"All you need is confidence in yourself. There is no living thing that is not afraid when it faces danger. The true courage is facing danger when you are afraid, and that kind of courage you have in plenty." ~ Frank L. Baum
You have courage in plenty.
Do you know this for sure?
I think we're all like the Cowardly Lion at times. Every time he, Dorothy, Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Toto encountered a danger along the Yellow Brick Road, he faced it with courage. And yet much of the time he trembled with fear at thoughts of dangers. Until the Wizard gave him a medal, Lion lacked confidence. We too have courage, but sometimes our confidence runs low.
Courage flows naturally when it's needed to face danger. We tap into it when we feel afraid to do something when no real danger is present, such as making a speech, singing a solo, and applying for a job.
How do you tap into courage when you feel afraid to face a challenge or a change? Feel free to write and share your methods.
I'll offer some of my methods: You can pause and breathe deeply. Visualize yourself being at your best. Realize that you have often been confident and courageous. Remember a time. See it clearly. Recall how you felt. Be patient. A touchstone scene that has the power to stir your confidence will appear to you. Be gentle with yourself.
It's sometimes helpful to let trusted people know how you're feeling and that you're summoning courage. You're likely to receive support, which can boost your confidence. Being vulnerable and authentic can be an enormous gift for others.
Truly,
Charlene
THE THIRD GIFT IS COURAGE: May you speak and act with confidence and use courage to follow your own path. - from The Twelve Gifts of Birth
