Being brave is a lonely job because the onus is on the person in question. Even though you may receive support; in the early days of your bravery journey: you are embarking on changes by yourself. You are a tree, growing your own new shoots of changes and development… but there will be someone on hand, to help you hold the watering can.

Additionally, and especially if you are trying to charter new waters with a dream-pursuit: talking about it to droves of people isn’t always constructive. Well-meaning friends could dampen your spirits, purely because they can’t envision your idea, working. They only have their standpoint, and they may even feel as though they’re protecting you. But unknowingly they could be depleting your energy. So, being choosey about who you confide in, is key.

There are countless areas within all our lives when being brave isn’t always a choice. We just must get on with the obstacle in our way: be it preventative surgery versus keeping mobile, in my case, or those far worse off than me, who have a life-threatening illness.

I have two friends who are both receiving treatment for cancer, and their attitude, if it could be bottled and sold, would be a potent remedy for anyone who gets pulled into the unhelpful mindset of self-pity. Being brave is a frame of mind, and when we are mindful that our intellect can override our emotions, then this keeps us strong in spirit…

To be brave about any aspect of your life is to accentuate all your foibles. It is natural that you will feel a heightened sense of: anxiety, doubt, and insecurity, because these feelings will all play louder, when we feel under any kind of threat. When we remember these additional “symptoms” are normal in humans and animals alike, then we can drawer comfort from this.

Additionally, we can confide in selective family members, or our closest friends. You know who you can trust, and that person will always want the best outcome for you.

Whilst you start your bravery journey alone, and indeed it feels all- consuming because it starts out as a solo job; it is not really the case. You can invite selective friends to help you through your journey. They will wish to help you, as you would them.  Or there is no shame in seeking professional support…

I have written this because as a survivor of abuse, I know firsthand about our accentuated senses of independence. We are well -rehearsed at doing things for ourselves, in the same way that we are not used to asking others for help. Many of our birth -senses are distorted because we were raised in a dysfunctional home. As a young child, I once cut my finger badly, but was more concerned about concealing the injury, than I was to ask for assistance.

Also, because a friend of mine, with whom I share a tragic event with, has recently been in touch. She has bravely approached me, and together we will discuss a strategy about how we can support younger members of our families… we are both extremely grateful to have one another.

Gratitude is as fundamentally important as following a nutritionally-rich diet. It supports our sense of bravery.

 

I hope you find this helpful.

With SUNNY wishes, Emma x