What Does “Being Brave” Mean?

My good friend Karaboo and I tend to email almost every day and share parts of our life or quotes, pictures, etc. that we’ve found interesting/funny/inspirational.  Last week she sent me a copy of Are you being brave? by Simple Mom.  This is not a blog that I follow, but I’m always up to read something new.

The blogger posed the query “Stop and think about the bravest moment in your life.” Now, most of you know what I do when told to stop and think about something, I usually don’t.  I gave it a slight pause and nothing immediately popped up, so I continued reading.  She goes on to detail her brave moment that happened while she was working on her pilot’s license.  Both of my parents have gotten their pilot’s licenses, so I know how hair-raising and gut-wrenching that can be, and I have to admit, my dad is red/green color blind.  The colors on planes (to indicate if they are coming at you or away from you) are red and green.  So, I see how that could be a momentous occasion in a person’s life.  The blogger is very adamant that you don’t compare your moment to anyone else’s; all of our life experiences are different. I appreciate her pointing that out, as we all know that my goal for this year is to stop comparing myself to others!  🙂

I read the blog to the end.  I stopped and thought about my bravest moment.  I’ve jumped out of a plane.  I’ve ridden the Titan at Six Flags -twice (255 feet tall, speed exceeding 85 mph, those are stats that I’m really glad I didn’t know beforehand!), I’ve swam in an ocean, given birth and I’ve taken multiple road trips with my family. These are all big, brave things in my world.

It was time to answer Karaboo’s email… “I love this!  And while I respect her journey, and the big brave thing she did – there are days that sometimes just making it through the day makes me feel brave!”

Sometimes it is hard to pull the trigger and hit send on an email when you don’t know what reaction the other side is expecting from you!

Oh thank goodness! Karaboo agreed with me!  I should have known her thoughts were going in the same direction as mine.  Karaboo sent back that she was thinking that it was brave to be a single mom, or a step-mom.  Working from home or accepting a job that you have no experience at.  “What about the 100’s of little things we all do each and every day that others don’t see as brave, but was brave for us.”

So, to answer Simple Mom’s query, and as I told Karaboo, I love the big adventures, and they make great stories and very, very memorable moments, but for me, sometimes just making it through the day makes me feel brave.  Walking into a room where I don’t know anyone makes me feel brave.  Attempting to make cookies after dinner really makes me feel brave.  Hearing my son tell me he loves me makes me feel brave.  Writing this blog makes me feel brave.  It means that I stood up and faced the day, faced my fears and just kept putting one foot in front of the other.

I’d ask you all to stop and think about your bravest moment… but, we know I hate that – however, I will tell you feel free to share your bravery below!

Here’s wishing you all be brave!