Authored by William G. DeFoore, Ph.D.
When you think of courageous people, you probably think of some kind of hero risking his/her life for some noble cause. While that is certainly courage in action, I want you to think about this a little differently for a moment.
As you will see in this article, it actually takes courage just to be you in this world. From the moment you were born, you have been challenged to face the unknown...it's called life on planet Earth. Tell your story of courage (yours or others') here.
Nobody knows what the future holds, and yet you have been stepping courageously into your future every moment of your life. Take a look at this chart giving you an overview of how you have been courageous.
I don't have to tell you about the vulnerability you experienced as a child. We all went through that. We didn't know anything, and we had to figure it out.
Your parents, teachers and guides, no matter how well meaning, were not always kind and helpful, and sometimes you were left on your own to face things like...that first day at school, competition with other kids, and sexual experiences. This is actually quite normal, but it was tough.
Think of this...
Don't take that courage for granted. You were tough, even when you didn't feel tough. Nurture your inner child with love, encouragement and support now...it's never too late.
Courageous people are people who made it through their childhood and adolescence, and you are one of them.
Everyone wants to belong. Nobody wants to be an outcast or a misfit. I'm sure you remember some of your efforts to fit in, which sometimes led to inclusion and belonging, and other times led to rejection.
Here's the deal about belonging and fitting in...you're a unique individual, one of a kind. So, regardless of how successfully or unsuccessfully you were able to fit in, you always felt different from the others, because you were. This is healthy and normal, but when it was happening, you probably thought there was something wrong with you.
You are one of the courageous people, because you made it to where you are today. You survived, and I'm sure in many ways you have thrived.
It is just so much easier to "stick with what you know" and only do what you're good at and comfortable with. However...be sure you get this...your brain and body will decline if you just keep doing what you're good at and never try anything new.
Your creativity is a powerful force sitting there inside you, and if you suppress it, you may feel more anxious, depressed or just generally disappointed in yourself.
Creativity has nothing to do with what anybody else thinks. When you start any new project, where you're experimenting with something new that you have not mastered yet, don't be too quick to share it with others. You don't need anybody's criticism! Just keep going...that's all it takes to get better at something new.
Find something you're curious about and start experimenting today. It will give you a whole new lease on life!
Here are some things to expect along the way, as you join the courageous people involved in creative expression: You will be a beginner.
Don't miss out on this. It's too important to push aside or neglect. It is literally part of the art of happiness.
Be one of the courageous people willing to explore the uncharted realms of creativity!
One of the greatest tools for your inner journey of self exploration and creativity is imagery. The Nurturing Your Inner Child audio program guides you on this journey, using imagery and positive self talk to give you the positive relationship with yourself you have always wanted.
Tell us what inspires you, encourages you and energizes you to keep going and be the person you want to be in life.
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