I want to talk about courage and what it means to you. Courage-the word- what is the first thought that comes to your mind? My first thought goes straight to a lion. Everything I read about lions leads me to believe that they represent majesty, strength, and courage. Then I dig a little deeper. Of course, a lion can be courageous. I mean, look at them. They're fierce. But those of us that are not lion-like how do we discover courage? How do we gather strength and courage to overcome our fears?
I first gathered courage after my first two children were born. I was in a very unhealthy marriage and needed out. I never considered myself courageous; I just needed to do what I needed to do. Take my children and run. Although I did that, I didn’t at the time consider it to be a courageous act.
I didn’t come across this quote until I was writing my book. It fits perfectly into my feelings-then and now.
Having courage does not mean
that we are unafraid. Having courage and
showing courage
mean we face our fears. We are able to say, “I have fallen,
but I will get up.” —MAYA ANGELOU
I love this story. I wanted to share it with you. It comes from the Woman’s Book of Courage- by Sue Patton Thoele. I do not know her or have never met her, but her book is enlightening and one of my go-to's.
We all face situations in which we feel powerless and afraid. I once had a client who was terrified of an upcoming child custody hearing. She felt intimidated by the legal system or lawyer and especially her ex-husband. I asked her what it would take for her to feel strong, safe, and robust in the courtroom. “Nothing short of riding in on a brahman bull," she answered jokingly. It was a great idea; it came straight out of her inner wisdom.
I had her work with the image. She had fun creating the scenario of herself galloping into the courtroom, a huge snorting bull that threatened to gore anyone who tried to frighten her. Her day in court was a success because she visualized herself astride her bull each time she felt at least a bit scared. With the help of her amusing but compelling mental imagery, she felt strong and capable. As a result, she felt as if she were powerful, someone not to be dismissed or manipulated.
As the story illustrates, we are all as strong as we imagine ourselves to be. When we act as if we are strong, we become the influential person we desire to be. Having the courage to see ourselves as strong, capable, and wise, able to do what we need to do and want helps make it so. But we need not do it alone. We can move creatively through our fears by accepting support and guidance from an unseen helper, whether that is a higher power or a brahman bull.
May you all envision you 'Inner Bull,' feel strong, courageous and know that you are not alone!
I'll end with another favorite quote of mine:
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength
while loving someone deeply gives you courage."
LOVE MATTERS
Be well....
Until next time
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