Visualizing Courage

Historically, courage is associated with strength. When you think about someone courageous, you might picture a lion or superhero. But it is a misconception that courage and strength are synonymous.

Courage is not about being strong or fearless. It is not about being a hero.

Courage is being aware of your fear and deciding to move toward it.

Courage can be saying yes, and it can also be saying no.

Courage is taking care of yourself, despite what others might think.

Courage is accepting that fear itself cannot hurt you.

In this photo, a mother and baby gazelle reluctantly drink from a watering hole. They are aware of potential predators but know they must take the risk and drink to survive. Generally we do not have to fear predators like this today, but our fears and need to survive can feel just as strong as the gazelle’s. Just like the gazelle, it can often feel like we must remain on high alert. Being in this state can push us to numb or avoid additional discomfort. But just as the gazelle will die if she does not drink, we will find ourselves feeling dissatisfied and purposeless if we hide from our fears.