Courage

The word “courage” comes from the Latin word for heart, “cor.” It loosely means to have heart or take heart. I also think there’s a complete misunderstanding about the word courage when it comes to textbook definitions. For example, I’ve seen one definition that describes courage as “the ability to face danger or difficulty without fear.” Um…no. We can most definitely be courageous and fearful at the same time.

My Dad always used to say that it was easy being courageous when it was easy to do. And it was hard to be courageous when it was hard to do. Sounds simple and obvious, right? But, as he told us, that’s the real test – not when it’s easy, but when it’s hard. It’s certainly easier (and oftentimes safer) to be silent than speak out against something…or stand up and speak for something (or someone).

I mean, we’ve all witnessed and experienced bullies (as kids and as adults), seen injustices (perpetrated on others and ourselves), been full of anxiety and fear to say something in a meeting or a group, or scared as hell to confront someone in a position of power. We play the scenarios over and over in our heads -- <If I say this, and he says that, here’s how I’ll respond> -- imagining what the outcome will be if we stand up, speak up, show up.

If I’ve learned nothing else about courage over the course of my life, it’s that courage is messy and complex – but it’s absolutely necessary. Let’s be honest, there are consequences to being courageous – we might be shunned or ostracized. But we might also be celebrated and heard.

Courage comes in all shapes and sizes. Rosa Parks getting on that bus is an enduring moment of courage. But it’s the same courage that allows someone with debilitating anxiety to get out of bed in the morning. They are equally amazing accomplishments. Sometimes we have courage now. Sometimes we wish we had courage now, but we have courage later. Sometimes courage is apologizing to someone for something we did or said. Sometimes we have the courage to say something or do something. Some days we don’t. And that’s ok. That’s part of being human.

But what I do know about courage is that when you do stand up or speak up for something, you can feel completely alone and isolated. What I’ve also discovered is that’s not the case. There are plenty of people who feel/believe the same way we do; they just need someone to have the courage to give it voice. Courage is contagious.

Take heart — you might just change the world.  

Until next week

Andy

(All written content created the old-fashioned way.)