I totally get where you're coming from but wonder if you're not giving yourself enough credit for saying the hard things out loud? (I say this while also struggling to give myself credit for much of anything -- ha!) I mean, sharing the deeper and more complicated and vulnerable parts of ourselves and tackling taboo topics, especially as women, can put us at risk for all sorts of things (criticism, loss, actual physical danger), and also literally save people's lives and sanity by helping them realize they're not alone. Brave, courageous, badass, fearless ... I think they can all apply (but yeah, as you note, you've also gotta consider the source).
I definitely agree, speaking your truth is not about standing alone, separate but about connection.
I would also offer that someone can call
you brave because you are the voice for the words they so desperately want to say or scream out loud but can’t. Trapped in fear of other peoples judgement.
Maybe when they say “you’re so brave” they really just mean “I wish I could be as free as you.”
But yes, doing the right thing can be dangerous, like jumping into the ocean to save a child. I think real bravery is always motivated by the "right" thing. Our beliefs build our reality, which is what we see as right.
The criticism you explained being cloaked as bravery is just that, an attempt at control from a critic.
Your writing can also be brave if you explore things you believe to be true when assuming that others will disagree strongly and push back. Working through that fear is dangerous and requires bravery. The danger is more emotional than physical, one hopes.
One of my other favorite writers James Altucher's writing rule is not to hit publish unless you feel vulnerable or scared about how people will react.
YES. This is good advice. Tells you if you’ve taken a risk and said something meaningful.
I totally get where you're coming from but wonder if you're not giving yourself enough credit for saying the hard things out loud? (I say this while also struggling to give myself credit for much of anything -- ha!) I mean, sharing the deeper and more complicated and vulnerable parts of ourselves and tackling taboo topics, especially as women, can put us at risk for all sorts of things (criticism, loss, actual physical danger), and also literally save people's lives and sanity by helping them realize they're not alone. Brave, courageous, badass, fearless ... I think they can all apply (but yeah, as you note, you've also gotta consider the source).
It could be… I think because I don’t feel like there is another option, it doesn’t feel brave to me.
I definitely agree, speaking your truth is not about standing alone, separate but about connection.
I would also offer that someone can call
you brave because you are the voice for the words they so desperately want to say or scream out loud but can’t. Trapped in fear of other peoples judgement.
Maybe when they say “you’re so brave” they really just mean “I wish I could be as free as you.”
But yes, doing the right thing can be dangerous, like jumping into the ocean to save a child. I think real bravery is always motivated by the "right" thing. Our beliefs build our reality, which is what we see as right.
The criticism you explained being cloaked as bravery is just that, an attempt at control from a critic.
Your writing can also be brave if you explore things you believe to be true when assuming that others will disagree strongly and push back. Working through that fear is dangerous and requires bravery. The danger is more emotional than physical, one hopes.
I see your point but I guess I see standing along in your truth to be the right thing to do. Not the brave thing.