Ponderings: On Courage

In 2014, Jo_Goldsmith11 took it upon herself to initiate the Light2Love Project Good Words.

Jo pledged to use good words and publish articles used to empower, encourage, support and defend those who need to be shown love.

Jo offered us a good word for each week to focus our thoughts, behaviors and actions on...In the 8th week, Jo wrote her perspective on the word courage.

However, as 2014 came to an end, Jo filed away her Good Word articles - as she begins the process of publishing it in e-book'. Shyron E. Shenko continues to write a beautiful poem to accompany each Good Word to inspire and lead us.

The ripple effect of the Good Words Project throughout the HubVille community has been heartwarming.

Please join me with some of my musical thoughts and reflections on the word courage...

September is when I return to my fall clinical schedule. The fresh, young, anxious faces of my nursing students energize and exhaust me in the best of ways.

As I look into their eyes and listen to their fears, I'm reminded of my younger days in the profession. I identified with the Cowardly Lion in 'The Wizard of Oz' for years as a new nurse. It took time and patience to show my confidence - in truth, what I feel on the inside is a different story to this very day...!

As I think of my song choices for COURAGE, there is a blend of strength and vulnerability. The expression 'Fake it until you make it' has served me well through life threatening injuries, trauma and loss in my life.

And I find that with 'making it'... my self confidence builds and along with that comes my COURAGE. Some of these songs make me cry. Some of these songs make me want to jump up and dance. They all remind me that I am more capable than I sometimes give myself credit for.

How about you...? Are there any songs or lyrics that bring COURAGE and motivation to you...like these do for me? If so, please share YOURS in the comment section below... thanks, mar!

It's hard to take courage - In a world full of people - You can lose sight of it all- And the darkness inside you - Can make you feel so small (1)... See in your hands the world is yours - Don't hold back and always know - All the answers you will unfold - What are you waiting for - Spread your wings and (2)... All of my life I've been in hiding - Wishing there was someone just like you - Now that you're here, now that I've found you - I know that you're the one to pull me through (3)...

To fight the unbeatable foe - To bear with unbearable sorrow - And to run where - The brave dare not go (4).. I will find my way, if I can be strong - I know every mile, will be worth my while (5)... You know I decided - That I'm gonna pull myself together - And find a way to fight it - I'm gonna have to hide it (6)... You come on with it, come on - You don't fight fair - That's okay, see if I care - Knock me down, it's all in vain - I get right back on my feet again (7)... Oh, I must stop these doubts, all these worries - If I don't I just know I'll turn back - I must dream of the things I am seeking - I am seeking the courage I lack (8)...

And you'll know just the moment when I've had enough - Sometimes I'm afraid and I don't feel that tough - But I'll stand back up (9)... Don’t give up - You’re gonna see tomorrow - That you’ll be on your feet again - Sometimes the world’s gonna knock you over - But you will see who are your friends (10)... And if it's bad - Don't let it get you down, you can take it - And if it hurts - Don't let them see you cry, you can make it (11)... You dance up on them haters - Keep getting funky on the scene - While they jumpin' round you - They trying to take all your dreams - But you can't allow it - 'Cause baby whether you're high or low - Whether you're high or low - You gotta tip on the (12),,,

Cyndi Lauper: True Colors (1); Christina Aguilera: Soar (2); Sarah Brightman : Deliver Me (3); Andy Williams: The Impossible Dream (4); Michael Bolton: Go The Distance (5); Wilson Phillips: You Won't See Me Cry (6); Pat Benatar: Hit Me With Your Best Shot (7); Sierra Boggess / 'The Sound Of Music': I Have Confidence (8); Sugarland: Stand Up (9); Lenny Kravitz: Stand (10); Argent: Hold Your Head Up (11); Janelle Monae: Tightrope (12)

I was reluctant to ask Linda Bilyeu (aka Sunshine625) to participate in the passing of the baton in the Project Good Words Musical Challenge, knowing how many hats she is wearing.

In fact, I don't know any other chick who wears her chique chapeaux with such style, grace and courage.

As such, I was thrilled when Linda agreed to accept the baton of COURAGE. I also intend to dedicate another good word to my friend Sunshine in the near future.

For now, Linda, please take all the time you need to write your reflections on courage. In the meanwhile, I am sharing what I view as some of your most powerful work for readers to check out in the links below.

Have a wonderful week. Hugs to all, mar

© Maria Jordan (September, 2014)