Sometimes the better part of valor comes from saying less, not more; in letting some things rest, rather than continually unearthing and dredging up that which has already passed.

Sometimes the better part of valor comes from letting go, instead of digging in; of advancing forward, instead of allowing ourselves to remain stuck in those things we cannot change.

Sometimes the better part of valor comes from forgiveness, rather than judgment; from compassion, rather than criticism, no matter how difficult the truths revealed.

Over the course of a life time, we each will be tempered by our wounds, our losses, our heartaches; our disappointments, our grievances and our failures. In the midst of our grief, we each will be tempted, too — to say more, unearth, dredge up, dig in, remain stuck, judge and criticize.

But the sheer rawness of life and universal flaws of the human condition remind me that perhaps the better part of valor comes from remembering that mindset makes the (wo)man more than circumstances themselves, and that we each have a responsibility to pave a path forward — one filled with light, hope, love and trust; with compassion, integrity, gratitude and forgiveness; with the strength of heart and mind to overcome, courage push forward and resolve to build a better tomorrow.

I’m curious…

What does the ‘better part of valor’ mean to you?