I have learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. – Nelson Mandela

We all face fear. We face fears that are real . . . we face challenges that will shake us to our core. There are times fear – that voice in our head and heart – force us to stop, to reflect, and to be more purposeful. Fear forces us to find courage, to seek strength, and to engage others.

We summon the courage to overcome fear from many different places. Our courage may emanate from our head or from our heart when we know we must step up to overcome fear. Our courage may come from family, friends, or colleagues who support and encourage us. Our courage may build as we work to overcome fear with persistence and determination.

We should not see fear as an end, but as a beginning. We are on a journey together; we are on a journey that will include fear. We will find courage and, together, we will triumph over fear as we continue on our path together.