urban warrior

There’s been much in the movies about female warriors. Women with bows, arrows and bravery. And thank god, it’s a refreshing change from the typical damsel in distress characters we usually see.

But what about off the silver screen in our everyday lives? How do we show courage and bravery in a world filled with such anxiety, fear and worry? We are human beings terrified of each other – what will they think? what will they say? We are so scared of people that we can barely look a stranger in the eye as we walk down the street.

Our super hero cape needs to be a staple in our wardrobe. A daily check-list. Phone, check. Wallet, check. Cape, check!

“Always be brave. Stand your ground and follow your dreams. They will lead you to your destiny. Follow your destiny, it will lead you into the wonders of the universe.” – Robin Sharma

We may not be fighting dragons, vampires or assassins, yet it takes a HUGE amount of courage just to show up in the world and be ourselves every day. To show up authentically, in a society full of smoke & mirrors – obsessed with image and self-promotion – now that’s the work of a warrior.

To live our passions, chase our dreams and go after what we truly desire is the work of an elite warrior. To push past the nay-sayers, and our own self doubts and fears – and really chase our dreams. That involves a big dose of kick-ass courage.

“Living a whole life rather than a happy life is not for the faint hearted. It involves a special courage, called ‘the courage to be’ – in other words, a willingness to plunge into the stream of life, open to whatever it may bring, fully focussed on the moment.” – Hugh Mackay

When did we loose that fearlessness? That outright determination and conviction that is our birthright? We all had it as children, we believed we could achieve anything. But over the years we start to shrink, to play small in our lives. We are conditioned to adhere to societal norms, to put our dreams on the shelf to do what’s ‘sensible’, to do what people expect from us.

We say to ourselves ‘Who am I to think I can have that/ achieve that/ be that?” Well, the real question is – Who are you NOT to be that?

What do you want in your life? Perhaps it’s time to make some big changes. Do you want to change your career – to do something that you love, improve your relationships or increase your health? Maybe you want the  whole overhaul! Then you need to take a risk and exercise your courage. Only good things can come from being bold and playing BIG. What do you have to lose? It’s never too late to change your life and create your legacy.

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin

With regards to our careers, we need to believe we ARE ready, and have the courage to leap in. Women tend to worry too much about whether they currently have the skills they need for a new role. This can become a self-fulfilling prophecy, as so many abilities are acquired on the job. “Women need to shift from thinking ‘I’m not ready to do that‘ to thinking ‘I want to do that – and I’ll learn by doing it‘” – Sheryl Sandberg. Women, it’s time to step up.

Tell yourself these mantras every morning –

• “I am a warrior. I am stronger than I’ve ever been.” 
• “I am more than I appear to be, all the worlds strength and power rests inside me.” 

It’s time to dust off that cape. Be BRAVE with your life. You are braver than you think.

Don’t wait for the fear to subside,  you’ll be waiting your whole life. Feel the fear, and do it anyway. What can you do today that requires a little courage and bravery? Do something every day that scares you.

Are you an urban warrior?

The world needs you, so step up and light the path for all to follow.

“The universe favours the brave. When you resolve, once and for all, to live your life to its highest level, the strength of your soul will guide you.” – Robin Sharma