When I think of the word ‘Brave’ I immediately court images of galant knights poised for battle, or a civil rights protester standing in front of a crowd of angry people, policeman and guns, or a girl fighting to walk again after a car accident paralysed her.
The world is full of brave acts. Impressive feats. Courage. Malala Yousafzai standing up for girls’ education and being shot at by the Taliban. Sea Shepard boats literally putting themselves in front of whale harpoons to stop the slaughter of whales and other endangered sea life. Pasang Lhamu Sherpa the first Nepalese woman to climb the summit of Mount Everest.
Bravery is all of these things.
We idolise this as a society. Facing off against the ‘forces’, whatever form they take.
I admire it too. I get inspiration from people getting out there, taking risks, and if not succeeding, damn well coming close to it. The strength, the sweat and the elation. It can almost be addictive (both in the observation and in the action of it).
We think of bravery as outward acts, going forth into the world and making changes. Hi ho, it’s off to work we go. Hi ho, it’s off to win this war. Hi ho, it’s off win this election. Achievement of something. If you don’t achieve it, that’s okay because you took action. Against the odds.
Bravery can also be a lot quieter. There are many overlooked acts of bravery. The ones we won’t see in the papers. I believe these acts of bravery can have the biggest impact in our lives and those around us.
Bravery can be as simple as initiating a conversation. It can take a shitload of guts to talk to someone who means something to you about an issue or problem you have involving them. For example, you want to initiate a conversation about the way your partner talks to your child.
The thoughts that could be swirling around your head before: will he hear me? will she understand what I’m saying? will they get what I think is right? will this be the end of our relationship? will I be able to cope with her answer?
This is a big deal. And it takes courage to have these conversations (and not to mention a lot of skill to have a conversation that doesn’t end in a blame-a-thon – I think one of the most valuable skills a person can learn in life is how to communicate effectively – check out non-violent communication as a start point). It might not be going out to battle with a suit full of armour, wild hair and growl in your heart, but emotionally it could feel this way. This is brave.
Bravery can be realising that you have been doing the same thing for a while and that you need to do something new. You decide to enrol in a course and learn new skills. This is brave.
Bravery can be signing up to an online dating site. You nervously type a profile blurb whilst thoughts swirl around your head: Will I find love? Is it possible for me? Are all men / women the same? Will I get hurt again? Putting yourself out there is brave.
Bravery can be following your passion. It can be going against what is expected of you or what your parents want for you. It can be extremely tough to say this is what makes me happy over standard career or life choices. This is bravery.
Bravery can be simply stepping outside your front door. It can be a challenge some days to go outside. There are people out there. You don’t know if they will be friendly, harass or ignore you. And there’s the dogs. And birds. And cars. I am reminded of the wise words from Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings:
“It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”
I want us to start acknowledging the brave acts we do every day. Acknowledging it in ourselves and others. This will help build braver communities.
I’m building a community of Live Bravers. People who are making changes, taking risks and supporting each other along the way.
Come and be apart of it! 🙂
I’d love you to share one of your brave acts recently in the comments below, or even better, join and share in our new Live Brave FB group.
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