I’ve been traveling for speaking the last couple weeks which is always fruitful for sourcing good writing material. The thing I’ve been most struck by on this trip is: Courage.

I think it’s easy in our culture to downplay courage—to make it not count. There’s this idea that courage needs to be grand—that you have to save someone from a burning building or put your life on the line in order for it to be meaningful.

But what about the courage it takes to live YOUR life each day? To say no—even when it might hurt someone’s feelings? To ask someone on a date and risk rejection? To show up in all of your uniqueness (aka weirdness—we all got some) and be YOU?

I think the most courageous act you will make in your entire life is—to be YOU.

In my travels this week, I’ve experienced inspiring students willing to do just that. They were willing to take a stand for their humanity and share their vulnerability.

Northern Illinois University created a Self-ie Perspective gallery where students took unfiltered selfies and shared their stories about how they pick themselves and their bodies apart. There were hundreds of images and stories posted along the walls—so much TRUTH in that room.

I actually got teary-eyed walking through the gallery. I saw these gorgeous, fresh-faced young men and women standing in their vulnerability in order to serve each other and their community.

I also walked away even more committed to supporting you in feeling good in your body. In discovering the sacredness and sweetness available to you right now – in the body you have.

Beauty and ugliness are two sides of the same coin – meaning, you get to choose which side you want to fuel. No one can force you to flip the coin without your permission. Not society, your friends, your parents – no one. You have a say.

The students below from Northern Arizona University took a stand for their bodies last week. It was such a treat to witness them flip that coin and discover something good—even great—about the body they have.

Northern Arizona University students join bodyheart

I invite you to do the same. Whether it’s finding the courage to love your body a little more or to risk telling someone the truth – choosing YOU is where it’s at!

Take a moment and finish this statement in the comments below:

If I were just 1% more courageous, I would…

If you like that stem sentence and want to deepen in your answer, I’ll be speaking at a special event on March 14th in Santa Monica where the foundation IS this question. The #CatalyzeCourage Summit (hosted by InHerShoes) will bring together high school girls with professional women from diverse industries and backgrounds to provide a safe space and launchpad for the girls’ freedom of expression, assertion of passion and pursuit of possibility in every aspect of their lives.

Many of these girls are either first generation students, from underprivileged backgrounds, or are receiving significant amounts of financial aid to pursue their education.

It’s an incredibly exciting day and you can read more about the Summit and how you can attend here.

So looking forward to seeing your answer to the 1% question!

Supporting you in being more YOU today.

With loving,
Amber