Most of the time we think courage is a big emotion we muster up in times of need, when the clouds descend and life collapses around us with loud booming noises.
But often, the opposite is true. Sometimes it is the quietest of moments, when we can barely hear our own heart speaking, that require the most courage.
We are taught that courage is having the heart of a lion – but a lion doesn’t always roar. Watch carefully; each move a lion makes is calculated and graceful. In fact, a lion is still for a good portion of time – almost as if in deep contemplation and reflection – choosing to roar when time and circumstance demand it.
As human beings, we are often afforded moments of deep reflection to look inside our own hearts. It is in these moments that we are gifted a new, clearer lens through which we can see ourselves. However, once we peer through that lens, there is no turning back – only marching forward with courage as our guide.
I was lucky enough to interview several women and listen to the deeply introspective responses they had to questions I posed to them about how they define courage and how they found a way to shine in the face of adversity. What rang true through every story and every answer was that women are strong; women are courageous; and, at the worst of times, when the chips are down, women shine! Sometimes, we just need to be reminded of how amazing we are. Here are five reminders of what women should know about themselves:
1. Be proud of your story. You don’t have to let your story define you. Let it lead you to who you are.
2. Know you have the courage to BE who you are no matter what life throws at you.
3. You are stronger and more courageous than you think.
4. Courage is not the absence of fear. It is feeling fear and doing it anyway.
5. Your voice is important. It is time to be heard and seen.
Well stated Terry. Each person’s story is important because it is what makes us unique, stronger, and more impactful. Yes, each voice is important.