her life shrinks or expands in proportion to her courage

Dear Reader,

The title of this blog is a modified version of a quote by American author, Anais Nin. I've modified it and adapted it to she/her/her as I feel recent events aptly express how I feel about my interactions and experience with a certain individual.

A colleague of mine at work passed away due a critical illness. She was battling a critical illness for a long time and when it appeared that she is getting back to normal, I got the sad news that she is no more. She was also my first female boss/supervisor/manager. I've worked with her for close to two years and directly reported to her. My prayers are with her family, friends and close ones. It will be a great loss to the family, organization, the community and women in technology.

courage -  the ability/quality/spirit to do something that you know is difficult or that frightens one; strength in the face of pain or grief.

I dedicate this blog to her courage. Not just when battling an illness but throughout her work and interactions with others. That is my biggest learning from her. And a trait that every woman in technology should inculcate. I can say without doubt that her life expanded in proportion to her courage.

Courage comes in many forms and is demonstrated in many ways. Courage to do the right thing, courage to fight for what is right, courage to do something knowing the risks, courage under fire, courage to believe in someone, courage to trust someone, courage to say what  needs to be said, courage to go on stage and shine in the limelight, courage to get things right when everyone is watching you, courage to tell the truth, and so many many more.

When I look back at certain events in my own life, I can definitely attribute some of the high moments when I demonstrated courage. However, this blog is not about me.

This blog is also not about my colleague. This blog is a shout out to all those courageous women in technology... to all those women waiting to make their mark - that - the one trait that you must have is courage.

And don't waste time ranting about how courageous you where in the past. Most people don't care. It is your personal high and your personal win. Just like my colleague, who went about displaying courage in so many ways but never talked about it. Even when courageously battling an illness, whenever she interacted with us, it just seemed like she was with us in that moment - doing what needs to be done.

Courage - Edgar A. Guest

Courage isn’t a brilliant dash,

A daring deed in a moment’s flash;

It isn’t an instantaneous thing

Born of despair with a sudden spring

It isn’t a creature of flickered hope

Or the final tug at a slipping rope;

But it’s something deep in the soul of woman

That is working always to serve some plan.

Courage isn’t the last resort

In the work of life or the game of sport;

It isn’t a thing that a woman can call

At some future time when she’s apt to fall;

If she hasn’t it now, she will have it not

When the strain is great and the pace is hot.

For who would strive for a distant goal

Must always have courage within her soul.

Courage isn’t a dazzling light

That flashes and passes away from sight;

It’s a slow, unwavering, ingrained trait

With the patience to work and the strength to wait.

It’s part of a woman when her skies are blue,

It’s part of her when she has work to do.

The brave woman never is freed of it.

She has it when there is no need of it.

Courage was never designed for show;

It isn’t a thing that can come and go;

It’s written in victory and defeat

And every trial a woman may meet.

It’s part of her hours, her days and her years,

Back of her smiles and behind her tears.

Courage is more than a daring deed:

It’s the breath of life and a strong woman's creed.

RIP

Thanks for reading.

Jyothin