BRAVE

Have you ever woken up and thought; “Today I will be BRAVE!”? Not many of us look at bravery in that light. We believe that the person down the street that is struggling with “that” problem is brave. That the woman who just lost the loved one is brave. We look at others and are constantly intrigued and admire their bravery; however are disgruntled by the daily acts we perform and see nothing that even closely resembles bravery. I am here to say, YOU are that brave woman! You have the qualities and admiration of many around you. You may not be aware of it, but you are.

 

Being BRAVE looks like a lot of things. Sometimes, bravery is taking the first step and moving forward. It may consist of waking up in the morning and competing the mundane tasks that are scheduled. Sometimes, being brave means to forgive someone and not let their actions and words destroy our happiness. Sometimes, being brave just means to love yourself and accept the person you have become because of the trials you have faced.

 

For me, bravery comes in striving to be the parent that I never had. Through trial and error and striving to find that better route without taking my kids for the bumpy ride. We hear the saying that as parents we do the best we know how to do, but I don’t believe in that. I believe that we do the best that our efforts allow us to do. My mother was an alcoholic and addicted to multiple pain killers. I often found myself monitoring and regulating her intake of medications at an early age. I balanced the check book and was the one who fed my younger brother and myself on most occasions. I yearned for the safety and security that school brought. I admired my friends’ homes and promised myself I would find a better way to parent. I just knew I was not going to be like my mom. I was not going to yell and I was going to be positive. Unfortunately, a lot of times we are what we know and I knew yelling and screaming much better than calmly discussing or soft voices. Bravery is waking up with a new attitude and energy. Taking every moment to be that mom/woman that I want to be. Bravery, is apologizing and knowing that I will have an opportunity to use a softer voice next time and to show my children what unconditional love is.

 

Bravery is not being perfect! It is being real and taking the opportunity to move forward and be better. Next time you look in that mirror, think about what makes you brave. You are! Find it within yourself and live it! Know that you are one amazing BRAVE woman. We all see it and now it is your turn!

 

Guest Post by: Tara Hart

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