Bravery

“A brave man is a man who dares to look the Devil in the face and tell him he is a Devil.”   James A. Garfield

Merriam Webster’s definition of bravery is: the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty: the quality or state of being brave: courage.

To have bravery or to be brave in front of anyone does take a lot of courage.  Whether standing up and challenging others bad behaviour, having the difficult conversation or turning up.  Some days and/or events are easier than others. This can be based on how you feel emotionally or physically or on the importance of the issue.

Many years ago, I had the difficult conversation with a group of peers on a committee of management.  My opinion was vastly different to others around the table.  Usually when a decision is made at this level, we all wear the decision.  On this occasion, I requested that the minutes reflect that I was against the motion.  It was a difficult conversation, but I wanted it to be noted that I was not in agreeance on this occasion.  Very rarely, do I request the notation, however, this time – I felt strongly and wanted it on record, especially given the seriousness of my belief.  It is brave to align with your values, especially when others do not hold the same values or do not see the same concerns that you have with another’s actions or even understand your concerns.

Bravery is often just turning up.  For many of us, meeting a “new” therapist or health professional is a difficult but necessary event.  So many questions and emotions all at once.  What will they think of me?  How do I (re)tell my story?  What will they think of me?  What if I get upset?  Will they believe me?  Turning up, despite this – is also being very brave.

For those living with a hidden illness, such as anxiety, turning up is often fraught with fear.  As you never know when it may hit.  Learning how to manage the side effects or cortisol is very overwhelming.  It is the same for a number of both mental illnesses and physical illnesses. 

Managing life, despite the difficulties is bravery in action.