“What is courage without risk….It wouldn’t really be courage, would it? Jocelyn Murray.
Simply going about our daily lives can often take great courage….however, every now and then someone we meet reminds us what the word really means This was the case during my recent workshop in Portugal.
When I first met Angela at the School in Olhao Portugal, it was clear that she had some mobility issues. The School had arranged a motor scooter (quickly dubbed Angela’s chariot:) so that she could get around the streets of Olhao. Having never ridden one before she quickly got the hang of it. 
I learned that along with mobility issues, Angela had recently recovered from cancer. I also learned that she had not travelled for over fifteen years. As she didn’t know me or anyone else in the group….Angela’s signing up for the course was an act of courage and trust.
Although Angela has enjoyed sketching and art for sometime, coming to the School in Olhao was to be a first – a totally new experience.
When everything is in place in our lives….health, money, etc. exhibiting courage can be easier. We have more confidence when these vital elements are in place. What ‘separates the men from the boys’, is when those vital ingredients aren’t in place, particularly with regards to health. Then exhibiting courage can be more difficult.
My course in Portugal is all about loosening up and letting go of pre-conceived ideas and the Chattering Monkeys that tend to fill our minds with all the reasons why we CANNOT do something!
Through loosening up and doing things differently, We learn that I CANNOT can be replaced with I CAN……
Taking this principle into all areas of our lives can change everything. When Angela decided to replace I CAN’T with I CAN – when she signed up for the course…a whole new world opened up for her.
This quote is from Angela when talking about loosening up.
“Even if I’m feeling scared I can still go for it. When doing that, joy and laughter take over pretty quickly”.
Something for us all to remember……
Magical hummingbirds are appropriate for this post as they demonstrate and exhibit great courage in all areas of their lives…..
A magical. hummingbird drinking from the sweet nectar of life…..
Wishing one and all a peaceful and creative day.
A bientot
Janet.
My Life as an Artist (2) 