Bravery

Today’s topic is to talk about how I am brave. I really struggled with this one because I don’t characterise myself as brave. I’ve never been in great danger, I live a pretty good life, and I am generally happy. But it is hard for me to put myself out there, so in those situations where I’m thrown well out of my comfort zone, I consider myself brave.

• I went to university in another state knowing no one.
• I traveled to Paris knowing no one, and lived with a family I had never met.
• I stayed in school while battling debilitating anxiety.
• I picked up and moved for a year to London, without knowing anyone or having visited the country before.
• I spent almost 4 weeks traveling constantly. Something I’ve never come close to doing before.

These are just little things that make me brave. They were extremely crazy decisions for a type-A, incredibly shy and anxious person, but I took a chance with each of them and haven’t regretted a single one.

However, my bravery does not compare to that shown by those in the armed forces (and their relatives). And especially those who have died fighting for our country. They are the brave ones. You show courage, bravery and valour every day. That is whose bravery we should be focusing on today.