.  Nothing will be the same again, we are tasting life in uncertainty, and we realize how fragile our currents existence is.  Some of us have taken a hard look at what we thought was important and made changes, others resisted and bemoaned strategies and regulations that made us change our habits, and way of being.

But what is courage?  This is the dictionary definition, however what does it mean in our day to day life?  

noun

the ability to do something that frightens one.

“she called on all her courage to face the ordeal”

strength in the face of pain or grief.

“he fought his illness with great courage”

For me, a very reticent introvert, (I love living in silence!), courage:

It’s something I’ve been endeavouring to do more and more of.  It’s not always popular – that void, noiseless space that greets my pronouncements and being okay with it.  I’ve always had that conversation in my head, now I’m putting it out into the open.  Not always comfortable however more aligned with who I am. 

I started the year with reflection, what was it that I wanted to achieve, and the word that came out was/is ‘Visibility’, making myself more visible to those who can benefit from the work I do, and for me, this is courage.  I’m much more comfortable being the person behind the scenes, this year I’m, not so much making myself, rather taking another step into the open, being me, publicly!

So what does that look like, calling out racist or sexist comments for what they, following up with a colleague pointing out what I saw as favouritism, reflecting on those issues that sit in my mind and cause me stress.  That monkey mind that chatters away, stops you sleeping, stresses you out. You probably know the problem – I may lose that connection, I may lose business, however I found peace, in my thoughts.  

I’m determined to continue this journey into courage, and see what it brings me.  Instinctively I know this is a good path to follow.  It sits well with me, and allows me not only to feel better about myself, but also follows what I believe and what drives me – that everyone needs to be heard, why not me?

What is the courageous edge for you?  How are you developing that courage muscle?  Need help?  I’m developing a new series of coaching packages, individual and group.  If you’re interested in learning more about what I do, contact me.  If you’re interested in figuring out ‘what next’, why not schedule a call – let’s see where you can go on your journey.