Week 25: The Nine Virtues: Courage

125 words min, 375 words max. 
Adequate/Meets Criteria Requirements:
Subjective combined with objective approach [e.g., ["This is what it means (dictionary definition); this is what it means to me."]
Note: Dictionary definitions will not be included as part of the word count. 
Dedicants may also include other virtues, if desired, and compare them to the nine. 
**************
​Courage

Our Own Druidry definition: “The ability to act appropriately in the face of danger." 
Merriam-Webster definition: “the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, pain, etc, without fear; bravery. To have the courage of one’s convictions and act in accordance with one’s beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.”

I personally feel that Courage is far more than acting appropriately when faced with danger as is the Our Own Druidry definition, I agree with the other definitions that highlight the words "face without fear", "bravery" and especially "to act in accordance with one's beliefs, especially in spite of criticism". Without an element of "bravery" or "fearlessness" the word Courage is simply too...dull. Can a person who is faced with danger feel it is appropriate to run away and save themselves be called courageous over the person who felt fearlessness was appropriate to help others and potentially sacrifice themselves for the greater good of others? Can both be examples of courage from a societal standpoint? I believe they can, but I also believe that the ancient heroic tales of courage follow the second example more often than the first. 

Courage, to me, is certainly standing up against adversity. It is protecting your family and yourself (this could be the "running away is appropriate" example). It is being brave. It is facing challenges head on physically or mentally. It is not letting fear control you over the power of your mind and heart. 

​We all have moments of fear, but its how we respond to it that really show us our courageous selves. Many people have told me I am Courageous, Fearless, and Brave for countless things in my life. For overcoming attempted Suicide and Depression, for fighting my way through homelessness, for standing up for myself and family and often times setting an example for others when others are too afraid too (or cannot do so themselves). I am not afraid to explore. I am not afraid to learn. I am not afraid to be wrong. I see fear as a challenge, to understand, to work around, and yes, to handle appropriately, with courage.