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Being Brave
What is being brave really means?
Those are commonly asked questions by individuals who are facing different uncertainty in life. Sometimes even the strongest, well-experienced independent persons are asking those questions at some point in their lives. We are human beings after all. Every day we are facing different life scenarios. We cannot escape the reality of the world. And that’s the fact.
According to the dictionary, being brave means you are ready to face and endure any danger or pain. It sounds as if it is too easy, right? But honestly, I personally find it hard to digest! Sometimes I find it difficult to apply it to myself. A few years ago, I was bitten by a dog and I’m so scared when the village doctor was about to use some kind of a blade to cut around the wound! He kept on saying ” Be brave. Just a few cuts. We need to let the blood out.” Every time I think about those memories I kind of laugh at myself. I can’t imagine how terrified I am. And how I managed to not cry out loud. Sometimes having some terrifying experiences helps us to re-access our tolerance in facing fear.
There are different kinds of uncertainly that we will encounter in life. Some are easy to face and fix. Some will be hard and difficult to solve. But don’t be afraid. You are not alone. Every day, many people are facing their own battles. We are all players in this world. Remember that no one is exempted. We will encounter happiness and sometimes hardships. That’s the reality.
Remember that being brave doesn’t mean you are incapable of fear. Courageous people use their fear to ensure that they are not overly confident in facing any challenges in life. They also feel fear but they know how to overcome it. They continuously learning how to manage and control their emotions so that they can take the appropriate actions in dealing with any difficulties in life.
There’s nothing wrong if you are trying to improve yourself to become braver. It is somehow important to be brave or let’s say to be a braver version of yourself. Don’t be afraid to accept or embrace your vulnerability. Being able to accept that will really help you a lot to determine, develop or reinvent yourself.
Being brave means having the courage to face challenges, fears, or uncertainties with determination and resilience, even when it’s difficult. It’s not about the absence of fear but rather the ability to act despite it. Here are some key aspects of bravery:
1. Facing Fears
- Acknowledging Fear: Recognizing and admitting what you’re afraid of is the first step to bravery.
- Confronting It: Bravery involves taking steps to face your fears, whether they’re physical, emotional, or psychological.
2. Taking Risks
- Courage often requires stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown or uncertain outcomes.
- This could mean trying something new, pursuing a dream, or standing up for what you believe in.
3. Standing Up for Yourself and Others
- Being brave means speaking up for yourself, especially in situations where your values, boundaries, or rights are being challenged.
- It also involves advocating for others, defending them against injustices, or offering support in their time of need.
4. Resilience in Adversity
- Bravery is about perseverance, even when the odds seem against you.
- It includes the strength to get back up after setbacks or failures and continue striving forward.
5. Authenticity and Vulnerability
- True courage often lies in being yourself, even when it’s not easy or popular.
- It also involves being vulnerable, sharing your true feelings, and letting others see your authentic self.
6. Everyday Acts of Bravery
- Small, Daily Choices: Bravery isn’t always about grand gestures; it’s in the small, everyday actions, like apologizing, forgiving, or admitting when you’re wrong.
- Kindness as Courage: Sometimes, showing compassion or kindness in the face of hostility is one of the bravest things a person can do.
Why Being Brave Matters
- Growth and Learning: Facing fears and challenges fosters personal growth and helps you learn new skills or perspectives.
- Building Confidence: Each brave action reinforces your belief in your ability to handle difficult situations.
- Inspiring Others: Courage can motivate others to find their own bravery, creating a ripple effect of strength and resilience.
How to Cultivate Bravery
- Start Small: Begin with manageable challenges and gradually work up to bigger fears.
- Seek Support: Surround yourself with people who encourage and believe in you.
- Focus on Purpose: Remember why you’re taking the risk or standing up; focusing on the “why” often overshadows the fear.
- Embrace Imperfection: Understand that failure is part of the process and doesn’t diminish your bravery.
- Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge and reward yourself for acts of courage, no matter how small they seem.
Being brave doesn’t mean you won’t feel fear; it means deciding that something else—growth, justice, love, or self-respect—is more important.
