Did you know that wild salmon has one of the most courageous lifecycles of any animal?
They are born in freshwater streams, sometimes hundreds of miles inland, but swim their way to the ocean.
After one to five years of maturing in the ocean, they find the stream or river of their birth and begin the long journey upstream, against the current, to create a new generation of salmon.
What drives a salmon to battle raging currents and leap over rapids and waterfalls to reach its spawning ground upstream?
For them, it’s a God-given instinct.
Humans display bravery and courage as well…..
From the Bible to fairy tales, ancient myths to Hollywood movies, our culture is rich with tales of human bravery and self-sacrifice for the greater good.
Yet courage is not just physical bravery.
Courage range from physical strength and endurance to mental stamina and innovation.
So, as we embark on a new year, here are six attributes of courage to help you plow ahead through the New Year:
Feel the fear, but do it anyway!
“Being terrified but going ahead and doing what must be done—that’s courage. The one who feels no fear is a fool, and the one who lets fear rule him is a coward.” ― Piers Anthony
In the end “fear and courage are brothers.”
Follow your heart
Passion is and should always be the heart of courage.
“And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” — Steve Jobs
Persevere in the face of adversity
Be prepared to be challenged at some point during the year.
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” — Mary Anne Radmacher
Standing up for what is right
Speak your mind, even if your voice shakes.
“Sometimes standing against evil is more important than defeating it. The greatest heroes stand because it is right to do so, not because they believe they will walk away with their lives. Such selfless courage is a victory in itself.” ― N.D. Wilson
Expand your Horizons; letting go of the familiar
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.
“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” — Lord Chesterfield
Face suffering with dignity and faith
A man of courage is also full of faith.
“There is no need to be ashamed of tears, for tears bear witness that a man has the greatest of courage, the courage to suffer.” — Frank
Many situations in life call upon us to do something we find scary and display courage by stepping outside our comfort zones.
At the end of the day, courage couldn’t exist if there wasn’t something to be afraid of.
My prayer for YOU in the coming year is that…..
You will
- Live in your purpose…
- Appreciate your talents…
- Build your courage…
- Pursue your dreams…
- Enjoy your friends, family and furry companions.
- Treasure every moment.
So face this year with courage and faith.
Because life is uncertain and nothing is guaranteed. Each day is a gift and a responsibility – to do our best today and try even hander tomorrow!!
Until next time…..
Have a great week!
I look forward to hearing from you!!
From the heart of a nurse….
Althea
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