By Elaine Kempski – Founder, Certified Coach, and Inspirational Speaker & Writer

Our journey as women requires much inner courage. In fact, life has a way of being one of our greatest teachers in this regard. As they say: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained!” Yet, it is so very true. In order for us to KNOW how powerful we are, we must venture past what our mind thinks is probable to realize what our heart knows is possible.

Courage is NOT the absence of fear. Rather, it means to move forward in the face of our fears – to venture beyond their falsehood and discover the truth. On a deeper level, most fears are based upon the wounds we endured as children. These wounds left us with many non-truths about ourselves and the world around us. Non-truths like we are not good, strong, or smart enough. Non-truths that tell us we don’t deserve to live our dreams, that it’s selfish to put ourselves first, or that we have to tolerate disrespect or mistreatment in our relationships. Though our individual fears may vary, ALL non-truths have one thing in common: they distort the truth about our powerful nature. What IS TRUE is that we are amazingly talented, resilient, deserving, and capable. By honoring ourselves as a top priority, we nurture our powerful spirit and live from the highest state of our being. This is the best model we can give our loved ones, women friends, and the world at large.

Throughout our lifetime, we will call upon our inner courage many times. For example: when we recognize the need for change in order to improve our quality of life, peace of mind, or physical/ emotional health. Accepting the need for change takes great courage – it is also the first step toward improving our lives. Another example would be:  when we take steps to realize that life improvement. This is when our old wounds and related fears come up big time. Herein lies the catch: the only permanent way to conquer a fear is to face it. That is, to take a step forward (an action) that moves us toward the lives we desire. With each step, we gain the knowledge, insight and strength needed to take another step forward.

How can women further develop their inner courage?
Courage is like a muscle – each time we use it, we strengthen it. As we build our inner courage muscle, we gain the confidence and conviction necessary to turn our dreams into reality. Even a thousand mile journey starts with ONE STEP. Over the years, I have seen one step change a woman’s entire life by significantly altering what she believes is possible. This is what the “inner journey” is ALL about, and it is truly a life-changing experience.

What are the deeper gifts that courage offers us?
The path of courage offers us many gifts in return. By moving toward the lives we desire, we reclaim parts of ourselves that got lost or forgotten during childhood. With each part we reclaim, we become whole, free and at peace. Ultimately, we learn to transcend fear and realize our full potential. This is what it means to fully heal – to return to a state of wholeness and joy. Although healing requires a great deal of courage, we receive back its greatest reward – a life rich with meaning, depth and fulfillment.

Let’s close with an inspirational quote that summarizes today’s message: “Hard things are put in our way, not to stop us, but to call out our courage and strength!”  (Unknown author)

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Elaine Kempski is founder of Inner Journey Coaching, an organization dedicated to helping women discover, empower, and transform themselves throughout their lifetime. For over 24 years, Elaine has been supporting women of all ages to live the most remarkable truth:  “When women begin to focus on, listen to and fully honor themselves, miraculous things happen!” As women live boldly from this truth, their sense of self, peace of mind, view of what is possible and overall well-being greatly improve. It is the most precious gift a woman can give herself – one that Elaine welcomes all women to experience through her Powerful Keynotes, Public/Group Events, Leadership Programs and Personalized Coaching Services.

Testimonials:
“It was when I began my coaching sessions with Elaine that I started gathering the courage to make the decisions that have brought me to the life I was meant to be living all along! Each time we spoke, I came away feeling more and more courageous. Now, Elaine is cheering me on as I build a new, much happier, and more fulfilling life!”         ~ Pat Curlett

“Elaine is a gifted speaker that touches people on all levels – especially on a deeper, spiritual one.
Her delivery prompts questioning and self-evaluation from an angle all her own. I encourage others to journey inward with Elaine and find their authentic higher self. She will support you every step of the way with wonderful new insights!”  ~ Nancy Boudrie, Owner –  Awakened With Light

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