Courage

I'm coming to the conclusion that courage is a quiet phenomenon. It's not all about going in with the guns blazing. That's bravado, often, and fear, and desperation, and sure, sometimes it's grit, and determination, and self-sacrifice, and bravery, but there's a certain quiet courage to be found in facing pain. 'in deciding to show love instead of rage or hate. In placing others above yourself. In loving yourself even though you don't feel like it all the time. In forgiveness, for yourself, and for others. In trusting people to be decent. In taking the first step. In moving forward. In making decisions based on what you need. In honouring yourself, and in choosing your words with care so that others are not harmed by them.

I'm not doing so great at any of this, but it's something to aspire to. Courage. Self-efficacy. Perseverance. Interdependence. All very scary concepts for someone like me, especially now, on my own, miles from everyone, and having to build a life for myself here. But I'm getting there, slowly.

It's my birthday in two days. Exciting! I can't wait. I'm planning my breakfast. Have an evening out planned, and have lots of assignments due that day, and the next day, so I'm strggling to get them all done now.