Brave

When I tell those around me about my plans on starting my own, independent clinic, the word that keeps coming up again and again is: BRAVE. Wow! Being referred to as brave has mixed feelings for me. It is a word that I would not use for myself. I have been told I was brave many times in life, under different circumstances. One of those times was when I ran away from home at the age of 21 with nothing but a suitcase to escape having an arranged marriage. So, in comparison this does not seem that brave. Although on it’s own it is an act that could be considered brave. The definition of brave is:

Noun: ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage.

Adjective: people who are ready to face and endure danger or pain.

Verb: endure or face (unpleasant conditions or behavior) without showing fear.

I read somewhere that being brave doesn’t mean not being afraid. Being brave means being afraid and doing what you need to do anyway. It may not be the correct definition per se but it seems to resonate the most.

As I begin this new chapter in my life I go forward knowing that those who know me think of me as brave. And that’s a good feeling…. Brave.