We all have different notions of what bravery is. These are based on culture and also on our personal life experiences. For some people climbing mountains or diving deep in the oceans is bravery — and I respect that. I’m not physically brave at all! But let me share how I am brave.
I am brave by daring to call out things that I think were wrong in my family. That I had, sadly, to finally sever ties with some of my family required me to be strong. No one won. But I freed myself from a lot of toxicity.
In the last couple of years, I, together with my husband, have had to stand up to protect the rights of the stray dogs that live in our housing complex. They are supposedly protected by the law, but people refuse to accept that. In the last two months, we faced scapegoating over the fact that we feed these dogs. It was easy to give up — but we dug our heels in.
I am brave for standing up against corruption in an organization that I had invested so much of myself in. That I lost a lot of old friends and acquaintances because of this, showed the depth of my willingness to stand up for what’s right.
I’m sorry if this sounds like a lot of hot air and me blowing my trumpet. Working on myself has taken a lot of courage. And while I am a work in progress, today, I’m going to crow about how far I’ve come!
And finally, I’m brave because I dare to show up every day on the page — through the Morning Pages practice and now by writing almost daily on Instagram and Medium.
How are you brave?
I loved your post today, Corinne. You have cleared the notion that bravery can be emotional & psychological; not only physical.
You have shared stories with a transparency that accounts for integrity.
It feels proud to know someone like you that shares so authentically.
Many that strike a chord with your writing can say, Oh! It happens to her too! They are going to think ‘ so what’ if I’m different, here’s someone like me.
Yes, you are brave in these ways, Corinne! It takes courage to use our voices in ways that will be unpopular with those we know. I’ve discovered that too. I don’t consider myself a brave person either by the traditional definition, but there is more than one way to define bravery.
I never had any doubt about you. I always felt that you were brave and courageous. You are a person who calls a spade a spade without beating around the bush. I have always admired your strong personality. Keep being brave and keep encouraging others who need strength and support.
Standing up against the status quo despite rejection and standing up for the vulnerable despite opposition, indeed, take courage. I hope to be like you in that manner, Corinne.
Bravery is when we speak our mind, speak against what we think is wrong and do not cower under pressure. The ability to fight the demons within and to show up every day is a sign of bravery. You are definitely brave, Corinne!
Kudos and salute your bravery!
It takes courage to answer a call…It takes courage to give your all…It takes courage to be true. (remember that song?) <3
https://natashamusing.com/2020/06/it-takes-courage-wordlesswednesday-wednesdaywisdom/
(a post i wrote some moons ago)
Tha, Natasha. I do remember that song! And now it’s on a loop in my head! ♥