A message from Sandy. If you are trying to overcome your fears, one of the solutions is to develop courage. If trying to conquer a particular fear hasn’t been working for you, then work on developing courage. Courage is not a quality we are or are not born with. It is one that can be acquired, honed and cultivated. It doesn’t necessarily entail doing something heroic or dramatic. On a day-to-day basis many ordinary people summon the courage to conquer both physical and psychological barriers to accomplish what they need to accomplish.

What is courage? Courage is the mental and emotional preparedness and ability to deal with difficult, challenging, and sometimes seemingly impossible circumstances. It is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, uncertainty, intimidation and other threats.

Why develop it? When we develop courage, we arm ourselves with the power and skill to confront problems and deal with adversity head on. It’s a psychological muscle that helps us deal with life’s challenges. We develop our muscles because it strengthens us and helps us build resistance. In today’s world, rather than resort to various harmful and counterproductive substances to deal with problems, a healthy supply of courage is a wise alternative.

Making an effort to develop courage is an exercise in building additional strategies to live a productive, happy and meaningful life. Just another step towards taking responsibility for your state of mind, your circumstances and your well-being.

“We must have courage to bet on our ideas, to take the calculated risk, and to act. Everyday living requires courage if life is to be effective and bring happiness.”    Maxwell Maltz