Góðan daginn, Reader!

That Icelandic greeting is your clue to one of the places I've added to my latest excursion.

Yes, I am once again abroad. I am not sure at what point "home" becomes "abroad," but I will try to find out for you!

A combination of two events, friends in foreign countries, and opportunistic flight schedules has me on a six-country tour for another month.

This on the heels of another successful TEDxLogan Circle event. This is the second year I've volunteered with the group.

Since this year's theme was "Rethink Courage," I decided to honor that in my newsletter.

Many of us feel we lack courage, but as the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard of Oz learned, it's really inside of us all. We just need to tune into it and believe in ourselves.

So, let's leap courageously into this month's dose of curiosity and inspiration!

I visited my Kansas hometown earlier this month, but didn't see the Cowardly Lion

"You can choose courage, or you can choose comfort, but you cannot choose both."

~Brene Brown

Courage Under Fire

Sometimes I get comments like, "wow, you are so brave" for traveling to places like Syria or even Mexico.

But to me, that's just travel. What can take courage is staying home and facing mundane tasks!

Everyone's courageousness takes on a different form. True courage is breaking down barriers such as impostor syndrome and other limiting beliefs to pursue a passion.

This mural in Aleppo, Syria, demonstrates courage through solidarity

Courage is convincing yourself that your voice and your intuition know what's best for you, not someone else.

It's taking a chance on a dream, not knowing the how.

Feeling the fear surrounding you, but choosing to march forward anyway is courage ON fire.

Being brave when setbacks persist is what I'm talking about.

Vikings braved the harsh ocean waters, weather, and limited food supply

Above all this, remaining curious about the path as you navigate it is courage's secret weapon.

When you replace fear and uncertainty with curiosity, risks become more manageable; challenges become adventures.

It is through discomfort and adversity that we are able to rise to new heights and reach for our dreams and things beyond our wildest imagination.

Thank you for reading my unofficial TEDx-inspired address! I'll leave you with a photo from the event.

All the speakers and volunteer team, including me (Photo courtesy of Patrick Tighe)

Out of Curiosity...

It's fitting that I'm in Scandinavia for this month's theme, as the Vikings are known for their undying courage and bravery.

For ancient Norse people, the notion of courage was an intrinsic virtue. The term "wyrd" represents their belief in fate and legacy.

While I'm no warrior soul, I do have a mission and know that to move along the path towards purpose requires great sacrifice and courage.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula coast is absolutely stunning in any weather

So, out of curiosity...

Tell me a time that you made a courageous move that made you feel brave?

The Teal Spotlight

Ellerie Rollins is a dear friend of mine who recently earned her Master's Degree in Positive Psychology and launched her new business. Aptly for this month's theme and her mission, it is called Courageous Whisper.

I love the name because it speaks to the inner wisdom that we have but can't always hear.

Elle (front, left) and some of our "Soul Fam" friends on a hike in Mexico

In her business, she focuses on coaching others to embrace their strengths and live with intention. It's all in perfect alignment with her deep interest in human potential, curiosity, and growth.

More than 20 years of her career was spent in the Air Force Reserves and the Department of Defense, growing through the ranks of leadership and learning the power of discipline, teamwork, resilience, and excellence.

She also co-owns Single Seed Stays, a short-term rental and hospitality business she runs with her partner and family, where they create welcoming spaces rooted in care and connection.

One of Single Seed's beautiful properties

I've gotten to know Elle the most through a breathwork retreat in Mexico the past two years as well as a deeper-dive annual program called Spirited, as well as Camp Indie.

I can attest that the heart of everything she does is a belief in curiosity, love, and the simple truth that together, we’re better.

That, my friends, is courage!

"The Valkyrie" by Peter Nicolai Arbo in Oslo's National Museum

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