I see women traversing life with courage every day.
Honouring their particular journey and having the bravery and momentum to continue in the direction that feels most authentic for themselves. They have dreams and plans. They aspire to future possibilities, keenly aware that the future is uncertain and the only time we truly have is lived in the present moment.
I see their ability to action, even if it begins with micro steps of bravery. The alternative is procrastination, the self-imposed stance of inaction. Being enveloped by the fear of failure or a fear of the unknown. Entertaining concern about how they will be perceived by others. Continually in the dance with wanting the perfect conditions before actioning and the belief they are ‘not good enough’ to deserve the dreams their heart desires.
Which woman are you? Hopefully, you are the one fully participating in life right now. It may not be an outward state of courageousness, busy ticking off an action plan. Instead it may be a more inward version. For example, being invested in all your relationships – continuing to know yourself and others in a deeper way. Immersing yourself consciously in pastimes and interests you already feel deeply about. Consistently choosing to love rather than fear in reaction to life.
“Courage is the measure of our heartfelt participation with life, with another, with a community, a work, a future.”
David Whyte
Each of us are moving through the unknown accepting that life will continue to have twists and turns. Throughout history humanity has gone through adversity. There are numerous examples of flourishing after difficult times. Our lives going forward should be no different. Each life stage we become a different version of ourselves. Each chapter of our lives also brings new life experiences and life lessons to learn. Embrace and be inquisitive of this new ‘stranger’, your future self, and the life she will lead.
By taking the initial steps of bravery we allow ourselves to let go of the outcome. To trust the Universe has our back. We take with us a heart of boldness and courage, but also a heart of humility and kindness. Our journey becomes a dance of being motivated by the big picture of our dreams and still enjoying each step that we take along the way.
The people in our lives like to place us in ‘boxes’ of the familiar. We are seen in a particular way to them. They may react if we behave differently to what they expect of us. There may be questioning of our motives and fear for the consequences of our actions. It is common for others to overlay their life stories with ours, looking for the familiar threads of experience. Our actions may also trigger their unresolved personal memories and guilt for their own actions or inaction.
“Life is so much simpler when you stop explaining yourself to people and just do what works for you”
Unknown.
Our challenge is to overcome the critical gaze of others and remain true to our own life decisions. To share our dreams and inspire others to join us or create dreams of their own. Life will always be complicated and messy, filled with uncertainty and challenges. With courage we can embrace what comes our way and build a boldness for change.