Independence Day reminds me of the bravery of soldiers, but I don't equate that with fearlessness. To me, fearlessness is not allowing fear to hold you prisoner, but rather claiming your freedom from fear by moving forward even while you're trembling.
It's easy as an American to take our freedom for granted. I grew up without much exposure to the military, so I didn't know anything except the little bit I was introduced to in history class. That alone did nothing to truly impress upon me the sacrifice that those in the military provide our nation and each one of us fortunate enough to be an American. This photo was taken after my son-in-law returned from two weeks of annual training with the Army National Guard. I am so grateful to him, his whole family, and all who serve along with their families for their dedication to serving this country.
A friend recommended a book to me, Fearless by Eric Blehm, and it became my all-time favorite read. I think it's a book every American should read not only because it is a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice of a soldier, but because it is just such a great story about life. The true story includes friendship, humor, mischief, romance, addiction, marriage, parenting, leadership, joy, pain, grief and heroism. It has all the feels. Despite the tears I shed at the end of the book, I felt inspired more than anything.
Another time, this same friend shared a link with me to the song HAPPY by NF. I hope you'll listen to the whole song, but I wanted to share some of the lyrics (full lyrics).
"Yeah, been this way so long
It feels like something's off when I'm not depressed
I got some issues that I won't address
I got some baggage I ain't opened yet
I got some demons I should put to rest
I got some traumas that I can't forget
I got some phone calls I been avoiding
Some family members I don't really connect with
Some things I said I wish I would of not let slip
Some hurtful words that never should of left my lips
Some bridges burned, I'm not ready to rebuild yet
Some insecurities I haven't dealt with, yes
I'll be the first to admit that I'm a lonely soul And the last to admit I need a hand to hold Losing hope, headed down a dangerous road"
Sometimes when we've been struggling for what is or what can feel like a lifetime, we get stuck in darkness. Even when we want to change or are actively working on changing, it can be more comfortable to stay in or fall back into our comfort zone even when that comfortable place is miserable. Fear will tell us it's safer to remain in misery than to risk finding happiness because it may not last. Fear will tell us it's safer not to apologize than to risk being rejected. Fear will tell us it's safer to be alone than to ever trust again.
Brave people face their fears and learn to walk into them. They find something greater than their fear that inspires them to summon the courage, lean in, take responsibility and do the hard work. Fear tells us we cannot, courage tells us we can. Where in your life do you need to find courage to do something fear is telling you, you cannot do? Even if you don't believe in yourself yet, I believe in you. You can do hard things, too.
This exercise helped me when I was struggling to find courage...
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