Today is a truly momentous day as we said farewell to Queen Elizabeth II—one of the best-loved and well-known figures in modern history. Whatever our feelings are towards the royal family and its significance, it marks a significant loss, an end, and genuine unprocessed grief as we reflect on the losses of our own family members and friends. Whoever and wherever you are, loss is loss, grief is grief, constant is constant.
Seeing the courage of the Royal Family and outpouring of affection from all over the world made me think about some words from the late Queen’s first televised Christmas message “Today we need a special kind of courage…so that we can show the world that we are not afraid of the future.” Right now, I think people are truly feeling the full weight and uncertainty of the world, perhaps without leaning into, or shining enough light on their own beautiful courage.
I wrote a poem titled “A message from courage” over the summer—it was one of those creations where the words literally fell out of my soul as I was connecting deeply to others’ hardships, losses and grief, while also working through my own personal shifts. My extreme empathy exploded over this time, which can be both a compassionate yet depleting state. Added to this, as a work colleague and I talked about just last week, nothing really feels normal—it’s like one unfamiliar event happens or uncertainty looms, only to approach even more chaos.
But we can shoulder this burden collectively, and one thing that’s hit home for me over the past few months is that acts of courage surround us every day. I’ve witnessed them, I’m in awe of them and I’ve built up my own faith armour and courage because of them. For me, courage has become something much more meaningful and special than the feats and achievements we typically associate it with. It’s not just the wonder of climbing mountains or saving lives, it’s also being true to you— “living out loud”—even when you feel like you just don’t have the words. It’s taking the time to realise that we need to be kind to ourselves. For we have to be brave and strong enough to see our own light so that we may shine it on others. Our courage is greater than our self-critic, it’s saying no and yes to things we care about, it’s showing up. It’s the whisper inside of you that says, “Keep going, I can love you better”.
I am grateful for my faith to carry me through hard times, but also for some very special people who have helped me to touch my own courage. Seeing these friends overcome their own adversities is incredible. We need connection, we need those messages that say “I’m here for you” “you’re stronger than you think” —and we need moments of silence to be present and connect deeply with our true selves. Sharing “a message from courage” and sending you an ocean of love whoever and wherever you are xx.
A message from courage
I am not the voice telling you to be fearless
for we are all scared.
I am in the little beautiful things you do for yourself.
I am in the magic of silence you rarely touch.
I am the faith deep in your heart,
the voice whispering “hold on”
when the pain feels too much.
I am the light flickering over all the moments of shame.
I am buried in forgiveness and love,
the small incredible steps
you take to ask for help and heal, to begin again.
For when you feel like you are not enough
you are lost, and don’t belong.
Remember, I am the light in you
I am more than winning
more than just being strong.
