High Value It's a whole lot easier to be courageous when you truly want something. Jane loves her local museum and always wanted to become a docent. Though shy in groups, she was determined to volunteer, and enjoyed first meeting without dread or social anxiety.

Low Risk One thing that helped Jane was to figure out worst possible outcome and determine its likelihood. They probably weren't going to laugh and point, and if she tripped when she walked in she could get up and say "Tah Dah!"

You're in Charge Your hand controls reins of how much discomfort you can handle. You get to choose whether to go or stay. When Tom Smith was training Seabiscuit he didn't try to force horse to do what he refused. Smith let Seabiscuit discover that he had choice. You don't need to be defensive or resistant when you're one in charge.

Camaraderie There's safety in numbers. Things always seem less frightening when you do it with a friend. Maybe it's just misery loves company. Whatever motivation, friends offer support, and help bring out your biggest self. I'm often my boldest and most outrageous with my friend Gina. She's got me doing stuff on stage that I never imagined possible, but I feel safe in her company.

Higher Power No courage How-To list would be complete without trust in God. I'm a novice in spiritual matters and only just learning how faith operates in my life. Suffice it to say that being part of something infinite and all-powerful can definitely give you a leg up.

So maybe courage is simply portable safety-- finding it within yourself rather than seeking it from world; generating it as needed and always having right amount-- no more, no less. That's certainly a productive use of resources.

Liz Sumner, Life Coach M.A. CPC can help you find your courage and move beyond the fears that limit you. For a complimentary 30-minute coaching call email easumner@monad.net, call 603-876-3956 or visit www.WonderfulCoach.com

"The advantage of a classical education," said Russell Green, "is that it enables you to despise wealth that it prevents you from achieving."

Now here's question -- Are you educating yourself only in order to make money, or are you learning in order to build a foundation for your life?

Your work is only part of your life. It’s smart to get an education that enables you to earn a living, but why stop there? Why starve at a smorgasbord?

Studies show that trajectory of those who die in their 5th and 6th decade is school, then work, then retirement. (Siebert) Lifelong learning, on other hand, builds resilience and contributes to wellness and long life. Furthermore, I contend, it’s a life you’ll enjoy living longer. Jobs come and go, as do careers, and people. Learning ... is forever.

Learning, says David Christensen in his book “Inner Victory,” is a thirst to know more, to know better ways, to know why.”

“You must learn day by day, year by year to broaden your horizon,” said Ethel Barrymore. “The more things you love, more you are interested in, more you enjoy, more you are indignant about, more you have left when anything happens.” Getting an education: $100,000 Getting a promotion: $40,000 Learning: Priceless

P.S. Thanks, Dad! About this -- and so many other things -- you were right. Res ipse loquitur.