Making Courageous Decisions

Making Difficult, Courageous Decisionsr
Written by Randi G. Fine
A life rooted in faith, love, and honor is one of compassion and acceptance; one that values and respects others for their intelligence, strength, and courage. ~Randi G. Fine

Finding the courage to make a difficult decision, one that we feel is best for us or best under the circumstances, is not often easy. It may take an immense amount of weighing and soul searching to reach a conclusion.

There are times when we make unpopular decisions that others disagree with; times when our decisions are met with judgment, hostility, and reprimanding.

Feeling misunderstood we naturally begin defending our position only to find that the more we try to redeem ourselves or prove our point, the worse the situation seems to get. Our frustration is then misconstrued and we are accused of being hostile, unresolved, vindictive, cruel, or crazy. Without acknowledgment of the intense process we must have undertaken before courageously making such a difficult choice, we are accused of making a rash or hurtful decision that must be rectified.

When called on their intrusive behavior and unsolicited opinions these people quickly re-frame their accusations as “loving concern” or “helpful advice,” but we know better. We know how badly it made us feel.

Though it feels personal it is not. Those who critique others this way often feel incomplete themselves, regretful about their past, or unresolved about their personal choices. They may not be courageous enough to soul search or face their own fears, as we have. Judging others is how they deflect their own pain or put off making difficult decisions.

Those who courageously face their problems tend to honor others who do the same. A life rooted in faith, love, and honor is one of compassion and acceptance; one that values and respects others for their intelligence, strength, and courage.

When our heart is in the right place, fear of judgment should never prevent us from making difficult but necessary choices. We each live a unique reality. It does not matter what others think of us as long as we know we are living a genuine, honest, and loving life. In all our endeavors that is what truly matters.