Life is an ever-changing journey filled with difficulties, challenges, and triumphs. Sometimes, we face situations that require courage and resilience, but it’s often the small acts of everyday bravery that shape us into the heroes of our own stories.
Bravery is not the absence of fear, but the strength to face it head-on and push past our limitations. Embracing your inner hero can ignite your true potential and create a life filled with purpose and joy.
Years ago, I had a job that required international travel. My office booked me Monday through Wednesday in Spain, then the next week Monday through Wednesday in England. Rather than fly home then back again, I elected to stay in London between these two work engagements. So, for the first time, I was alone in a foreign country.
Determined not to let this opportunity go by, I faced my fears and planned sightseeing outings. I went to Bath to see amazing Roman architecture remains and multiple museums. Of course, I absolutely had to see Stonehenge. The prehistoric monument dates from about 25000 BC, in the late Neolithic period.
I took a public tour of Christ Church in Oxford, including the staircase where Harry met Professor McGonagall in the movies. The Tudor Great Dining Hall was the inspiration for the Hogwarts Dining Hall (although it was significantly smaller than it looks in the movies). Also, I toured hallways that were used to film scenes between Harry and Hermione.
I’ll never forget the fabulous places I visited, all because I faced my fears and chose bravery.
Bravery isn’t a trait we possess or don’t. Bravery is something we do. So that means that it is available to everyone. I can’t guarantee that it will be painless; in fact, there will be a lot of growing pains and discomfort as you continually expand outside of your comfort zone. But with a little practice and self-love, it will be marginally easier each time.
As you know, life isn’t always smooth sailing; it throws curveballs and tests our resilience. By embracing everyday bravery, we gain the strength to face adversity head-on. Even when circumstances seem dire, recognizing the power within us to adapt, learn, and overcome instills a sense of hope and fuels our determination to rise above life’s challenges.
How can we experience small acts of bravery?
1. Do everyday things differently.
We naturally fall into patterns. It’s human nature. Breaking out of these old, comfortable routines can give us a gentle push out of our comfort zone. Maybe instead of watching TV after dinner, you take a walk or read a book. Pick a new walking path. This helped me. I always walked the same streets in the same direction. Walking the opposite way around the same path gave me a new perspective.
2. Stop relying on ‘comfort foods.’
I plan the meals in my household. Sometimes, my family needs to nudge me into trying new recipes since I stick with what I know they like and what I know I can cook up successfully. Trying an unfamiliar recipe is scary. What if it doesn’t turn out? Or what if no one likes it? Well, the answer to those questions is – order take out! The odds are good you and the family will love the new creation.
3. Change up your workouts.
Ever wanted to try hip-hop dancing? Find a local class and try it out. Set an aspiring goal for yourself. That might be running your first 5K, for others, it might be completing a triathlon.
4. Get creative.
Creative exercises involve accepting failure and learning from it. Unleashing your inner bravery to write and publish that poem or start the garden you’ve always dreamed of will help build resiliency and a growth mindset.
Embracing everyday bravery is a transformative mindset that empowers us to live our lives to the fullest, unlock our true potential, and make a positive impact on the world. Whether it’s trying a new recipe, forgiving yourself, forgiving others, or following where your heart leads, every act of courage brings us closer to becoming the hero of our own story. So, let us embrace everyday bravery and unleash the hero within.
https://www.travelandleisure.com/culture-design/tv-movies/oxford-harry-potter-filming-locations
https://www.britishmuseum.org/blog/introduction-stonehenge
https://medium.com/@tashpericic/what-is-bravery-what-does-it-mean-to-be-brave-bd653e6126ee
