Courage is a Skill: You too can learn it

Dear Amazing Amazon,

I wish someone told me years ago that Courage is a skill!
A few years ago, I walked into a room, smiling and shaking—not from the cold but from fear. It was my first public speaking event, and there was a weight of my past hanging over me like a shadow. “What if I mess up?” I thought. But as I took a deep breath and began to speak, my voice grew steady and by the end, the applause brought me to tears. What I discovered that day was a truth often overlooked: courage isn’t something you’re born with. It’s a skill, and like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and mastered.
For many young women who have faced hurt or trauma, the idea of courage feels elusive. How can you be brave when life has knocked you down so many times? Here’s the good news: courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s moving forward despite it. It’s not about pretending you’re fearless; it’s about deciding that your goals, healing, and dreams are worth the discomfort of pushing past your fears.

The Science Behind Courage

Research shows that courage isn’t just a personality trait—it’s practice. A study found that courage is linked to resilience and can be developed over time through intentional actions. Moreover, neuroscientists have discovered that the brain can be rewired to respond to fear differently through repeated exposure to challenging situations. In simpler terms: the more you practice acts of courage, the more your brain learns to handle fear without letting it stop you. You don’t need to make grand gestures or take enormous risks to build courage. It starts with small, intentional steps.
Re-framing Courage: It’s Not Always Loud
When you think of courage, you might picture bold, dramatic actions—running into a
burning building or making a life-altering decision. But courage is often quiet and
unassuming. For someone who’s been hurt, courage might look like:

• Saying “no” to things that harm your peace.
• Asking for help when you feel overwhelmed.
• Allowing yourself to feel vulnerable in a safe space.
• Taking the first step toward a dream, even if it terrifies you.

Think about Ruth from the Bible—a widow in a foreign land with nothing to her name. Her courage wasn’t flashy; it was in her quiet determination to follow Naomi and start anew. Her bravery wasn’t in big speeches but in her unwavering commitment to move forward in faith despite uncertainty. And her courage led to a life she couldn’t have imagined.

Simple Steps to Build Your Courage Muscle

Here are some practical ways to develop courage as a skill:
1. Start Small: Break down big, intimidating goals into smaller, manageable actions. For example, if you fear public speaking, start by sharing your ideas in a small group.
2. Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge every act of bravery, no matter how small. Got through a tough conversation? Celebrate it!
3. Surround Yourself with Support: Courage grows in the right environment. Find friends, mentors, or communities that encourage you to take risks and support you when you fall.
4. Learn from Setbacks: Courage doesn’t mean you’ll never fail. What matters is how you rise after falling. View setbacks as stepping stones, not roadblocks.
5. Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself in the process. Building courage
takes time, and self-doubt is natural. Treat yourself with patience and grace.

If you have previously experienced hurt or trauma, courage is the foundation for healing; facing pain, seeking therapy, or forgiving yourself and others require bravery. Every step you take toward healing builds a stronger, more courageous version of yourself.

My story didn’t end with that one speech; today, I am a mentor to many young people, teaching them to find their voices. I am proof that courage isn’t a gift reserved for a selected few—it’s a skill anyone can cultivate.

So, what’s one thing you’ve been putting off because of fear? What’s one step—no matter how small—you can take today to move toward it?

Courage isn’t about being fearless; it’s about taking action despite the fear. Are you ready to take that step? Let today be the day you choose courage. Share your first brave step with us in the comments or reach out for support. Let’s do this together—you’ve got what it takes.