It takes courage
to be true to oneself.
It takes courage
to recognize the potential for good in others
and strength to turn away
from those that wish to do others harm.
It takes courage
to know there is evil in the world
and to protect oneself with light and faith.

It takes courage
to be kind
to be humble
to people that may not reciprocate.
It takes courage
to get up every day
with a determination
that today will be better than yesterday.
It takes courage
to love someone else more than oneself.
It takes courage
to live a meaningful life.

Some days I don’t feel courageous
Some days I feel fragile
Like I need someone courageous by my side
On those days
I take a deep breath
and I keep breathing
until I’m next to the person that gives me strength
or I find my own strength
because it takes courage
to live a meaningful life.

-Vanessa Hernandez