Spaces of Courage
We all hold feelings of hurst, disappointment, grief, and despair deep within from which we desperately seek relief. We repress it, drink it away, or turn to another to make it right.
Perhaps, rather than cast the pain out of our heart or give it to another, it would be better to find the courage to touch that oh-so-vulnerable spot, to hold the pain tenderly, gently… with great compassion.
If we find the courage to invite in a sacred force to embrace those deep wounds with us, perhaps we will be graced with the ability to befriend our pain and then, to heal.
For those of you new to my blog, let me explain that I am blogging through the topics as they appear in my book, Opening the Gates of the Heart: A Journey of Healing. This is a book of 42 photos of wrought-iron gates and accompanying prose that reflects my journey from feelings of worthlessness and deep despair to joy and peace. It is also a reflection my journey in sobriety…
They call it courage when someone moves forward despite fear. It takes courage to do that. Sometimes, it is very pronounced, very evident that we are acting with courage. Sometimes, courage whispers quietly, and says simply to try again tomorrow.
They call it courage when there is fear and you are scared; it wouldn’t be courage unless you are scared to do something. Then, as you’ve read above, a belief in the powers-that-be is all it takes to summon courage. Asking that power for help is usually successful.
Often, people are unable to summon the courage to deal with hurt, pain, disappointment, and they turn to others to “fix” whatever it is. This puts a lot of pressure on another. Or, they turn to drinking to drown out the sorrow.
In sobriety, we learn that drinking only increases the sorrow and misery one is feeling. Without liquor to dull the pain, we feel it acutely. Perhaps this is when a higher power is essential in helping to move forward bravely, to feel these feelings, these deep wounds. Over time, the pain dissipates, as we find the courage to face the origination of the pain. As we feel it fully, we are then guided to a place of healing from the wound. They call it courage when one sticks through this process.
When is the last time you displayed courage?
Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.
Incredible! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a totally different subject but it has pretty much the same layout and design. Great choice of colors!
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Smack-dab what I was lkoiong for—ty!
Hi Jen,
I am disappointed in myself for overlooking your post, and for so many days. I apologize.And, I thank you immensely for your words of praise.
Oh! yes, I can relate to what it is like to go thru transition, to have those gates right in your face. It is truly uncomfortable. And so, I wonder what lessons about yourself are you intended to learn from your major upheaval? Perhaps you wonder as well. I’ve found when I look at things from this perspective, it makes the transition easier to bear, knowing I’ll come out stronger on the other side. I wish you well in your journey. Just keep doing the next right thing and this shall pass one day…
Dear CJ, It does take courage to share your process. Sometimes for me the hardest part is admitting my pain out loud. It is easier to pretend that everything is ok. I am going through a transition in my life, both in work and life and I have to go forward through the gate, in spite of the demons rising as shape shifters in the shadows. You are a shining example to me of how one can battle and win, in spite of the odds. I am grateful that you have put into action and words what must unfold, to move forward.
Jen Duchene
The Home Makeover Mixtress blending Cool & Cozy Style.
Wow, Candace. Thank you for your words. They mean a great deal… (big smile)
Carolyn- you are one classy lady! I love people who are not afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve because they can teach us so much.
Taking your dream and going for it while dealing with inner demonds takes a strength that I admire. Bravo!
Candace C. Davenport
Our Little Books
Darcie, You’re so welcome for the post and the sharing of my journey. I can relate to putting fear away, compartmentalizing it; That’s a far easier way sometimes than facing it. For me, it kept getting in my way, so had to deal with it. My best to you on your journey.
A lovely post and some very courageous comments…they have me thinking a lot about how I deal with fear. I tend to compartmentalize it and move on…efficient but not always helpful in resolving those fears. Thanks for sharing your journey.
Thank you, Jean, for your acknowledgment of the courage it takes to share my story. I am spurred on by the thought that my story may be useful to others, especially those in, or entering into, sobriety. It seems to be a calling for me…
Thanks for having the courage to share your journey. You may never know the lives that you impact.
Heidi, that anonymous post above was just me, forgetting to fill in my name before I submitted the post… (smile)