YOU ARE NOT ALONE - A companion online community discussion board for The Mental Illness Happy Hour podcast with Paul Gilmartin

How do I have courage?

What can I do or think. as I prepare, so that in the moment when I want to act courageously, I do?

I will implement all reasonable suggestions!

Thanks <3

I don't consider myself very courageous, but I can try to answer based on my experiences with public speaking and such.

1) Pause for 2 seconds before jumping in, just enough time for your prefrontal lobe to take executive control, but not enough time for your prefrontal lobe to start enumerating worries.

2) Remember that what other people think about you is none of your business!

3) Remember that perfection is only good for procrastination and being avoidant.

Good luck, remember we are cheering for you!

Thanks Manuel Moe!

I'll report back.

Courage, for me, comes from doing things I'm afraid to do.
Every time I survive - little things count - I can hold a tiny flame of courage in my hand.
Build on those things. Tell yourself the story of your own heroic feats.

Thanks BGG!

I took your advice, inviting some fine out, and I imagined my little flame sparking and getting bigger.

Thank you for that lovely and useful image. You're great.