Take Courage

"Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow."
- Mary Anne Radmacher

It was the end of the day, and I didn't have much roar left in me, but only the resolve to try again tomorrow. I'm certain you know what I mean. 

After all, these times keep asking us to be courageous, to show up in uncomfortable and uncertain spaces with vulnerability and boldness. But it is easy to be numbed to the requests of courage and to feel bone-weary after all that's happened and continues to wash over us in tidal wave after tidal wave. It is important to acknowledge that for some people, the requirements of courage have been lifelong, chronic, and traumatic. For others, the constant need for courage is new and sobering. 

Miriam-Webster reminds us that, “Courage is the mental or moral strength to persevere or withstand in the face of danger, fear, or difficulty.” In my mind's eye, this is kind of courage is always leaning in and saying, "Yes!" or "I've got this!" "Come on!" This Hollywood version of courage stares steely-eyed at the ominous unknown and runs heroically forward. Cue inspiring music. 

But, in considering all the demands for courage I'm witnessing in so many people recently, it's clear that courage can take many forms. Courage can not only bravely holdout and act in the face of peril, but courage also encompasses the wisdom and fortitude to say, “No way!” or “Help!” or "Can we do this together? I just can't do this alone."

And especially after a year of the pandemic, in the midst of an ongoing racial reckoning, and after so many courageous moments, each day the question is, "What is courage on THIS day? What courage does THIS moment require? And how might courage today be a team sport, rather than a hero's solo journey?"

One thing is certain, whatever you face, whatever form of courage that's needed today, the courage you need is available to you. 

It begins with what Brené Brown identifies as your vulnerability, because, as she says, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” Then with presence and authenticity, we can have the courage we need…

• The courage to say yes, or to say no.

• The courage to wait for the right moment, or to begin right now.

• The courage to keep going, or to remain still where you are.

• The courage to own your responsibility, and the courage to forgive yourself.

• The courage to be yourself, or the courage to explore a new part of yourself you’ve never met before.

This week, and especially today, asked for a lot of courage. Courage to be wrong. Courage to listen. Courage to persevere with hope. I'm going to take that courage today, and be ready to start again with love tomorrow.

How about you? 
What is courage for you at this moment?
How might you let yourself be seen as you are?
What courageous love might you give to yourself or someone else? 

For the Month of April, we will focus on Courage. Watch for more blog posts with reflections and insights, and join us for these events:

Global Gathering of A Human Workplace: Take Courage on April 20 at 9 -10:30 a.m. Pacific

Inspiring Speaker Series for April features Joanne Lee guiding us to intervene with courage: “We Are Not Silent: Bystander Intervention”