What’s possible if you have the courage to act on your vision
A recent post on Instagram took my attention . A definition of courage was included:
“Did you know that the word courage actually comes from the latin word "cor," which means heart? And the French word, "corage," which also means "heart" and "innermost feelings." So the history of courage has a much softer side. 🌸
Courage is the ability to move forward boldly and authentically, guided by your intuition, despite fear, pain, or uncertainty.
We can't just focus on the actions we take, but the drive and intention behind those actions. When we are aligned and connected to our most authentic selves, it becomes easier to be courageous, bold, and daring.” - @Mozzafiatoart
This is such a wonderful post and really resonated with me because “Vision and Courage” is the theme for the month of August. I have had some inspiring conversations with people who have shared their stories with me and illustrate how “Vision and Courage “ can influence lives.
For me, a vision is the ability to contemplate or plan the future using imagination or wisdom. Yet, often we need more than just a vision, we also need courage to make choices and confront situations that require us to step out of our comfort zone. We may have to experience situations previously unknown. We need to be willing to give it a go. There is anticipation of achieving a positive outcome, yet we need to recognise that what we first expected is not necessarily what we will achieve. Our expectations may need to change, and our path may deviate, even though our vision remains the same.
Step out of the comfort zone
Over the past few months I have recorded conversations with people who have stepped out of their comfort zones. They have had a vision and are taking or have taken steps to improve outcomes, not only in their own lives, but by contributing to others in our community in the hope of influencing change..
As Christine Stow shared with me recently on my podcast , entitled “Who’s going to stop me? “ how her life changed overnight when her daughter was diagnosed with a disability. She shares that whilst you can have a vision, you also need courage to take action, otherwise you only have an idea.
Cindy Rella told me that preparing her five minute talk - WHY ME for the recent YTM Business Connect Awards where she won the Peoples Choice Award, was a revelation. She recognised that she had often wanted more in her life and that by being brave , and moving out of her comfort zone she could achieve more growth and fulfillment and that there was more to her than her business.. She has the courage to push through life’s challenges as you will hear in our conversation.
And in separate podcast conversations , recorded months back, Jude Kingston - Truth and courage are not always comfortable- and Kevin Humphrey - When courage meets compassion- both have the courage to create awareness and change in the way people talk about mental health issues. Their individual visions focused on a desire to help others be courageous and to speak up, be vulnerable and create more understanding in the mental health arena encouraging and supporting others to understand they are not alone.
To win you need vision, courage and purpose
One of the very first conversations I had with Anne Holland the 2022 YTM Award Winner was in 2014 . Her strong vision and purpose was evident to the judging panel as she shared her story, some of which I shared in my book, and then subsequent projects she has taken on to assist through co- vid and also manage her own health.
Here is some of Anne’s story from my book:-
“Often a traumatic personal incident, such as illness or death, is a catalyst for those seeking to create change. Anne Holland, founder of NFP & registered charity Urban Lifesavers, is one such person. Anne lost her husband through sudden cardiac arrest and since then has lost two other close friends.
These tragic situations continue to drive her to make Automated External Defibrillators (AED) readily accessible to the public and improve education on how to use them. She is also determined to see laws changed relating to public accessibility. Her goal is to prevent other families suffering the pain of losing a loved one by empowering anyone and everyone to have the knowledge they need to take action, which can save a life.
She is working hard to educate the public on the ease of use and the positive impact these devices can have. Statistics show Australians are 590 times more likely to deal with a potentially fatal sudden cardiac arrest than a fire-related fatality. Anne’s goal is to make AED as accessible and commonplace as fire extinguishers.
I first met Anne when she contacted me enquiring about an event I was running. As we talked, I learnt she had recently written a book Back in a Heart Beat.
… Since that time, I have followed her tireless efforts and look for opportunities to provide support. Having lost friends and family through cardiac arrest, I understand Anne’s desire to spread awareness that cardiac arrest can strike anyone, of any age, anywhere at any time.
Since 1 July 2014 first aid training requires competency in the use of an AED. Many people still do not know how to use them and believe the misconception that AED need to be operated by an expert, and as an inexperienced user they could cause harm and may be held liable if something were to go wrong.
This is far from the truth. Here are the facts about AED:
• An AED is simple and easy to use Influence and Change 93
• An AED is automated and will not shock indiscriminately because an AED must detect a heart rhythm before advising if a shock is or is not required
• An AED will only shock someone who is in a life-threatening heart rhythm
• An AED will not shock someone who has a normal heart rhythm
• Survival from sudden cardiac arrest is directly related to the time delay in receiving defibrillation—early defibrillation greatly increases chances of survival.
Her vision is to see AED included as key components of emergency first aid equipment available in all public spaces and workplaces. More importantly, she has a single-minded commitment to ensure that as many people as possible have the confidence to apply an AED without fear or hesitation, as survival is time-critical.
The Ripple Effect Anne is inspired by a quote from Mother Teresa, ‘I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters and create many ripples.’
To influence and change mindset is a slow and difficult process but we need people who have a strong vision, courage and a sense of purpose to prompt our thinking and push us out of complacency into action by their example.
Anne has not stopped helping others in need. She sees a gap and finds a way to fill it. Having worked in the vaccination centre at the Exhibition Centre in Melbourne, Anne saw first hand the problems that international travelers had in obtaining digital proof of vaccination, as often their papers had adaptations of their names.
She has established a business “ Covid Proof Online “ - with a fellow nurse to provide the necessary support for international visitors/students/workers who are required to upload their vaccination proof to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) .
Creating ripples to influence change
We can help to create the ripple to effect change by connecting with what matters to you, and sharing the stories to help rally support from friends and family, create awareness by providing opportunities for issues to be front of mind and purposeful conversations paving the way for more interviews on radio, public appearances and chances to share the messages of the the people I have introduced you too.
Together we can influence change because they are taking action. while they may find roadblocks and frustrations they all know that there is so much to gain from a collaborative approach.
Hello, I am Kerryn Powell, The Network Catalyst and founder of Your Time Matters and podcast host of Conversations and connections to amplify and inspire. and am a connection strategist, conversation starter and network catalyst who thrives on building communities and creating the right connections for those seeking strategic allies to make a positive impact through connection, contribution and community.
I draw on my diverse career portfolio, experience, skills and knowledge to encourage, support and empower business owners, professionals, teams and individuals to create true connection through authentic conversations that build real relationships, boost confidence and generate business and opportunities.
For the past 9 years, I have provided opportunity for more than 3000 business owners to engage in real life and online events through her business, Your Time Matters. BOOK a discovery call TODAY, and let’s have a conversation to see how I can help you find , start or improve your business networking,