About Courage and what it means to prove it

Courage - a small word with a big meaning. A word that seems to be part of every discussion lately. "Well you seem to be super courageous, hey?" or "I wouldn't have that much courage" for example are some frequent comments. Sometimes I don't know how to respond to that. What is the accurate answer to that? "Thank you" or "Yes I know"?

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Making a decision requires a lot of courage. Without courage there is no change. During the last weeks I learned, that it can be just as challenging to face people, that can't or don't want to understand what you are doing. I personally am super grateful for the love and support of my family and my closest friends. Still there are some people, who look at me with raised eyebrows and a huge question mark above their heads - because you always get these people, these restless critics. Although talking to someone like this can be a real challenge, I learned to appreciate these kind of conversations.

People that obviously won't be in your team, no matter the cost, used to be super intimidating to me. It's these people that do not tell you their constructive opinion but try to rain on your parade, no matter how much you try to convince them that your decision is actually not too bad. They will try their best to make you feel uncomfortable with your decision. You can try to show them all the good aspects or talk your idea down so that they don't feel threatened. You can brace yourself with as many arguments as you have or just agree with what they say and try to comfort them. No matter which way you will choose, their reaction will always be the same: Resentment.

Courage is not always a loud roar. Sometimes it's a quiet smile while someone else is trying to talk you down. - sarah.anywhere

Since I decided to go to South Africa, I find myself in a lot of situations where I have to face these kind of people. These moments are difficult and require a lot of bravery and stability. Today I don't let these people unsettle me anymore because I learned that not everybody has to be convinced of what I am going to do. Not everyone needs to understand - I don't need any kind of confirmation of my plans. The only person that needs to be convinced is myself.

Decisions require courage. Without courage there is no change. If made or are making a decision that not everybody around you understands or supports, don't let it shake your faith. It's big challenge to stand in front of these people, to look them in the eyes while they are judging you and to not lose trust in what you are doing. But take it as a chance and do it - eventually you'll experience the same that I did and find that you get braver from time to time.

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Thank you, dear doubters - for making me realize, that not even you can make me stumble.