“You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honour.” ~Aristotle

Sometimes, the biggest moments of courage occur in the smallest acts. And those small acts, like pebbles in a pond, create ripples of effects we would never dream possible. 

When one person steps up to the plate, goes for their dream or helps another to do so, the entire pond ripples.

We are inspired by acts of courage and compassion. We are lifted up. We are invited through them to see a larger, more magnificent vista of human possibility.

Whether it’s speaking up—or shutting up—at a difficult moment, or reaching out for help or reaching out to help, taking a chance in the moment, risking because it’s right, these are the not so small opportunities to demonstrate courage every day.

Confidence and courage are two sides of the same coin.

But if you think that you need to feel courageous in order to build your confidence, think again; I don’t know anyone who in hindsight felt courageous at the moment of their choice.

No, in hindsight people say they just did it, often surprising themselves, but always feeling a bit bigger and better about themselves afterwards.

The important thing to remember is that a pebble of courage has a ripple effect wider than the pond into which it is thrown.

You never know where your one, small act of courage today will show up tomorrow.

“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” ~Winston Churchill