“Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever course you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you that you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising that tempt you to believe your critics are right.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
As we transition towards the New Year, I am starting to reflect on the year and identify what I am ready to create in the upcoming year. It has been a big year to say the least – one that I have really started to bring forth what I am here to do, b having the courage to be my true self.
Why is this so important to me?
Because a number of years ago (approximately 12 as I write this article in November 2018), I came across the book The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing that was written by Bronnie Ware. The title of the book says what it is about. Each of the five regrets meant something to me, however the number one regret had the most impact.
What Are the Five Regrets of the Dying?
The top five regrets from the book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing by Bronnie Ware were –
- I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me;
- I wish I didn’t work so hard;
- I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings;
- I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends; and
- I wish that I had let myself be happier.
Which one resonates with you?
What is Courage?
There are many definitions of courage including –
- “the ability to do something that frightens one; bravery,” and “strength in the face of pain or grief.” ~ Google
- “the ability to control your fear in a dangerous or difficult situation” and “to be brave and confident enough to do what you believe in” ~ Cambridge Dictionary
- “The ability to do something that frightens one; bravery” ~ Oxford Dictionaries
- “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty” ~ Merriam-Webster Dictionary
- The Latin origin of cor means ‘heart’ and middle English denotes the heart, as the seat of feelings.
I Wish I Had the Courage to…
As the New Year draws closer, you might like to reflect on the following questions –
- What does having the courage to be your true self mean to you?
- What do you wish you had the courage to BE?
- What will it take for you to start to BE more of YOU?
- What changes are you ready to make in the New Year?
I believe every person is here for a reason and the world needs you to share your gifts through your voice and your story. Are you ready to step forward and connect to more of YOU?
If you are ready to take yourself on the adventure of getting to know yourself (your true self), why not join the Toolkit? A place where I share tools, inspiration and ideas to live a courageous and openhearted life.
Reference –
Ware, B. (2011). The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing. Sydney, Australia: Hay House.
Leave A Response