Being Brave.
What does this look like for you, how has being brave shaped you, what experiences has being brave lead you to? When I see kids they often think bravery is doing things without fear- but genuine bravery is doing things despite the fear which is far more powerful. It can be HARD to be brave and kids need to see us as adults around them modelling bravery, and encouraging them they can be brave. Every child or young person has already been brave for many moments in life, however sometimes in the midst of fear and worry it is a real challenge for them to remember.
Something that can help and is so simple to do is to create a ‘brave list’. It can be used to reflect on, and motivate in the moments when kids need encouragement that they are so capable and brave. It can also be a great reflection for us as adult and parents to do a brave list, and consider those questions I asked at the start of this post. What does brave look like for you? How has being brave shaped you? And What experiences has being brave lead you to?
What would be on your brave list? Here’s a snapshot of mine
-6 months backpacking Europe solo without a phone in my early 20’s
-Starting a business that aligns to my values and focuses on my passion (Hello Seasons Allied Health)
-Abseiling down a 70m waterfall in Vanuatu when I am terrified of heights!
-Ending an abusive relationship
-Trying new recipes (and sharing them with others)
-Spontaneously booking a volunteering trip for 6 weeks in India when I was 25 (see pic)
-Putting boundaries in place with a family member
-Building a veggie garden on the weekend when I am still very much learning to garden
Pop your list, or the Brave list you make with your little one on the fridge as a regular reminder that YOU CAN BE BRAVE even in the moments it feels really hard.