The Reason “Courage” Is Part of Our Name
This week, our topics are fear and courage. It’s been said that having courage doesn’t mean you’re never afraid. It means you don’t let fear stop you. While fear may inhibit action, courage encourages it. Courage allows you to take the energy generated by fear and use it constructively. You may use your courage daily without even knowing.
Thinking about this in present-day terms, there is a lot of uncertainty out there that is likely causing fear in many of us, but we can choose to face that fear. So today, and hopefully every day, I pledge to choose courage. I will take a deep breath … face the uncertainty of today … and embrace this day in all its messiness. I will take bold, brave steps into the unknown. Courage is like a muscle – you have to use it to make it stronger. I choose strength, and I choose to persevere against all the odds I may face.
For some, facing each new day – maybe just getting out of bed – takes all the courage they can muster. For others, doing something HARD takes courage. As caregivers, we face hard things every day. Especially now, amidst this pandemic, it’s doubly hard.
My guess is you’re courageous in a million ways, every single day. If you don’t believe me, just consider that you might be showing courage, without even knowing it, by:
Accepting your story as a caregiver and not letting it define you.
Speaking up to offer your opinion, answer a question, or defend someone.
Expressing your needs and asking for something.
Listening to other points of view without judging or challenging.
Having a tough conversation with a friend, loved one, or coworker.
Setting boundaries to protect yourself.
Saying “no” as part of your self-care.
Making changes in your life, large or small, to bring more joy and peace to your world.
For more examples of everyday acts of courage, check out this article.
All of these things take courage, and that’s why “courage” is part of our name. If caregivers are our “why,” courage is “what” we have to give them. We won’t – and can’t – do the hard work for you, but we’ll walk with you and help you with the tools to build courage to get through the fear.
Remember, courage doesn’t have to be grand or heroic. You can start small. You’ve GOT this!