6/11/2019 1 Comment The meaning of courageA little explanation of what I mean by courage, kindness, and other things.
Each year I participate in a project called One Little Word. This year my word is courage, though maybe not for the reasons you might think. This post is from my January prompts, which help us figure out where we want to go with our words. Definition (from Brené Brown): The root of the word courage is cor, the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage had a very different definition than it does today. Courage originally meant “To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” Over time, this definition has changed, and today, courage is more synonymous with being heroic. Heroics is important and we certainly need heroes, but I think we’ve lost touch with the idea that speaking honestly and openly about who we are, about what we’re feeling, and about our experiences (good and bad) is the definition of courage. Heroics is often about putting our life on the line. Ordinary courage is about putting our vulnerability on the line. In today’s world, that’s pretty extraordinary.—Brené Brown My reason why: Notice that instead of giving a definition of courage from a dictionary, I used Brené Brown’s overview of the word. The historic definition of courage and her interpretation of it is what pulls at my heart. I have three main goals that I think will help me embody courage: work on a special needlepoint project again (a personal challenge and a sign of deep love); do more memory keeping (creativity and belonging); and spread kindness wherever I can. One of my favorite quotes about courage: “COURAGE doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” My mantra: "Courage, dear heart" from C.S. Lewis Note to myself: You have set big goals for yourself this year. Remember, that is one of the ways you work best. Make the things you love a habit. When your fears are talking too loudly, listen to them and decide if they are getting in the way or trying to teach you a lesson. (It’s okay to be afraid sometimes, even if your word is courage.) You can do this...not in one day, but little by little...It all adds up. Keep showing up and make it happen. I invite: More kindness (to others as well as myself) Having the courage to follow my heart and intuition Have the courage to try even if I think I might fail—It definitely won’t happen if I don’t try Let go: I want to make sure that I’m not letting the things I can’t do interfere with the things I CAN do. In what ways is my word already part of my life: On most days, I will tell you that I’m just living my life—disability and all. It’s not easy, yet I don’t think of myself as especially courageous in the sense that many people think of the word. However, I believe that I am a stronger person because I have FOP. I just have to remember that. What do I want more of and less of: More faith and love, Less fear. More celebration, Less comparison (In particular to the younger me that had more mobility and endurance). More purpose, Less wasting precious time. Less perfection (which doesn’t exist!), More COURAGE What do I fear most this year: I said I wanted vulnerability, so here it is right up front. Even though I truly believe that FOP has made me stronger, I also hate the things it tries to take away. And sometimes that includes confidence in myself and what I’m capable of doing. I’m going to try my best not to let it be that way this year. What am I mot excited about this year: Showing myself that I can do hard things. Getting back to unfinished projects that have been on the sidelines far too long. Link to my Spotify playlist Courage, Kindness, and other Things
1 Comment
Shelli Reading
6/14/2019 06:49:31 am
I love Brene Brown♥️ You are putting great thoughts out into the universe! Keep it up
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About meHello. My name is Sharon Kantanie. I'm 54 years old. I have an extremely rare disease called fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. I believe in courage, kindness, and other things. Welcome to my little home on the world wide web where I hope to share information on the Kindness Matters Challenge, my life, and the things that matter most to me. Archives
September 2023
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