I often think that those of us who are survivors of abuse- tend to have a vantage point when it comes to natural courage. We seem to have more of it, at least when observed through somebody else’s view point. In reality of course, we have simply learned self – reliance, and this human strength is a handy soil in which to cultivate courage.

Yet, I believe that we can all cultivate the useful tool, when we consciously realise that it is helpful in supporting our personal development, or healing journeys.

Firstly, we must identify the hindering mind fog which deters us from being more courageous. It is likely to be a lack of self-belief, and the good news is that it can be weeded -out from the brain’s garden.

Imagine that your mind is an overgrown paddock. You could try to commit an entire day to clearing – away the debris. But the problem is that similarly to a real over-grown field, it is extremely hard work. If you have ever spent a full day, doing so – you will know how back-breaking it is; and you need recovery time, soaks in the bath etc. Additionally, you will likely not maintain it because when you think about heaving on your wellington boots again, and how you fought against the elements; you will find excuses to put the task – off- ‘til another time. Before you know it, a long-time lapse, a new season etc.  Therefore, a little often, and consistently is the constructive approach.

So, envisage that instead of a whole field, that your mind is comprised of garden tubs, and weed one pot at a time. Dig out each weed of self-doubt.

Find a unit of time, and start with just fifteen minutes of sitting somewhere uninterrupted to get elbow-deep in your first mind vessel.  Try to pick a lovely peaceful spot, such as the forest, or by some water. The key is to revisit this exercise consistently.

You will know that there are different reasons why your self-belief feels entangled. They will likely cohobate, and you will find similarities. Nonetheless unearth them one by one.

Typically, it will dawn on you, that a common weed, just like ivy, is another person’s latent narrative, that for some reason, you still allow playtime in your mind. With practice you can learn to turn down the volume, eventually being able to turn it to mute.

For example, whilst I love writing, many years ago, an unkind person said that I cannot write. My stance was “well I love writing, so I am going to do it anyway.”  Before the cerebral palsy grew more challenging, I went on to run my own PR business, which of course requires lots of original copy. It might be said that I ignored the weed of self- doubt, and cultivated the passion plant instead.

We must always remember that our worst enemy resides within number one, and that it is nearly always other peoples’ echoed opinions which threaten to dampen our courage.

Do not give energy to these ugly weeds and recall all the original courage that we were naturally born with: which started with our inquisitive minds – as boundary -free- babies, learning to navigate our surroundings.

I hope this is helpful.

With SUNNY wishes, Emma x