Friday, November 13, 2009

Courage... Got Any?


"Those who don't have the courage will always find a way to justify that fact..."

-Unknown

Who are we? Do we make excuses for why we won't try something new, or go on a limb to experiment with that thing 'they' say is impossible? Are we hiding behind the wall of fear, claiming "lack of knowledge?" The latter used to me ~ it actually brings a smile to my face whenever I think of how many times I used that excuse...

"I can't do that. I don't have enough experience to succeed, or know enough to make it happen."

Yada-freakin-yada!

Do we want change, but crawl under that blanket of self doubt? You know the one ~ it soooo soft and cuddly... so comfortable, isn't it? It looks likes our baby's blankie, but we know how ADULT it really is!

Do we long for new, yet look in the mirror and wish we weren't "stuck" in the present? Stuck is in quotes because I believe that word is an illusion, masking our potential. We justify why not all day to friends and family, but when we're alone, we know the truth... we know what we're lacking.

How about no more justifying?! Why not now? My mentor preached daily:

"If not you, then who? If not now, then when?"

So true! When are we going to stop living in fear and making excuses for what we truly desire? When are we going to become courageous enough to take that next step, whatever that means for us at this moment? It doesn't have to be an earth shattering step... it just has to be forward, and with maximum courage (or at least more than we had yesterday).

What are our kids going to say about us when we're gone? What are we going to teach them while we're still here? They'll take our lead, stepping where and how we step. They'll be staring directly in our eyes, looking for that strength they long for, hoping we can give it to them!

Courage... you got any?




13 comments:

Unknown said...

I used to be like that. I actually used to never go out, I was even scared of speaking to people I didnt know. Then I met my (now) husband, and my life totally changed for better. he taught me that its okay to be scared but that its not ok to let those scary things stop you living. now I sing comedy songs across the U.K. A combination of losing weight and my husbands belief in me has really brought me out of my shell.
Thankyou for reminding me how lucky I am these days.

I'm Will. said...

Thank you for the inspirational post; I have a driving test coming up this Monday, and this post has highlighted how I should drop all my fears and just.. drive well :P

Will
http://chilligrowing.blogspot.com/

Charlene said...

Nice post! To some extent it's about getting over our own "lazy objections" but also getting past fear of failure. I find myself asking, "What's the worst that can happen?" In mst cases, even the "worst" isn't REALLY enough excuse not to at least TRY.

Cheers!
Charlene
www.beamingbalance.com

plainolebob said...

Coach Dayne, yep, and big big hugs just for you.
I always feel that I can do anything, and if I mess it up, oh well, won't be the first time.lol

Dr. Patrice Smith said...

Wow! surprisingly... I answered yes to almost all those rhetorical questions. It's interesting, and you are absolutely right.
This really inspired me to step out of the confines of my protected shell - hopefully this burst of inspiration lasts.

Thank you so much.

-Pat

Sarah said...

we are our own biggest enemies. great post!

spldbch said...

And courage doesn't mean we're not afraid. Courage means we're afraid and yet we do it anyway!

Phil-theincredibleshrinkingman said...

great post boss.

Bendigo said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Bendigo said...

Bleh...I can't type sometimes...Great Post...That made for a perfect excuse for some self analysis. Just wanted to let you know I recognized you for an award. So if you get a minute drop by and pick it up. Thanks for all you are doing. :)

Dr. Patrice Smith said...

Dayne, I enjoy your bog so much! Please stop by my place to redeem your award ;)

http://climbreachachieve.blogspot.com/

Matty said...

I have ideas that I just don't have the courage to act upon. I doubt myself, my skills, my abilities. Sure, some of it has to do with how much money these ideas will cost, but much of it really just has to do with me. I wish I had the guts to take the next step. I keep making excuses, justifying them to myself.

Your article smacks me in the face. I know what I have to do.

Better Man said...

Totally agree.

I have given you an award for your blog. It can be found here http://becomingthebestpersonicanbe.blogspot.com/