Why I Admire People with Courage and Openness in Coquitlam

In my work as a counsellor—and in my own life—I often find myself deeply moved by people who are willing to show courage and openness. These qualities are not always loud or dramatic; more often, they appear in quiet, steady moments that can easily go unnoticed by the world. Yet, to me, they are some of the most powerful traits a person can embody.

​Courage in Everyday Life

Courage is not just about heroic acts or bold decisions. Sometimes, it looks like showing up to a first counselling session, even when anxiety says to stay home. It can mean choosing to speak honestly in a difficult conversation, or admitting when something feels overwhelming. Courage is found in those small, everyday acts of choosing authenticity over comfort.

What I admire most about courageous people is their willingness to face uncertainty. They may not know how things will unfold, but they step forward anyway. This kind of bravery creates space for growth, healing, and connection.

I think about my own journey when I reflect on courage. When I decided to go back to school to become a counsellor, I had many doubts that this might not be the right career for me. Friends asked, “You’ve changed fields a number of times, are you sure? What if it doesn’t work out? Wouldn’t the time and money invested be a waste?”

There were so many I don’t knows. But in the end, I decided to give it a chance—more importantly, to give myself a chance. Looking back, I see that decision as an act of courage: stepping into uncertainty with the hope that something meaningful could grow from it.

Because of that experience, I can relate deeply to people who feel uncertain when they try something new. Courage isn’t something you simply stumble upon or find waiting for you—it’s something you have to front, often while still feeling scared or unsure. And truthfully, it’s hard.

The Beauty of Openness

Openness is another quality that inspires me. It takes strength to remain open in a world that often teaches us to protect ourselves, hide our feelings, or put on a mask. Openness is not about being vulnerable with everyone, all the time—it’s about choosing to share your authentic self in safe spaces, allowing others to really see you.

In counselling, openness might look like being curious about your own story, trying a new coping strategy, or exploring emotions that feel uncomfortable. When people allow themselves to be open, they invite new possibilities into their lives.

​Why These Qualities Matter

Courage and openness together create a powerful foundation for change. They are the qualities that help people break patterns, heal from old wounds, and build stronger relationships. They are also the qualities that inspire others: when we witness someone being brave and open, it often encourages us to do the same.

An Invitation

If you’ve ever doubted whether your small steps of courage and openness matter, I want to assure you that they do. Each time you allow yourself to be real, to try again, or to reach out for support, you are demonstrating remarkable strength.

​It is an honor, in my counselling practice, to witness this kind of courage and openness in others. And it’s a reminder for me too—that the most meaningful changes often begin with the simple act of showing up, just as you are.  Book a free 15 minute consultation.