Living life and living it both fully and fearlessly is all about being courageous – not only having strength in the face of pain or grief but displaying that strength and calling on that strength.
Ultimately it’s the power within that gives us the ability to cope. It’s a resource that can be encouraged by others but can only be built at a personal level. We can all look and listen but it takes willingness and acceptance to learn. Power is fed by strength. Strength is drawn from experience and the lessons learned. Courage is what comes from the conviction fuelled by an individual’s capacity to support their own opinions.
And yet the concept of courage is very much under-rated. While it’s all about self it’s often decried as being self-centred and, often, selfish.
In a world where the loudest voices draw the most attention it’s never been more vital that courage should be encouraged.
Volume should never be mistaken for veracity just as courage has little to do with conformity. The fact that might generates fright does not make it right.
In the face of disapproval or even danger it’s courage and courage alone that gives an individual the capacity to hold on to their heartfelt truths and beliefs.
Living fearlessly is not living without fear. It’s about acknowledging that fear, containing it, controlling it and moving on.
Living fully is not about a leading a reckless, self-indulgent lifestyle. It’s about being in the moment…every moment, each and every day.
To live a courageous life we must believe in ourselves. That starts with knowing ourselves and loving ourselves.
It begins with befriending and accepting ourselves…as we are and who we are.
That sorted it’s then possible to take a look at why we are and where we need to change. And that takes courage.
Gary Bentley Counselling 