What Does It REALLY Mean to Be Brave?

I remember feeling brave when we made the choice to move back to Colorado. I remember feeling brave when I applied for the Sedona Art Festival. Countless other times, I can still feel the butterflies and excitement of stepping outside my comfort zone and doing that thing that seemed impossible.

What Does It Mean To Be Brave?

I think it’s fair to say we all have different definitions of “bravery”. For the elderly woman, it might mean walking the short distance to church everyday because it’s so important to her. The middle school student with anxiety feels brave when he can read a paragraph aloud without his voice shaking. For the stay-at-home mom, it might mean asking for help.

Bravery is simply doing something that is hard for us. It can be as simple as calling up an old friend (even though we hate talking on the phone) or as scary as filing for divorce (because you know it’s the right thing for you). There is FEAR in bravery that creates those nervous feelings, butterflies in the stomach, a worrisome mind, and a desire to just avoid it all together.

What Brave Thoughts Keep Returning?

We usually know it’s time to take that brave step because the thought won’t go away. It comes up again and again, asking us if we’d like to take action now?

What thoughts keep coming back to you that tell you it’s time to think about making a move?

It might excite you, scare the hell out of you, or make you a little uncomfortable. Only you know if it’s the right step to take. What 3 brave things can you do this year to make you life even better? Join me on my annual journey to do #3bravethings.

Ideas for #3bravethings:

• Read one book per month about an amazing person
• Sign up for a class
• Call or write that someone that you need to give attention to
• Make that doctor appointment
• Create a butterfly garden and learn how to work your camera to take photos of them
• Make your health a priority by doing this: ______
• Find a church or place to be more spiritual (might be your backyard)
• Try yoga or tai chi
• Sign up for a 5k run/walk
• Let negative people in your life go (say no, unfriend, unfollow, whatever it takes)
• Stand up for yourself
• Write down 1 thing you like about yourself every day
• Start a gratitude journal
• Find a new job
• Volunteer to speak or sing
• Join a community organization or club
• Start a Meetup group for an interest you have
• Make time to sit quietly and think or meditate every day

Let’s Support Each Other

Share your thoughts and journey here in the comments or on my Facebook Page, using #3bravethings, so we can find each other. We’ll support and encourage you!

Grit & Grace: Bravery Inspiration

P.S.

This painting was created for the bravery and confidence that I saw in the deer. The name is “Grit & Grace”, available in pink or blue. The original (pink) is available HERE and giclee prints are available HERE.