The story goes that the hunter was boasting that he cut off the lion's tail much to the amazement of many. He was asked "how were you able to do that without getting hurt?" The hunter replied, "The lion was already dead!" This story is hardly an example of courage, so how would you define courage? Do you find certain days feeling like you must face something tantamount to a lion? With your permission, in this article we will dive into the true meaning of what it takes to be courageous in today's world. In one of this week's episodes, I was inspired to author this article, because I was impressed by my guest's courage to travel the world safely, and inexpensively, by herself and she encourages others to see what the world offers them to enjoy.
My point is, we often forget we face a multitude of hurdles and an array of fears, as an integral part of everyday life. And we quickly dismiss the fact that we successfully meet these fears head on, failing to recognize our tenacity. It is those subtle tests, those everyday moments where we muster a little bit of courage to forge ourselves through the day. What I have learned is that when we recognize our intrepidness or bravery, no matter how little of importance it may seem, it produces empowerment. It shores up your self-confidence when you need it the most. However, if we continue to dismiss these pivotal moments of courage no matter how small, it will do just that, keep you small. Interestingly, the dictionary's definition of courage is “the quality or caliber of mind or the wherewithal or spirit that enables you to confront challenges, precarious situations, discomfort brought upon by pain, etc., and the clincher is without fear." Sorry, but I beg to differ and emphatically argue against this definition, fear is irrefutably part of the human condition when dealing with these situations. In fact, to put it plainly, we show exceedingly more courage when we are afraid and yet move forward despite the challenge, yes, courage is what compels us to move forward, so if there is no fear, there is no courage. From my own experience, and I am no exception, it is clear to me that as humans we are vulnerable to everyday struggles, misfortune, self-imposed dangers, and physical and emotional pain as part of our so-called normal life. And the fact that we are still here living and being productive is a testament to our courage. Are there opportunities in our life where we can personify more courage & in the end, more heart? At the outset we mentioned the lion, commonly known as fierce and proud, the king of the jungle, the king of the Serengeti. The lion carries the symbolism of courage and strength in many societies around the world, a connotation of wisdom, gracefulness, and having stately qualities, therefore, collectively called pride. And this should help us to cherish the importance of the family unit, or an organization working together with a common purpose. A place where we can go for guidance, solid wisdom tested by the passage of time, from family members you can trust, from loyal friends, and teachers who surround you with your best interest at heart. What can we personally do to show courage and strengthen these relationships? Learn to say (sorry): Would you say it takes courage to admit we were wrong? Admitting we made a mistake takes us out of our emotional comfort zone, it makes you squirm in your seat, but we must also admit, it also enhances our relationships. To say you are "sorry," is one of the hardest things to do because of misguided pride, be humble and just do it! Learn to be (yourself). I also observed too many people going through life with a facade, pretentiousness, not being their true self, not being natural, why not be courageous and own who you really are? Do not try to emulate what you see on social media, but take off your disguise and be yourself, be courageous to be vulnerable, share your struggles, see the perfection in your imperfections, allow yourself to enjoy life to the fullest, allow your luster to shine and genuinely own it proudly. Learn (responsibility and commitment): Speaking of owning it, would you say responsibility and accountability are important? Please take this kindly, you are where you are in the bigger scheme of things because of the choices you have made. If you dislike where you are and what you see, change it! It has been said that reflection and decisions are the keys to making a courageous change to living and leading a life you really want. And many will tell you that taking responsibility to heart brings emancipation or freedom from unnecessary baggage. It also takes visceral fortitude to keep our commitments to others and to make worthwhile goals that are effective, therefore, journal everything you are committing to and want to accomplish. When you write down your promises for yourself and others, it becomes more real, it becomes indelible, keeping your word builds self-respect and others will respect you as well. Learn to say (no): Did you know that one of the most difficult things to say is "no?" These are moments when you are caught off guard and we find ourselves at a loss for words when asked for a yes or no answer. Personally, what I have found to work for me, avoiding hastiness, my answer is usually "let me get back with you," allowing me sufficient time for introspection on the question. We want to be honest with ourselves, it calls for speaking up, thinking for yourself, we want to be effective for everyone in concern and never allowing anyone to take advantage of you. There is a very thin line between being nice and being faint hearted. Learn to (move on): Another aspect of courage is learning to move on from past mistakes. Stop wallowing in the past and get from under the cloud of culpability, the feeling of self-blame, get up, dust yourself off and move forward. We humans creatures, we are a funny lot, we have the inclination to readily forgive everyone except ourselves. The past is over unless we maintain it alive by rehashing it over and over in our mind. The world has moved on, it is time we do the same. Learn to (learn): Take courage in learning something new, like history in relation to our day from a reliable source, continue expanding your knowledge in whatever field of interests you may have. Step into unchartered waters , a ship was not built and meant to spend its life in the safety of the harbor. If the way you do things is not the most efficient manner, the time has come for you to Change it up for better results. So, what, if you do not get it right at the first attempt, just try again, permit yourself to learn thus presenting new opportunities of adventure. Like the lion, follow your nose. Do not stop searching until you find your pathway, and even then, continue that search of ongoing learning, no one can do it for you, and never be satisfied with what you already know. Never hesitate to roar down any doubts or fears which are on the other end of the spectrum but have trust and faith in yourself which derives from a Greater Power. I heard the story of a dad who would regularly take his little guy to the zoo and would stand there comforting his son not to be afraid as they stood a few feet from the cage as they waited for the lion to roar. Can you imagine how loud the roar was to the boy when you consider that a lion's penetrating roar can be heard as far as 5 miles away? Interestingly, this boy is now an adult, he too relates this never to be forgotten experience that taught him to overcome problems that would seem impossible, he learned to roar down anything that presented itself to him as fear, he would never back down from meeting challenges head on, and the result, became a notable successful businessman. Learn (moral courage): Moral courage is a desired virtue, which relates to fear of others who hold to a different opinion or way of belief. Looking foolishly before schoolmates or employment peers, for example, it is no fun, but it is a common fear many of us face. But moral courage drives or allows a person to do what he or she believes is conscientiously right, fear of the consequences notwithstanding. What is noteworthy, that what is "right" is determined by the person who decides to take on the unpredictability brought upon by his actions, and not by anyone else and it is a lonely place. The fear that would call for moral courage varies depending on the situation, such as the potential loss of employment, fear of poverty, the loss of friends, criticism, ostracism, shame, to name but a few. Please do not get caught in this maelstrom, a whirlpool in the middle of the ocean that may sink your ship. The world is so arbitrary and constantly pointing out who is better looking, the prettiest, the most intelligent, the most admirably successful, and the one with the best designer clothes. Who is determining those standards, anyway? Precisely! That said, it is no wonder many feel inadequate in today's made-up world. Bottom line, learn to be courageous to live comfortably in your own skin by exercising courage!
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