Week #2

We are off to an incredible start!  I loved the conversation sparked by the first post.

This week we're moving down the authenticity definition to the piece on courage:

"Practicing authenticity means cultivating the courage to be imperfect, to set boundaries, and to embrace our vulnerabilities."

As our last conversation demonstrated, we can't be authentic without courage.

Interestingly, the root of the word courage is cor-the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage literally had a very different definition than it does today. Courage originally meant "To speak one's mind by telling all one's heart." Over time, this definition has actually changed, and today, courage is synonymous with being heroic or performing brave deeds.

Heroics and bravery are important, but I think we've lost touch with the idea that speaking honestly and openly about who we and about our experiences (good and bad) is the ultimate act of courage. Heroics is often about putting your life on the line. Ordinary courage is about putting your vulnerability on the line. In today's world, that's pretty extraordinary.

For me, practicing ordinary courage means telling my imperfect, messy, wonderful, crazy story with all of my heart.

It also means setting boundaries - like saying NO! rather than saying "Sure, I'll do it!" then being pissed-off and resentful. I even bought myself this ring for my 40th birthday that helps me with the "just say no" issue! (PS - look for the video with the quilt)!

It also means saying "YES!" to self-care.

How do you practice courage around boundaries? What are your strategies for saying "yes" when you really want to and "no" when you really don't?

How do you embrace your imperfections and vulnerabilities?