Make a list of the times you failed to confront an issue, situation or person. For each, name what you were afraid might happen, e.g. rejection, retaliation, loss, loneliness, embarrassment, change. Next, feel into the long-term consequences of not speaking up. Has this robbed you of your joy? Are you still paying the price? What gift might have come to you and to those involved if you did have the courage to speak your truth with both strength and compassion?

For further exploration, see The 7 Acts of Courage, pp. 67-69.