Why is it so hard to have courage? Every courageous thing I've ever done, big and small, has expanded my world. Made me a better, stronger person. But still, I continue to forget. I let worry and fear and anxiety take the lead, and I shove courage to the back corner of my life. I try to tell myself that I don't need it, that I'm fine where I am.
And then... there are moments, and days, and bolts of lightning that remind me what I've gained when I had courage.
The courage to start a blog has led me down the most unexpected roads. Paths to friendship and opportunities I had no inkling of three years ago. On Saturday, I got to meet Abbie from Grumbling Grace for reals, as she's in Seattle with her conferencing husband. The best word to sum up Abbie? Delightful. I sound like I'm a hundred years old, but it fits. Halfway through our visit, I thought "without blogging, I likely would never have known this amazing person existed, let alone be sitting here soaking up her sunshine."
The courage to let your kids go is a big one. Admittedly, this is a work in progress for me, but I hope I'm taking baby steps in the right direction. This weekend I declared a "family day", and because it was sunny, my husband planned a hike to a gorgeous alpine lake. As I enjoyed the beauty around me, I was struck by how far we've come.
And while I'm busy focusing on the courage to support them in their next steps, they're already ahead of me, being their own courageous selves. Which is inspiring and scary and rewarding. I know we'll keep moving forward, figuring it out as we go. .
Thank you, courage. I hope you stick around for awhile.
When we're kids our parents encourage us to be more courageous but as adults, we have to do it ourselves. It always seems easier not to take the plunge. This is a great reminder to push ourselves more often!
ReplyDeleteJill
Doused In Pink
I have to talk myself into being courageous every single time. Wish I could get over that!
DeleteLove you! Courage is what is getting me through my days lately! Oh you and Abbie are adorable! How wonderful! Wishing you a stupendous Monday! Xo
ReplyDeleteHope everything is ok! Abbie is just wonderful.
DeleteI agree that blogging has brought me opportunities that have expanded my world. It is not the monetary rewards (ha ha! as if!) that keep me blogging, it is the unexpected rewards of connecting with like minded creative souls.
ReplyDeletebisous
Suzanne
Right? I love the people.
DeleteHow fun that you got to meet Abbie! Love that she's there too, did you get to meet the kids too? This is a good reminder for me in the future. Letting go, heck I had trouble letting go of my almost 4 year old to sitting facing forward in the car, I have a long way to go my friend. I'll probably be crying on your shoulder one day when they leave...
ReplyDeleteBaby steps - you can do it! And my shoulder is here anytime :)! It was so much fun to meet Abbie. She and her husband are in Seattle for a conference, but they left the girls at home.
DeleteAbbie is so sweet! I follow her on IG and I always love her upbeat and down to earth IG stories, too! So glad you were able to meet her!
ReplyDeleteCarrie
curlycraftymom.com
She is wonderful!
DeleteJumping into the deep end is all it takes but it does seem to be a bit harder as we age. Glad you are swimming well!
ReplyDeleteYes, why does it get harder instead of easier?
DeleteOh Lana, you are so right!!!! Everything you're saying resonates with me. Having my oldest home from college this Summer is so awesome yet I am dreading letting him go in August. On top of that my youngest is beginning his senior year in high school and I am already dreading him going away. I hate letting anxiety and fear get in the way of living my best life TODAY. My prayers for courage and peace persist.
ReplyDeletexo,
Kellyann
http://www.thisblondesshoppingbag.com
Thank you Kellyann! My son has been home from college for six weeks already. The time is flying by too fast. Sigh.
DeleteGawd, I can't imagine having to even wrap my brain around letting my kids go. Will be leaning on you when that time comes.
ReplyDeleteAnd I will definitely be here!
Deletecourage is very hard to harnessed, I find I’m most courageous when I’m not thinking about what I’m doing. I’m so happy you had the courage to start a blog, I truly enjoy your space on the web. The courage to let your kids go has to be a hard one. I commend my Mother on this one, she lets me fly and is always there to pick me up when I fall.
ReplyDeleteI'll figure things out in stride with you, if you don't mind!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I constantly use the word "delightful"! It describes so much!
I love that the Bible encourages us to be courageous! When I'm short, I quote it to myself as a reminder! I specially love the Joshua one! Yay for getting to meet Abbie!
ReplyDeleteWhat a thought provoking post. I often feel that I have no courage. I am scared of everything. BUT sometimes when you are forced into a situation you have no choice but to let the courage shine. You got this.
ReplyDelete