Part 4 Courage

Out of all the sections in the book this has to be my favorite one of all. I liked that the book ended with talking about having courage, and how it is not always about those life or death moments or overcoming huge odds against you to come out on top, but those small moments that really test you every day. Courage does derive from something small you are afraid or uncomfortable with but you choose to not give into the fear and instead rise above it. I liked when courage was broken down into three parts; little acts can have huge impacts, one person can make a difference, and courageous acts flow from beliefs. These all are very true. I've seen people make huge changes just by asking the simple question "is this ok?" Whether it is asked in the context of where funding for the SGA is going and someone asked if that is ok that we are giving so much for something such as just a celebration, or in someone's daily life if it is ok to try something new or if the consequences are too big, even asking in your own organization if something that has been done forever is ok to do still, or is it not what you really stand for anymore. It is hard even with small acts of courage like asking "is it ok?" because consequences can be huge, it can cause arguments and fights. I've been witness to this in many different organizations I have been in. But the way I see it is that questioning isn't bad it takes a lot of courage to be the one that questions the status quo even if it is not always seen as being courageous. As long as you believe in what you think and you are willing to defend it, I believe you should stand up and as if it is ok. The second part of the list is my personal favorite, that one person can make a difference. It is true when one person is brave enough to stand up and say something or do something it can make all the difference in the world. This sentiment is even where my favorite quote stems from; "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has."