You are courageous!
I recently attended a Women's Wellness group at the brilliant Revival cafe in Whitstable which is run in association with the East Kent branch of the charity Mind. I make a point of attending any groups I can at Revival, whenever I'm in the area. This is maybe once every couple of months. Revival is a fantastic resource for those with mental health issues within the community, those with physical disabilities, or just anyone who wants a cool and quirky place to meet, eat and drink where whoever you are, you'll be welcome and accepted. Ideally there would be a branch of Revival in every town! As it is, I can attend sporadically, joining in with different groups (there are many) depending on what days I happen to be there visiting family. The Women’s Wellness group is facilitated by the fabulous Tara (pictured).
What has this got to do with being courageous? Tara opened the recent Women's Wellness group with a positive affirmation written on a whiteboard. After a little drumroll, the whiteboard was revealed from behind a curtain. Written on it were the words “courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” I took a photo of it (below) as it struck a chord with me and others. Being a human being can at times be a scary thing. Particularly if you are struggling with a mental or physical disability. This positive affirmation reminded me that we are showing courage simply by turning up, as myself and the rest of the group did that day.
When I subsequently browsed online about the topic of courage, I came across dictionary definitions, quotes and poems. I picked the following poem on courage to share because it encompasses the many different forms courage can take. We can't all physically be “on top of the mountain” but we can each “move forward” whatever that means to us in our lives, given our different capacities. I also like that this poem has an anonymous author. It could be written by anyone. And it speaks to anyone. Hopefully there will be something in it that speaks to you.
Courage
Courage is the strength to stand up
When it's easier to fall down and lose hold.
It is the conviction to explore new horizons
When it's easier to believe what we've been told.
Courage is the desire to maintain our integrity
When it's easier to look the other way.
It is feeling happy and alive, and moving forward
When it's easier to feel sorry for ourselves and stay.
Courage is the will to shape our world
When it's easier to let someone else do it for us.
It is the recognition that none of us are perfect
When it's easier to criticize others and fuss.
Courage is the power to step forward and lead
When it's easier to follow the crowd; their pleas resound.
It is the spirit that places you on top of the mountain
When it's easier to never leave the ground.
The foundation of courage is solid,
The rock that doesn't roll.
Courage is the freedom
Of our mind, body, and soul!
Anonymous
For more information on the work of Revival click here.
You may want to reflect on how and where you have “shown up” recently?
How does it feel to acknowledge your courage?
Bryony Bennett
