One of the words that I like to reflect on periodically is courage.  Because it has deep meaning and one can possess it at variable times along with various quantities, it is something that binds all of us together.  We can all identify with an act of bravery, because if you have lived long enough, life has given you enough tests to exercise your personal reserves.  There are people around the world that live daily with the courage of their convictions, while others await for a day to come when they feel they may have enough of it that they can take a step out of their comfort zone and seek to manifest a change they wish to see.  We would not have great countries or great leaders if people did not utilize their fortitude to create the circumstances that enabled others to be part of that collective dream.  Bravery can also mean that for a person who perhaps has been in a hurtful relationship or victimized in any way, that they can finally seize that moment where they decide that they are worth more than the situation they are in.  Although the names of courageous people are usually associated with historical references and rightly so, I am usually more touched by the one person that is less well known or in the shadows of our surroundings, who took a brave risk and persevered despite their circumstances.  We probably have many more of those quiet brave people around us and in larger quantities than we know, as they are not seeking public attention and are simply choosing to live up to their own defined purpose.  It is great to hear stories on the news about the local hero who saved the day or the life of another human being.  I live for those moments to hear something that touches my heart.  However, let us not forget the many other hero's that may be quietly walking around us in a self made victory walk that took a lot of time and personal effort for them to achieve.