Courage or Comfort? Which one shall it be?
I enjoy reading books with impactful messages, and on the list (aside from my Life Application Bible) is Brene Brown’s Braving the Wilderness. I am a slow reader, with multiple tools that consist of a highlighter, Post-its and my newfound love of Crayola pencils. Books inspire my blog posts, conversations with others, and myself and quotes for social media. Most importantly, they bring me answers. A vessel of messages from God. When something in my life is going wrong, they help me to heal.
Have you ever read The Alchemist? I did; it was the first book that I read, closed and then immediately opened to begin reading again. I have never done that with any book before. It is a spiritual and personal growth book, but it the story was a golden nugget.
I have my moments where I cannot pick up another personal/professional growth book. I often find them too factual, dry and need those messages in a real life/story way.
Brene’s way of writing (her other books) are very data research driven, and I have found it difficult to receive the message, the golden nuggets I crave. This book is providing just that.
Being awake at 3 am this morning (yes 3 am, and boy did someone want me up) allowed me the space to read and write. Here is what really struck me this morning (really a lot of things did from the Bible and Brene’s book):
Integrity: you choose courage over comfort! You chose what is right over fun, fast and easy and you choose to practice your values rather than professing them.
Here is what really grounded me: “A lion doesn’t have to enter a room and say he is a lion, right?” Why is it we have to say we are spiritual or profess our integrity or anything else in our lives?
I truly believe when I place my head down at the end of the day, I have made my decisions from my heart with integrity, honesty, and commitment. In partnership with God and His Universe. I really do not need to explain that to anyone. I need to just “be!” Why can’t the rest of us not just be? There is so much talking and explaining going on. I am sure along this journey I have hurt others and pissed others off (unintentionally), but this is my life, my decisions – partnered with God.
I do not wake to conquer my day, to hurt, offend or be mean to someone, I don’t want this done to me, so I practice treating others well. Now I screw up. I own and admit this, for it doesn’t make me right. And that’s is where the courage comes in instead of staying comfortable and pleasing others. Worrying what others will think of me. And when I place this uncomfortable, ugly and outdated outfit on, I get sick, for I am out of integrity.
I have danced in arenas where others step out into an area of shame, blame and victimizing. I stayed there with them, getting sick and anxious, not being courageous, for fear of a lot of things. I no longer practice this. I chose what is right, instead of letting the other person walk all over me, profess how great they are and walk away.
NOOONE IS GREATER THAN THE NEXT PERSON! So I chose INTEGRITY!
I choose courage over comfort. I chose not to boast or brag about any of this on social media or anywhere else. I choose not to post about how many clients, how much money, or any of my successes anywhere. At the end of the day they are not mine, they are God’s!
I hope you purchase Brene’s book, and yes I did profess in this blog. However, I am trying to lead by example, support, curiosity, nonjudgement, and acceptance. So I place my heart here learning from Brene for true belonging and the courage to stand alone, with God.
Integrity!
Peace,
Kim
I love all of Brene Brown’s books. Have not read this one yet, so I will download it today! If everyone would have the attitude that all we have belongs to God, the world would be a better place!
Yes Doneane, it would! Enjoy the book!
I remember you told me about Brene’s book a few weeks ago when we spoke. I purchased. It will be my reading of choice when I’m on the long flight to Europe in a couple of weeks. I hope it gives me as much inspiration as it has for you.
Long flight? When, where? I need to come with! LOL! Ok, a great read for the flight, enjoy and safe travels!
Will have to put these books on my list! And I agree with announcing you’re a lion. I see who a person is by their works, not their words.
Let me know how you like the book. It is a great one!
I love this Kim! You are so inspiring. I am also a slow reader and it takes a lot for something to keep me reading till the end. I hate to admit it but rarely do I actually finish a book. I will give this one a try! God bless you! ????
Julie, I am too a slow reader and rarely get to the end of books. I am taking my time with this one and The Alchemist is one I read to the end and started over immediately.
There are so many people operating from fear in this world, which you know yourself it is really Satan having an amazing time at the human beings expense. Which in return can lead to so many people writing self-help books that are so empty because really they are spiritually dead inside themselves. I love your spiritual awakening and have the first-hand witness the changes you have become and it is truly amazing to watch from this side my friend. 🙂
From the side? You are right there supporting, leading and growing along with me!
This book sounds amazing and I love all the insights you are getting from it. A definite purchase for 2018. Thanks Kim. 🙂
For sure!
I love that you chose integrity because that is a word I would also use to describe you. And leading m by example is the very best way to lead.
Thank you so much, Elise! xx
I have honestly never come across this author before, but I will certainly be looking her up. I’m the same where self help books are concerned, if it feels like it’s just reading an instruction manual nothing sinks in, it’s a waste of time and ironically defeats the object.
Yes, I feel the same. Brene really kept this simple and to the point.
I’ve never heard of this book but it sounds great – what brilliant title/message, courage over comfort … I love that and I believe in that big-time too.
I am glad you enjoy the post and yes treat yourself to the book!
Courage over comfort is such a strong notion and applicable to all areas of our lives. Relationships, jobs, friendships. I’ll be honest and admit I don’t always have the courage to make necessary changes. Getting there though. Thanks for bringing this up, the book sounds great too.
Awesome stuff, Paul. Keep me posted.
Brene’s books are always full of tons of golden nuggets! I love that you’ve whipped out the highlighter, post-its and pencils to mark them. When I read her books, they make sense and things click as I’m reading – but apparently I’m very forgetful, because I struggle to remember all the points afterwards! I will definitely be breaking out the post-its and highlighter when I pick this one up.
I love post-its and sharpies. ( I have way too many sharpies!) 🙂
I’ve heard amazing things about Brene Brown, but haven’t read any of her books. I need to get one and I’ll check out the Alchemist too! Thanks for sharing.
My pleasure!
i love those kinds of books that you love so much that you can read multiple times and never get sick of them.
I know, books have an indefinite shelf life! 🙂