Be Playfully Courageous
Founder and Psychologist
dr-elisha
One day I was driving my kids to school and I put on a random song from the soundtrack to the popular musical about Alexander Hamilton. Now, it’s important to note that my middle son, Bodhi, LOVES this musical. He said, “Daddy, put it on from the beginning.” My courageous and very adventurous oldest son Lev said, “No Daddy, keep this song going. Bodhi has to learn how to try something new and take risks.”
At the time, Lev was 7 years old!
The famous psychologist Irv Yalom once told me, “If you’re not taking risks, you’re not growing.”
Are you ready to take a risk and be playfully courageous too?
Try a Courage Practice
Play with the strength of taking risks by trying something new. This may be something you’ve always wanted to try, but haven’t yet jumped into. Or it could be something that you’ve never thought about before.
What have you always wanted to do but thought you weren’t good at? Perhaps it’s playing an instrument, singing, painting, or maybe meeting strangers? Practicing courage helps you uncover trust in yourself and others.
As you’re trying this, have patience and remind yourself that we’re all beginners at some time. We’re aiming for fun and some progress, not perfection.
• Want to play an instrument? Check out Yousician or find a class on Coursehorse.
• Love plants but not sure you have a green thumb? Go to your local gardening store and pick up a few succulents.
• Always wanted to sing? Get the free app Learn to Sing.
• Want to socialize more? Join a Meetup group in your area.
Pick something, take a risk and have fun!
You can do it!
Learning how to trust ourselves, and finding the courage to step outside of our comfort zone in playful and fun ways is something we explore throughout my 6-month online mentorship program – A Course in Mindful Living (we’re getting ready for the next course right now, starting October 16, 2018).
For some musical inspiration while you’re exploring being playfully courageous – check out this playlist from A Course of Mindful Living featuring songs about courage, trust and self-compassion.