Finding Your Courage

What do you think of when you hear the word courage? Is it a fiery advancement in a battle? Deciding to try skydiving?
Saving someone from a burning vehicle?

The pictures can be quite… dramatic. Truthfully, courage is often much quieter, yet still requires you to step forward when perhaps your head says, “stop – let someone else do it.”
It can be speaking up and asking a question when you feel it might make you look dumb in a room full of people.
For others, it’s just getting out of bed, and putting one foot in front of the other when they feel fear, doubt and depression beckoning them back to the pillows.

As October dawns, and we’re looking at the last quarter of the year (seriously, how did we get here already?) I'm excited to share our latest Heal the World Show Podcast to help you finish the year stronger and with greater courage.
I spoke with Sharon Rolph, a behavioral scientist who now coaches clients through her practice Effortless Vitality. At the youthful age of 77, she has a lot to share about courage and how to foster it. 

Sharon Rolph experienced a childhood that included sexual abuse, which led her to shrink back, be obedient, and rarely speak up for herself. Among the lessons she learned since then is that the energy we spend on fear, doubt and worry is a waste.
In fact, she created a mantra, “Worry is a misuse of imagination.”
Along with guidance from scriptures, which consistently remind us to not be afraid, she leaned into teachings on overcoming fear. She also realized the connection to good health and nutrition to helping the body align with what her mindset needed to be. As she learned to be aware of her own fears, to recognize them, and to examine why she had fear, she transformed from someone who would talk herself out of asking questions to someone who decided to speak up, and speak out for herself.

When you watch the podcast, you may also notice a verse on the wall behind Sharon, and if you can’t read it, I want to share it with you, because it’s too good to miss!
“You are infinitely worthy. You are infinitely precious. You have always been enough. You will always be enough. There is no place you don’t belong. You are lovable. You are loved. You are love.” - Martha Beck, The Way of Integrity
Repeat this to yourself, or say it out loud in front of strangers - every day!

Back to Sharon’s story…After a career with larger corporations facilitating employee involvement, she currently helps seniors to find their own voice in retirement. Beyond finances, people need to emotionally prepare their mindsets for life in retirement in order to thrive in their new phase of life. 
This preparation isn’t just related to being 65+, but can apply to anyone at any time of their life. We often struggle with fear, self doubt in our own abilities, and we shrink from courage. 

My encouragement to you all is to realize that when you act in courage, no matter how small the action, it has an amazing and profound impact on others. Whether you are aware of it or not, people are influenced by you, and your courage, and the vulnerability it takes to act in courage, often paves the way for so many others to follow. 
 
I want to stop for a moment and highlight the word vulnerability. Just as we thought about what images came to mind with the word “courage,” what images pop into your mind when you think of “vulnerable?” Someone who is perhaps frail and in need?
A newborn? 
The funny thing is that courage is rooted in vulnerability. And no matter how strong we feel, or how certain we act, there is always some vulnerability we have, and we often hide it. 

So what's next? If you aren’t sure where to get started, you need (ironically) to draw just a little courage to reach out to someone you trust. Share your fear and vulnerability with them, and often just that step lightens your load. We are all too valuable and capable not to share who we were meant to be with the world. The Healing Institute has a wealth of practitioners willing to walk with you in this journey. If you aren’t sure who the best match would be, that’s OK - we can help you find the best fit.
It is so worth it, because you are so worth it.

As Sharon Rolph explains, “I see vulnerability as a possibility for miracles.”