Courage: My Word For 2014

Courage: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty

Anyone who knows me well, knows that courage is something I lack in all aspects of my life. Not being courageous, has altered my life in negative ways over the years. Instead of saying my wants or needs out loud, I have accepted the decisions others have made for me or the consequences imposed on me by my lack of action.

Even though I have become more courageous over the last couple of years, I still have a long way to go to being the calm and happily full soul I want to be.

" Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage."
   ~ Anais Nin

That said, I have chosen 'courage' as my word for 2014.

Contrary to what some believe, courage doesn't just happen. It isn't just lying dormant inside you waiting to be abruptly awoken. Everyone of us faces fears, doubts, depressions, and anxiety. But, not everyone has the courage to move beyond them. It is only those that do that are considered courageous.

I know that I am going to have to step REALLY far out of my comfort zone to develop my courage. I hope you will follow me on this journey as I learn to be more brave in my life.

Perhaps, my stumbles as well as my successes will help you learn to be more courageous, too.

Thanks to a very brave and supportive group of artists, mentored by Tracy Weinzapfel, and the support of family and friends, I am hoping to muster up my courage this year.

This mixed media piece is 'my part' of the January Challenge that Tracy proposed to our group. Believe it or not, I have never hung any of my art anywhere. Yet, today, I tied a ribbon on this painting and hung it in my craft area. I am proud and I am becoming COURAGEOUS! Yay me!

T