Bravery is a funny thing. It’s often associated with big things like cliff jumping, sky-diving, or public speaking. We think it requires some sort of leap into the unknown, overcoming fear to do accomplish something great.

But there’s another sort of bravery I’ve been working on – it’s quieter and it’s personal.

I’m working on having the courage to:

• Look into the mirror, and withhold judgment
• Take a compliment without disclaimer
• Say no when I have to in order to take care of myself,  even if it inconveniences someone
  
• Accept a gift graciously
• Listen to someone’s political views without judgment
• Quiet my mind for 10 minutes
• Not distract myself with technology
• Feel what I’m feeling without medicating
• Feel someone else’s feelings and share their burden
• Throw away clothes in my closet that make me beat myself up for not fitting in them
• Face the demons in my mind that constantly tell me I’m not good enough, thin enough, pretty enough, accomplished enough
• To say: I deserve better
• To decide my opinion of myself doesn’t really matter
• To allow people to love me/do nice things for me
• Believe it when other people tell me I’m beautiful

How about you? Where do you need to be brave?