Itās interesting, the things that give us courage. Sometimes it only takes a few words to remind us of whatās true, and we are suddenly braver than our fears.
Many things inspire me. I surround myself with images and quotes that serve as touchstones, helping me find my way on a path that can be lonely and doubt-filled at times. Going after your dreams can be terrifying. With every door that closes, you must decide whether or not to try again. You weigh the risks and ask yourself to count the cost of hurt and discouragement. How much is a dreamāa difficult, unlikely dreamātruly worth?
I could never have made it this far without the family and friends whoāve supported me and encouraged me to believeāto keep reaching. They helped me be brave when my doubts and fears seemed bigger than the possibilities. My book dealsāand all thatās happened this past year, still seem surreal. I wanted to mark this time in a special way.
So I got a tattoo.
C.S. Lewis is one of my favorite authors, and this is from his book, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Edmund, Lucy and Caspian sail into Darkness, and everyone is afraid. They can’t find their way, and their fears begin to materialize around them. A seagull circles the mast, and Lucy hears Aslan say, āCourage, dear heart.” They follow the gull back into the light. I have always loved this quote. These words hang near my computer and Iāve looked at them after reading countless rejection letters. I have felt like Lucy many times.
So now I wear them. On my writing handāto remind me to write bravely. And also as a reminder of how far Iāve come. I hope to inspire other artists and dreamers.
Sometimes, all we need is the right voiceāat just the right time.
Take risks, dream big. Never give up.
Courage, dear heart.