THE “WHAT, WHY & HOW” OF COURAGE

WHAT IS COURAGE?

Courage is personal bravery in the face of fear. It is doing what needs to be done even when it is really hard or scary. Courage is going ahead even when you feel like giving up and quitting. Sometimes courage means recognizing a danger and standing firm. It doesn’t mean taking unnecessary chances just to look brave.

Courage is needed in trying new things, in facing difficult situations, and in picking yourself up after a mistake and trying again. It is doing what you know is right even if other people laugh at you and call you names.

Courage is a quality of the heart. Courage comes from what you feel in your heart rather that just what you think. It comes from knowing yourself and knowing down deep that you can and should do something.

Courage gives us strength and helps us do the right thing without letting our fears stop us.

It is admitting mistakes and then doing the right thing. Courage is the strength in your heart.

WHY PRACTICE COURAGE?

Courage is the best thing you can have when you are scared or unsure. There are times when you are not sure that you can do something. You might feel alone, facing what seems to be an impossible situation. Courage helps you do great things.

Without courage, people would only do what is easy. No one would try new things that seem hard. Everyone would do what everyone else is doing, to avoid standing out—even if they knew it was wrong. Fear would be in charge. People would avoid anything that seemed hard.

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE COURAGE?

You do what you know is right even when it is hard or scary. You face your mistakes with courage, learn from them, and keep trying. You try new things, like learning to ride a bike, even if it feels like you’ll never learn.

You work to understand something which you are afraid of and decide it is real or just imagined. Remember that you can always ask for help when you need it.

You can stand up for what you know is right even if all your friends are doing something wrong. You can let courage fill your heart even if others laugh at you and call you names.

When you feel afraid, go ahead and feel your fear. Name it, then let it go. Decide what is the wise and courageous thing to do. Go ahead and do it even if you still feel afraid.

What would courage look like if…

You are asked to speak in front of your class in school?
All your friends want you to try something, like stealing or smoking, and you feel it is wrong?
You see another child being teased or hurt by a group of children?
You do something you are sorry for, like breaking one of your mother’s favorite plates? No one knows who did it?
You feel scared of the dark when you’re trying to go to sleep? (What help do you need?)
You want to learn a new sport, like swimming, but it is scary?

SIGNS OF SUCCESS

Congratulations! You are practicing Courage when you…

Do what is right for you even when it is hard or scary
Admit mistakes and learn from them
Are willing to try new things
Find courage in your heart even if others laugh at you or call you names
Go ahead and do something you want to do even if you still feel afraid

Keep trying! You need more practice when you…

Avoid doing new things for fear of failing
Pretend you’re not afraid
Are afraid to admit your mistakes
Do what everyone else does even if you know it is wrong
Think you can do everything yourself and not ask others for help when you need it

COURAGE AFFIRMATION:

I have courage. I am willing to try new things. I admit mistakes and learn from them. I listen to my heart. I have courage to do the right thing.

WATCH TVC’S NEW INTERVIEW & DOCUMENTARY STYLE SERIES.

It takes COURAGE to ride the subway alone!

In this pilot episode Morgan interviews a NYC boy who learns how to practice courage and overcome fear when he is forced to ride the subway to school alone for the first time.

A FEW MORE THOUGHTS ON COURAGE:

From Aha! Parenting.

Will your second grader have the courage to admit she trampled the neighbor’s prize lilies?
Will your fourth grader have the courage to stand up for a smaller child against the playground bully?
Will your sixth grader have the courage to listen to jazz when the other kids are into rap?
Will your eighth grader have the courage to refuse to cheat on the test, even though the other kids are all doing so and his score will look worse by comparison?
Will your tenth grader have the courage to refuse the sexual advances of an intimidating teacher?
Will your 12th grader insist that the drunk driver stop the car and let him out, despite the taunts and dares of his friends?

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