In a world that often focuses so much on what we lack,
It's easy to overlook the incredible internal strengths that each of us possess.
Grounded in ancient philosophy and modern science,
This series invites you to reconnect with the innate strengths that make you who you are,
Promoting balance and harmony in everyday life.
Whether you're looking to boost your confidence,
Overcome negative self-talk,
Deepen your relationships,
Or simply invite a greater sense of well-being,
My hope is that this series offers a practical and uplifting path to personal growth.
Alright,
Hello lovely community and welcome to our character strengths affirmation series.
Each session we explore one of the 24 character strengths identified by positive psychology,
All of which fall under the virtues of courage,
Humanity,
Wisdom,
Justice,
Temperance,
Or transcendence.
These strengths and virtues are universal and they form the foundation of our highest selves.
If you have not already,
I do recommend that you check out the intro episode.
This will provide you with some background information on what to expect from the series.
The first virtue we will be diving into is courage.
The Values in Action or VIA Institute defines courage as the internal force that drives action in the face of fear or opposition,
Allowing us to exercise our free will and face adversity.
I said this in the intro episode but I'm gonna say it here too.
I wanted to start with courage because quite frankly I think engaging in authentic growth and healing takes courage.
The character strengths that make up courage are bravery,
Honesty,
Perseverance,
And zest.
In today's session we will be focusing on bravery and bravery affirmations.
So what is bravery?
Bravery is the strength to act on your convictions even when it's difficult,
Risky,
Or unpopular.
It involves speaking up for what's right and standing firm in your beliefs even when they go against the grain.
Now what's essential to understanding bravery is that it isn't the absence of anxiety or discomfort.
In fact these emotions are often prerequisites to bravery.
The other day I heard a line from Mary Kate Teske that said,
No one ever tells you that bravery feels like fear.
And I was like yes,
Exactly,
Exactly.
This insight reminds us that bravery is not about banishing fear but moving forward in spite of it.
It's the willingness to feel vulnerable,
Uncertain,
Or exposed while still choosing to act in alignment with our values.
Bravery invites us to step into the unknown,
To take risks for what we hold dear,
And to embody the strength of heart required to face life's challenges head-on.
So as we talked about in the intro episode,
When it comes to any of these character strengths remember that we are pursuing balance.
Think Aristotle's golden mean.
So a deficit in bravery can manifest as cowardice.
This often looks like fear-based avoidance.
You know that meme of the dog in the room that's on fire and he's like sipping from a cup and it's like this is fine.
Yeah that's fear-based avoidance like pretending that everything is fine when it's not.
So as a recovering people-pleaser and highly agreeable girly myself who just wants everyone to get along,
I am often highly susceptible to this trap where I pretend everything is fine when it's not because I fear the potential conflict that could arise if I say something.
Take it from me,
This pretty much always backfires.
I've had to learn that not all conflict is bad.
Let me say that again.
Not all conflict is bad.
It's possible to address concerns and share what you think and how you feel from a place of common humanity in a way that is productive and promotes growth for you and for the person you're working with and for the collective.
Most of the time cowardice comes from a place of avoiding emotional discomfort and I think it's really important that we have compassion for that.
You know understanding that there's a part of me that's avoiding this thing as a means of keeping me safe.
Let me take a moment to say okay thank you self for wanting me to be safe and comfortable.
I can recognize that and then also recognize that it is through discomfort that we learn,
That we grow,
That we gain competence,
And that we make a difference.
So a deficiency of courage manifests as cowardice.
On the flip side of that,
Bravery and excess can turn into recklessness and over-confidence.
This often involves acting without considering the potential risks or consequences of one's actions.
It frequently stems from a lack of foresight,
Excessive impulsivity,
Or prioritizing short-term desires over long-term well-being.
In practice it can look like driving dangerously because you're just so overconfident on the road.
It can also look like making risky financial decisions,
Blurting out hurtful comments to other people,
Neglecting boundaries,
Maybe taking unethical shortcuts,
Or starting unnecessary conflicts.
In general it's important that prior to acting we check in with ourselves,
We check in with our intentions,
And see if that intention is going to have the impact that we think it's going to.
This is where the difference between reacting and responding can be essential.
So take some time to consider your motivation,
The potential impact,
And proceed as always with mindfulness.
Before we begin,
One thing about me is that I love to take a moment for a blessing.
So may we be blessed with the inner strength to confront challenges with grace and determination.
May we find the resolve to pursue our goals,
Even when the path is difficult,
And may our actions inspire others to stand strong in their own ambitions.
Let our resilience and steadfastness not only guide us,
But serve as a light for those around us.
I will read each statement twice,
Pausing in between to give you a chance to repeat them out loud to yourself,
And I do recommend saying them out loud.
The statements that are easy to embrace,
Savor them,
Appreciate them,
Stand like a mountain in their truth.
And then the statements that feel not so good,
That feel uncomfortable or foreign,
Go ahead and say them anyway.
This is where we are doing the work,
Rewiring those neural networks.
This is also where we gain insight into unhealed wounds,
Limiting beliefs and ingrained biases and judgments toward ourselves or toward a particular way of being.
It's great material for journaling or discussing with a counselor or trusted friend,
Maybe even someone doing the series with you.
Whether you're just waking up,
Walking your dog,
On your commute,
Or getting ready for bed,
I hope these affirmations serve your deepest,
Greatest,
Highest self.
And with that,
Let's get started.
I face challenges with strength,
Confidence,
And thoughtful action.
I trust in my ability to handle what comes my way.
I trust in my ability to handle what comes my way.
I trust in my ability to handle what comes my way.
I trust in my ability to handle what comes my way.
I honor my fears by facing them with determination.
I honor my fears by facing them with determination.
I embrace uncertainty and welcome the growth it brings.
I embrace uncertainty and welcome the growth it brings.
I am proud of my ability to step into the unknown.
I am proud of my ability to step into the unknown.
I have the power to act despite my fears.
I have the power to act despite my fears.
I stand tall in the face of adversity,
Knowing I am capable.
I stand tall in the face of adversity,
Knowing I am capable.
Every obstacle is an opportunity to prove my inner strength.
Every obstacle is an opportunity to prove my inner strength.
I am willing to take risks in pursuit of my dreams.
I am willing to take risks in pursuit of my dreams.
I approach challenges with a calm and focused mind.
I approach challenges with a calm and focused mind.
I trust myself to make the right decisions,
Even when it's scary.
I trust myself to make the right decisions,
Even when it's scary.
I draw courage from the example of others.
I draw courage from the example of others.
I step out of my comfort zone to grow and evolve.
I step out of my comfort zone to grow and evolve.
I face life's uncertainties with grace and poise.
I face life's uncertainties with grace and poise.
I strive to be a source of strength for those in need.
I strive to be a source of strength for those in need.
So that we can contribute to the betterment of humanity.
And so that we can be better for the world at large.
May we be well so that we can do good.
Go forth with peace and many,
Many,
Many blessings.
And I will see you next time.
