50 Little Ways to Be Brave
When you were a kid, surely you identified with some superhero or character who fought against the bad guys using a cape, sword or a special power. Or maybe you thought of your father as the one who could save you from everything. But what happens when we grow up? Do we stop being as brave? Do we feel like we’re one more in the group and wish to go unnoticed? Do we avoid taking justice into our own hands because we hope the law will come to our rescue?
It is very difficult to be brave. While being brave doesn’t necessarily involve fighting a villain, a dragon that spits fire or a meteor about to destroy the planet, it’s easier to go with the crowd.
Taking charge of what happens to us is enough (at least to start). Courage doesn’t only include heroic acts like those who make the news. Being brave means taking a risk, trying something new, not fearing that something will go wrong, etc.
How to develop courage each day?
You don’t need to become like one of the Marvel characters or the Justice League by beating the evil doers in your city. Everyday you have opportunities to be a little more brave. If you go step by step, it will be much easier for you.
Want to know how? Pay attention to the following guidelines. You don’t need to fulfill an order, but rather add a new one to your list of habits while also remembering the ones you’ve learned by practicing. Are you ready?
- Give yourself permission to feel
- Put aside those who fail you or let you down
- Look in the mirror and highlight the positive aspects you see
- Say you love someone (if you really love them)
- Preach what you love or what you’re passionate about
- Write a story of your own, not of others
- Share your ideas, even if they’re crazy
- Let your opinions be known, even if they’re different
- For one day, go outside without makeup
- Allow yourself to be wrong
- Trust your senses and instinct
- Try doing something for the first time
- Set limits for people, activities or things
- Start something you always postpone
- Sing in the middle of the street (and if you’re off key, even better)
- Dance while you’re on your way to work
- Play an instrument (although you’ve never done it before in your life)
- Use a skateboard or roller skates to go shopping
- Tolerate discomfort or inconveniences
- Make many mistakes
- Say “I don’t know”
- Ask for help when you can’t do something
- Show that you’re vulnerable on occasion
- Address your problems
- Let the past go
- Take pictures of yourself
- Trust a really crazy idea
- Support a friend who is in trouble
- Say goodbye to a relationship that is abusive or doesn’t make you feel good
- Say goodbye to your fears
- Tell someone about your nightmares
- Rebel against prejudice
- Do not do things you don’t want to do
- Don’t say what you do not feel or think
- Dress regardless of what’s in style
- Be the one who makes the first move after a fight
- Give a flower or candy to a stranger
- Don’t always try to have everything under control
- Love your madness
- Ask someone how they’re feeling and don’t interrupt them
- Don’t react negatively when someone criticizes you
- Hug someone you love
- Praise yourself by saying nice things about yourself, your achievements, your looks
- Allow your schedule to be less full or busy for a day or two
- Be open to new things
- Start over as often as necessary
- Get “feedback” from those around you
- Be like a child and have fun
- Talk to the person you like and invite them to go out
- Call for a meeting with your boss and tell him what you think
Remember that being brave is not a lack of fear, but knowing how you can overcome it.
