Harriet Tubman - Icon of Courage and Freedom
Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross, c. March 1822[1] – March 10, 1913) was an American abolitionist and political activist. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including family and friends,[2] using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known as the Underground Railroad. During the American Civil War, she served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army. In her later years, Tubman was an activist in the struggle for women's suffrage. … The first woman to lead an armed expedition in the war, she guided the raid at Combahee Ferry, which liberated more than 700 slaves.
- From Wikipedia
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I have always admired the bravery of Harriet Tubman to take action to save others while risking her life to do it. Most of us have the opportunity to take small action every day to make a huge impact in the lives of others with no risk to our own life. In fact, when we do that and we stand up for another and we speak out or we show up, we give permission for others to do the same and it feels so good. When we give through the smallest of gestures with no hardship on our part, we get so much back and it fills us up. That is the power of #gratitude.
Do you have the #courage to take action and do what matters? How are you living in harmony with your values?
Favorite quote:
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”
As a coach, I see that we are all capable of accomplishing so much more than we thought was possible. But the human side gives us doubt and fear and our saboteurs limit our true nature. One of my favorite yoga teachers, Mynx Inatsugu said, “Imagine how much healthier we would be if we chewed on our food as much as we chewed on the thoughts in our head.”
Send the “imposter syndrome”, the “I’m not good enough”, the “it’s too hard” on vacation and go get started on the work that really matters. And when you think it’s just too hard, take a rest and then think about Harriet Tubman and the difference she made in the lives of so many.
Inspiring reading:
A previously unknown portrait of a young Harriet Tubman goes on view, by Allison Keyes, smithsonianmag.com, March 26, 2019
Harriet Tubman: The Road to Freedom by Catherine Clinton, 2004
Photo attribution: woodcut artist not listed; W.J. Moses, printer; stereotyped by Dennis Bro's & Co. / Public domain