Posted Jan. 3, 2024 (Updated Nov. 1, 2026)
Courage doesn’t have to look dramatic, like running into burning buildings or fighting on the front lines. Sometimes, it’s the day-to-day decisions that are surprisingly difficult, like trying something new, putting your work out into the world, or accepting that the person you thought you would be is not who you really are. Here are 10 ways I left my comfort zone to practice courage in everyday life.
10. I tried a French tuck.
Now, you may think this is not courageous, but in my four-plus decades, I have never tucked in my shirt, let alone just the front. However, after enough encouragement from Tan on Queer Eye, I gave this casual yet polished look a try.
Each time I ventured out in public, I was convinced people were staring. Who does she think she is, tucking in the front of her shirt and not the back? That was shame talking, and I have Brené Brown’s book Rising Strong to thank for recognizing that.
But I’ll let you know what. I can now tuck with the best of them.
9. I attempted bouldering.
My daughter decided that indoor rock climbing was the perfect place for our monthly mother-daughter day. I went in scared to try something so far out of my comfort zone, but the staff graciously welcomed and guided us novices.
I learned about loose chalk and chalk balls, bouldering, and that climbing shoes run a little small. For anyone new to bouldering, like us, it looked like climbing up a very short wall—so no ropes needed—with padding underneath.
My daughter and I shared a new experience, and I managed not to throw my back out or tear a hamstring, so all-in-all a successful day for this non-athletic mom.
8. I ventured back into the world of social media.
My posts aren’t perfect and are evolving in real time, but I’m out of my introverted cave. I’m working on setting boundaries, like social media time limits, to create a positive and healthy experience.
Let’s connect on Instagram @kellymsicard or LinkedIn!
7. I shared some writing publicly.
See #8 regarding introversion. If I could write all day in my room safe from the world I would, but something moved me in recent years, an unexpected invisible force.
I’ve shown my writing is far from perfect, and it’s hard to look someone directly in the eye when I know they’ve read something of mine, but as Elizabeth Gilbert says in Big Magic, “....if I want creativity in my life—and I do—then I will have to make space for fear, too” (24).
6. I submitted an essay to a contest and didn’t place.
I didn’t expect to place in this popular contest, but jumping into the deep end allowed me to get comfortable with risk and rejection.
5. I invited peer reviewers to critique a personal essay on a tough topic.
To move forward, we need to be open to feedback. I had the great opportunity to ask a handful of peers for their help, and they delivered. They noticed things I hadn’t and asked the hard questions. Peer reviewers are pure gold.
4. I had hard conversations when they were needed.
I’ve learned from the past and tried to keep these conversations short and focused on my needs. They may not have gone perfectly, but I sincerely tried my best to offer respect to myself and others. There is always more room to grow in this area.
3. I started working with business mentors.
I knew I needed help to become who I was meant to be, so I sought a SCORE business mentor to keep me focused, accountable, and in a reality mindset. If you are looking to start a business, SCORE is a dynamite non-profit organization that has been helping small businesses since 1964.
2. I decided to pursue writing fully.
I experienced a shift from a season of waiting to a new season of making. I trust myself more than ever. I can do more. I’m ready.
1. I accepted that the mother I hoped I would be is not the mother I am.
When I became a working mom, my sensory system took a hit, and I felt myself slipping away. As a highly sensitive person turned parent, my hardwired need for ample sleep, solitude, quiet, and order seemed to run counter to parenting in general.
For many reasons, my daughter’s childhood wouldn’t look quite the same as mine. Despite my desire, I’m not the mom regularly flipping homemade pancakes in the morning and pulling warm cookies out of the oven upon the school bus’s return. This may only happen a few times a year if all the stars align.
I will, though, be the mom who thinks deeply about how she wants to raise her child. The one who tries unceasingly to make personal connections between work and after-school activities, such as with the dry-erase board message center pictured above.
I’ll favor listening and asking questions over advice-giving, and teach about boundaries and positive self-talk. I will be the mom who understands that becoming the best version of myself is one of the greatest gifts I can give my child.
What did stepping out in courage look like for you this year?
What do you hope it looks like next year?
The steps could be big or small. It all matters.
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