Courage

What does courage mean to me? One thing that comes to mind when thinking about courage is doing what you know is right even when it is unpopular or even dangerous. Courage is putting your pride aside and taking a stand for what you believe in when it's the hardest thing to do. Not enough people in this world are truly courageous. If a majority of people in this world were courageous, then there wouldn't be nearly as many hardships and injustices throughout our society. The reason for this lack of courage is that it's easier to be selfish and act in your own self interest instead of doing what is truly right for everyone. I've said it many times before and I'll say it again, courage is swimming against the current. It's difficult and that's what makes it so admirable. Courage isn't just that however. Courage isn't just having a moral code, it's sticking up for those convictions that you hold. I try to be courageous but I'll admit that often times I fall short. There have been many times when I remained sitting down when I should have stood up. There have been many times when I chose to do what was easier instead of what was right. I'm ashamed of those moments, but I'm determined to get something out of them, and that something is the desire not to make the same mistakes again. I'll use those moments of weakness to fuel moments of strength and courage in the future. Everyone likes to think that they're brave. Everyone likes to think that when push comes to shove, they'll show the moral fortitude to be courageous, but all too often, we all buckle under the pressure. One good thing is that despite all the times we show a lack of courage, there will be many more opportunities to stand up, do what we know is right, and rise to the occasion of courageousness. Be brave, be all you can be, be courageous.