What comes to mind when you think of the word brave?
For some, bravery means confidently saying no to challenging situations without fear of judgment. For others, it means feeling afraid but taking action regardless.
At Global Warriors, bravery is a core value, which holds different meanings for each individual. In this article, we’ll explore what it means to our warriors and invite you to reflect on how courage manifests in your own leadership.
Brave means embracing the unknown
At the heart of bravery lies the readiness to venture beyond the familiar and comfortable boundaries of our current understanding or experience.
This willingness to step into the unknown is a powerful act of courage. It involves confronting uncertainty, risk, and often fear, and making a conscious choice to face what lies ahead, even when the outcome is unclear or the path forward is uncharted.
Our warrior Xenia Dixon echoes this: “Brave for me is stepping into the unknown, taking a leap of faith, trusting my own instinct/ability despite my niggling doubts and believing that the pathway which unfolds is the one that is supposed to!”
Similarly, bravery isn’t necessarily synonymous with fearlessness. Often, it means “feeling the fear and having the courage to do it anyways, one step at a time,” as Gina Tritschler-Kirnberger shared.
Brave means being vulnerable for the sake of connection
Being vulnerable is one of the most courageous acts one can take. It asks us to show up as our authentic selves despite fearing rejection or judgment.
Embracing our true selves paves the way for deeper, more genuine connections with others and personal growth in unexpected ways.
“Brave is allowing yourself to step over the edge to enable you to grow in a space of vulnerability and connection,” says Kate Hodson.
Similarly, Vanessa May emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s authentic self in relationships, describing bravery as “honoring myself and choosing not to abandon myself at my edge… It’s standing on my own two feet, being a quirky free-range bird and learning that ‘I do me’ and ‘you do you’.”
Ruth Weddell adds that bravery involves “being the authentic you and not worrying about what others think of you for being yourself.”
Brave means facing everyday actions and decisions
Sometimes, the most courageous thing a person can do is simply face the challenges of everyday life with determination and resilience.
“For many, bravery is just getting out of bed in the morning to face their day,” says David Harris.
Duncan Muller emphasizes simple yet profound acts, stating courage is “being brave enough to speak up, to trust, to let go.”
These insights highlight the courage required to navigate life’s daily challenges, make bold decisions, and voice our truths.
What does brave mean to you?
Bravery comes in many forms, shaped by individual experiences, circumstances, and perspectives. It’s not a singular act but a series of choices that define our path—choices to embrace the unknown, be vulnerable, connect deeply with others, and live authentically.
We invite you to ponder these insights and consider how you embody bravery in your own life. How can you take that leap of faith, embrace your authentic self, and navigate life’s challenges with courage and conviction?
Here are four prompts to help guide your reflection:
- How do you define bravery in your own life?
- Can you recall a recent situation where you displayed bravery? What was the outcome, and how did it make you feel?
- In what ways can you practice bravery in your everyday activities? Are there areas in your life where being more courageous could bring about positive change?
- Think about something you’ve been hesitant to do because of fear. Set a goal to tackle it with bravery and outline the steps you’ll take to achieve it.
If you’ve enjoyed diving into the facets of bravery with us, don’t miss out on more inspiring insights and thought-provoking content from Global Warriors. Sign up for our newsletter today to receive updates straight to your inbox.
