Be Brave

“You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Happy New Year to all!

I don’t know about you, but 2018 was a whirlwind for my family and I. As I scroll through Facebook, I often see people posting their theme word for 2019. For 2017-2018 our word was “brave.” A year and a half ago (because of some unfortunate circumstances), my husband and I uprooted from NC and moved to VA. We were confident this was the right decision, but that didn’t make it easy. We had an 18-month-old and I was 30 weeks along with our second child and a very difficult pregnancy (and therefore, not working). In fact, neither of us had a job. What we did have was each other, the encouragement and prayers of family and good friends, and our belief in a good and sovereign God who would provide for us as we trusted in Him.

As we thought about what we would name our second son, we wanted it to be a remembrance of this season for us, and also – on the day when he is required to act on faith – that he would have the courage he needs as he looks back to our example. Which is why we landed on the Dutch name “Coen” – which means brave.

Along with the challenges, our family has been richly blessed in 2018. Tyler has always had work in front of him (including recently providing him with a position at a wonderful church) and an opportunity in the months ahead to be Student Pastor at a church plant in our community.

Additionally, I was able to start my own private practice – Kaleidoscope Occupational Therapy LLC! Something I never dreamed I would have the courage to do. Since I launched this practice a couple of months ago, it has spurred a new passion in me for providing OT services and I have had the honor of working with some really special families!

I am so grateful for a husband who has supported me and encouraged me to step out; who did not let fear stop me from this adventure! I have loved meeting new people and working with some of the sweetest kids! I was so moved – just yesterday – when a child I am working with was asked, “What do you want to learn more about in 2019?” He replied, “How to use my body together better.” The kids I work with often have to be brave and attempt to do tasks that come naturally for most but are difficult for them. This little boy’s response meant he is willing to “be brave” by challenging himself in our therapy sessions in the new year.

What is one thing that fear has been keeping you from in 2018? My hope for each of you is that 2019 would be the year that you see what is possible when fear is pushed aside.

Blessings,

Christiana Cooper, OTR/L