How do we define courage?
I have been thinking about this a lot recently.
When I think of courage, why is it that my mind immediately goes to an image of a mountain climber standing at the summit of Mount Everest? Someone facing extreme conditions, pushing beyond their limits, achieving something extraordinary.
But is that the only way we see courage?
According to the Oxford Dictionary, courage is “the ability to do something that frightens one.”
Well, then I would like to say… I am (still) courageous.
For almost 20 years, I worked for the same company. It was a place where I built relationships, created memories, and shared many moments with wonderful people. People I laughed with, people I cried with, and people who became a big part of my life.
But over time, I realised that it was no longer what I wanted to do. I had lost the passion and motivation I once had.
For around three years, I had been thinking about doing something different. Something more meaningful. Something where I could genuinely say: “I made a difference.”
I really wanted to start my Health and Wellbeing Coaching business.
I had my qualification. I was (and still am) constantly reading, learning, and researching. Deep down, in my heart and my soul, I felt ready.
But then came the voice in my head — the risk-averse part of me.
“Wait until the time is right.”
But when is the time ever truly right?
“Wait until your website is ready.”
Well… it’s still not ready.
“Wait until…”
There was always another reason. Another excuse. Another justification to stay where I was comfortable.
But I didn’t want to wait anymore.
Like many people, we, as a family, have experienced loss. We have seen people we love become unwell. We have faced our own worries and health scares.
And I didn’t want to wait anymore.
So finally, I made the courageous decision to leave.
And I felt… elated.
I am now (summer 2026) working on building my Health and Wellbeing Coaching business. I am incredibly excited. I know it will take time. I know I will make mistakes. I know I will learn, adapt, and keep moving forward.
But I will be doing something I am truly passionate about.
I am so grateful that I was able to make this decision, and I am incredibly grateful for the support I have around me.
But does the fact that it took me three years to leave my safe, secure, and well-paid job mean I was weak?
Or fearful?
I don’t believe so.
I believe staying was also courageous.
Continuing in a job that was sometimes stressful and frustrating, while figuring out my next step, whilst still living life, required strength too.
That is why I say: I am STILL courageous.
We often think of courage as something big, bold, and extraordinary. That climber on Mount Everest.
But is it?
Is courage not also found in everyday life?
Especially now, when there is so much pressure, uncertainty, and struggle around us. We still wake up each morning. We keep going. We navigate challenges. We find our way through this beautiful, complicated thing called life.
Because life can be scary sometimes. It can challenge us and push us beyond our comfort zones. But every day, in our own ways, we face it.
Some days are easier than others.
But we face it.
So, keep your head held high.
And please accept my humble admiration — because you are courageous too.
If you are standing at a crossroads, wondering whether you are brave enough to take your next step, remember: courage does not always look like a giant leap. Sometimes, courage looks like simply deciding you are ready.