A Shaky Step Forward is Still Progress
When in Doubt, Channel Your Inner "Courage"
Ever feel like you’re standing on the edge of something huge, staring into the unknown, hoping there’s something soft to catch you?
That’s me.
And weirdly enough, it’s also exactly how I imagine Courage the Cowardly Dog must have felt every single episode. (like every episode, someone check his cortisol levels STAT)
Here’s this little dog named Courage (a bit ironic, right?), constantly facing nightmare after nightmare.
He’s always running, whining, muttering, and shaking his way through whatever monster or wild situation comes his way.
But here’s the twist—every single time, he steps up. He stands on business.
Even if it’s filled with panic and complaints, he pushes through because his love for Muriel, his family, is stronger than his fear.
Courage, in his quirky, trembling way, feels like a reflection of who I am when I face my own doubts and fears—moving forward, even if I’m whining and doubting every step.
For me, that “monster” is usually some looming version of fear or self-doubt. Every time I leap into the unknown, a voice inside questions if I have what it takes.
There’s always a part of me wishing for a safety net, a sign I’m not just free-falling.
And that’s where my own “Muriel” comes in—my family, especially my sisters, who are my reason for facing the unknown and creating a path that shows them they can chase their dreams with their whole hearts.
When life gets uncertain or doubts creep in, I think of my sisters—my little pockets of sunshine who remind me why I’m doing this.
They are my grounding force, my courage, my gentle nudge to keep going.
When I left home after college, my sisters were still just kids and a part of me felt guilty, missing those everyday moments as they grew up. But last winter, I came back home, and we reconnected in a way that I’ll always hold close.
Sunday mornings became our ritual: my brother blasting his latest playlist, my sister flipping pancakes, and all of us dancing around the kitchen. Those Sunday mornings weren’t just moments; they were like beams of light breaking through any doubt I’d been carrying
And in those moments, my sisters became my biggest supporters.
They’d sit next to me as I mixed music, giving feedback on my blog posts, sometimes wanting to try to learn how to mix themselves!
I don’t think they realize just how healing that was—to share my passions with them, to feel that acceptance and excitement.
For me, it was like coming home to the little kid inside me who loved my imagination and creativity, who wasn’t afraid to chase side quests or try new things. It reminded me that, just like Courage had Muriel, I have my family supporting me, even if they aren’t always physically there.
And we’ve built a bond where we can share doubts, fears, and dreams without judgment. When my sisters have a setback—like a missed opportunity or a tough grade—I get to be there for them, not just with advice, but as someone who truly understands. And in return, they’re there for me too.
I tell them about my own ups and downs, the times things didn’t go as planned, and how I kept going anyway. Through these conversations, we’ve created a safe space where vulnerability is welcome, where we can all share what’s on our minds without having to hide.
Now, they’re my strength, my reason to keep going.
They remind me of the importance of staying grounded in what matters—family, faith, and our love and dreams for one another. They encourage me to move past my doubts, to make brave choices, and to see life as something to be explored, not limited by fear.
So, if you have your own pockets of sunshine in your life, turn to them when things get tough.
Embrace that support, let it give you the courage to leap, and remind yourself that you don’t have to face everything alone.
Whether it’s family, friends, or mentors, these connections give us a strength we don’t always recognize.
And if you’ve got a little Courage in you too, remember that bravery doesn’t mean being fearless.
It’s about facing life’s “monsters” with all the nerves and doubts intact but stepping forward anyway.
And hey, if Courage could face talking monsters and ghosts and still save the day, we can probably handle a few emails, posts, and deadlines.
So, here’s to finding our courage—and our pockets of sunshine.
(Now, if only I could get that creepy “Return the Slab” quote from that one episode out of my head, that would be great…)
Now, time for some shifts and gigs!
Shifts & Gigs
Reminder to please go out and vote!!!!
‘Til next time,
Manny with the Moves