Courage (is action in the action)

"Real courage is doing the right thing when nobody's looking. Doing the unpopular thing because it's what you believe, and the heck with everybody."

― Justin Cronin

Yes, my friend, courage is as straightforward as acting honorably when no one is looking. Although it might seem simple, it was not simple, is not simple, and never will be. Everyone possesses the bravery to display their capacity for taking risks, but it can be quite challenging to do so in private.

When looking for courage, don't look too far!

It all began with a sperm's brave attempt to reach an egg amid a swarm of 1.5 to 5 billion of its kind. What could nobler demonstration of courage there be than fighting for one's survival, or simply for life?

My friend, it is essential not to forget that all humans on planet Earth have shown unequivocal courage to come to life. Yes, we all did it; we were all entitled to the grail of life, but what was the point?

Courage, what is the point?

My friend, that first spermatozoal journey served—yes, it helped to inaugurate a brand-new permanent and grandiose display of bravery. Its goal is to force us to carve a pa through life to embark on a mysterious final journey: death.

Furthermore, since we're talking about death, what nobler act of courage could there be than dying for these beliefs, for the people we want to preserve, for a better world for future generations, for a meaningful existence, for a final act of bravery in the face of an impending end, and so on?

"Everyone has talent. What's rare is the courage to follow it to the dark places where it leads."

― Erica Jong

They will tell you, my friend, that being courageous means standing still when things go wrong. They will tell you that courage is required when exhaustion is imminent, they will explain that life requires courage, and they'll wish you courage when confronted with a tough situation or passing through dark places.

They are completely right, and you will require courage to continue exploring life. However, do not believe that only difficult situations and dark places require your courage. Please, my friend, allow me to explain why.

Courage is present in each action!

Yes, courage is present in every step forward, every deeper breath, and every spoken word. Consider the courage it took us the first time we spoke, walked, wrote, drew, drove, dreamed, woke up, worked, said yes, said no, made a decision, renounced, continued, explored new things, flew, moved, stopped, gave birth, faced death, and so on.

I could list every verb in the dictionary, and you'd notice that it took courage to identify it, write it down, and transmit it to us.

"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy."

― Dale Carnegie

Even inaction, my friend, requires the fortitude to persist in living in fear and doubt. Even the most resilient of humans cannot cope with this situation.

"Courage is action, courage in action"

To act is courageous, my friend. Putting more courage into action is what makes it happen. Yes, acting is simply living, existing, choosing the path of the doers, being free, and being alive.

"Don't get lost on the way, my friend; act now, once and for all."

The end!

My friend, don't expect me to tell you that I know it all. The river of life is long and enigmatic. To grow, live, feel every touch, savor every moment, love, hate, be, not to be, brace for impact, or surrender to fear, every human being must learn to navigate at sight.

To be honest, I don't know exactly where to look for courage; all I know is that you'll need to find it, whatever it takes to keep going.

My final piece of advice, my friend:

1. If you can't do big things, do little things with greatness (greatness starts with little things - Youssoupha "MON ROI").
2. Do what you need to do until you love what you're doing (it is what it is man).
3. Act now, think later (of course, for the public good).
4. Do things instead of criticizing those who do (Criticism has never resulted in a skill).
5. Whatever the situation, keep breathing deeply (breathing will keep you alive).
6. Never lose sight of the fact that you are a winner (you won the egg race).
7. Believe in unconditional love (you will understand when you are a parent).
8. Be happy rather than striving for perfection (Always remember that perfection is divine and imperfection is human).
9. Be vulnerable, it sounds like truth and feels like courage (Brené BROWN).
10. Be human, be yourself, and be better my friend (life advice).

The list is lengthy, and time is of the essence. Be yourself, my friend, and enhance it for future generations.

by Ayoub FIGUIGUI, alias iCeman, with humility.

#writeforchange #courage #wisdom #wordofwisdom #alettertomyfriend