You Don’t Have to Be Brave to Choose Courage

I used to think fear was a flaw.

That if something scared me, it meant I wasn’t ready. Wasn’t strong enough. Maybe just not built for it.

As it turns out, that’s a lie – or at least a misunderstanding – many of us have absorbed.

Because here’s the truth: courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s the decision to move forward anyway.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve realized something powerful: Maybe I’m not always brave.

But I am absolutely courageous.

Embracing Fear

Doubt and fear aren’t red flags – they’re just data.

Your nervous system doing its job.

What’s more: they can actually support us.

According to research from the University of Chicago and Emory University, doubt can improve decision-making through heightened critical thinking and attention to detail.

Fear, on the other hand, activates mental simulation around worst-case scenarios. Yes, this may sound horrible, but it helps us to plan and problem-solve more effectively under pressure.

So maybe the real question was never, “Are you brave enough?”

Instead, maybe it’s, “What will you choose to do with your fear?”

Will you let it paralyze you – or to keep you wallowing in self-doubt?

Or will you choose to speak up, even if your voice shakes? To take a stand, even when it takes your breath away? Or to take a leap, even when it feels easier to stay with what you know?

Perhaps you will choose to move forward – not because you’re fearless – but because you are more than the sum of your fears.

And when you do, that is courage. That is you choosing what is right over what is easy.

And that is something you should be deeply proud of.

Writing (and Publishing) This Post Terrifies Me

If I am being honest - this post scares me.

I’m afraid it’s not good enough. That I’m not good enough.

That someone else has said it better. That I’ll use the wrong words. That I’ll be misunderstood.

That people will think it’s soft. Or performative. Or simply… dumb?

And most of all, that I’ll be seen – fully – for the flawed, imperfect human that I am.

The truth is, I probably will be. But I’m sharing this anyway.

Because my truth matters more than my fear.

Because I’ve chosen fear too many times in my life.

And because maybe someone – even just one person – needed to read this as much as I needed to share it.

You Are More Than Your Fears

Please remember that you don’t need to be fearless to be strong.

You don’t need to be perfect to show up.

You are allowed to have doubts and still make an impact.

All you need is to keep choosing yourself – open heart, open mind, and maybe just a dash of kindness.

I can almost guarantee that if you pause and really think about it, you’ve already chosen courage more times than you realize.

Choose Courage

If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to read something like this and then immediately jump back into the next task, responsibility, or – if I’m being really honest – social media binge. So here are a few simple prompts to ground the message and help you connect with your own courage:

• Empowered Reflection: Think of one moment in the last few weeks when you acted in spite of fear. How did it feel to choose courage?

• Words Matter: Say or write this down: Even when I’m afraid, I choose to be courageous. Remember that our thoughts shape our actions, and our actions become our habits.

• Courage in Motion: What decision, conversation, or situation is currently sparking doubt and fear in you? What’s one small step you could take this week to move forward anyway?

You’ve Got This

Thank you for spending a few minutes with me today.

Now…

Take a deep breath.

Feel your feet on the floor (or the couch, or the bed…).

And remind yourself:

I am more than my fears.

I am – absolutely – courageous.