2024 Reflections: How Courage has Guided, Inspired and Supported Me
Dec 31, 2024
Yesterday, I was honoured to attend a workshop hosted by Chiron Yeng, who spent 18 hours in transit getting from Malaysia to Newcastle. He fasted for 22 hours and still showed up absolutely glowing and eager to inspire participants. This workshop revolved around HEART-CENTERED LEADERSHIP—guiding those of us in the room home to our innate intelligence and brilliance that already resides within every single one of us. The event was at Dixon Park Surf Club with the waves gently crashing in the background adding to the beautiful energy of all that was ahead.
As a heart-led, wild and wonderful woman, practitioner and therapist, I find myself daily in a state of flow, supported by the courage within. This courage, like the courage Chiron displayed in showing up with such passion and dedication, is available to all of us. We all have the choice to listen to our hearts and allow them to intuitively guide us. Showing up, inspiring and guiding from a place of love and compassion is potent—and transformative. As the workshop reminded me, the universe moves for you when you move first.
Part of the discussion on heart coherence and the work of Gregg Braden resonated deeply with me. As a self-proclaimed “geek” about heart coherence and the flow state, I was captivated by the emphasis on this beautiful state of being, one that allows us to give and receive from the depths of our hearts.
For me, living a life of purpose dissolves the boundaries between work and play. As Chiron so wisely shared, “Health and wealth are just natural by-products when you say yes to your purpose.” And that yes requires courage—a whole lot of it.
Courage.
To me, it is more than just a word—it is now a way of life. When I chose courage as my word of the year to guide me throughout 2024, I was yet to fully understand the depth of the journey ahead. Looking back, it is clear that courage has been more than a theme—it has been a transformative force, shaping not only my experiences but also my understanding of myself and the world around me.
As Nelson Mandela wisely said, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” These words became my guiding light throughout this year, a reminder that courage doesn’t mean being fearless—it means acting with intention despite the fear.
From the very beginning of 2024, courage has been my steadfast companion. It has guided me through challenges, supported me through change and inspired me to reach higher than ever before.
Courage is a guiding force as life is so unpredictable, and 2024 delivered its fair share of challenges and fires to walk through. From navigating personal hurdles to overcoming professional roadblocks, and even battling a relentless virus, each trial became an opportunity to channel courage. These experiences taught me resilience—the kind that comes from choosing to rise, no matter how many times life knocks you down.
Wild Lesson Learned: Challenges are not roadblocks; they are stepping stones. Each difficulty is an invitation to grow stronger, wiser, and more compassionate toward ourselves and others.
Embracing change can be both daunting and exhilarating. This year, I leaned into the unknown, welcoming change with an open heart and an open mind. I said “yes” to opportunities that scared me, embraced the possibility of failure, and discovered a world of growth and discovery waiting on the other side of fear.
From exploring new passions to meeting incredible people who have enriched my journey, courage helped me transform uncertainty into possibility.
Wild Lesson Learned: Change is the birthplace of growth. It’s not something to fear but something to embrace with curiosity and a sense of adventure.
At the start of 2024, I set ambitious goals for myself—goals that felt both exciting and slightly terrifying. While pursuing bold goals courage became the fuel that propelled me forward, helping me navigate the tangled vines and obstacles of life’s jungle. These bold steps led to achievements that once felt out of reach, proving that courage and perseverance can move mountains.
Wild Lesson Learned: Goals that stretch us beyond our comfort zones are the ones that bring the most growth and fulfillment.
Courage has been a catalyst for profound personal growth this year. It has encouraged me to take risks, embrace vulnerability, and trust the process of learning from life’s experiences.
One of the greatest lessons I have learned is the importance of self-compassion. Courage isn’t about being perfect or fearless—it’s about showing up for ourselves, even when we feel uncertain or scared. By practicing self-compassion, I have been able to navigate setbacks with grace and keep moving forward with hope.
Courage has also transformed my relationships through strengthening connections. By allowing myself to be vulnerable and authentic, I’ve deepened connections with those around me. I have learned that courage isn’t just about taking bold actions—it’s also about showing up as your true self, flaws and all.
As Brené Brown reminds us, “Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” These words have inspired me to foster relationships built on trust, understanding, and mutual support.
Wild Lesson Learned: Vulnerability is a form of courage, and it is the key to unlocking authentic connection.
This year was more than just being about big, bold moments—it was also about the quiet, subtle lessons that courage brought into my life. 2024 has been a year where I gained more wild wisdom and insights.
Courage taught me to welcome all emotions, even the difficult ones. Embracing emotional depth allowed emotions such as fear, uncertainty, sadness and even frustration to become teachers, guiding me toward greater self-awareness and resilience.
Wild Lesson Learned: Emotions are not obstacles—they are messages. By listening to them, we gain clarity, wisdom and the strength to move forward.
Another gift of courage has been the ability to stay present, even in the face of uncertainty.Through finding joy in the present I have learned to savour small moments of joy—a sunrise run, a heartfelt conversation, or the simple act of breathing deeply.
Wild Lesson Learned: Rather than being about big leaps and bounds; courage is about finding beauty and meaning in the present moment.
Courage has strengthened my connection to my intuition. By quieting the noise of self-doubt and external pressures, I have been able to listen to my inner wisdom and make choices that align with my values and purpose.
Wild Lesson Learned: Our intuition is a powerful guide, but it takes courage to trust it fully.
As John Wayne famously said, “Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway.” This year, I have learned that the unknown isn’t something to be feared—it’s an opportunity for growth and discovery. Each time I was navigating the unknown and stepped into uncertainty, I found strength I didn’t know I had and possibilities I hadn’t imagined.
Wild Lesson Learned: The unknown is where magic happens. Trusting the journey is an act of courage in itself.
As I reflect on 2024, I am reminded that courage is a continuous journey. The lessons I have learned this year will continue to guide me as I step into 2025 and beyond. Courage is more than just a word—it really is a way of being. It opens doors to growth, connection, ordinary and extraordinary achievements.
Earlier this year, I shared 5 steps to cultivate courage:
- Acknowledge Your Fears
- Set Bold and Brilliant Goals
- Take Risks
- Practice Self-Compassion
- Surround Yourself with a Support Network
These steps have been instrumental in my journey, and I hope they inspire you as well.
As I enjoy New Years Eve, my heart overflows with gratitude for the beautiful moments shared with those I hold dear. The joy of swimming with my nieces and nephews as laughter echoed around the pool, the delight of savouring scrumptious snacks surrounded by family, and the quiet magic of welcoming the new year by the serenity of the lake with my love created memories that feel like treasures. These simple yet profound experiences remind me of the richness found in connection, laughter and love. 2025 will be a continuation of these cherished moments, and will bring gratitude, growth, love, adventure and even more opportunities to cherish the wild, wonderful and meaningful blessings to come.
What about you?
What word has guided you through 2024?
How has it shaped your journey, your growth, and your wisdom?
I would love to hear your reflections.
As we share our stories and step into the future with courage and intention, I know we will continue to grow, thrive and inspire one another!
To all the wild and wonderful souls reading this: may courage guide you through the rest of this year and into the next, unlocking strength, resilience and limitless possibilities.
For more insights and reflections on living courageously and embracing the wild beauty of life, visit The Wild Wellness Blog.
