Courage.

- Proteeti Sinha

If you ask anybody to talk about courage,

The first image popping to their head would be that of a hero.

They would think of that unsung hero who died in the heat of battle

While fighting for his nation and compatriots.

They would think of that man who dived into the Ganges,

To rescue that little boy from drowning.

Nobody will think of themselves as embodiments of courage

But each small ordeal that they face and triumph

Is a sign of this courage.

It is inherent

It runs through our veins

But

It is upto us whether or not we use it.

Courage is letting a person in,

Letting them get to know you without pretensions.

Courage is that girl who goes to school every morning with a smile

Even though she cried herself to sleep.

Courage is the power to forgive.

Courage is that swimmer standing on lane 4

Stepping confidently onto the blocks

Even though the pressure of the world may be on his shoulders

Courage is being an introvert, but

Stepping forward to speak in a noisy class

When you want your opinion heard but no one is listening

Courage is getting back up,

Each time you fall,

No matter how hard the fall was.

Courage is owning up to your mistakes.

Courage is taking accountability.

But mostly?

Courage is following through with your own decisions,

Sticking by your beliefs,

No matter who thinks what of it.