“Audentes Fortuna Iuvat”
“Fortune favors the bold.”
I remember this portrait I used to gaze at in my parents’ basement.
The saying emblazoned in gold letters on a black backdrop intimidated me. How does one find courage to stay bold in the face of death?
Joseph Stalin once said:
“In the Soviet Army, it takes more courage to retreat than to advance.”
Issuing Order Number 227, commonly known as “Not A Step Back.” Rear detachments were installed to fire on deserters and Soviets retreating from the front lines.
May you never face the perils of war.
When has being bold surfaced in my life? Women, work, social gatherings, to name a few. All times where I’ve found being bold gains the most. I approached the girl without hesitation, I spoke up when it was uncomfortable to do so. I spoke my truth REGARDLESS of outcome.
Where have the bold men gone? We’ve been taught to accommodate, to appease. Taught to say yes. I say, say no. It is difficult to be disagreeable. There is more in staying true to your cause, standing for your values than letting the moment go and feeling that sinking feeling that sticks with you.
Being bold isn’t all action. Mindset is key.
Most people slide into a comfortable living. Daily routines, great tasting food and drink. The modern luxuries. What if comfort distracts and pushes you from your intuition, making it difficult to be bold? What if to awaken yourself, you need to stir the dormant behaviors?
Find your reason driving you to be bold. By deliberately doing uncomfortable tasks, you build belief in your abilities. When you believe in yourself, you value the opinion of others less. Being uncomfortable with discomfort allows you to dispel the fear in the moment. “Paralysis by over-analysis.”
Take the moment. Be present. Win or lose—stand tall. Create the belief of who you are meant to be.
I believe in you.
-Lawrence J Baily
