Gutsy Goddess: Dana

“Courage doesn’t mean you’re fearless.  Courage means that you’re willing to move forward in the face of fear.”

I followed Orion’s belt halfway around the world on a small sailboat. My husband and I sailed from the Eastern Caribbean to the US, from the Atlantic, to Cuba, to and through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific, ultimately finishing our voyage in Australia. That included 3,100 mile passage with nothing but ocean in between Galapagos and French Marquesas—31 ½ days at sea with almost no fuel, torn sails and an ailing autopilot. 

I visited 30 countries; swam with manta rays; saw pink dolphins, breaching whales, flying fish (one even bopped me in the head on night watch!), erupting volcanoes, at least 1,000 amazing sunsets and am still thrilled by the sight of the Southern Cross and the Milky Way on a clear night. 

No matter where you go, no matter how different the cultures are, it’s the inherent goodness we share as human beings that enable us to connect in meaningful ways.  It is the many kindnesses extended to us—large and small—that will remain with me long after my memories of the amazing places I visited fade.  My goal is to pay it forward.

We all have it within ourselves to choose courage, and pursue our dreams.  Don’t wait.  There is no “right time.” You’re either making it happen, or you’re not.