One of my favorite movies of all time is The Wizard of Oz. I even had a mural of Oz painted in my girlhood bedroom! 

My parents were crazy about classic films, and we had a non-stop stream of movies playing on our television during my entire childhood. But this film has a particular magic.

Who is your favorite character? 

I always thought it was Dorothy. I would gaze at Judy Garland like an idol. Her beaming eyes and soulful voice were an inspiration to my fantasy of becoming a performer. 

But the character that I truly resonate with? The Cowardly Lion. 

Ugh. This, my friend, is not a proud admission. But it’s honest. I am on a constant quest for Courage.

✴️ Courage is a primary element of showing up with your voice. Every single one of us has had to reckon with our courage when it comes to our singing (no matter how long you have been doing this!).

✴️ Courage is also an inherent aspect of the creative process, as you allow your ideas, desires, and projects to manifest in the world.

✴️ Courage is utterly required when it comes to stretching yourself out of the safety zone of What You Have Already Done so you can birth something New that is required for your next level of growth.

Because if you don’t, indeed, there will be suffering.

I think we all understand the struggle of wanting something that we have not yet permitted ourselves to have. Or having a new idea, but have no idea how to make it happen. Or wanting something bigger for ourselves, but doubt that we are worthy or capable of being more.

Or (like that brutal scene in the film), you are actually confronted with your true desire, but literally hurtle yourself through a window to escape the Scary Unknown. (A classic cinematic moment of self-sabotage if ever there was one!) 

But remember the Wizard… When we finally meet the godhead, he did not grant courage. He revealed what was already inherently within. 

True courage is responding to the ideas and desires and lovely things that you would like ⁠— perhaps need ⁠— despite the resistance that throws itself in front of you like a damn brick wall. 

But if you truly want what you want, you gotta reckon with your courage. You must grant yourself permission to have what you want.

When you are in fear, there is never a safe time to make a move. But when you summon the energy of your courage, you will know how to respond, and work through the resistance.

Be brave, Dear One. Claim what you want. Now go and get it.

Allison