Courage
I wouldn't consider myself a cowardly lion (pun intended....) as I often find myself taking a stand for charities and other social issues that I find needing a voice. I take stands for the underdog, and I take stands when people try to mess with my friends or family. Sometimes I'll pull a premature Mufasa if you're bothering my brothers. Don't mess!
However, when it comes to standing up for myself I occasionally feel myself bound to these straps of control. At work, I can be taken advantage of and I won't say anything. I don't want to be on bad terms with my job, right? Sometimes I over think whether or not I'm right before I say something to someone who hurt my feelings. Why? Because I don't want to be that whining person who is going on about nothing. Let's face it. I'm a girl and I'm emotional at times. I recognize that and in my stretch to be a better, more logical person, I decide not to say anything at all. Fear of drama is not speaking up. What does not speaking up for yourself do? Not a whole lot. Most of those situations arise again.
Sometimes, I second guess my ideas in class. I find myself hesistating to raise my hand in college incase I'm wrong. I'm shy with public speaking. In fact I cried in front of the whole school in my 4th grade speech campaign for school secretary. But, a lot of the times I'm happily surprised that I'm onto the teacher's next point. Where is my voice? Courage is having a voice that is heard. Sometimes I second guess my own voice in a political setting. I tell myself "Hey wait a second, what kind of knowledge do you have about politics?" In a political debate I find my excuse for excluding myself from the conversation is that I don't know enough about it. Dear self, SO LEARN ENOUGH.
Courage is speaking your mind even if it's not what others want to hear. Courage is recognizing you're wrong if need be.
There are times that I slow down on my goals. I get in ruts and decide temporarily that it'd be easier if I didn't try as hard. It'd be easier if I accepted a comfortable job and a comfortable life. My goals may change but I still need to work towards my new goal.
Courage is telling yourself, "Get the hell up! You're doing this."
It's not worrying about where your decisions are going to take you. Yes, they are going to separate you from your bubble life with your friends. Yes, you and your friends may grow apart (that doesn't mean you can't still be friends!) Yes, you may find that you don't know who you are anymore. It's courage that let's us change ourselves into a better person. Courage is discipling YOURSELF. No one else is going to make you do it except yourself. The only person who HAS to like you, is yourself.
Courage is being fearless.
What does courage mean to you?
PS-Interested in a button swap sponsorship?
A few of my faves like MRS T!, Sweet Ashley, and Miss Ashlyn have done this on their blogs and I think it's a great idea! I may have some of you already over there on the side just for sh*ts and giggles (okay I played it cool, I REALLY enjoy the ones I already have over there!) but I'd love to add some more.
Email me at hollietakesnotes@gmail.com so we can swap links!
We can also chat about guest posts and other fun creative link ups.
Let's be friends already, okay?
<3
A few of my faves like MRS T!, Sweet Ashley, and Miss Ashlyn have done this on their blogs and I think it's a great idea! I may have some of you already over there on the side just for sh*ts and giggles (okay I played it cool, I REALLY enjoy the ones I already have over there!) but I'd love to add some more.
Email me at hollietakesnotes@gmail.com so we can swap links!
We can also chat about guest posts and other fun creative link ups.
Let's be friends already, okay?
<3
I would love to swap buttons with you!!...except I don't have one because I suck at technical blog things :(
ReplyDeletethis post really resonated with me. I too sometimes struggle with having the courage to stand up for myself and chase after what I want. I think the key is to just keep pushing yourself :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alex, I have had several failed attempts with making a button, but i'd love to do a guest post / swap!
ReplyDeleteSam
http://petitefemmejolie.blogspot.com
this post hit the nail right on the head for me. I definitely haven't found the courage to make sure I am heard in any situation or aspect. It's something that I am working on... but it's such a slow process. I think the first step is recognizing the abscence of courage and then deciding to do something about it.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear I'm not alone in developing my own voice! My husband and father-in-law always tell me that "people will give you the respect that you expect of them". That's easier said than done, but I've been practicing and it's getting easier. Good for you on your successes =)
ReplyDelete- Sarah
http://agirlintransit.blogspot.com/
I am glad I am not alone! I sometimes find it hard to stick up for myself. I hate stepping on other peoples toes, or making others mad! Courage to me is sticking up for what you believe in (I am still working on this one) sticking up for the people you love.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! I've often found myself being the ONLY person in class or in a discussion that doesn't speak up. It makes no sense sometimes because I LOVE public speaking. But if it's about opinions or asking questions in front of others, I'll just sit back and listen. However, like you, I'm learning that having a voice {regardless of the situation or setting} is important. I'm really glad you wrote this... it's given me a lot to think about :)
ReplyDeleteIt is SO much easier to speak up for others than it is for yourself! I don't know why it just is. While this post is serious I have a kind of funny example of lack of courage for your inbox... :x
ReplyDeleteHey Hollie! This is a great post! I find myself doing the same thing - not speaking up. When I was in college, you couldn't pay me to raise my hand to answer or ask a question (even when I knew the answer)! I still struggle with standing up for myself. I tend to just bottle it up because I don't want to get into an argument about it. This was definitely an encouraging read! :)
ReplyDeletePS - Loved your guest post on Henning Love this week. I live in Cali too and could totally relate! :)
Great post! :)
ReplyDeleteI can really relate to this. I am very similar- I stand up for other people and causes but rarely myself.
ReplyDeleteI know that feeling really well. I definitely agree it's being fearless.
ReplyDelete