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by Paul Wilson, Ed.D.

Courage isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s the quietest moments that hold the most power — a hand reaching out, a breath before speaking, a small voice whispering, “I’ll try again.”

Whether you’re a professional striving for growth, a parent navigating uncertainty, a patient learning to express your voice, or simply someone seeking peace and clarity in your journey — you are not alone.

The Shadow of Fear

Fear, especially the kind rooted in past failures or painful experiences, has a way of staying with us. It shows up in subtle but powerful ways — second-guessing your decisions, stopping you from speaking up, keeping you from taking the next step.

It whispers when you’re on the brink of applying for something greater…
When you’re daring to trust again…
When you’re trying to heal what once hurt.

And while fear can feel overwhelming, here’s the truth:

Fear is not the enemy. But letting fear drive your choices is.

The job that didn’t work out.
The relationship that wounded you.
The mistake you keep replaying.

Those are experiences, not definitions. They are chapters — not the whole story.

Bravery and Courage: The Power Duo

This is where bravery and courage come in. Bravery isn’t about being unafraid. It’s about showing up anyway.
Courage is the quiet muscle that grows every time you face fear and choose to act, even when your heart is racing.
It’s about rewriting the story — not avoiding fear, but walking straight through it.

What if today, you saw fear not as a stop sign — but a signal?
A signal that something meaningful is ahead. That growth is near. That you are more ready than you think.

To the Ones Who Show Up

To patients and families:
You are not behind. You are becoming. Your willingness to keep showing up is everything. Ask questions. Say “I want to understand more.” That’s courage in motion.

To speech-language pathologists and caregivers:
Your work holds space for transformation. It’s not just clinical — it’s profoundly human. Keep leaning in. Keep choosing compassion. You are the bridge someone may desperately need.

To professionals, parents, and everyday people:
You don’t have to have it all figured out. Progress doesn’t require perfection — just movement with intention. One small, brave step at a time.

A Moment to Move Forward

Yes, we are all growing. Yes, we are all healing. And while the path may not be linear, the invitation is simple:

“I have learned. I am stronger. I am ready for what’s next.”

This is your moment to be unshackled — by choice, not chance.
Let today be the day you respond to your own call to courage.

Start the next session.
Make the next decision.
Speak the next word.

Whatever is in front of you is not bigger than what’s already within you.

You are ready. And your next chapter is waiting.

Paul Wilson is a retired US Marine and realtor who speaks on and coaches LIFE-CAREER Success, and he is located in Albuquerque, NM. Reach him at 505-252-1224, or https://www.whyandmore.com, or provide your data below.