What does it mean to be brave? I ask myself that question, thinking about superheroes who fly and cross the skies with colorful capes. Superman and Wonder Woman are my favorite superheroes in the universe, although I don't think I've ever seen a whole superhero movie. I do know that I like how they look because they look so cute. But for us mere mortals without powers, what does it mean to be brave? Being brave isn't just not being afraid; being brave isn't just taking risks for others and not being afraid of monsters, or the darkness, or the night, or insects and reptiles. Being brave isn't just walking around saving people in distress. Being brave is also learning to ask for help when needed, without the shame of feeling weak. Sometimes it's embarrassing to admit that we don't know something; accepting that we don't know everything is also bravery. Brave people are those who move forward in life even if not everything is pretty. Being brave is knowing when to cry and when to wipe away your tears to move forward. That's difficult, that's what being brave is. Living is the greatest act of bravery.
Being brave is also knowing what to say and when to say it. Telling the truth and saying it without fear is brave.
I'm older and I'm still learning to be brave, although there are days when I feel very fearful. Sometimes I have to face things I'm afraid of, and I'm scared of them, but I don't want that fear to dominate me. We all have a little bit of courage inside. Courage is trying and moving forward. Courage is having the courage to fight for happiness.
Images from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/illustrations/warrior-heroine-fantasy-portrait-4458063/
