The beginning of the school year can be filled with a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Girls may be starting new schools without friends they’re familiar with or taking classes they’re unsure about. They may be insecure about fitting in and doubtful about making new friends. Tapping into courage can help girls take action and move forward despite the fear that accompanies starting something new.

Here are eight quotes from notable women that suggest how to find and develop courage.

1. “Courage - you develop courage by doing small things like just as if you wouldn't want to pick up a 100-pound weight without preparing yourself.” - Maya Angelou

2. “Take chances, make mistakes. That's how you grow. Pain nourishes your courage. You have to fail in order to practice being brave.” Mary Tyler Moore

3. "Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I'll try again tomorrow." - Mary Anne Radmacher

4. "The uplift of a fearless heart will help us over barriers. No one ever overcomes difficulties by going at them in a hesitant, doubtful way." - Laura Ingalls Wilder

5. "You become courageous by doing courageous acts...Courage is a habit." - Mary Daly

6. “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

7. “Believing that you're enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable and imperfect.” - Brene Brown

8. “The bravest thing you can do when you are not brave is to profess courage and act accordingly.” - Corra Harris

Courage doesn’t eliminate fear. It faces it. Taking small steps and risks—like raising a hand in class and sitting with someone new during lunch—help girls tap into courage and adjust to new social challenges.

About Candace

I delight in discovering how to conjure courage and apply it to life’s dilemmas.  My goal is to inspire others to act courageously. You can hear more from me on my website, Facebook and Instagram.

Photo provided by: Freeimages.com/Yi-Chen Lin