Mark Twain: "Courage is not the lack of fear. It is acting in spite of it."

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SHABBAT SHALOM WEEKLY          
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Torah Portion:     Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9)

4 Elul 5771
September 3, 2011

Shabbat Shalom Weekly

Rabbi Kalman Packouz  (thank you Rabbi for this message)

20 IDEAS FOR CHOOSING COURAGE

   1. It's great to have courage, and courage
makes you great.  Courage is a decision to
transcend your fears. When you speak and act
in a situation that is challenging for you,
that is courage.  Decide to transcend fears
that needlessly limit you.
   2. Courage is in your mind.  Courage comes
from the thoughts you think in your mind. 
You choose your thoughts.  Choose courage
now.
   3. Courage doesn't mean that you don't have
fears.  It means that you are willing to
speak and act even with fearful feelings.  At
times you might melt those fears.  Even if
not, say what needs to be said and do what
needs to be done.
   4. Ask your loving Father, and powerful King,
Creator and Sustainer of the universe to give
you inner strength and courage.  Receive it
when He gives it to you.
   5. Every word and act of courage is stored in
your brain.  Your brain is always with you so
you can always access courage.
   6. If you have said or done something that
took courage, you have been courageous
already.  Identify yourself as a person who
has courage.
   7. This moment is the only moment that
exists.  To speak and act courageously, you
only need to speak and act courageously this
very moment.
   8. Be aware of any inner self-talk that
prevents your courage.  Mentally upgrade the
recording you play in your mind.  Listen to
courageous self-talk.  Reread this list
frequently.  It becomes your self-talk.
   9. When you need a boost of courage, say to
yourself with enthusiasm and intensity, "I
have tremendous and intense courage right
now."  Repeat this with more and more
intensity until you actually experience it.
  10. Fear and lack of courage is created with
your imagination.  Therefore, your imagination
can create great courage.  Imagine having all
the courage you would wish for.
  11. Learn from every person who speaks and
acts with courage.  On the screen of your mind
see yourself talking and acting with that same
courage.  Repeat until internalized.
  12. Remember your most courageous moments. 
Take that courageous energy and double it. 
Now double it again.  Double it again.  Keep
on doubling this until you feel yourself
radiating courage.
  13. If it is difficult to say something to
someone, ask yourself, "Do I have a right to
say this?"  If yes, just say it!
  14. Have the courage to bounce back from
mistakes and adversity.
  15. Have courage to do what's right even if
others make fun of you.  The more difficult it
is, the greater you are.
  16. Have courage to respectfully tell people
to refrain from speaking negatively against
others.  Feel joy for acting.
  17. Visualize a great crowd cheering for your
courage.  Hear the cheers.  See them waving
for their hero: You!
  18. Drink an imaginary drink that gives you
magnificent courage.
  19. Don't take needless foolish risks.
Differentiate between intelligent and wise
risks and those that are rash.
  20. Each and every day do something courageous.