“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” ― Brené Brown
Remember when they told you that“80 percent of success is just showing up”? Well, that was just half of the Woody Allen quote, the rest says, “20 percent is what you’re showing up FOR!”
So, I’m with Brene on this one. Showing up is only part of the action we need to take, the other part is making ourselves VISIBLE, willing to be seen – sometimes standing alone in our truth.
What’s the truth you are afraid to make visible? Are you thinking that no one can see it so you’re “safe”? Are you hoping that no one will know, so you don’t have to talk about it, justify it or explain it? Guess what, that’s not courage. . .that’s cowardice.
That’s where I find myself when I’m making excuses for NOT showing up. . .
- At the gym because my shoulder hurts and I’m only going to be able to do a wimpy work-out anyway.
- At the community center pool because my thighs are made not of cottage cheese, but of plaster of Paris that’s shifted south and isn’t coming back – (can’t let that be seen!)
- At the yoga class where I know they’ll want me to kneel, and I can’t, so there’s no use in going – right?
- At the support group where someone will surely see through my “I’m fine” and press me for what’s really going on in my life.
Courage requires that we show up and hold ourselves to the standard of visibility – being seen for who we are, how we are, what we are – especially in our moments of pain or discomfort or embarrassment. After all, we’re HUMAN; we’re flawed, imperfect and yet amazingly capable of so very much!
What are you hiding today? Can I come stand beside you in the honesty of your truth? Can I tell you mine without being laughed at? I hope so – because not only is that the beginning of courage, it is the beginning of love.
