Carnival of Courage (Issue #7)

Welcome to the Issue #7 of the Carnival of Courage: A Cavalcade of Superheroes!

Greetings, All!

Welcome to the first issue in which I am holding fast to my resolution that this Carnival be devoted to stories of courageous acts big and small as actually lived by actual people.  You want inspiration, motivation and even a few laughs along the way without the platitudes and legitimately helpful guidance that so many fine blogging personal development guru-ettes are cranking out these days? Then this is the Carnival for you.  I did turn down a few nicely written articles from folks who apparently didn't catch my rant earlier this week but if Madame Dragon Slayer cannot live by her principles, we are all sunk, my friends. For you, I shall hold steadfast. 

Ready to rock?

Made my life worth living today

At the risk of totally creeping out this delightful young man by virtue of my advanced age and graying hair I am officially announcing my first ever blog crush.  No sooner had I vented to the Big Three (Erin, Scott and Michael) about Windows Vista's WOW commercial and the evils of computers and how I also mourn with Jon Stewart that there is no equivalent of The Factory today and how I officially cannot stand a virtual life any longer and that nothing good can come of all these hours spent before this tiny screen (it's been a week of rants, what can I say?) than I get this submission to the carnival.  My hope for humanity has been rekindled and I love love love my computer today only because of this post (and because I am sometimes fickle).  Dennis Mickley presents A Beginning posted at Free Fudgie. Even his post tags are adorable.

Now this is what I'm talking about: Real Courage

Please go read this.  Just go. We've got an 87 year old blog contributor who can show us youngsters a thing or two about this dragon slaying stuff. Yes, I said 87.  She just got a computer this Christmas and

that ain't half the story. Make sure to show her some lovin' in the comments.  She put some real stuff out there for you and I think we should make her feel welcome. Anna Farmery presents Widows Quest » A widows letter to inpsire posted at Widows Quest.

Charles H. Green presents the story of Mr. James Waller, recently exonerated by DNA evidence and freed from prison in Texas after serving nearly half his life in the penal system for crime he did not commit, is one of tremendous courage in Trust, Freedom and Resentment posted at Trust Matters. Let me say that Charles had sent me a couple really nice submissions that were exactly the kind I ranted that I would no longer accept. I didn't want stories telling you how to be courageous, I wanted real life stories about courage and facing our humanity in a way that makes us think. While I hated to do it and almost relaxed my standard, I held true to the principles of this carnival and politely rejected the first two submissions. Then found this gem waiting in my e-mail. Please read it for many reasons and do surf around Charles' site for great nuggets on how to live with integrity.

This post made me smile. One of the most cool people I know is a builder who came here on his own not even having graduated from high school and he builds amazing houses. I think you can see his from space. Katie presents Quit doubting yourself and tap into your assets already posted at Aridni.

Guest blogger, Randy sent in a submission sharing a bit of his journey with RSD (reflex sympathetic dystrophy) in Managing Chronic Pain. One more man who probably shouldn't even be here at this point and yet he is, and going strong.

Don't believe something just because your dad did. Maybe your dad was wrong! Too many people struggle through life, crippled by their destructive beliefs. Self-imposed (totally unnecessary) limitations. Craig Harper presents Beliefs posted at Renovate your life with Craig. (Make sure you scroll down a screen to get the the actual article.)

And a Hero Among the Stars (literally)

I think this is just cool. Leonard Alexander presents Space waits for Stephen Hawking posted at All About aBILITIES.

That concludes this issue. Thanks again to all who submitted!

Ready to join us?

Next carnival is due out on 2/13/07.You are welcome to submit any courage related post you like, whether it's your own act of bravery, big or small or that of someone who has inspired you. If you want a topic to get you thinking, I'd love to hear about a time you consciously altered your approach to a problem to find yourself pleased with the result. Have you ever jumped to find there actually was something to catch you even when you weren't sure you would make it? Share your tales from the trenches as you wrestle with those things that are stretching and challenging you.

SUBMIT TO THIS CARNIVAL by February 11th.

Because I am so awesome: I know several of my readers do not have blogs but do have stories to share. If you feel inspired to share, please e-mail me your spell-checked and well-written submission for me to consider posting on your behalf. I want to give everyone a chance to participate but I'm a one-woman show here so pieces that require heavy editing will be returned to you for fixing.

Comments

[KATIE]

Thank you for putting together so many articles of courage. I'm already opening gobs of tabs. Thank you!

[Laura Young]

You are quite welcome, Katie. Glad people are making their way over. You are welcome back any time!