Bravery…it’s a peculiar concept. The word conjures up images of brave knights and shining armour, of soldiers going into battle, but is it more than this? This vague and narrow application of the word bravery has been perplexing me somewhat this week, because we see bravery in so many more guises, but often they are quiet and easily missed, or, most often, just dismissed by the person who is demonstrating this sentiment.
I’m thinking of the people who face incredible health challenges in their lifetime, but learn not only to live with the difficulties, but also who go on to challenge the definition of their illness and achieve astounding accomplishments in their lives.
Or those who are willing to stand up to adversity on behalf of others and protest in the face of opposition from people, companies or even governments.
These are indeed brave actions. Sometimes the mantle is given to us with little or no choice as is the case with illness, and other times we can be moved to action by the unfairness of a situation. [Read more…] about Bravery v Conformity: Where do you fit?