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Courage is the energy to do something, even when you are afraid or anxious. Being able to move ahead, despite uncertainty, is necessary during liminal times. Liminal times are when, by choice or by chance, life is changing underfoot, and you are not sure how things are going to turn out.
It is important to be able to step back and see reality during times of change. You often need to experiment with new ways of being. Taking action while life is in flux is difficult. Expressing courage can look very different from one situation to another, or one person to another. Moving forward is needed for resilience. This blog series will explore courage from several different vantage points so that we can all notice when it is needed and encourage ourselves and one another.
Here are some basics about courage to expand on in future posts. You are welcome to add your thoughts via comments or emails as we go:
See What Is
Courage allows you to consider reality. Your brain loves predictability and control, always preparing you for what it thinks will happen next. It makes a lot of assumptions about what “next” will look like. It takes energy and insight to look at your reality and consider what you do and don’t know. Stepping back and analyzing your situation gives you a chance to make decisions that support your resilience.
Experiment
Courage gives you the ability to experiment. You can try, knowing that you are allowed to “fail” and learn from your efforts. As an adult you are used to knowing what you are doing, it is hard to be a beginner. Liminal times often lead to new possibilities that invite you to do things you have never done before. It feels awkward to be unsure with so many questions, as you explore new ways of being that support your thriving.
Take Action
Courage allows you to act. Acting in the face of fear or anxiety is the definition of courage. Hard things come in all sizes and shapes. It is rare to find a course of action that has zero risk involved. It is nerve wracking and uncomfortable to do challenging things. At some point making a change in life requires action. Courage is the ability to take the next step needed to pursue your goals.
Different Badges of Courage
Courage looks very different from person to person and time to time. What might be easy for me could be really hard for you. Something you do with ease might give someone else a stomachache as they think about it. A task that was once easy may be much riskier as you get older or your circumstances change. There is no one example of courage that fits all the ways it emboldens your life.
Building a life that suits you during liminal times takes courage. With your journey uncertain you need to notice and use your strengths toward thriving. Stepping back to assess what you do, and don’t know provides clarity for the next steps. Experimenting with options is a learning experience. Taking action allows you to move toward what you want. There is no correct path, you have the right to follow your own journey.
You are welcome to share your perspective with me about courage during liminal times through comments or by emailing me at [email protected]. If you are seeing this in October of 2025, I have not written the whole series yet, which means I might be able to incorporate your ideas or examples into the posts. I would love your input.
Peace,
Laura
