“Love was a leap into the unknown, not a cautious dipping of the toe.” Martina Boone
The word courage has a Latin root, cor, which means heart. The heart has long been a metaphor used to depict inner strength. And I’m not sure if there’s anything that requires more courage and inner strength these days than to love.
To open your heart to someone, knowing that it might get broken.
To share your deepest needs and desires, not knowing if they will be met.
To love, even when that act of love may not be reciprocated, at least not in the same way it was given.
It feels like a leap of faith to love someone deeply. There are no guarantees. And yes, sometimes love hurts. That’s why love takes courage.
Here’s what being courageous in love can look like:
Saying I love you…and meaning it.
Being the one to initiate a hug or a touch.
Forgiving without anyone asking to be forgiven.
Having the difficult conversations.
Being vulnerable.
Telling our partners what we need to feel loved, fulfilled and cared for.
Sharing our dreams… and fears.
Feeling our emotions (rather than stuffing them down or running from them).
Being honest…mostly with ourselves.
Setting healthy boundaries.
Remaining in our own business and taking responsibility for what is ours.
Even…walking away in love when the relationship is complete.
Asking for help when you don’t know the answers. I’m right here……
To love takes courage. Love requires inner strength. Sometimes love asks a lot of us, more than we think we have available to give. But I am willing be as courageous as I need to be, because the alternative – to close myself off from love out of fear – isn’t a viable option or one I’m willing to embrace.
I’d love to hear from you…what does being courageous in love look like for you?
