Courage Over Fear

When we see people overcome hardships and challenges, we call them brave. And they are! People rarely enact the courage that resides within all of us until they have to. There are moments in life that slam into us so fiercely and so unknowingly, that we have no choice but to access our bravery - probably despite fear.

Being brave doesn't mean the person is not afraid - being brave means they move forward anyway. Most of the time, bravery looks like everyday choices. Depending on what you're going through, bravery can look like getting out of bed in the morning. Bravery can look like dragging yourself to work or to your desk. Bravery can look like smiling when you feel like crying and making dinner for your family.

When something challenging arrives, fear tries to take advantage of our vulnerability. Our inner voice might say things like, "You can't do this." "It's not worth it." "No one cares anyway.”

Courage is hearing the voice of fear, and making the decision you know in your heart anyway.

Courage is going for a walk instead of picking up a drink. Courage is understanding the day will be hard, but moving through it anyway. Courage is breaking the time down into one breath, one minute. Courage is doing the opposite of what fear tells you, even when you don't know what will happen next.

It's easy to travel through life on autopilot, taking people and circumstances for granted, and living a bit like Groundhog Day, week after week. The moments that crack us open, either through pain or love, increase our capacity to feel. Our body aches, physically or emotionally. Our senses seem heightened; nature seems more colorful and vibrant. We tread more lightly and knowingly, noticing new parts of our experience for the first time. Moments that are difficult awaken us, because it is impossible to be indifferent and on autopilot like we were before.

This is why difficult times are so meaningful. Difficult times shape us into people of depth - we are no longer numb, and the world is a place of high sensation. Fear tells us it is better to stay unfeeling - not so sensitive or aware of the range of emotions, sights and sounds that exist to open us. But our heart begs us to pay attention. See with clear eyes, even when it's uncomfortable.

I know your courage is greater than your fear. I know this because I have seen it to be true, in myself and in others. Courage is not necessarily grand or noticeable - it is the silent and subtle actions of moving forward despite the voice that tells you to give up. Courage is your own heart reminding you that this life is meant to be felt and experienced fully. This life does not promise no pain, but it does promise that something new will arrive when we need it most. I call this grace - the part of ourself or something outside of us that shows up, and helps us get through that day, that breath, that minute.

Something steps in when we are being brave. Every single time.