The Courage To Be Me…The Courage To Be You

I’ve been thinking a lot about courage and confidence lately, so much so that it’s having a positive effect on me and the way I’m dealing with new situations.  You know that I really do act on the things that I talk about here…don’t you?  After all, I would feel extremely guilty if I didn’t.  Having said that, today I want to chat about the courage that helps you be you and me be me.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” ˜Marianne Williamson

Now that quote is one the most profound introspects I’ve ever heard.  To think that we might actually be afraid of what’s inside of us.  It reminds me of another quote from the movie Karate Kid.  Daniel goes to Mr. Miagi to ask him if he fixed his bike and discovers that he is cutting little trees (bonsai).  After a brief conversation, Mr. Miagi suggests that Daniel try his hand at the ancient, Japanese art.  He is apprehensive and says, “I don’t want to ruin it.”  Mr. Miagi reassures him that he won’t, telling him to close his eyes and visualize the tree he wants.  Daniel still hesitates and asks, “What if I see the wrong one?”

Now, here’s the best part…

Mr. Miagi answers with all of his smooth wisdom, “If it comes from inside you, it always right one.”  Pretty cool, huh?  Hint:  He wasn’t just talking about little tree pruning.

So, if this is true, the trick is trusting what’s inside of us and acting accordingly.  I can testify to the fact that this is easier said than done.  And, depending on how much encouragement you need to step out of your comfort zone, it can be anywhere from mildly challenging to excruciating.

Where are you with self-trust?

Do you often discount your ideas and dreams because you feel they are not good enough?  Or in the case of Marianne’s quote, do you fear what being the best you might bring?

Retrospection

This would be a good time to think back (retrospect) about your past accomplishments and self-proclaimed failures.  What attitude did you have during each one?  You do have your journal out, don’t you?

OK, I’ll wait while you go get it…

Now, write down what you remember.  Study it.  Don’t forget it.  Next time you question yourself, recall it.  That’s all I have to say about that.

Photo by Ellectrify