Courageous Woman

I’d like you to take a moment and think.  Where would we be in life right now, if those women who had gone before us, had not been courageous? 

How different the world would look if each and every woman had not followed her heart-led mission? If she had listened to her inner critic.  If she had doubted herself.  If she feared what others thought of her.  If all of the amazing and phenomenal women had succumbed to fear, we would not recognize the world we have today.

Let us think back and recall all those women who stared fear in the face and took passionate empowered action.

Amelia Earhart “Women must try to do things as men have tried. When they fail, their failure must be but a challenge to others.”

Rosa Parks “I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.”

Malala Yousafzai  “When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful.”

Thankfully, there are far too many remarkable women to mention. But your name doesn’t have to be featured in the history books for you to be considered a remarkable woman.  The journey you have travelled in life and the hurdles you have overcome, the demons you have faced, and the battles you have won, make you a truly courageous and remarkable woman. 

Sadly, the world today places so much attention on the outward appearance of women. From newspapers and magazines to tv programmes and social media, the criticism of women and how they look, should look, and used to look is scrutinized and commented on to extreme and dangerous levels.  

But I think, that when we think of attractiveness let us not focus on our physical form but on our souls, our mission, and our desire to have an impact, make a difference, and contribute. The courage to be our authentic selves, to own our story, and be proud that we are not perfect.

Let us focus less on what women look like and instead focus on their contribution, courage, confidence, and bravery.  Let us celebrate their accomplishments, triumphs, and ability to overcome enormous obstacles.

We are here for a divine purpose. You are here to create an impact and leave your mark on the world. You have arrived on this earth to make a difference. You have been given dreams and goals, so you must bring them to life. Be inspired by each and every woman who has gone before. Take action and be brave. For she who is brave is free. Show up. Be you. Be all of you. Lead and light the path for others. Let others be inspired by you. 

The fears that are keeping you stuck are nothing more than paper tigers. The term paper tiger is a translation of a Chinese phrase that refers to something that seems threatening but is ineffectual and unable to withstand challenge. It might look strong and ferocious, but that is only because you have been feeding and fuelling it and allowing it to take hold. 

But remember, you have all the power. You have control. You can squash that paper tiger into a ball and throw it out with the trash, toss it in the fire, or cut it into a million pieces. Make today the day you remove all of its power and take just one step in the direction of your dreams. I promise you; you will not regret taking action.  Isn’t it time, you unearthed your dreams?  Start today.

Courage is attractive because it’s about who you become when you overcome your fear. We admire those who have courage. We respect them and support them. We are grateful for all those who display courage. You too have the power to be courageous. Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it is about facing it, being vulnerable, and showing up anyway.

Where do you need to be courageous in your life? Is it in your personal life or your professional life?

Is it:

Being your true authentic self?

Setting boundaries with others?

Learning to love yourself?

Setting up your own business?

Starting a charity/campaign?

Facing and challenging injustices?

Speaking your truth/owning your story?

No matter what it is, take empowered action today. Set your intention to face the fear and be courageous enough to step forward, be seen, and be heard.

The following quote which I first discovered when listening to Brene Brown has truly stuck with me and I remind myself of it when I am feeling like retreating into fear. It helps me immensely. If you wish to read more on courage then I strongly recommend Daring Greatly by Brene Brown where this quote is also featured. 

‘It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly. – Theodore Roosevelt.

About the Author

Name: Wendy Concannon

Professional Title: Life Coach & NLP Practitioner

Bio: From the North East of England, Wendy has had a lifelong passion for holistic well-being. With a career covering mental health, fitness and nutrition, pharmacy, and life coaching, she is also an NLP Practitioner, to further deepen her skills to help women fully step into their power. Wendy brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to her sessions along with incredible self-awareness, humility, authenticity, and presence. She holds space for her clients and has incredible insight to help them not just become unstuck, but fulfilled and empowered to live the life of their dreams.

Website: www.empoweredwomencoaching.co.uk

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