Define

Courage: (defined by Merriam-Webster's online dictionary),

"mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty"

 

 I have seen other slicers take on words that mean something to them. I have seen them declare that a word is theirs for a period of time. I never really understood. Until now. I appreciated the idea, saw that it might be valuable at some point. But I didn't feel like it was for me. There was no pull, no attachment, no word.

Until now. I started this challenge with a tribute to my grandmother and how her example of  Courage inspired me. Throughout these 31 days of writing, the theme of courage has been running through my mind. In life. In work. In relationships. In decisions. There was always Courage nagging at me, showing up, and making her presence known.

I never would have told people before that I was a person who had a lot of fears. I still wouldn't characterize myself as that way. However, maybe I have made a front for those fears. I'm not sure. Either way, the time for courage is now.

Courage to be myself- whoever that may be- despite my company.

Courage to make tough decisions.

Courage to love those around me the way they need it.

Courage to laugh at myself- even if no one else is!

Courage to live my life to the fullest.

Courage to let others be themselves and appreciate them that way.

Courage to change in myself the things that need work.

Courage to love myself the way I am.

Courage to push down the fears and take the risk.

Courage to live- and not regret.

Courage to live life with purpose.



A couple of weeks ago I ran across this quote on a fellow slicer's blog:

"A ship in port is safe,
but that's notwhat ships are built for,"

--Rear Admiral Grace Murray Hopper
I immediately liked it. But as I ran my eyes over the words again and again, a new meaning came to me. There has to be Courage. Courage to take that ship out and let it be used for its purpose.

Courage to not always be safe.

I hope that as I continue to live my life day to day, I keep Courage. Courage in the small things and Courage in the monumental things. Courage for me. Courage for others.

This doesn't mean that I will be absent of fear- but rather not letting it stop me. Living my purpose. Living with Courage.