Courage
Courage is the cornerstone of a meaningful life. We all understand, at a fundamental level, that life is fleeting, and death is an inevitable part of our journey. Yet, whenever we experience the loss of someone we know, we find ourselves caught off guard. It’s akin to climbing a staircase while lost in thought, only to miscalculate that last step. You expect one more stair, and suddenly you’re off balance, momentarily jolted back to the reality of your surroundings.
This jarring experience should serve as a powerful wake-up call to live fully in the present. Embrace the reality of death, not as a grim specter, but as a reminder of life’s preciousness. Fear not the end, but rather the life left unlived – a life where hesitation and doubt hold you back from taking meaningful action. The true tragedy lies not in death or injury, but in what diminishes inside you while you are still alive and capable of so much more.
It’s about overcoming fear to do the right thing. Courageous leaders recognize the challenges they face, along with their anxieties, yet they push forward regardless of the risks. The same can be said for courageous followers, who stand firm in their convictions. We often associate courage with physical bravery – saving a comrade in battle or rescuing a drowning victim. But moral courage is equally significant. Consider the school principal who incurs the wrath of parents for suspending a star athlete before a crucial tournament, or the manager who confronts their boss about unchecked spending despite potential job loss. These acts embody the essence of moral courage: living out one’s values even when the cost is high.
In the face of life’s challenges, find the courage to be bold. Acknowledge your fears, and then take the next step anyway. Pour your heart and soul into everything that is currently before you. Infuse passion into the mundane; love what you do until you can do what you truly love. Cherish your present location until you find your way to where you truly want to be. Embrace the people around you until you can be with those who mean the most to you.
As Maya Angelou wisely said, “Courage is the most important of all the virtues because, without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.” This approach not only opens the door to greater happiness and opportunity but also cultivates a profound sense of peace in our everyday lives.
Evans Akpo 