Courage is rarely comfortable. In fact, it often shows up at the scariest moments of our lives, whispering, You can do this. But taking the leap? That’s the hard part.
For me, one of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made was leaving my job at the Harley-Davidson dealerships. I loved my work. I loved the people I worked with. But deep down, I knew it was time for something more—something that aligned with the life I truly wanted to create.
That didn’t make it any less terrifying. I was scared to death. What if I failed? What if I couldn’t make enough money to cover our health insurance? Would I end up eating hot dogs every night (and I really hate hot dogs)?
Fear could have kept me stuck. But what helped me move forward was a small, symbolic reminder of the freedom I was seeking. I bought a Painted Ponies figurine—a little horse adorned with monarch butterfly designs, running free. It sat on a shelf in my office as a constant visual reminder of the life I was striving for: freedom to explore, create, and live on my terms.
That figurine became a touchstone for courage. Every time I felt overwhelmed or scared, I would look at it and remind myself why I was making this leap. I wasn’t just leaving a job—I was stepping into a life that I couldn’t fully see yet but deeply believed in.
And you know what? Taking that leap was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It hasn’t always been easy, but it has led me to a life I truly love. I’m teaching, painting, running a business, and doing things that light me up every day. None of that would have been possible if I had stayed where I was, clinging to safety instead of stepping into the unknown.
If you’re standing on the edge of a big decision, I hope this encourages you to find your own Painted Pony—a symbol of the freedom, growth, or change you’re working toward. Courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about feeling the fear and moving forward anyway.
Call to Action:
Revisit Chapter 1 of Beauty from Chaos for more stories and tools to help you rediscover your courage. And remember, the life you want is on the other side of fear. Take the leap—you’re worth it.
