.. and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Some of my favorite blogs are those that have a repeating theme each week or each month. For example, Susie over at Mommy, Just One More Minute, has "52 Fridays" where she lists things she's grateful for. The Manolo, over at Manolo's Shoe Blog has a fun little quiz each week called Who's Shoes Wednesday. (I never guess correctly - oh, and I love shoes).

Ever one among many, I try to go with what works, and decided to dedicate a little blog each month on the principles that we over at the Wee Hamlet try to practice in all our affairs. The goal was to post on the 12th of the month, to really align with the BIG PICTURE theme of our blog. Maybe starting in May.... So, better late than never, here's the debut of our theme post!

"If I Were King of the Forrrrest: A few words on Courage"

I can really relate to the Cowardly Lion. Like Lion, I did my very best to appear strong, and noble. Like him, I practiced my growl and dutifully sharpened my claws in an effort to convince everyone, including myself, that I really was, or at the very least, should be, the queen of the forest. When questioned, I ran. When I was sure no one was looking, I cried. I would never, ever admit to feeling scared. And I was -constantly.

So, like my friend the Lion it turns out that all I really needed was the right path, a Higher Power (although I don't call mine the wizard) and a couple of friends to join me on this journey. Courage was right there the whole time. I found it with honesty. I practice Courage by telling the truth. No more growling, no more claws, no more feeling sad in secret. Fear is still there, of course, that's life- but I no longer run from it. Just trudge along through it - with my friends, one step at a time.

So that's what we're practicing this month - being who we are in front of each other. No excuses, no justifications, just us. Whatever that happens to look like at the moment. And believe me, there have been some very interesting looking moments.

I'm blessed to live honestly in an honest house. I don't have to think, "but if you knew the real me..." because those around me know the real me. And I know the real them. And there's a lot of love in these rooms. Thank God.