Do you consider yourself brave? Neither did I. Not until I started to assess the world around me and decide that I was going to step up to the challenge of making it a better place. Where can I start? How can I do it? These are the questions I ask myself and that you should ask yourself as well. Asking the questions is just part of the equation. Answering the question is the other part…the other difficult part.
The definition of bravery is “the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty.” I bet that you can find a part of your life that falls into one of these categories. Most of us can relate to fears and difficulties because we face them daily to varying degrees. Some are big, some are small, but they are always there.
So many times in life you are going to be stuck in a downward slide. You may be ill, suffering a financial demise, dealing with a broken relationship, coping with abuse or disappointment. You will only see dark side and it will be scary. But you can get through it. You must remind yourself that there is light ahead. It may take time for your heart to mend, or to repair the damage, but you will because giving up is not an option.
Martial arts taught me a lot about bravery. My first class was incredibly difficult for me. I looked around at the participants and thought that there was no way I could ever do any of it. I felt insecurity creeping in, and it required every inch of bravery for me to try it. It was one of the first times in my life that I decided to push through and not give up because of fear or worry. This pivotal moment in my life changed who I was forever.
As a beginner in martial arts, I discovered many truths about myself. One is that you are capable of so much more than you ever realize. Another is that when you learn something step by step, from beginning to end, you can succeed. Also, everyone learns at a different pace. The fast learners seem the best, but the learners who are slow and steady are committed. I also discovered that confidence is the key to success in many, many situations, including self-defense, professional advancement, living a positive life, and more. The kicking, punching, and blocking and physical training were the steppingstone that taught me everything that I needed to know about life.
Am I brave all the time? No, not even close. But I am brave a lot more often now than when I was before I learned martial arts. You and I will always allow fears or insecurities to stop us from being who we want to be on occasion. Now we know that we have a choice – a braver choice – and we will reap rewards far greater than we ever imagined because of it.
You may only think that superheroes in the movies are brave. Look around. There are so many brave people around you. If you take a moment to think about it, you will quickly realize that their bravery helps you. Their example can guide you. You will finally understand the lesson and that is that you can choose bravery, too, in your own way and in your own time.
Do not let situations control you but control them. Decide what outcome you want. Focus on how the moment can be positive. Push your fear to confidence. Stand tall and face the challenges knowing that you can break through to something better. Are you brave? Well, I guess that’s up to you. Here is my answer to that difficult question and my advice to you.
Be strong. Be true. Be brave.
xoxo
Andrea
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