This week on the Mindful Mindsets Podcast, we dove into a topic that resonates with everyone at some point—courage. We focused on how courage plays a role in our daily lives, particularly when we're feeling vulnerable, anxious, or uncertain, and how the gemstone carnelian can serve as a beautiful reminder of our inner courage.
Why Carnelian?
As Kati shared in the episode, carnelian, with its fiery orange and red hues, is symbolic of the courage we all have within. Whether you're facing moments of self-doubt or fear, carnelian helps remind you that you are enough and capable of overcoming whatever obstacles come your way. It’s a stone that represents standing by your convictions, making it the perfect fall accessory for both fashion and mindset.
At the start, we got a little sidetracked admiring the gorgeous carnelian bracelet from WonderLight Jewelry’s collection. It’s paired with a trendy paperclip chain design that we both love, even though we’re not always bracelet people! Seriously, the rich tones of carnelian are perfect for fall—whether you're into affirmations or just looking for a stunning autumn piece, this stone has it all.
More Than Just Jewelry
One thing we discussed is how sometimes, even when we’re just picking out jewelry for an outfit, we can incorporate mindfulness. I mentioned that there are days when I choose pieces based on how they look, but they still remind me to focus on positive mindsets—whether that’s tranquility, courage, or any of the other empowering attributes we talk about on the podcast. We’re already taking a few seconds to put on our jewelry; why not also use that time to center our thoughts with affirmations?
What Courage Looks Like in Real Life
Kati shared how courage often feels like an uphill battle, especially when dealing with anxiety. For her, courage sometimes means stepping out of her comfort zone, showing up in social situations, and putting on a brave face, even when she’s feeling overwhelmed. It’s about tapping into the version of herself she wants to be, not necessarily how she feels in the moment.
Cat’s take on courage is different—she often finds herself in situations where she has to stand up and voice her opinions, especially when it feels easier to go with the flow and make others happy. For her, courage is about being willing to express what she wants, even when it’s hard, and risking vulnerability in the process.
Practical Ways to Practice Courage
Here are a few ways we discussed on the podcast that you can practice or increase courage in your life:
-
Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone
It’s easy to stay in situations where we feel comfortable, but growth often happens when we push ourselves. Whether it’s speaking up in a group or trying something new, challenge yourself to step outside your comfort zone. Even small steps build momentum. -
Use Carnelian as a Physical Reminder
Wearing a carnelian bracelet or necklace can serve as a tangible reminder of your inner strength. When you feel moments of fear or doubt, touching the stone can help center you and remind you that you are enough and capable of conquering whatever comes your way. -
Speak Your Truth
If you’re someone who tends to people-please or avoid conflict, practice sharing your thoughts or opinions in situations that matter to you. Start small, like choosing the restaurant for a night out or saying no to something you don’t really want to do. Each time you speak up, you reinforce your ability to stand by your convictions. -
Visualize Courageous Moments
Sometimes, just the act of visualizing yourself in courageous moments can make all the difference. Imagine yourself in situations where you need to be brave—whether it’s asking for a raise, standing up for a friend, or trying something new. Visualizing success can help prepare your mind for real-life moments. -
Take It One Step at a Time
Courage doesn’t mean tackling everything at once. It’s okay to take small steps toward being braver. Break down big fears into manageable pieces, and celebrate the small victories along the way.
As we discussed on the podcast, courage isn’t about fearlessness—it’s about acting despite fear. So whether you're donning a beautiful carnelian bracelet or simply taking five seconds to breathe deeply before a challenging situation, remember that courage is within you. Just like the fiery hues of carnelian, your inner strength is always there, ready to shine when you need it most.
Facing Regret
We wrapped up the episode by reflecting on those moments in life when we’ve let fear stop us from taking action, and how that regret can feel so much worse than the failure we were initially afraid of. I shared a story about missing out on a potential investment opportunity because I was too scared to take the leap. It was a reminder that sometimes, it’s better to swing and miss than to never try at all.
Kati’s husband, Jordan, often reminds her of this as well—don’t let fear stop you from doing something that could bring amazing experiences into your life. After all, the risks we don’t take can sometimes be the biggest missed opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Courage comes in many forms. Whether it’s stepping outside your comfort zone, standing by your beliefs, or simply taking a deep breath before speaking your truth, it’s something we all have within us. Carnelian can serve as a beautiful reminder of that courage, helping you channel strength when you need it most. And let’s be honest, it doesn’t hurt that it’s also a stunning addition to your fall jewelry collection!
Thank you for joining us wherever you listen to your podcasts for another episode of WonderLight Jewelry's Mindful Mindsets Podcast. We hope this conversation about courage inspires you to embrace your inner strength. Until next time, stay mindful, aligned, and present!
SHOP ALL CARNELIAN / COURAGE JEWELRY HERE!
WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE HERE!