COURAGE

Walking into a room is not generally an activity of monumental significance. Most of us walk into and out of rooms all day, and we watch others do the same. When the room is a courtroom, the dynamics change somewhat. To a plaintiff in a legal matter, walking into the courtroom may be of monumental significance. To a defendant, the activity may be even more significant. When the defendant is a head of state, the dynamics become complex.

Yesterday, Brazil's president was the subject of an impeachment vote for making improper budgetary maneuvers. Eventually, she may need to visit a courtroom to defend against these charges. Ultimately, she is not likely to be convicted of wrongdoing because of her affiliation with China. In fact, those who dared to call for a vote of impeachment are much more likely to be indicted and convicted of wrongdoing. That one may have one's good name and reputation besmirched for doing what many believe was the right thing to do in calling for the impeachment vote is unfortunate. However, when the timing is such that a rescue operation may be imminent, one has nothing to lose and everything to gain by engaging 100% and doing what one knows to be the right thing to do.

If you become aware that certain negative repercussions are imminent and acting in defense against those repercussions is potentially dangerous, one may be hesitant to act. It may be even more difficult if one is personally threatened with additional negative repercussions. One overriding factor in making a decision is looking beyond the current circumstances to the natural trajectory. Is there a much greater potential for a hopeful solution if you take action than if you maintain the status quo? Will taking action now move you into a higher operating paradigm that will have a greater capacity to produce a favorable solution? Is a generalized fear overwhelming the decision-making process? Is taking action the right thing to do for yourself, your country, your fellow citizens, and the global community as a whole? If the answer to these questions is "yes," then courage demands that you take immediate positive action.