LIFE: Cultivating Courage

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

Nelson Mandela

This morning at yoga my amazing teacher reminded us that we are almost at the end of the year and we should use the days that remain in 2013 to cultivate a trait that we want to work on. For me, that trait is courage.

I consider myself brave, but I continually need to work on my fears to face them down. I never want to miss out on an experience because I am afraid of the outcome. The bravest thing that I have ever done may have been moving to California over six years ago. Up to that point in our lives, my husband, Sean, and I were very risk-averse. We had a good life in Michigan with a terrific support system, solid jobs, and a low mortgage payment. A lot of people thought we were crazy when we announced we wanted to start over in California. We were very scared, but we knew if we did not try it we would always wonder what it would be like. It felt like it was something that we HAD to do. When the opportunity to come out here came, we jumped on it. It worked out better than we ever envisioned, now it is hard to imagine what our lives would be like if we had not taken the risk and moved across the country.

The move encouraged both of us to always try to be brave in all aspects of our lives. A lot of my courage comes from being loved. I am so lucky to have a supportive husband, family, and friends who give me confidence every day. With that in mind, I will try to always give those I love and care about support and encouragement so they take chances and risks. I strongly believe that one of the best gifts that we can give children is confidence to follow dreams and take chances. 

I start a new job this week, and I am nervous. I need to remember to be brave. I have confidence in my abilities and know I made the right decision leaving a job where I had been for almost six years. Starting new is not easy, but it keeps life interesting and it leads to exciting adventures. I keep reminding myself that no matter what happens, it will be okay. Trusting my gut will lead me in the right direction.

I am a little obsessed with this video right now:

For me, cultivating courage means being authentic and true to myself. I will work on it for the rest of the year, and for the rest of my life. Life goes by quick, I don’t want to live a timid life.

“Freedom lies in being bold” Robert Frost