Courage

Moxie. Gumption. Guts. Whatever you want to call it.

This is what it takes to live. To make a new friend. To say "I'm sorry." To forgive. It takes courage to get out of bed, to step outside sometimes, to get on the phone, to get on social media. It takes courage to help an old man who's dropped something in the grocery store, when it could be so much easier to keep walking past. It takes courage to stand up for someone else, to stand up for a belief.

Courage is doing the right thing, even when no one is looking. Courage is doing the right thing even when everyone is looking. It takes courage to battle an illness, to confront someone who has hurt you, it takes courage to pursue a dream.

I hope whatever battle you're facing, that you find the courage you're seeking. Rock the boat if it needs to be rocked. Show someone you love them. Let go of the past. Ask for help, even if it's hard.

And most especially for me lately, I think it takes courage to be yourself. Especially in this cyber-based world we live in where half of our lives are spent looking at a screen, where we share so much of ourselves with others, know that you matter. What you have to say matters, and I hope you know how important and spectacular you really are.

And know in this moment, right this second, you are enough. Have the courage to love yourself, to know your efforts, your attempts, and just plain YOU are enough!

That's not to say we shouldn't keep trying, striving to improve and be better. But it's all about the journey, about learning, and taking those steps. We have to accept where we are on that journey and always keep trying! Plus, it feels so good afterwards. Once the trial of courage is over, the reward is that much better, the satisfaction of knowing you stood up and did something, changed someone's life for the better. So I tip my fuzzy pink hat to each of you, for the oopmh you show, the lives you touch, the people you help, the amazing things you do every day. Keep doing those things, all you beautiful, courageous examples of awesomeness!

I've officially dubbed this my new word for 2015, and it's thanks to this post, and thanks so many of you out there, with your snazzy examples of courageous acts, kind words, of striving and attaining your goals, that help me too.

To sign off, I'd like to leave a song from The Sound of Music. When Maria is terrified to be governess of the Von Trapp children, I love the song she sings in attempt to muster the confidence she's seeking. Such a happy thought, it helps me every time, and this woman, Sierra Boggess, does a fabulous job.

Have I missed anything? What does courage mean to you?

Hugs, and Happy 2015!