100-Day Gratitude Challenge
Day 59: Embody the Courage Inspired by Others
Reflect
The lone man standing in front of a tank in Tiananmen Square, healthcare providers showing up to care for the sick during the darkest days of the pandemic, Malala Yousafzai continuing to advocate for girls’ education even after being the victim of a violent attack — these acts of courage are iconic around the globe, reminding us of the extraordinary capacity of humans to act courageously even in the face of fear. But perhaps what’s most moving of all is that, despite their renown, they are a tiny fraction of the millions of everyday acts of courage that are less visible but equally profound, including the seemingly small things that create fertile ground for bold actions. As Episcopal Bishop and author Mariann Edgar Budde writes, “The courage to be brave when it matters most requires a lifetime of small decisions that set us on a path of self-awareness, attentiveness, and willingness to risk failure for what we believe is right.”
Practice
Identify an individual or group of people that is an inspirational example of courage for you. Your person or group could be from history or your present, everyday life. Their courage may take the form of bold actions or ways of being. Make a short list of what makes them courageous in your eyes, then choose one of these qualities to try to embody in your own life today. If it helps, complete this prompt and be as specific as you can: Today I want to embody the courage of…[fill in the blank] by…[fill in the blank].
Bonus Resource
How has the 100-Day Gratitude Challenge impacted you and your life these past 8 weeks? We invite you to share a video response with us below! Note: Your recording may be used to create a short compilation video shared with others participating in the challenge. Your reflection may be just the thing someone else needs to hear.