Choosing Courage

Not long ago, I read a story to my children about courage.

The protagonist, a little boy named Max, tells his father that he wishes he could be brave and strong like him...but that all he feels is fear.  He's afraid of the dark.  Afraid of the boy who lives down the block.  Afraid of the monster in his closet.  Afraid, afraid.

His dad tells him, "Max, true bravery comes when you are most afraid and choose to face your fear anyway." 

I've been afraid a lot lately.  Afraid of dropping lots of balls that I have up in the air.  My jewelry business.  My running plan.  My family's needs.  Volunteer work.  You name it, I'm feeling vulnerable.

I signed up to run my first official race this Sunday.  It's a 5-mile trail run in the middle of January.  I know, what the hell was I thinking?  I have no idea what I'm getting myself into and the truth is I feel much like Max with all of these monsters under my bed.

Searching to face my fear head on...I'm working on honoring the fear, but choosing action anyway....harnessing my inner lioness.  Bring it.