Be Courageous

Facing Fear | 1.18.2016 | By Kevin Pearce

“Courage does not always roar.  Sometimes, courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, I will try again tomorrow” – Mary Anne Radmacher

This quote reminds us that courage does not need to be a monumental, heroic, life-saving act.  It can be a subtle shift in perspective or the resolve to take just one more step along a difficult journey.

It’s normal to feel grief, anger, and fear after an injury.  Being courageous doesn’t mean you won’t also experience these feelings.  Rather, it means the ability to push forward despite a barrage of negative emotions and painful challenges.

It takes courage to re-establish your identity.  You may never be the exact same person you were before your accident.  But, perhaps you’ll be even better.  Perhaps you’ll be more adaptable to change or more compassionate towards others.

How can you practice courage?  Chances are you’re already doing it.  Sometimes it takes courage just to get out of bed in the morning or go to the grocery store.  Other times, you demonstrate courage by sharing your story with a stranger or, as can be even more difficult, an acquaintance.  Just remember that courage manifests in various ways, but it always begins with an inner fire and a determination to take another step forward, despite those negative thoughts telling you to quit.