In talking to friends recently, I was reminded that each of us encounter challenges in life: some frustrating, some traumatic, some devastatingly sad, and some testing all of our patience. Regardless of what it is we are forced to face, it sometimes takes courage just to put one foot in front of the other.
I am inspired by the courage of those around me. Those who find the positive even in the most difficult situations. Those whose challenges go on day after day after day. Those who have recognized a problem in their lives and made deliberate decisions to make a better life for themselves. Those who show such care and concern for others despite their own circumstances. And perhaps most of all, those kids who have faced more in their young lives than anyone should ever have to face: neglect, abuse, trauma.
Courage is often associated with firefighters, police officers and others in high-risk situations. There is no denying that these individuals display remarkable courage. But, courage is all around us. In the words of Mary Anne Radmacher, “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.'”
Yours is the second slice I’ve read today that includes that quote about courage. I love your reflection on that word. Do you know Bernard Waber’s picture book Courage?
Yes, I have Waber’s book! I also like Bradley Trevor Grieve’s book A Teaspoon of Courage for Kids.
Sometimes just getting out of bed n the morning is an act of courage. The notion of not knowing another’s journey without walking a mile in their shoes comes to mind. Where is there hidden courage? Perhaps this another way of looking at the same idea.
I like the idea of ‘hidden courage.’ Nicely put.
I have a mug with that courage quote on it. I drink from it every morning to remind me to be courageous in the coming day. Thanks for visiting my blog, Sweet Writing Life. You mentioned that you are in the writing consulting business, just like I am. I would love to chat with you sometime about your business and compare notes. Send me an email if you are interested: jennifer@teachwrite.org.
All this talk about courage reminds me of William Faulkner’s words about the “human heart in conflict with itself.” Every act of courage must at some level involve this struggle.