Brene Brown explains in her book The Gifts of Imperfection that the root of the word courage is cor – the Latin word for heart. Courage originally meant “To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.” Isn’t that interesting? It does take courage to be ourselves and to speak honestly and openly about who we are. When I am discouraged I feel like a balloon with a slow leak. I pump myself back up and encourage myself with:
– Friends who can hold the light for me and give it back to me when I need it.
– Books by authors that inspire me (like Brene Brown).
– Journals filled with encouraging words and pictures that I have collected.