I was in a conversation with some girlfriends a while back and at one point, we talked about The Wizard of Oz. I wasn’t surprised that most identified with Dorothy or Glinda, and none of us mentioned wanting to be more like the wicked witch. Pieces of this conversation resurfaced in the days that followed, and I now understand it’s because I’ve been redefining what courage means to me. Yes, I identify with the Cowardly Lion “…from top to bottomamus.” From my earliest memories, courage was always a tripping point. Lately, I hear the word stupid when I think it should be courage. Are they interchangeable? According to our lion friend, “Imposserous!”

Courage is easy for me to see in others and I admit it’s also a trait I’ve worked diligently to improve upon throughout the years. I’ve always admired courage in others and enjoyed stories about heroism and experiences of great valor against all odds. I know I wouldn’t have made the same courageous decisions given the same situations. A hero chooses to stand and fight. I choose to run away, but mostly I hide. When backed into a corner, I become invisible. It seems that instead of exhibiting bravery in the face of danger, I’ve developed keen radar that tells me when to disappear. I’m not courageous; I’m elusive. It wasn’t easy to admit that I’ve been fooling myself into thinking I’m brave when I’m not. Ugh. Are there do-overs on character traits because I’m in need of a courage makeover.

However, this realization brought up another question.  When is courage considered stupidity or is that even a fair comparison? Why can’t one person’s act of idiocy be another one’s badge of courage? I happen to think it’s stupid to jump out of an airplane in flight, on purpose, no matter how many harnesses and safety measures are in place.  For another, this action goes beyond courageous and possibly serves as a catalyst in some area of their life, so it can’t possibly be stupid. I know I do things I think are courageous only to find out that others think they’re stupid. Should I care? No. Do I care? Obviously I do or it wouldn’t bother me so much. Ahh…mystery solved. The best part is that I figured it out without being chased by flying monkeys! 

So in my world, real courage simply means that you dare to live fully by trusting yourself. You are exactly where you need to be, doing whatever it is you’re doing, and that even includes jumping out of airplanes in flight and on purpose. I’ve also discovered that the knot I sometimes feel in my stomach right before I take action is just an indicator that I may need a change of underwear. While I certainly know that life is about fully experiencing and enjoying the journey, what nobody told me is that the journey always seems to be to the bathroom. Courage in. Fear out.

Now I get to practice my own definition outside of Oz. I put my house up for sale yesterday and I’m getting ready to move 2,000 miles away for no other reason than I know I need to be there. Courage? Absolutely, and feel free to toss in the phrase leap of faith while you’re at it.  According to another? I’ve lost my mind and the move is beyond stupid. Okay, Professor Marvel, a.k.a. The Great and Powerful Oz, can I click my heels together 3 times and go home now or does that only work for Dorothy?  If not, can you hook me up with a few flying monkeys to run interference or do I have to talk to that witch again?  Seriously, I'm thinking that all I really need to get through this is a clean pair of panties—or two.

Until next time, remember to breathe deeply and often, as balance is key in navigating the chaotic times we’re in, and relax!  Sometimes a cup of coffee is just a cup of coffee.