The Courage Chronicles: Week 7

Hello, you bold, brave, fiercely authentic, Uplifters!

This week felt buffered by examples of courage from all sides! Here are three inspiring instances that really stood out:

1.

At my recent marathon expo, I had the privilege of meeting Olympic runner, filmmaker, and author Alexi Pappas. This poem from her book Bravey: Chasing Dreams, Befriending Pain, and Other Big Ideas became my mantra for all 26.2 miles:

run like a bravey

sleep like a baby

dream like a crazy

replace can't with maybe

While my pace didn't set any records (in fact, it was my slowest marathon to date), I replaced "can't" with "maybe" in every one of the millions of steps from starting line to finish line. We surround ourselves with courageous people because they show us the way, and in turn, we get to show others the way the next day.

2.

My friend

Cher

, whom you might remember as the originator of the term "Courage Capital" and a recent podcast guest, demonstrated remarkable courage this week. She launched a new workshop series called "Messaging + Pitching" and bravely asked for help in promoting it instead of hoping for a magical chance discovery (big lesson for all of us here). It’s my absolute joy to share it with you because Cher is wildly talented, inspiring, and delightful.

Cher describes the program as follows:

The reality is that most pitches miss the mark.

They're flat, grayscale words on a too-bright computer screen in someone's overflowing inbox.

There are so many critical elements left out! Context. Personalization. Relevance. Reciprocity. Personality. Your FULL humanity.

And when you add these into the mix? What pops out on the page is PRESENCE.

It's not something you quantify, but you know it when you feel it. That person who owns the room, who commands attention, who feels magnetic.

All of the information might be there. The pitch might be well written. But it still feels like an empty shell, walking around with no personality and no real stake in the world.

My sweet, brilliant entrepreneur – I refuse to let this be you.

That's why I've developed a powerful container – workshops + supplementary support – that will support you in crafting messaging that highlights who you really are, not just the persona you hope will elicit a "yes" from a podcast host or producer.

If visibility is a priority for you right now, this workshop might be exactly what you're looking for. You can learn more about it [here]. I'm considering signing up - who wants to join me?

Here Cher’s story here.

3.

We watched "Will & Harper," a poignant documentary that exemplifies courage in its purest form. This film follows Will Ferrell and his longtime friend Harper Steele on a road trip across America. Harper, who recently came out as a transgender woman after decades of friendship with Will, embarks on this journey to reconnect with Will and explore her new identity.

The bravery shown in this documentary is multifaceted:

1. Harper's courage in embracing her true self later in life and sharing her journey publicly.

2. Will's openness to learn, understand, and support his friend through this significant life change.

3. The courage of both to have difficult, honest conversations about identity, friendship, and change.

4. Their bravery in sharing this deeply personal story with the world, promoting understanding and acceptance.

This film reminds us that courage isn't just about grand gestures; it's also found in the vulnerability of true friendship, the willingness to learn and grow, and the strength to be authentically oneself in the face of societal challenges.

Now it’s your turn!

What bravery did you see or practice this week? I'd really love to hear your stories. Reply to this email, share in our private Facebook group, or comment directly on this Substack post.

Courage comes in many forms, and recognizing it in ourselves and others helps cultivate more of it in the world.

Until next week, stay brave!

Aransas

P.S. Our listener survey is still open. Will I ever close it? TBD. It’ll take less than 5 minutes to complete and you’ll have a hand in shaping the future of The Uplifters Podcast and Substack.

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