The search for courage and why it matters

In my early forties, I was running a small business, living in a new city, grappling with a new relationship, and just managing to survive from one day to the next. Despite business success, I was often unhappy and lonely. Then I attended a “values” workshop and had a eureka moment.

Courage was what I needed. Not “big” courage, like rescuing someone from a burning building, but “small” courage, like calling someone I like and asking them for a coffee, joining a book club, saying “no” to a customer. I knew that life would consume me if I didn’t dare to walk my own path, no matter how vulnerable or afraid I felt.

It took a while, but some small (and not-so-small) acts of courage have led me to a happier place. And still today, when I feel stuck, I just know that it’s time to dig deep and be courageous. Like launching these stories even with that voice in my head saying, “no one will read them.”

Today times are tough for the whole world…and likely to get tougher. I’ve come to think that courage might be the secret sauce we need to face the personal, social and natural challenges the world is throwing at us and to find (and keep) joy in our lives.

So what is courage? With Finding Courage I set out to discover the answer. I asked people who I think demonstrate courage, to nominate the person whose courage most inspires them. I have been amazed by the myriad of ways that we define and exhibit courage.

Courage matters, but it looks different for everyone. I hope you will find inspiration in these stories to summon your own courage.

Stephanie