Most people seem to think of bravery as bold actions that save lives or some action that results in some large positive result. But I’d like to suggest bravery is often about smaller actions and events.

Merriam-Webster defines bravery as “the quality or state of being brave.”  Flipping to “brave,” we find  the number one definition is “having or showing courage.”  So I flip through the dictionary to “courage,” and learn it’s defined as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.”

Finally!  Something we can discuss.  So, bravery really means, “the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.”  It doesn’t say anything about grandiose actions or results.  I think that’s important.

How many times a day do each of us show this?  For some people, getting out of bed in the morning is an act of bravery. They could be overcoming severe depression or debilitating pain.  Perhaps someone has been unemployed for a long time, yet they continue the job search, even after continued rejections.  Perhaps someone is in an abusive situation and they decide to leave.  There are any number of small or large actions that need acts of bravery to complete.  Sometimes the most difficult one is the one we perceive as the smallest.  Overcoming the inertia of fear or indecisiveness.

What has been dangerous, difficult, or scary you lately?  What brave act can you do to confront or overcome?  Then what’s the next small, brave act you need to make.  What brave act has someone you know engaged in?  Bravery is more common that many people realize.