“No one ever tells you that bravery feels like fear.”

—Mary Kate Teske, American multi-media artist

Image from Unsplash by Michael Dziedzic

For many of us bravery shows up as a willingness to act despite being afraid.

The connection between fear and courage can show up in a number of ways including:

• Self-protection where bravery manifests as the courage to protect oneself from danger. This is often called “the fight or flight” response.
• Demonstrating resilience to bounce back from setbacks, or working to reframe them as opportunities for learning and growth.
• Being vulnerable and putting ourselves out there despite our insecurities.
• Using anxiety as a catalyst for action in the face of situations that frighten us — such as public speaking or when trying a new experience.

EXERCISE:

In what ways can you cultivate courage as a skill by gradually facing life’s challenged with greater confidence?