In my own context, I would like to think fearless and courage are different.
Fearless is the power to do something with the lack of understanding on consequences.
Oh Yes, I have seen that in many young punks.
Recalling the group of British graduates I met during backpack trip, who jumped off the boat of 3 storey high into the water performing somersaults before entering into the water like some acrobats.
I am amazed by their fearless attitude.
I wondered if I tell them that if their spine breaks, they would be jolly well be in wheelchair for rest of the life.
Will this turn their leg into jelly?
Courage on the other hand, is something that you do which is different from the mainstream and yet you stand strong in what you believed.
This is a rare virtue.
Especially in a society whereby people tend to be conscious of how others will judge them.
Taking for example, how many people have you met whom have the courage to own up their mistakes?
It sounds easy but it takes a lot to admit you are wrong, as nobody likes to be wrong.
Yesterday night, TV was screening a series of real life stories on a group of extraordinary youngsters.
3 youngsters who had graduated from university started a company to sell slippers, so they can use their funds to donate shoes to poor children in China provinces.
One of them said : What is there to fear? If my company folded up and run into bankrupt, I do not have anything much to lose.
Maybe the worst scenario is my mobile line to be under someone else name. I am young so it is time for me to make mistake and learn.
Another said : Many people tell me this will not work. I faced setback as suppliers will not talk to me because they think I am just a kid.
My friends are going to join top firms in Singapore to start off their managerial career.
But I thought if I do not do this now, I might not do it later when I had join the mainstream. So I have to do it.
Well said.
It takes courage to go against what many had objected and still stand firm in what you think is right.
(of course, I am not stating on behaviors against ethics/moral or even to hurt somebody)
How many times have we reach a junction in life and chosen a path that what we want instead of what others will like to see you in.
In life, many situations needed courage to pull through.
Courage to break away from wrong companies, Courage to face your mistakes, Courage to love someone, Courage to face illness, Courage to continue your life even when all your energy are drained… etc
Courage is not given.
It is to be nurture, just like churning up an engine.
Once you made up your mind about something/situation, take a step, then another, then another… and before you know it, you have started the engine of Courage.
My idea of writing this blog does not tell you that I am a courageous person.
I had gone through my life with times that due to lack of courage, I missed what might be best for me.
This will be my reminder to start building my courage from today.
I hope it could be yours too.
