Courage Starts with Showing Up

When I was very young, I was the bravest person in the room. I wasn’t afraid of anything. I could talk to anyone.

A few years later, in fourth grade, that confidence started to fade. I began to feel rejected by my classmates and spent the next four years wondering what was wrong with me. I was picked last for everything. Honestly, I would’ve picked me last for sports, too — I was a swimmer and knew nothing about baseball or team games. But I was also picked last for camp bunkmates. No one wanted to be my friend.

I would come home crying, but my mom didn’t know how to comfort me.

Fast forward to eighth grade. I made a conscious decision to change my behavior. I had allowed rejection to put me in a shell, and I couldn’t keep living like a wallflower.

A few things happened that summer between seventh and eighth grade. I started attending a local church and was welcomed without judgment. I was invited to church camp and became a Christian. That summer gave me the courage I needed to be brave again — and I’ve tried never to look back.

I won’t say that I’m always brave. I still see that scared girl sometimes when I dream about new ideas and then find excuses not to move forward. What if I launch this and no one buys? What if I speak and no one listens?

But what I’ve learned — as a coach and as a human — is that showing up is the victory.

Showing up isn’t about who comes. It’s about staying true to your purpose. It’s about trying, even when failure is possible. Every small act of courage builds momentum. And even one person reached is worth it — because courage is contagious.

So, I’m taking my own advice and hosting a free beta mastermind — a space for current and future leaders who want to find clarity heading into 2026 or work through a challenge to finish the year strong.

If you’ve been feeling stuck, or just need a place to think out loud, I’d love for you to join me. It’s not a sales pitch. It’s a conversation — a place to show up.

Here’s how it works:

• The group is intentionally small so everyone has a voice. Hint: register early so you don’t miss out.

• Confidentiality is key. Don’t bring your company’s secrets but know that what’s shared in the group stays in the group.

• Every attendee will have the opportunity to present a challenge and rate its urgency.

• I’ll determine the order, and we’ll work through the challenges together — asking clarifying questions and offering, “If I were you, I would…” insights.

After facilitating and participating in dozens of mastermind sessions, I’ve seen how quickly insight multiplies when we tackle challenges together.

If you’re ready to take on your business challenge, this free session is for you.Join me on Thursday, November 6, from 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. CT.Registration is required, and space is limited.👉 Click here to register.

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is simply send the invitation — and trust that the right people will find their way in. Whether one person or ten show up, I’ll be there.

Because showing up is where change begins.

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If you're interested in learning more about my coaching and training services or how I can help you turn your visions into business realities, email me at doris@dunnwise.com, reach out via DM or visit my website at www.dunnwise.com. And be sure to listen to the Leaderish Podcast for great insights on Leadership.