On Courage…

I’ve just finished reading A Woman’s Courage by Jacqueline Gold (the woman behind Ann Summers), and have really enjoyed it. At times uplifting and forthright, at other times emotional and heart-aching, this was an invigorating and encouraging read. The final paragraph reads:

The real test of courage comes when you are in the minority, a place I have been many times but self-belief and passion for my business made me resolute in pursuing what I believed in. Courage is not the absence of fear but the conquest of it. As my father used to tell me, ‘There is nothing to fear but fear itself’ and of course he was right. Nonetheless, it takes immense courage to step outside your comfort zone and pursue your dreams. When you do, I guarantee, the reward is huge and your new-found confidence will give you the courage to discover and achieve even more. Challenge yourself and great things will happen.

This quote reminded me of a postcard I have, which shows a road leading to some mountains. It too has a quote — this time from Ralph Waldo Emerson. It speaks of similar courage:

Do not go where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

Goddess, grant me the courage to look beyond my own limitations and find the courage within to follow my dreams…