Untie our tongues.
“There are still days when I'm scared of saying something that might, in our social culture, get cancelled and so I think courage is acknowledging those edges, those shadows within yourself, and then taking the time to transform them.” Natalie Fee, founder of City to Sea.
In a world where the rapidity of information sharing has become the norm, we find ourselves tiptoeing around conversations, cautious not to offend or upset someone unintentionally. This has many of us living with an underlying current of fear — fear of saying the wrong thing and facing severe repercussions as a result.
Having a fear deeply rooted in the repercussions of the cancel culture can be a restrictive way to live. It constrains us, holding us back from expressing our true selves and standing firmly for our beliefs. One might find themselves constantly self-censoring, hesitating to speak out, even on issues they hold dear, worrying that a misstep could invite criticism.
However, when we don't speak our truth or stand up for what we believe in, we can feel stressed and unhappy because our actions are not aligned with our inner values. If we don't stand up for what is right, society becomes unjust, the environment suffers, and we are weakened by our own loss of integrity.
It is important to recognize that fear can also be a catalyst for cultivating courage. Being afraid doesn't signify weakness; it signifies that we are human, with complexities and vulnerabilities. Embracing this fear and acknowledging it is the first step towards fostering courage.
Courage isn’t the absence of fear, but rather the determination to confront it. It is about taking the time to understand our fears deeply, facing those shadowy edges head-on and then transforming them into something more constructive. This is a nurturing process, a gentle form of self-parenting where we allow ourselves to grow from our experiences rather than be stifled by them.
But how can we transform this fear, in the era of cancel culture, into courage?
First, we must foster self-awareness, understand our boundaries, and identify the underlying fears that hold us back. This awareness serves as a foundation upon which we can build courage.
Next, we should encourage open dialogue, a space where people can express their views without fear of retribution. It’s about fostering environments where people can learn, grow, and change their perspectives based on a deep understanding rather than a superficial judgment.
Moreover, we need to cultivate empathy and understanding, to see beyond the immediate reaction and understand the context and the human being behind the words. It’s essential to allow space for mistakes, acknowledging that we all are learning and evolving.
Finally, let us not forget the importance of education. Educating ourselves and others not just academically, but also on a personal development front, helps in nurturing a culture of understanding and tolerance.
In our journey to nurture courage in the face of not following the crowd, it is pivotal to remember that courage is a personal journey. It involves constant work and understanding that it is okay to be afraid. What matters is the continuous effort to rise above the fear, to express ourselves authentically, and to stand for what we believe in, despite the fear.
PS. As the author of Brave New Girl- How to be Fearless, and the self-coaching book FEAR LESS, and as a transformation coach with 15 years experience, I can help you to build up your courage and confidence so that you can lead the life you want to live. Contact me for a discovery call.
