Beginning the New Year with the SPIRIT of COURAGE
Challenging ourselves to strengthen our courage, bravery, and decisiveness!
At Cherokee Creek Boys School, our character-development curriculum is centered around the “Medicine Wheel Model“ by cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien in “The Four-Fold Way”.
This framework emphasizes four core values: Courage, Truth, Love and Wisdom, each corresponding to a cardinal direction and specific aspect of personal growth.
In the winter / spring, we focus on the value of COURAGE and the importance of ‘Showing Up and Choosing to be Present.’ This is associated with the archetype of the WARRIOR, which encourages us to:
- Develop bravery
- Take decisive action
- Uphold integrity
Emphasizing Courage, especially at the beginning of the year, can help us:
- Face challenges head-on
- Make ethical decisions
- Understand ourselves better
- Align behavior with personal values and beliefs
- Strengthen family bonds and communication
Guiding our students to navigate adolescence with resilience and integrity helps to lay the foundation for a more balanced and harmonious life.
As we start 2025, may we remember that ‘Showing up and Choosing to be Present’ can help strengthen our courage, bravery, and decisiveness!
Below are some simple practices for your consideration.
- Practice Small Acts of Courage by Trying New Things
Order a different meal, take a new route, or start a new hobby. - Reflect on Integrity
Spend a few minutes a day writing / reflecting on decisions where you acted with integrity. - Cultivate a Strong Mindset
Repeat affirmations like “I choose courage over comfort” or “I act with integrity. - Face Small Fears
Reframe fear by thinking of it as excitement or a sign of growth. - Celebrate Your Wins
Each day, acknowledge one courageous action that you took.
What are some other ways you practice courage in your life?
