GODIVA IS MORE THAN CHOCOLATE. I believe the story of Lady Go-Diva is all about claiming your gifts and riding through your fears with courage into a life of freedom. Even if it means holding on for dear life and whispering “You-Go-Diva” to yourself when you take a chance, take the next step, and face vulnerabilities by acting with courage. Knowing others may not welcome your risk.
When people learn her story about riding disrobed through Coventry they tend to mock Lady Godiva, thinking she was indiscreet. People tend to diminish her. Why do we do this to women? Even now I watch the media pit Duchess Kate Middleton against Duchess Meghan Markle. Stories are made up as if these beautiful women could ever be horrid. It sells a lot of papers at their expense. More on the Markle Sparkle later, I am a huge fan.
Why does the world label strong confident women who stand up and follow their authentic selves instead call them sluts, bitches, and witches? (I don't mean to offend anyone, but it is common language for many.) And why do so many women join them? Because it's easy to dismiss, disrespect, and demoralize women if you can label them. And if you can label them you can destroy them.
I can't tell you how many people I've met who chuckle when they hear the name Godiva, as if this regal woman was some voyeur ready to "show her tits" (as at Mardi Gras in New Orleans) at a moment's notice. They don't realize how hard it was for Godiva to mount her horse that morning. She was stunning, yet modest. Plunging necklines were not even the style of those days. She was strongly moved to help the people by lowering the taxes, and I believe she had no desire to ride naked through the streets!
I truly believe her husband, Earl Leofric, knew something about her and believed his dare would stop her in her tracks. I truly believe Lady Godiva faced her past, and rode through her fears, to the dismay of her husband, and the respect of her people.
Brene Brown in her book The Gifts of Imperfection reminds us that the root of "Courage" is "Cour" which means "heart." Courage means acting with heart, even if you're afraid.
To ponder:
What is one risk you are facing? What is the one small step you can take to get you closer to your goal? Instead of being "brave," how can you act with "heart" and be truly courageous?
I would love to hear your thoughts!
VickiJolene
Photo credit: t-chicmclure-609531 www.unsplash.com
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