Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

COURAGE

Everyday Bravery and the Quiet Power Within

Courage isn’t reserved for heroes—it lives in all of us. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how emotional resilience shows up in daily life, and how recognizing our own acts of courage can deepen self-respect and connection.

Courage is an interesting word. My first thought is to think of men and now women who go to war to protect our country and the courage required to put yourself on a beach with bombs blasting around you or the courage that it takes to fly an airplane into enemy territory and be chased by other airplanes. Then I think about the young children in hospitals fighting cancer and the families that surround them with love and courage. These are the courage challenges at the extreme ends of personal experience.

What about the space in between facing war and facing life-threatening illness? The space in between is filled with all forms of courage:

• The mother gets up early to make lunches to get to her nursing job by 7 a.m. for the 7 to 3 p.m. shift.
• The father works a job for a paycheck, whether he likes it or hates it, and never complains.
• The elderly neighbor faces daily pain yet waves and smiles as she picks up her paper.
• The depressed teen comes home straight from school to watch her younger sibling until her parents get home.

Courage comes in all sizes and shapes, and it’s a universal human experience. The examples I’ve listed are just a few instances of facing adversity. However, courage is needed to face any life experience and choose to do our best. The new reader in first grade needs courage to read aloud. The middle school boy swinging the bat and hoping to hit the ball is using courage to stand in front of his team and the fans. The high school drama student walks on stage, holding fast to the memorized lines. We all have our moments of courage, no matter how big or small.

When have you leaned into your courage? Think about this. Reflect on those times that you have called on your courage. You had to tell a friend or family member how their rudeness hurt you. You had to give a presentation to a group of investors to help your company gain an advantage. These are just a few examples. Take a moment to recall your own acts of courage, no matter how big or small. Recognize and appreciate your own strength.

We all find times when we must call on our courage and lean into it. When you have done this, how do you feel? When you have watched someone you love do this, how do you feel toward them? I am filled with awe by the fact that we have this capability. I don’t care if I am talking about the kindergartener who stands to recite the alphabet or read a simple passage or the teen who risks trying out for the school play or the college wrestler who decides to dig deeper for energy to pin the opponent or the employee who sees corruption and decides to report it. Having courage is innate. What a marvelous design. We each have this capability and instinctively know when it is required. That does not mean we always choose to use it, but we always know when it is needed.

Want to explore how courage builds emotional resilience and personal growth? Visit NeuroLaunch’s guide to courage as a complex psychological state, The Feeling Human’s reflections on courage and transformation, and Authentic Happiness’ insights on moral and emotional courage.

If you’re reflecting on emotional strength, resilience, or personal transformation, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional insight and courageous living.