On bravery

For a time I was drawn to being fearless. That was the goal. No more fear. It was an admirable goal…or that’s what inspirational Pinterest quotes had me believe. But there was an issue.

The problem with my attempt to be fearless - any time I experience any level of fear it meant I had failed to be fearless. And I felt that. I was discouraged whenever I would feel the inklings and signs of fear. 

When I was working at the Boys and Girls Club I came up with this mantra for the kiddos (and myself). I would tell the kids the best part of being afraid is we get to be brave. 

Here’s the thing, when my focus was on being fearless and I didn’t live up to that I stalled out. I would sit in the failure of not being fearless instead of doing the thing I was aiming to do.

So now, instead of resisting the fear and dwelling in it, I lean into it. And I convince myself the best part of being afraid is an opportunity to be brave.

Perhaps it is just semantics, but I believe our words have power. And being brave doesn’t require me to be fearless. In fact, bravery does not exist without fear. 

So I choose to aim for bravery over fearlessness. 

And when fear hits and we choose to be brave it leads to action. Bravery keeps us moving forward. 

So be afraid. Go for it. And don’t let fear boss you around. 

Be afraid and be brave.