Things to Think About

"Fear is a reaction. Courage is a decision" Winston Churchill

After more than five decades of collecting quotes, this one, undoubtedly, is among my all-time favorites. Why? Because for me, for a quote to be at its best, it must be an absolute truth; it must come from someone who is credible to speak its words; it must deliver meaningful insights in a most compelling, easily understood way and; it must be easy to remember, so we can call it to mind at the right time when it can be most helpful. One of the wonderful things about this quote is that it acknowledges and accepts a basic human reaction—fear. It’s telling us it’s okay to feel fearful, to be human. But, unlike a reaction to something (fear), courage is a conscious decision; it’s a choice. So, to put this into context, whether it’s meeting someone, making a presentation, speaking up for something you believe, or feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of everyday life, it’s okay to react with fear, but what happens next is a decision you consciously choose to make. Is there some way you might apply this insight today?

Good luck on your journey!