One of the challenges after we moved away from our extended family in New Jersey was figuring out what to do on holidays in the absence of the large family gatherings we were used to. Over the years, we adopted the practice of seeing a new movie 
on Christmas afternoon. This year hubby and I went to see “We Bought A Zoo.”
The movie is the true story of recently widowed father of two, Benjamin Mee (Matt Damon), who decides to buy a run-down wildlife park and move his family there to give everyone a fresh start away from sad memories.
Of course, memories aren’t so quickly left behind and running a zoo isn’t easy, either! This heartwarming story takes viewers through the evolution of the family’s grief and recovery, with a sprinkling of humor. One of the life lessons in the story is something handed down from Mee’s father to him, and from him to his children:
You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it.
Think of these words when you’re about to have a difficult conversation; be brave enough to say the first words. When attempting to do something you’re unsure of, twenty seconds of courage will get you started. When choosing a new path, bravely take that first step.
When making New Year’s resolutions later this week, be brave enough to think big! What do you want to change? What do you want to start? What do you want to stop? Remember, all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Something great will come of it.
Happy 2012!
Tuesday Tidbits are weekly messages I send to my leadership team. They are generally short & sweet, often focused on leadership or teamwork, always positive and, hopefully, motivational. I hope you also find some meaning in them.
