Brave

I’ve been thinking a lot about bravery the past couple of weeks.

I’ve never considered myself a brave person.

I mean…I’ve considered myself a stupid person because I usually have no regard for self preservation when it comes to certain daredevil type things…and when it comes to putting someone else before myself.

But, not brave. I’m too scared to be brave. I’m scared of doing the wrong thing. I’m scared of upsetting people. I’m scared of not being enough. I’m scared of being too much. I’m scared of being abandoned. I’m scared of being surrounded. More than anything, I’m scared of letting people in and being hurt or having my heart broken.

I live a life of fear. So, how could I consider myself brave?

But…like I said, I’ve been thinking about this recently. And especially right now as I lay here in my newly remodeled house…with this feeling of a fresh start…and I think…”My life has been one fresh start after another.”

I started fresh multiple times growing up. I started fresh after my divorced. I started fresh when I went back to school. I’m starting fresh with my new surroundings.

Do you know what it takes to start fresh?

Bravery.

I can be afraid. I can be so scared I am internally shaking and terrified. But…every time I start fresh…every time I make a huge change…every time I trust someone new and let them in…that’s bravery.

Not in spite of the fear, but BECAUSE of the fear.

There is no bravery without fear.

So…what are you going to do that’s brave?