Approximately 10 years ago, I realized….
I wanted to participate in more activities,
to try alternative ways of doing things…..
things that I may have found confusing or overwhelming….
and so I came up with the idea of just doing
“One Gutsy Thing”…
“OGT”
I made a variety of little cards with that “slogan” on them…to try to remind myself to just have the courage to get started and that it would probably work out fine.
The cards were good reminders for me…I put them on the refrigerator, the bathroom mirror, in my car…anywhere I would be reminded to just give “difficult” challenges a try… perhaps, keeping going when something seems confusing or overwhelming, speaking up in larger meetings, doing things in a manner that works for me, setting limits about how much I’m willing to do…those ordinary kinds of concerns.
I had posted this OGT idea in April…..but continuing with this motivation….I think that acting with courage is such an important goal… there are ongoing unfamiliar situations, new skills or knowledge needed, alternative ways of approaching old situations…that ongoing need to tap into that courage and to just continue trying that “one gutsy thing.”
We all have many different goals,
goals that might require significant acts of courage…
one goal that I really like,
a line from the poem Desiderata,
is for each one of us to learn…
“to speak our own truth, quietly and clearly”
A few months ago, I put several different OGT cards together into a youtube OGT video/slide show and added some music…the William Tell overture (!)….I just love that music!…talk about a triumphant ending! It’s only 33 seconds long…and has a great musical finale…..
*
And of course, there are times when in the midst of trying “One Gutsy Thing,”
there might be moments of thinking….
“What in the world was I thinking to try this ?!?!?”
Well, here’s to “hanging in there,”
persisting and keeping going when things get difficult!
(52 seconds….this one has some funny photos….)
8
And so…just giving things a try…
OGT: One Gutsy Thing
8
8
Added note: I had added this to the comments section, but it might help someone to see it here….the derivation of the word “courage” and “encourage,”…I think understanding the derivation of the word really helps me when trying to have courage or offer it to others.
I talk about the words “courage” and “encourage” with my 5th graders because it’s so important….. I’ve seen courage defined as “action or strength in the face of fear or challenge.”
The derivation of the root word “cor” is heart from Latin, which lead to “couer,” the word for heart in French.
The suffix “age” means “action or process” or “a word ending used to form nouns that show condition, function, relation, or action. Can also be used to form verbs. Created by people to expand meaning of words. Can be added to the end of many words.”
The prefix “en” means to offer that state of something. (enable, encourage, embolden etc)
So “encourage” would be helping oneself or another to enter that state of courage.
It helps me to remember the origins of that word…ah, the things I learn when teaching kids at school.
8
Or…..I can just keep in mind that image of the alligator chomping away…
The pocket sized cards…. : ) (click on image to enlarge) btw… kids I’ve taught also get this idea and like the cards.
Pocket Perspectives 
OGT… good idea, I needed this today… (~_~)
LikeLike
Happy to be able to help out….hope things went well….
LikeLike
The “Hang in There” Youtube was very uplifting! I think of someone doing a search in Google looking for inspiration and finding your page at the perfect time. There is something about music, images and a message that makes it powerful. You are doing good work, Kathy.
LikeLike
Thanks….hope it might be helpful to someone…
LikeLike
Excellent messages, Kathy. LOVE your crocodile/alligator chomping at the OGT! 😀
LikeLike
She’s really something, isn’t she?
LikeLike
Love this! Just the perfect thing I needed today.
LikeLike
Ahhh….one of those days…. hope it went well. (see the derivation of the word courage in the comment above )
LikeLike
A refreshing way to overcome life’s challenges. Courage is something that help us achieve something better, greater . The OGT concept is brilliant. In this life, we need encouragement and motivation. Thanks for sharing. Stay blessed…,
LikeLike
Yes the need for encouragement….. I talk about the words “courage” and “encourage” with my 5th graders because it’s so important….. I’ve seen courage defined as “action or strength in the face of fear or challenge.”
The derivation of the root word “cor” is heart from Latin, which lead to “couer,” the word for heart in French.
The suffix “age” means “action or process” or “a word ending used to form nouns that show condition, function, relation, or action. Can also be used to form verbs. Created by people to expand meaning of words. Can be added to the end of many words.”
The prefix “en” means to offer that state of something. (enable, encourage, embolden etc)
So “encourage” would be helping oneself or another to enter that state of courage.
It helps me to remember the origins of that word…ah, the things I learn when teaching kids at school.
Or…..I can just keep in mind that image of the alligator chomping away…
LikeLike
Daughter #1 got on the plane this morning with grandson. Daughter #2 and son-in-law are on the road. I will send them a thank you and we love you e-mail for a great weekend with a link to this page! Great messages so beautifully done…what a greeting card!
LikeLike
Oh, your house must seem a bit quiet? So happy it was such a special weekend for all of you.
I hope they’ll get some value out of the OGT idea, too. I added 2 card compilation pages at the bottom of the post, in case anyone wants to check those out. (click to enlarge, they are printable)
LikeLike
OGT – hmmmmmmmm – I think I did one or two already! 😆
I’m doing a third!
Great article, because I remember a young lady once saying to me she so admired that I had moved countries on my own where she was too timid to travel 100 kms. To some of it comes naturally, to others, not so much. A bit of encouragement is a wonderful thing.
LikeLike
Talk about “ONE GUTSY THING”…..again and again and again…wow, you’re an inspiration! And yes, for those with less “guts”, a bit of encouragement really helps!
LikeLike
😆 Thanks!
LikeLike
As I become older, I become gutsier! I think I need to add that to my “other” bucket list–the one I keep hidden from everyone. I love your pocket perspectives.
ps. I was tired after school today, too. The difference between you and I is that I actually made an appointment with the retirement counselor at the State of NJ Dept of Ed!!!
LikeLike
Hmmm…. a hidden bucket list????….. I wonder if I have one of those, but haven’t realized it?
Good luck with that appointment….sounds like transition time for you… : )
LikeLike
So good to have you visit me again–thanks! Also, these videos and the cards are quite a gift…I’ll return to “catch-up” on your other posts! My best, jb
LikeLike
I visit you often…. : ) … I really enjoy the posts on your blog! And happy that you might gain value from some of the posts here…kathy
LikeLike
Your gutsy cards are great -and must work well. I only follow your blog for a few months now, but during that time your posts have changed quite a lot, much more confident perhaps? 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks…. the cards do give me good reminders.
I think maybe there have been some changes…I’ve noticed that too….lots of good examples to follow and kind encouragement have helped… : )
LikeLike
I like the collection… Gutsy is a great word too. 😉
LikeLike
Thanks….those cards have spurred me on for many years…. I have to stay gutsy to keep several steps ahead and out of the range of that alligator’s jaw!
LikeLike