Every week I ask my Brave New Girls podcast guest how they define courage. This is how Dr Sue Stuart Smith, author of The Well Gardened Mind thinks of it:

"I feel it's just doing what you believe in. That's what I feel about it. If I believe strongly enough in something. I don't think of it as courage, but in a way it does push me to put myself out there and do things that I wouldn't otherwise do."

This definition of courage resonates deeply because it's rooted in authenticity rather than bravado. Sue's journey exemplifies this quiet courage - from following her curiosity about the connection between gardening and mental health to creating transformative spaces for healing.

Her courage wasn't about grand gestures but about following her convictions. When she noticed how gardening helped her manage the stress of her psychiatric practice, she didn't dismiss it. Instead, she delved deeper, exploring her grandfather's story of healing through horticulture after WWI trauma. This led to researching and writing The Well Gardened Mind, bringing together her medical expertise with her growing understanding of nature's healing power.

Her latest venture, the Serge Hill Project, further demonstrates this belief-driven courage. Rather than staying within the comfortable boundaries of traditional psychiatric practice, she and her husband created a space where schools and mental health charities can experience the healing power of gardens. This wasn't about being brave - it was about believing in the importance of connecting people with nature and acting on that belief.

Sue's approach teaches us that courage often grows like a garden - gradually, naturally, and in response to what we nurture. When we align our actions with our deepest beliefs, we find ourselves doing things we might have thought beyond us. Just as a garden doesn't bloom overnight, this kind of courage develops through consistent small actions that align with our values.

The beauty of this definition is its accessibility. We don't need to be fearless or extraordinary. We just need to listen to what we believe in and take steps - however small - in that direction. Sometimes courage looks like starting a community garden, sometimes it's speaking up for what you believe in, and sometimes it's simply choosing to do things differently because you believe there's a better way.

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10 Actionable Steps to Grow Your Courage:

1.     Identify your core beliefs and values

2.     Start with small actions that align with these beliefs

3.     Notice when fear of judgment holds you back

4.     Practice speaking up about things that matter to you

5.     Take on one slightly uncomfortable task each week

6.     Surround yourself with people who encourage growth

7.     Document your journey to see your progress

8.     Learn from setbacks rather than being stopped by them

9.     Celebrate others who act on their beliefs

10.  Share your experiences to inspire others

True courage grows naturally when we align our actions with our deeply held beliefs, pushing us beyond our comfort zone in service of what matters to us.

PS. As your Wellbeing Coach, I give you the tools to heal, grow & create the life you want. 

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