Michelle Sosinski
WCL President
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary defines it as:
cour•age noun \ˈkər-ij, ˈkə-rij\: mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty
I was struck by a recent blog “Women Are Braver than Men” in Psychology Today, by Robert Biswas-Diener, a Positive Psychologist. He talks about when he was writing his book The Courage Quotient, that he decided to offer a cash prize for courage, in order to “hear all the stories of courage and wanting to make some modest contribution to this worthwhile way of being in the world.” What Robert found, was that “all the people nominated by others were women.” He went on to share, “A little peak at the research on the topic confirms that women are far braver than stereotypes of male courage might lead us to believe.” I find this interesting. I encourage you to read Robert’s blog.
There are many well-known courageous women … Susan B. Anthony (Women’s Rights), Mother Teresa (Minister to the Disadvantaged), Eleanor Roosevelt, (First Lady) Maria Montessori (Education), Amelia Earhart (Aviation), Margaret Thatcher (Politics), Oprah Winfrey (Entertainment), to name a few. Each of these women dug deep in their souls to do what they felt was the right thing to do. What did they experience in their formative years that encouraged an entrepreneurial, courageous spirit? As children, are we taught how to be courageous? I’m not certain I was; however, I do believe it can be learned. As a young child, I remember family members (in their unassuming ways) capitalizing on opportunities to achieve their dreams. My guess is that none of them really thought of their accomplishments as acts of courage.
How can you be even more courageous in your life going forward? One way is recognize courage and learn from other women. Here are some quotes from ten wise women.
Through the years, I’ve had the privilege of knowing many courageous women … who have pushed themselves … who are entrepreneurs … who have proactively managed their careers … who have fought cancer … who have traveled abroad … who have asked for the promotion … who have raised children … and who purposely wanted to make a difference in the world. Each of these individuals inspired me … and others who they didn’t know were being watched.
What does being courageous mean to you?
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In my opinion, the more real and indisputable way to qualify the courage of women is through motherhood and consequently by the creation and care of the family, since in most cases in all cultures, is the woman who bears the responsibility of the perpetuation of humanity.
I left a steady job in the Public Sector to follow my dream of becoming a teacher. I have
never been without work which is rewarding and fulfilling and I now have my PhD. degree in English and my teaching degree. Do not rush you dream.
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