This scenario applies to many other situations in our lives. The courage to be brave enough to say what you really think becomes equally as challenging as swallowing a spoon full of cinnamon. Your dream job may not be along the lines of main stream acceptance, it may violate someones expectations, you may feel like your identity is incomplete while you pretend like working 60 hour weeks is anyone's idea of a good time.
As you encounter situations in which you feel like your voice is being judged it is important to channel bravery as your support. Having the courage to stand for what you believe will not only allow you to attain your goals, but will allow you to fully be yourself.
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Does not occur when times are easy: Being brave is the alternative to having fear. No one ever feels brave for picking their favorite ice cream out at UDF. As wonderful as it would be to brag with pride about the fact that you went for two scoops of chocolate chip instead of one only counts for your calories, not your character. If it was easy to be brave we would all be shining examples of model citizens who enjoy cleaning the bathroom and work at jobs that we actually want. When you are considering a new job, going into a first date, or picking roommates are times when making the right choice for you is not always easy. These scenarios can trigger your fight or flight fear response. A very real example is Clifton Crime. Recall your favorite Greg hand email. I like the one when the robber tried to steal the car using a frying pan as a weapon. Many choose to avoid the confrontation and make the decision to hand over the keys. Others may understand how idiotic it is to threaten someone with kitchenware and show that robber how you really use a frying pan as an assault weapon. Times like these challenge us to rise to the occasion and have the confidence to be brave when times get tough.
Prompts you to run away: In many situations it seems easier to run away and avoid as opposed to dealing with the challenge at hand. We are motivated to run from problems as a natural bodily defense system for protection. Your fear detector becomes jaded by life experiences that skew your inhibitions leaving humans exceptionally timid and terrified of failure. As a society we work towards perfection and do everything we can to avoid situations that may be embarrassing or difficult. Your fears shed light on who someone truly is beneath the external presentation, they also point us towards what we truly want. If you ignore your fears you are ignoring important signs that could lead to something greater.
Can help you get a date: I think this is a really important aspect of bravery that many of us struggle with. How many times have you sworn your friend to secrecy as you divulge how attracted you are to this new person you met? We run around to everyone we know seeking their approval, scrounging for some shred of confidence to feel okay about the fact that we really like someone. Chances are you see this person on a daily basis and will deal with this emotional turmoil for weeks before actually saying hello. The thought of asking to see this person outside of school gives causes your blood to rush to your feet as you think of any excuse to get out of it (while you sit at home...most likely alone...Friday night regretting your decision). Be brave and tell people how you really feel. It takes courage and confidence to express yourself truthfully. Practice saying what you really mean and you will find that these dilemmas may actually be quite simple after all.
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Requires an openness towards change: if you choose to be brave and accept the job that moves you across the country you will be experiencing a total life upheaval that can make your old job at the mall sound divine. There is no easy way to deal with change but to embrace it. You loathed refolding clothes for 12 hours every Saturday, your manager was about a friendly as a hormonal grizzly bear, and the people you worked with all knew just a little too much about one another for that relationship to continue much longer. Accepting change is contradictory to everything you work for, a daily routine, steady job, a normal girlfriend etc. If you realize that change is cyclical you can at least be certain that you will be forced to readjust sooner rather than later. With this anticipation towards change you will avoid sentencing yourself to a job that ignores your true potential.
Usually leads to judgement: I relate this idea with traveling. As a society a disturbing amount of emphasis is placed on the idea of physical strength as the coverall for weakness. It summarizes the fixation that Americans have with being outwardly perfect and socially beautiful. That is why when we leave the safe haven of the United States, an American can be spotted miles away due to the obnoxious "I'm a world traveler" attitude as Europeans will quickly debunk upon your first "will you take our picture" question. Being brave means seizing what it is you truly want from life. These are wants that others may not have the ability to understand or appreciate; naturally judgments will be formed. You can choose to let another person's perspective detract from your goals, or stand by your decision that you will be the next American Idol.
It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.
Mark Twain
Some of the most difficult moments in life hinge in your willingness to be brave. There is nothing easy about saying that no one likes your friend's boyfriend, asking for your dream job, or calling the police after a robbery. If you are mindful of these future challenges you will be able to quickly respond to these difficult situations.
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