Women have always been courageous and brave even though they have not often felt empowered in this crazy world. In fact, women’s courage and bravery has always been a major force feeding children, holding families together and building communities. In recent decades, as women take a more prominent role in leadership, business and politics, we need to understand where our bravery, courage and empowerment come from.
I asked my co-author Sandra Ford Walston, The Courage Expert, to explain the differences among courage, empowerment and bravery.
Here’s what she said. thanks Sandra, for sharing your wisdom!
(Order your own copy of our book, Leading Women, to be released Dec 5, to get advice from 19 other smart, amazing women like Sandra!)
Read more about Sandra and the chapter she wrote for our book.
~Dr. Nancy
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People have asked me, “Is courage the same as empowerment and bravery?” I don’t think so. Here is how I believe these vitally important concepts are distinctly different.
What Is Courage?
Courage is an internal process. It occurs when you make a conscious decision to tap into and use your inner “reservoir” of strength, which you might not even realize you have.
Courage manifests itself when a woman embarks on a journey that is in line with her “heart and spirit.” In fact, heart and spirit is the root of the word courage. Tapping into her courage enables her to stand in her true Self — her solid core. A courageous woman’s leadership style exemplifies her ability to “lead herself.” This is where she displays her understanding of courage consciousness as Eleanor Roosevelt did. She acts according to her convictions despite opposition or attractive opportunities that would betray her true nature. In her family life it may reveal itself when she upholds her standards even though her popularity as a parent may suffer.
Simple everyday courage can be a powerful force for positive change, and it’s available to everyone. It’s what gives you permission to finally ask for a raise or admit that you hired the wrong person.
What Is Empowerment?
Empowerment is a feeling, a quiet dignity and belief that every individual has value and a determination to base one’s life actions on that belief. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi demonstrate empowerment, as does contemporary activist Shannon Galpin (Mountain to Mountain) who empowered women in Afghanistan to ride bicycles when it was forbidden. Empowered individuals move societies forward. Empowerment can result when someone else bestows responsibility or faith in us. Empowerment can also be the mental outcome of a brave act. One feels empowered.
What Is Bravery?
Bravery is action. It is most often thought of as an impulsive act to protect others at one’s own expense, in the face of an imminent threat or danger. It carries a sense of physical threat and is usually accompanied by adrenaline-activated feats, commonly referred to as “heroism.”
By Sandra Walston, The Courage Expert