“Courage is very important. Like a muscle, it is strengthened by use.”
– Ruth Gordon
Wow, pretty simple, huh.
I go to this quote fairly often. Some people would use courageous as a word to describe me, and that is probably true… for the cards I show. But there are times where this goes right out the window.
The other day I was speaking with a business associate, and one that I also call a friend, and we starting talking about assertiveness, which is a character trait that I sometimes struggle with. (For those that get the Russian spicy side of me, I know it’s hard to believe! ha!) He mentioned Axis Mundi.
Say what?!?!
Yep. Axis Mundi. It expresses a point of connection between sky and earth where the four compass directions meet, according to Wikipedia. He said it refers to, everything spins around us while we stay still.
“Huh,” I thought. I processed it, then grabbed a piece of notepaper to jot it down. He went on to say, “Top of the mountain, center of the world,” while referencing the brain and heart, respectively.
After our meeting was done, I had an hour drive home to think about this some more, and how it relates to assertiveness and courage…
With courage, we are comfortable in doing what we believe in. We can be assertive.
As long as we are centered in what we believe in, and use both our hearts and minds to think, the impossible becomes possible. Doing this regularly is a challenge, which is why I like Ruth Gordon’s quote so much. The more we flex the courage muscles, the better we get at it.
Anyone that knew me 15 years ago, 10 years ago, 5 years ago, and a year or so ago would know that through courage conditioning exercises, I’ve become a stronger, better person. Like any exercise program, there’s room to grow, which is why I’m asking you take part in the Courage Challenge.
Take the Courage Challenge:
Reflect on how you have grown as a person, how much courage you have gained, and how you got there.
Come back and tell your story.
The best story posted by August 6th will receive a copy of one of two favorite books on courage.
Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun: Having the Courage to Be Who You Are, by Maria Dismondy
OR
Find Your Courage: 12 Acts for Becoming Fearless at Work and in Life, by Margie Warrell
So how about it …. ready to take The Courage Challenge?
I look forward to hearing your stories!
Filed under: Good Stuff, Leadership, Life Story, Quotes
