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There’s a conversation I’ve been needing to have with someone for a while.

I won’t get into the specifics—because, boundaries—but it’s one of those conversations that could alter my daily life, and my future, in big and small and good and potentially not-so-good ways.

And, honestly, I’m nervous…no, anxious…nope, terrified to bring it up.

When I think about it, it’s not the subject or even the talk itself that scares me. I know it’ll probably be hard and uncomfortable at moments, and I’m prepared for that. And it may even work out exactly as I hope. But I find my heart beating just a bit too fast when I realize that this person’s reaction is completely out of my control.

The not knowing is the scariest part.

So here I am, digging deep to find my courage—to remind myself that if I refuse to take action, if I allow my fear to be the biggest and most important emotion in the room, I will continue to dwell in the not knowing.

Maybe there’s a conversation you’ve been meaning to have. Maybe there’s a decision you’ve been too scared to make. If so, let these quotes on courage be the nudge you need to take that first brave step forward:

“Don’t be afraid of your fears. They’re not there to scare you. They’re there to let you know that something is worth it.” ~ C. JoyBell C.

“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” ~ Mary Anne Radmacher

“Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing.” ~ August Wilson

“Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life.” ~ Shannon L. Alder

“Have enough courage to trust love one more time and always one more time.” ~ Maya Angelou

“Courage to me is doing something daring, no matter how afraid, insecure, intimidated, alone, unworthy, incapable, ridiculed or whatever other paralyzing emotion you might feel. Courage is taking action…no matter what. So you’re afraid? Be afraid. Be scared silly to the point you’re trembling and nauseous, but do it anyway!” ~ Richelle E. Goodrich

“Take chances, make mistakes. That’s how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.” ~ Mary Tyler Moore

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” ~ Nora Ephron

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