to stake a life upon…

I have a tattoo on my ankle that says, 

“Courageous One”

Courage. 

Sometimes people see it and mistakenly believe that being courageous equates to being fearless. That’s not true at all. Sometimes we see people doing courageous acts and think it’s because they have been given the gift of bravery–and while that might be true–that gift does not negate the emotions of doubt and fear.

Being a “courageous one” doesn’t mean I do things because I feel the absence of fear. I do things because I have made courage a virtue upon which to stake my life.

And it’s the same for any virtue. I believe being kind, authentic, slow to judge, and exceedingly compassionate are virtues a great life is built upon. But put me in a room with all of my relatives shouting their world views–which are generally extremely different than mine–all around me and BEING compassionate and slow to judge is {ridiculously} hard.

Lots of life years have taught me this: most of the really great things in life are hard. So when moments present themselves to walk your talk, don’t hide away from them. Take the opportunity to flex your muscles. 

Recently I screwed up (to which you may {in}appropriately respond, YOU!? 😉 never!! Yep, happens everyday people.) So I messed up not in a huge way, but I dropped the ball and disappointed someone. Another virtue that I LOVE in other people and love/hate to live life by is owning your mistakes and not hiding from being imperfect. [[you know…this is still relatively new to me. The not hiding my imperfections part, not the BEING imperfect part.]]

So I apologized clearly and owned what I had done and it felt crappy, but was received with appreciation and grace. The act of doing something that aligned with my stated values, ultimately, was stellar and trumped my momentary shame.

Here’s the thing:: knowing what is important to you matters because when life happens and your feelings get all up in your face, they won’t be screaming at you to act in wisdom. They will be saying, “ruuuun. Hide! They’re going to be mad. They’re going to find out. And then they’re not going to like you. Thunder cats goooo.” Or something like that, whatever your gremlins say. 

So what do you stake your life on? What’s important to you? Is it courage? Patience? Boldness? Humility? Grace? Being right? Showing compassion? 

Know now before the opportunity arises because otherwise your emotions will decide for you–and emotions are finicky little guys to base a life on. 

Have the courage to know what you stand for and trust that you’ll show up boldly and in harmony when the time comes. 

You’re worth it.