Courage

Imagine how this person in this picture feels. The joy of accomplishment! The satisfaction that comes from facing a challenge and giving it all you've got. The confidence gained because they tried something that seemed impossible. And the courage it took to take the first few steps.

Beginning the task of learning to accept who we are, just as we are, takes courage. To not listen to those old, useless, worn out messages that we got from who knows where, takes courage. It seems much easier to just stay nice and comfortable where you are, whether you are happy or not. Don't rock the boat. It's not safe. If I change, so and so might not like me anymore. I might lose my family, my friends, my colleagues. It's easier for me to remain small, insignificant, unnoticed.

Now imagine how it would feel to have the courage to look at who you are, as you are, and love yourself, just the way you are. And to look inside to feel what hurts and heal it. Now that takes courage. Just a little...start small. But start. Find someone who will listen. Without judgement.

In Debbie Fords new book Courage she says "With courage as our compass, not only do we take responsibility for our lives in the present, but we take responsibility for our futures as well."

Go for it. Courage!