Seeking out that everyday courage

The word “courage” has been very much on my mind. The courage to breathe, live, love, heal, and forgive. Courage to grow, to face our own personal strengths, wounds, and fears. Courage to overcome adversity.

To fight the fight, even when we are exhausted. To know when to “hold on” and when to “let go,” all with moral and spiritual courage.

Yes, courage is an emotion we all breathe in and out each and every day. However, it doesn’t receive the recognition I so truly believe it deserves.

Courage comes from the word “Coeur” in French, which means “heart.” To be courageous is to show what is in your heart.

There are six types of courage:

Physical courage: Feeling fear yet choosing to act. Involves bravery at the risk of bodily harm or death, and developing physical strength, resilience, and awareness.

Emotional courage: Following our heart. Open us to feeling the full spectrum of emotions — pleasant and unpleasant — without attachment.

Intellectual courage: Expanding our horizons, letting go of the familiar. It is about our willingness to learn, unlearn, and relearn with an open and flexible mind.

Social courage: To be ourselves in the face of adversity. Involves the risk of social embarrassment or exclusion, unpopularity or rejection. It also involves leadership.

Moral courage: Standing up for what is right. Involves doing the right thing even when it is uncomfortable or unpopular.

Spiritual courage: Facing pain with dignity or faith. It helps us live with purpose and meaning through a heart-centered approach towards all life and oneself.

There are seven ways to feel more courageous.

Being more courageous in your life will help you respond appropriately to risks and accomplish positive things in your life. But it takes work to move beyond your fears.

In fact, being courageous is about thinking things through, examining the risks and rewards, and acting in spite of the fear that inevitably sets in.

Maintain a Healthy Perspective

Identify Your Strengths

Examine Different Scenarios

Practice Leaving Your Comfort Zone

Reduce Your Stress

Celebrate Courageous Actions

Welcome Failure

“It takes courage to endure the sharp pains of self-discovery rather than choose to take the dull pain of unconsciousness that would last the rest of our lives.”

–Marianne Williamson

There are advantages and disadvantages of courage, however.

Courage is an admirable quality. It makes us stand up for what we believe in and do what we know is right, even when we are afraid. There are many characteristics of courage, such as bravery, persistence, determination, and self-confidence.

There are also a number of disadvantages to courage, the most obvious being that sometimes the battles you fight are not yours. You might take risks for no reason. If you’re not careful, your courage can lead you to make rash decisions that put you in danger.

When it comes to courage, there’s a good balance between being safe and taking some risks.

Lastly, a personal note from my heart: “Courage is the trailblazer of our soul.

It may not always be seen with the human eye, but it is always felt within the human heart!”

Donna Pisacano-Brown is a Point Lookout resident who has been a columnist featured in local newspapers since 1996. She is a passionate advocate for drunken driving awareness, and shining a light on mental health topics.