Springtime and courage, the courage it takes to grab a hold of life without fear and live that life joyfully is paramount at this time of year when everything is racing forward toward the light.  Synonyms for courage include: bravery, valor, resoluteness, boldness, spirit, daring, pluck, gallantry, intrepidity, confidence, self-reliance, fortitude, and heroism.  It also includes patience, impulse control, perseverance, endurance, integrity, and discipline.  All of these things are necessary for a full and balanced life.  The poet Julia Hartwig, a Polish poet who has lived through the brutalities of WWII and more, gives us the following beautiful words.

Demand It Courageously
by Julia Hartwig

Make some room for yourself, human animal.
Even a dog jostles about on his master’s lap to
improve his position. And when he needs space he
runs forward, without paying attention to commands
or calls.
If you didn’t manage to receive freedom as a gift,
demand it as courageously as bread and meat.
Make some room for yourself, human pride and
dignity.
The Czech writer Hrabal said:
I have as much freedom as I take.

How much room will you make for yourself as this new season of light unfolds?