In her book, The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown has this to say about ordinary courage:
“The root of the word courage is cor—the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage 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 changed, and, today, courage is more synonymous with being heroic. Heroics are important and we certainly need heroes, but I think we’ve lost touch with the idea that speaking honestly and openly about who we are, about what we’re feeling, and about our experiences (good and bad) is the definition of courage. Heroics are often about putting our life on the line. Ordinary courage is about putting our vulnerability on the line.”
We are besieged with messages about who we should be, how we should look and what we should know.
It takes courage to be vulnerable enough to say “I need help” “I don’t know” “I’m afraid” “I’m willing to try” “No” “I have a problem” “I made a mistake” “I was wrong”
If we pay attention we see “ordinary courage” everyday … in children, co-workers, students, parents, friends, family members, strangers and even in ourselves.
The great thing about ordinary courage is that it leads to wholehearted living which leads to real human connection and a lot of other good stuff like love and kindness and grace.
This month we invite bloggers to share stories and thoughts about Ordinary Courage.
Publish your posts by Tuesday June 11th and share your link here, and we’ll post the final link list on Wednesday morning, June 12th. We ask that all who participate in the synchroblog include a list of all the month’s synchroblog posts and links at the end of their post. If you know other bloggers who might also want to participate, feel free to pass this invitation on.
“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.”
Brené Brown, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable
Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
***Note from Liz: This whole idea is inspired by the author, speaker and researcher, Brené Brown. I highly recommend her books, videos, Ted talks, classes etc.
synchroblog 
The 2007 Commencement speech by former Oregon Governor, Barbara Roberts, speaks directly to this subject. http://blog.oregonlive.com/oregonianextra/2007/06/psu_commencement_speeches.html
Loved this prompt. Here’s my post: http://ymjen.com/blog/this-is-courage. Will add the remaining links once they’re posted!
Thanks for joining in this month’s synchroblog, Jen. I look forward to reading your contribution.
Here’s my post.
http://phillancaster.blogspot.co.nz/2013/06/being-vulnerable.html
Here’s my post: http://www.faithpermeatinglife.com/2013/06/everyday-bravery-overcoming-fear-of.html
Here’s my post: http://www.prayingthegospels.com/moving-forward-takes-courage/
Here you go…
http://www.glennhager.com/2013/06/how-to-become-a-flasher/
Appreciated the nudge on this. Brene Brown has been a huge influence on me. I love that she has all the research for what I have known intuitively – vulnerability is the key to healing for ourselves and others. Here’s my post: http://hansen-rd.com/heartworkguides/2013/06/10/ordinary-courage/
Courage, Hope, Generosity
http://wordshalfheard.blogspot.com/2013/06/courage-hope-generosity.html
Thanks.
Great topic. Here is my contribution. http://wendymccaig.com/2013/06/10/the-courage-to-fail/
My post will go up tomorrow:
The Greatest Act of Courage – http://www.tillhecomes.org/greatest-act-of-courage/
Jeremy Myers
Mine will go live tomorrow morning: “Sharing one’s heart.”
morechrist.blogspot.com/2013/06/synchroblog.html
Well-chosen prompt — very much an issue that calls for more thought and discussion. Thanks! Mine’s here:
All I See Is Rocks — http://fullcontactchristianity.org/2013/06/11/all-i-see-is-rocks/
Here’s mine: http://gracerules.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/i-wonder-what-would-happen/
I will put the list together tomorrow so everyone can add it to the end of their post. Thanks to all of you who are participating and reading!
Just under the wire: http://yeshua-hineni.blogspot.de/2013/06/what-is-ordinary-courage.html
There’s still plenty of time. I’ll be accepting links all evening. So, bring em on!
Doreen A Mannion’s is here:
http://religousrefuse.com/2013/06/06/409/
Here’s the link to my post: http://elizabethchapin.wordpress.com/2013/06/11/heart-cry-the-courage-to-confess/
Courage – The Act To The Miraculous: http://visionhub.org/courage-the-act-to-the-miraculous.html
do you want to give me your name for the link list? I will list it as “by Visionhub” for now and can change it if you want me to.
here’s my link: http://kathyescobar.com/2013/06/12/the-spiritual-practice-of-showing-up-telling-the-truth/
kathy escobar – the spiritual practice of showing up & telling the truth
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