what does courage mean to you?

This month’s MOMENT COACHING question is…

What does courage mean to you?

When I ask myself this question I often think of people who have done what I see as courageous things. Often BIG things.

My parents immigrated to a new country with three small girls, without knowing the language. My friend Livia recently paraglided for the first time. Famous people like Rosa Parks and Malala Yousafzai who stand in the face of hard times. Courage. 

What is courage?

Courage to me is the ability to act in the face of fear, discomfort, and the unknown.

Writing this I am aware of a powerful thought that I have heard too many times. I’ve said it myself too. They are these words: courage. I can’t do that. 

Can’t. Do you know that word? It’s right up there with the word should and never. 

I’ve explored courage with my coaching clients and in my workshops. One of the patterns I’ve noticed is that many of us can easily recognize courage in others. Yet, we’re unable to see it in ourselves. That somehow courage is beyond our means.

What if

What if we could see ourselves as courageous? 

When I mindfully reflect, I know that I am courageous. I know how to see courage because I am courage. I don’t say that with ego. It’s the trigger that has me say can’t that’s my gateway to a seeing my own brave heart. 

Stop here. Breathe.

Can you see your own courage?

Sometimes we can’t see our own courage because we don’t believe it’s there. Sometimes we can’t see it because it’s simply you being who you are. 

Take a moment to go back to this question. What does courage mean to you? 

Where can you find yourself in your response?