Levels of Courage

I wrote this years ago in honor and memory of my husband

I was thinking today that there are many levels of courage. The train of thought came up because I wish I was courageous but I’m not. I know that there are those courageous enough to join the military and risk it all for the land and people they love. I know there are those who will run into a burning building or face a burning vehicle to rescue those in danger.. human or animal. I know that there are the good police who are out there to actually serve and protect. The paramedics who rush to the aid of those in need and see that they get the help or get to the help they require.

Then there are those like my husband who when the place where he once worked closed, taking what he was experienced at away, he had to step up and do something different. My husband who had not traveled much, has become well versed in the roadways of this land. My husband who had a regular nine to five job and was home every night, now is rarely home. He not only stepped out of his comfort zone, he’s not even in the same county as what his comfort zone once was. He took on an entirely different way of life and has learned a whole new lifestyle. Even with, and in spite of his own fears, struggles and difficulties, he pushed those aside and forged ahead, determined. I respect him for that. No matter how nervous he was about going into something so different, he knew he had to try so as to be able to provide for us.

I stand in the same spot, doing the same thing and wishing the wishes of one who wants better, while my husband did it. I dream and want, but am too afraid to take that step. He did, and continues to do what amazes me every day. He misses a lot, he deals with a lot, he faces a lot..but he does it. My husband is in my opinion a very courageous man. I’m proud of him for that.”

Actually, I’m proud of anyone who dares to take those steps outside of their comfort zone and reach for the stars. They refuse to allow roadblocks and detours to prevent them from accomplishing the goals they have set. “I can’t” is not a part of their vocabulary. “I can’t” is not in their mindset.

How many times, have we seen individuals who, whether through birth or accident have challenges? Who do not use the challenge as an excuse but  who use those challenges as a springboard to something? Proving that, I can’t, is not in their vocabulary.

How many times, have we watched individuals who may have challenges, who are treated as if and told they can’t, only to go about proving oh yes they can.

How many times, have individuals recognized their weak points, and went about correcting and if that wasn’t possible, strengthening other aspects of their life?

I know of someone who was diagnosed ADHD and treated by some as if he were a leper who would never amount to anything. I watched as they, in full determination mode, proved them all wrong. Big time wrong.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/famous-people-with-disabilities_n_4142930

https://wecapable.com/famous-disabled-people-world/

Since those folks proved that it can be done…..what is stopping the rest of us? If they stepped up with their own levels of courage, where is ours?

Courage, is taking that first step, no matter how afraid you may be. Courage, is believing you can, even when others say you can’t. Courage, is believing in yourself and seeking that top step and the end of a climb.