THERE IS SO MUCH TO YOUR STORY
There will be moments in life when trying to gather courage feels like an insurmountable task. The mere thought of acting bravely while feeling afraid may give the impression of acting prematurely or exposing yourself to potential failure in front of others. These are genuine concerns that can arise when attempting to be courageous. However, it's also important to remember that amidst the significant moments in life that require courage, there are countless smaller instances where you have displayed courage all along.
From the moment you wake up in the morning, you are already practicing courage. Even something as simple as deciding to remove an item from your schedule to prioritize rest is an act of courage. For many of us, with so much going on, taking a moment to rest can feel like a risk, as thoughts of what we should be doing instead linger in our minds. Yet, the very moment you choose to prioritize rest, even if only for a few minutes, it is indeed a form of courage that holds significance beyond what you may realize.
The same could be true for when you add things to your schedule as well. Perhaps you said “yes” to something you genuinely want to be a part of, but you’re still nervous about what the outcome is going to be. Maybe you’ve volunteered or signed up for something that’s important to you, and yet, you wonder if you’re qualified for it. When you choose to carry on, anyway, you are acting on courage. These unspoken moments of courage may feel small, but they are not insignificant.
Another way in which you demonstrate courage is through your communication with others. There are instances when it may seem like you're merely engaged in conversation or sending a text, but in reality, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions churn within you as you contemplate how vulnerable you should allow yourself to be.
Questions arise such as,
"Should I share what's truly going on when someone asks how I'm doing?"
"Is it worth asking a question even if I may not like the answer?"
“Do they actually understand what I’m talking about…or are they just saying that?”
These are all examples of the mental and emotional considerations you actively navigate throughout your day. While these actions may feel like everyday occurrences, they require you to breathe through each interaction, even the seemingly passive ones. This isn't to say that anyone is perfect at this, but the point is that it takes great courage to slow down and recognize that there are different ways to communicate, to be vulnerable while considering others, and to decide what to share or withhold. It's essential to acknowledge the effort and courage involved in these actions, no matter how small they may seem.
Furthermore, envisioning a future that is beautiful in any way is another instance where your courage shines through. Whether it's a new friendship, a budding relationship, or becoming part of a community, you may hold hope that these connections will flourish in beautiful, healthy ways. Having such hope demands great courage because establishing and nurturing relationships, regardless of how well we know the individuals involved, is a complex task that is never easy. The same applies to dreams—attempting to imagine a better future for yourself, your community, or your loved ones requires courage. Whether you’re thinking about your life ten minutes or ten years from now, it takes great courage to look ahead.
May these examples serve as a reminder that you may have been displaying courage all along, often without even realizing it. While there is always room for personal growth, it's crucial to recognize the progress you have already made, as it holds greater significance than you may currently comprehend.
More in this week's series called "Worth Living, Right Here", only with a subscription in the Storyteller App.
More tomorrow…
Sincerely,
Morgan Harper Nichols
@thestorytellerco
@morganharpernichols
