We often think of courage as something that shows up in the middle of a war.

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Or perhaps in someone overcoming a physical disability.

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Maybe we think of a kid in the ghetto trying avoid the gangs.

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It could be the mother finding a way to leave her abusive husband.

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There are so many terrible situations that we humans find ourselves in.

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Whether by choice or by circumstance, one way or another, all of us come face to face with fear.

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And we tend to think of courage as the thing we need to move through fear.

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Yes there is another kind of courage that is equally brave.

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That warrants similar admiration and praise.

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Though it rarely gets recognized.

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And that is the bravery to be kind.

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To open our hearts.

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Heroically being present with with someone and giving them a hug when they need it most.

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Kindness is rarely associated with bravery.

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Yet it is the bravest thing we can do.

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To be kind even when those around us are not.

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Being kind in what can feel like an unkind world is perhaps the bravest act of any human being.

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For there is so much in this world that makes us wrong for being kind.

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That belittles us for being kind.

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And sometimes even persecutes us for being kind.

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There is no shortage of challenges we experience when we make being kind a priority.

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For we never know if someone is just taking advantage of our kindness or if it is truly needed.

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So being kind is not for the faint of heart.

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It is not for those who care too much about what others think.

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It truly takes a brave heart and the courage to withstand any criticism to be kind.

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And that is a courage that is rarely recognized.

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Are you courageous enough to be kind?

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~ Sam Liebowitz, The Conscious Consultant

Host of The Conscious Consultant Hour