When people are afraid, they either
run or fight, but when backed into a corner, or when I feel scared, I always
run. Sometimes it’s because I don’t have the energy to fight back or it’s
because I convinced myself that I know I’ll lose. There are everyday situations,
like public speaking, that I don’t think I will ever be completely comfortable
with, but that doesn’t mean I don’t try. Courage is climbing up onto that bike
for the first time, even though you’re afraid to fall over. It’s getting behind
the wheel of a car for the first time, even though you have no idea what you're
doing. Courage isn't about not being afraid, it's about not letting fear stop
you from living your life, and there’s strength in doing things that scare you.
Children are some of the most courageous people, and it’s unfortunate how so
many of us lose some of that fearlessness as time passes. Children are unafraid
of saying exactly what’s on their minds, unafraid to ask questions regardless
if they're considered silly questions. They are completely honest, but what
happens when we lose that sense of courage? The loss can be small, like being
afraid of horror movies, or that tiny twinge of fear before a presentation that
you’re completely unprepared for where your voice starts to shake. However,
those small losses can add up and lead to sleepless nights filled with worry. I
struggle with being courageous and strong, with standing my ground in
disagreements or being strong when someone yells at me and not crumbling onto
the floor. However, there needs to be a balance, being afraid to run into the
middle of the street is a normal type of fear. I don’t think we’re meant to
live life in complete fearlessness but we’re supposed to be content with the
outcome of our choices. For some, courage is hard to have, but doing things
that you’re scared of and overcoming it in the end is the best feeling.
Sometimes it’s hard to just go for it and be unafraid to do things that terrify
you, but when you let your fears consume you it can take over your life. The
one thing I want to do before the year ends is to be more fearless and
courageous, because if not then I am letting my fears win.
Great job Stephanie, this entry is very helpful and I believe that everyone struggles with this in some shape or form. You have encouraged me to continue to remain courageous in everything that I may hesitate to do.
ReplyDeleteI like this post, its both inspirational and educational. It also sums up the idea of having to fear first to be brave very well.
ReplyDeleteWhat you said about children being unafraid to say what's on their mind and fearless is so true. It's so easy for them to be social and take risks and it makes me wish I was more outgoing as a kid. I wish I was more comfortable to make mistakes and cared less what others thought then and now. I do believe, however, that the more we step out of our comfort zones the more comfortable we become with ourselves. I think we should also remember that most people are so into themselves, they most likely won't have time to think about your weird outfit or embarrassing fall.
ReplyDeleteI like part on the outlook of children. There's a lot of things we lose as we grow older but our fearlessness is something I never thought about. The message of holding onto courage is something I and others could all work harder on. Nice blog post.
ReplyDeleteI throughly enjoyed reading this piece because of how true it is. As a nervous person myself I agree that we shouldn't let our fears get the best of us. I like how you related being afraid to do something to child, since they typically do not know feelings of getting hurt they are very outgoing which I think is something we should hold onto as we get older. -erika
ReplyDeleteThoughtful piece about the nature and definition of courage. My favorite line was when you mentioned how children have courage and as we grow up, we tend to lose some of the fearlessness we used to overcome as little kids, which I definitely agree with. Very well set goal at the end! I wish you the best of luck and I'll try to learn to be more courageous as well.
ReplyDeleteJackie Wang
Beautiful explanation of courage. I completely understand everything that you put in the explanation, I see how this affects many people I also see how this affects everybody around me. GREAT JOB!!!! ~Deztiny Alas
ReplyDeletei completely agree with your point of view on fear and this piece is probably extremely helpful for those who have anxiety or let their fear over power them. also admitting you personally run from fear gives a certian appeal to your audeince which is a good technique in writing a good piece. -harmony fowler
ReplyDeleteLove the content of this piece I learned and related to it a lot, Good Job.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a very thought provoking abstract.I enjoyed these words of encouragement and relate to you, especially when you talk about having the jitters before a presentation. After reading this, I feel more courageous in social situations.
ReplyDeleteI admire your honesty, it is uplifting. I agree with your idea that courage isn't not having fear, but not letting that fear get in your way. I think wanting to be more courageous is a perfect resolution for the new year.
ReplyDeleteHello Stephanie! This is such an amazing piece, because I normally struggle with finding inner courage within me whenever I sing out loud in front of people or become more social with other human beings. Thank you, for making a piece absolutely relatable for me, and I hope you find your strengths and courage whatever you are most passionate about in the future. :)
ReplyDeleteI really liked this piece and how you described what courage meant to you. Everyone has courage in different ways and I know we both always talk about our fears and go to each other when we're afraid of something. Great job- Leslie Marquez
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing piece of work. I really enjoyed reading this piece and reflecting it in my own life.
ReplyDeleteYour blog post is so well written and relatable! I know fear sometimes holds me back from pursuing what I want, but I now feel more motivated to get over my fears. I really enjoyed your post!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this piece a lot!!I think that the definition and all the examples you gave for courage was absolutely correct. I feel the same way I sometimes have the tendency to run and not fight back. Great job,this shows you can write an abstract piece.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really good piece, i agree with every point you made. good job!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed how you used the actions of children to directly contrast what we do now that we are older. Good job!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree with you! As we grow older, we tend to shy away from challenging ourselves and doing the thing we wanted to do but was too scared to do it. Hopefully I can tap into that inner child self that holds the sense of fearlessness and apply it to this year. Love the message you're sending out! Great job!
ReplyDeleteI like how you define courage, instead of you directly defining it, you elaborate and extend on its meaning. I like how you elaborate on the idea that courage is not about not being fearful or not, but rather not letting one's fears get in the way of their goals and future. -Alexia
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your piece a lot and I can relate to you in not being able to speak up during disagreements. I used to not have the courage to ask my teachers for help or have a conversation. I wish you the best and good luck! I'm sure you'll gain the courage to conquer your fears. -Belen Delgadillo
ReplyDeleteTo me, I think courage is has a lot to do with fearlessness, but also has a lot to do with trust. Accomplishing things with the end result we always wanted can result in satisfaction, but what really matters within that result is if we grow as a person from that experience. Anyways um, I liked the idea and like, its really cool to see another persons view of a topic like this.
ReplyDeleteWow Stephanie I really like your take on courage and I found it very relatable. - Gaby Ortega
ReplyDeleteI loved this idea of fight or flight that you have grabbed the reader into, this is a topic I always like coming back to and discussing. I loved the vocabulary and the many abstract ideas and opinions that you sprinkled in this piece.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated this piece and I was also able to relate to it a lot. I have no critiques as far as writing goes, and I was also able to see fears from a new point of view. Great Job!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your "Abstract Idea" about fear and courage. But I don't know if I am the first to say, this isn't Abstract at all, but in a good way. This brings to light all the things going through many students' mind in high school. I have a friend in a class of mine who stormed out because their anxiety and fear overtook them. Overall your Abstract Idea was great and it gave a peek into what most people, especially seniors.. are feeling right now.
ReplyDeleteWell said! I completely agree with you on how as we get older we lose courage and how kids are full of it and aren't afraid to ask or say anything. Great job! -Jazmine Hernandez period 2
ReplyDeleteVery inspirational piece. I loved your comparison between children and older people and how they carry themselves. Growing up hands you a lot of situations that make you want to put your head down and it makes us smaller and smaller, so it was refreshing to read this and see your point of view on it.
ReplyDelete-Maria Rosa
Really wonderful piece, I liked how you pointed out how courage isnt about not being afraid but it's about not letting fear stop you, this part really stuck out to me. This was a great take on what courage is, great work!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this with us! It's very true that there ARE different types of courage, I hope you become even more fearless and courageous than you already are! I believe in youu
ReplyDeleteHaving this sort of courage is something that I actually struggle with so this brought a different perspective to my attention. I am working towards being able to be the person which you described so thank you! -Kylie Carmean
ReplyDeleteI find it so interesting that as children it seems like we have the courage to go out and do more things and that, when we get older, we struggle with maintaining and encouraging more courage. Amazing!
ReplyDelete-Michael Pursley