Back in 2003, Toronto had a huge blackout. I was in a change room at the Eaton Centre, trying on a dress for my brother’s upcoming wedding, and suddenly everything went quiet and dark. I fumbled my way out of the dress and back into my jeans, and tried not to scare the staff as I came out (I don’t think they realized anyone was back there.) My car was in an underground parking garage, and was therefore stuck, so I had a leisurely walk across the city to get home to my apartment. It was a very strange day. You know when something really out of the ordinary happens and then everyone becomes extra friendly? What is usually not considered normal or possible was suddenly happening. It was one of those days and it gifted me the feeling of freedom. There was nothing to do and no work to be done. That kind of blank slate is so inviting! Once I got home, I decided that it was the perfect opportunity to write a song. Without any electricity, all I needed was a candle, my acoustic guitar, and an open heart. I was inspired by a quote that has been with me since I was a teenager. It says:

“Courage: Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

As time goes on, I’m learning more about what exactly this means – the fear, doubt, vulnerability, and risk involved…and ultimately, the great sense of fulfillment and freedom that come too.

And so I wrote, and this is what came out – my ode to personal authenticity. I recorded it way back in 2008, and I’ve been meaning to re-record it, but I felt drawn to share it with you today anyway. I hope you like it. The lyrics are below.

Courage

Don’t tell me what I oughta see

You don’t know the world my eyes show me

What you see as true

Might be a lie to me

Don’t tell me where I oughta go

My path is different than the one you know

Where my own light leads

I will follow

I’ll do it in my own style

In my own time

In my own way

I won’t tell you what you oughta do

What brings me down might elevate you

All we’ve gotta do, in the end

Is to ourselves be true

Love,

Brigid