Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Doing It Anyway

I just discovered a new site yesterday, Momalom. They're hosting this great movement, Five for Ten Again. You write a post on the topic they serve up. Participation, for me, was a must. And, thanks to their inspiration, I give you my thoughts on the first topic, Courage.

A new school, anonymous faces, gripped hands holding wildly, deriving strength from one known, staunch journeyman.

A racist comment lobbed. A contrary, heavy stare returned, words spoken to challenge and usurp the ignorant thought. The bigot walks, questioning the interaction...no longer accepting their narrow view as THE truth.

An
oh-so-sweet-and-red, quivering lip boldly walking into preschool, alone, despite the gorge of tears threatening their descent.

An unleashed dream, finally spoken to the universe.

Openly listening to an opinion that is the polar opposite of yours.

Sending my children into the world, each day, and hoping that our time together continues, yet not knowing ...

Speaking the truth. Word following word, each small piece building on the next. Telling the rank, puss-filled, painful truth.

Love. Diving into this divine, treacherous territory, not knowing how the story ends.

Mea Culpa. Admitting fault, assuming responsibility. "I'm sorry" is courageous, each and every time.

So big. Courage arrives in bold swaths of action. It also resides in the small bits. Looming chances. Microscopic opportunities lauding, requiring vast depths of courage. Days, seemingly rote, suddenly turn and necessitate a quick pull from the courage reserves. And when pulled upon, the unwitting owner can inwardly beam at their untapped power and stamina.

Firm. Shaky. Resolute. Brilliant. Fear. Persevering. Doing it anyway. Small and big. Verve, residing in hearts, rising and creating forward momentum. Courageous.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Doing it anyway." To me that's one of the hardest parts of courage. And yet, as mother's we live this everyday don't we.

Enjoyed this! Great post.

Kathryn @ Marbury v Madison Ave said...

So beautiful and poetic. This was a joy to read

ck said...

"An unleashed dream, finally spoken to the universe."

The feeling that follows the unleashing of the dream is one of the most freeing in the world.

Great post!

TKW said...

Yes, doing it anyway. This is my life, and while it doesn't FEEL courageous, thank you for reminding me that it is.

Joely said...

The whole post was poetic and moving. "Sending our children into the world" made me shiver. You have a beautiful grasp of human emotion and what you said has a very timeless appeal. What I mean is, my greatgrandmother would have understood and felt your words. It is very difficult to be timeless but you accomplished that with this piece.

Nicki said...

Beautiful!

Cheryl said...

Yep. We send them out, and we have to trust they'll come back. THAT is courage.

Thanks for stopping by my blog!!

Shawna Cevraini said...

I absolutely love this post! All these examples of courage. It lets me know that there are little ways and big ways that I can be courageous everyday! Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Love it. Quivering lips on the way to first day of school...awww. Letting them fly from the nest. So true.

postmommy said...

So many things to love in this post. I got pumped up just reading it. I think I'm ready to take on something scary now...

Jen said...

This is so beautifully written. I love the rhythm of your words and how they mirror the often--to me--disjointed and hesitant feeling that comes with the need to be courageous. SO glad you found us!

Rachel @ MWF Seeking BFF said...

I think saying "I'm sorry, I was wrong" might be THE act of courage. If we had to pick just one....

Great post!

Anonymous said...

Lyrical. Lovely lyrical. I could read your post outloud all day long. Now that is talent.