Brave

“Being brave is not as easy as it looks.” Simone Elkeles

This week’s discussion is being brave, or bravery and I have been thinking about this over the past week.  In my mind, bravery is a conflict of two emotions occurring at the same time.  Be brave despite a difficult situation.  To be certain, I checked in with Webster online dictionary and they state:

Brave

: having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty : having or showing courage

: to face or endure with courage

Many people I know, both personally and professionally do this each and every day.  Showing up and making a difference to others, despite their own battles or demons.  Whether living with a chronic health condition (physical or mental), being a carer or enduring anxiety or burn out.  It takes courage to get out of bed each day and face the world when living with any of the above.

For the rest of us, we will also experience moments where we experience both bravery and/or fear when we are in difficult situations.  This may be for us or others.  It takes a lot of energy being brave (and fearful) at the same time.  You may feel exhausted (and slightly proud) after the event, so please be gentle with yourself after this.  Take time to rest, re-energize and get ready to face the world again.

Please remember that bravery is not only for our superheroes, everyday people, like us – often need this superpower to survive and when the illness and/or crisis is over, they are able to thrive.

Fun Fact: Apollo (one of our gorgeous Standard Poodles) was initially frightened of this 4 foot Nutcracker! He initially avoided him and took the long way round to the courtyard. All is good now though.