Wolf House Fables

Believing in Courage

Brad Wise

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0:00 | 3:44

A short meditation reflection on having the earnest swagger to believe a meaningful life is possible. 

SPEAKER_00

I'm thinking about the need for courage today. Not the big version that feels unattainable, the stuff of old heroes on horses with swords. But the small courage that leads to a meaningful life. The courage to believe in my potential despite my inner critics' attempts to constantly discredit it. The courage to go on a long walk and appreciate little things. Courage to have conversations with friends about hopes and dreams that feel kind of impossible. My friend calls this courage earnest swagger. Deep breath in. Feeling courageous enough to believe that I'll find the adventure I've been longing for since I was a youngster. I can find a meaningful life. Deep breath in. Not naively, not magically, but the moment by moment pursuit of clarity and then choosing to believe it when it arrives. It'd be easy to be cynical. It is easy to be cynical. But today, today I'm not feeling that way at my core. I feel hopeful. Earnestly hopeful that little old me can create a meaningful life by realizing this isn't a competition. I can let go of the small stories that are trying to keep me safe and make sure bets. Deep breath in. So why not me? Why not everyone I'm lucky enough to know? Why not believe that we can all do this if we bond together? I'm saying yes to believing. And I'm going to invite my people to join me. And we'll find everything we need if we have the courage and curiosity to keep looking at the week.