The etymology for the word courage stems from the Latin word, “cur”… which means heart. That makes sense.

To move with courage in our world does take heart because it first requires one to be utterly honest with oneself… to open ourselves to our deepest truths and fears and dreams.

Truly considering what’s going on for you and taking action to fulfill that – as long as it does not hurt others or yourself – are the first steps to self discovery and self- awareness. 

Then LIVING in our own honest, authentic way will take another layer of courage. Sometimes we will feel supported, but other times it will take an enormous amount of bravery especially if our family and friends are disappointed by our truths. The consequence of not honoring ourselves first is living a lie….which can create more pain, misery and suffering.  

Many of us have been taught or conditioned to please others before ourselves…perhaps we put the cart before the horse? Perhaps now, like thousands of other courageous people, it’s time step up and shine the light of our own beautiful truth. 

How great and inspiring that we are all provided with another chance to look at where we’re not being totally honest with ourselves and another… So let’s move forward in those difficult conversations, embrace them rather than resist them. For those moments will ultimately expand and lighten our hearts even more.

We were all born to shine. The following passage encourages us to have the courage to be our brightest most powerful selves. For when we do, we give others the permission to do so as well….it’s a contagious effect because, at the end of it all, it’s really about being true to ourselves and true to all that Life created us to be and to express.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, ‘Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?’ Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

― Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles”