What Does it Really Mean to Be Brave?

What is bravery? Is it being fearless? Is it the realization that something other than fear is more important? Is it being daring and adventurous? Is it sky-diving or bungee-jumping? To me, bravery is doing whatever needs to be done, regardless of how scared or intimidated we are.

Bravery comes in all shapes and sizes. Bravery comes in the form of a third-grader giving his first presentation in front of his class. It can come in the form of singing a solo at church, going to war on the front-lines, or having a tough conversation with someone we care about. Bravery can mean taking a new job, moving to a new country, ending an unhelpful or toxic relationship, or entering in to a great relationship.

We are all scared of something. Whether we are scared of something big like marriage, a big move, or a big career change, or smaller things like going to the gym by ourselves, wearing that new outfit to work, or getting blood drawn at the doctor- these are all real fears, and all opportunities to be brave.

It may take some time to convince ourselves, but living bravely is one of the best things we can do.

Fear often holds us back from the life we need most. Fear often makes us turn into less than our best- into people we don't like. Fear is one of the reasons we miss out, we become apathetic, and we give up on good things just because they aren't easy.

But be aware: being brave doesn't mean throwing wisdom out the window and saying "yes" to everything that comes our way. If that job, that relationship, that cross-country move is not healthy for us, then we shouldn't do it just for the sake of "being brave". Use common sense. But if those things are good for you or are necessary, then don't let fear hold you back. Be brave, have courage, and do what's best. Do what you need to do!