20 Seconds of Courage

Our family loves the movie, “We Bought a Zoo,” with Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson & Thomas Haden Church.

Parent alert: There is a scene in the movie where Damon is arguing with his son in the hallway and he yells, “I still have one who believes in Santa Claus.” I manage to fast forward that part every time.

The film is an uplifting story in which a dad and his two children buy a run down wildlife park and try to help the staff keep the park operating . (Of course, the mom has died in the story – why do Moms always die in these stories?)

One of the things I’ve always said to my kids is, “Anything can happen. You might think you don’t have a shot at winning or completing a goal but anything can happen. When I was younger I was up against a swimmer I had never beaten. Never ever. When the meet official started us, she had a poor start and basically fell into the water. I won the race because she fell into the water. And from that one swim I had the confidence to beat her again.I knew I could do it.  Anything can happen.

While the movie is full of beautiful music, amazing music actually, the main message of the movie is what has really stuck with me.

In the movie Matt Damon is speaking with his son about a situation with a girl but it speaks to so much more than that…. he says,

“Sometimes all you need is 20 seconds of insane courage, just literally 20 seconds of embarrassing bravery, and I promise you, something great will come of it.”

click here for printable

Most often I find the task I’m dreading or procrastinating the most to be manageable once I finally decide to do it. And amazingly, whatever I dreaded wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

I’ll let you in on a little secret.

I am a huge procrastinator when it comes to putting things up for sale on etsy. I have this extreme doubt that no one will think it has any value. No one will think it is any good.

But you know, the moment I summon the courage to put something out there, I feel better.

No, everything doesn’t always sell but I always feel such a sense of accomplishment.

I’ve tried and for me, it’s a much better outcome than wondering what might be if I never try.

*******

Have you always wanted to take a class but were too embarrassed?

Have you always dreamed about accomplishing something but are too scared to take the first step?

Are you worried what someone will say if you tell them something?

All you need is 20 seconds of insane courage

…and something great may come of it…

…because anything can happen.

*Remember to enter the Clever Containers giveaway by 10 pm tonight!

 

6 thoughts on “20 Seconds of Courage

  1. Sounds like good advice to me! The boys watched it one afternoon, but I haven’t seen the movie yet. They really liked it – didn’t mention the Santa Claus comment! :/ I really like the printable, too! Maybe my 20 seconds of insane courage comes whenever Otto says “Well, I have an offer to work in _______ (fill in a country).” and I say yes??

  2. Our family loves that movie too!! It’s a great message for our kids to grow up with.

  3. We’ve had that movie from Netflix for at least a month. Still haven’t watched it. Thanks for the heads up on the Santa!
    Now I’m anxious to see it.

  4. Love that! What’s so funny is that we watched that movie for the 1st time Sunday afternoon! Great message!

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