Is Courage Mine To Be Had? Is It Yours?

All around me are the living, breathing examples of courage born by those who never thought themselves capable of their feats. Where did they come from? How were they prepared - or were they? Is courage an innate character trait or are we simply thrust into it under a given set of circumstances? I believe that courage is what we exhibit when pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps under the strain of dangerous or stressful life events, but also what we exhibit in the smallest of ways, in simply stepping out of our box and being who we are called on to be in spite of our fears.

I just finished reading Always Looking Up by Michael J. Fox. In it he draws a distinction between the work he does with his foundation, a result of his being stricken with Parkinson's Disease, and those who undertake a noble cause not because they have been touched personally by the cause itself, but are involved simply because it's the right or just thing. Of course I'm wildly paraphrasing, but his point was about courage. He was courageous for taking on PD, yet it was a natural extension of his circumstances. So, are we all bound by the same rule - only to stretch ourselves into those areas where we are likewise affected? What about a passion for that cause unrelated to ourselves; one where we throw ourselves at the solution with abandon just because it's worthy?

When we identify that which is worthy, what keeps us standing on the sidelines? We can pretend it's a conflict of interest or schedule, we're just too tired, it's none of our business, or simply that our voice will be drowned out. Besides, who are we that anyone would be inclined to listen to us anyway? What could we possibly have to offer that hasn't been tried already by others with more money, a louder voice, or more political weight to throw around?

Here's the deal: it doesn't matter! We're not called to be who we are based on what those around us are doing with their time and efforts. We are here to maintain a since of integrity, in essence to be the person on the outside that truly coincides with the person on the inside - the same within as without. Isn't that what we look for in the mirror, in others and what we hope to instill in our future generations? Don't live a lie. Live with passion, and at every opportunity, stand up and be counted because the courage is in the standing up and if you are beaten down in the getting back up again.

I'm making a stand not to live my life in fear anymore. I won't be discouraged by naysayers, nor downtrodden by those who feel challenged by what I stand for or by the success that may come my way. It's like the proverbial kid in the classroom itching to ask the question that is really on every student's mind. I used to be that kid, fearful to ask the question because of what others might think. Now I know that by speaking up, not only am I destined to find my answers, but in the process help others find their answers as well. Courage - it's contagious. Today Michael J. Fox gave it to me, just as I hope to someday give it to others, starting with my children.

Thank you, Carolyn and Jackie, for making me believe that what I have to say matters. Today you are my heroes, along with Michael J. Fox.