Courage to know yourself.
Danielle Bridges's Definition of Courage & Inner Truth.
Every week, I ask my Brave New Girls podcast guest how they define courage. This week, Danielle Bridge, CEO of Black Minds Matter UK, offered a perspective that helps us tune in to ourselves:
"Courage for me is staying true to yourself, you know, to yourself.
I think we live in a world now where we're looking out or wanting answers for everything. And we need to have those lists of things as to how to live your life as a human being. And I think for me personally, listening to yourself and going against the grain sometimes takes courage because everybody else seems to be thinking that you need something else.So to go, actually, do you know what? I've got this. I've carried myself this long, and I haven't let myself down, and I know what it is that I need to do. I just need time and space to listen to that. So yeah, listening to yourself and doing what you need to do above the noise, for me, is courage."
Courage in a World Full of Noise
Danielle’s definition of courage seems simple, yet it is deeply meaningful in a world where external pressures and societal expectations often drown out our inner voice. The courage she speaks of is not about grand gestures or heroic acts; it’s about the everyday bravery of listening to ourselves, even when the world around us seems to be telling us something different.
Learning from Danielle’s Courage
In our fast-paced society, it's easy to become disconnected from our true selves. We are bombarded with advice, instructions, and lists that tell us how to live, what to do, and who to be. But Danielle’s words remind us that real courage lies in the ability to tune out this noise and tune into our own needs and truths.
This form of courage is about self-trust. It’s about recognising that we are the experts of our own lives, that we have the wisdom to know what’s best for us if only we take the time to listen. Danielle highlights the importance of taking a step back, reflecting on our journey, and realising that we’ve been carrying ourselves all along. This awareness empowers us to continue our path with confidence, knowing that we have the strength and insight to navigate life’s challenges.
Danielle’s approach to courage also underscores the importance of self-compassion. It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison, measuring ourselves against others’ achievements or adhering to societal standards. However, true courage involves honouring our unique path, being kind to ourselves, and trusting that we are equipped to handle whatever comes our way.
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Applying Courage in Our Daily Lives
How can we apply this kind of courage in our own lives? Here are ten actionable steps to help you cultivate the courage to stay true to yourself:
Practice Mindfulness: Take a few moments each day to sit quietly, breathe deeply, and listen to your inner voice without judgment.
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to things that don’t align with your values or priorities, even if it’s difficult.
Trust Your Intuition: When faced with a decision, pause and consider what feels right to you, rather than what others expect you to do.
Reflect on Your Journey: Regularly take time to reflect on how far you’ve come and acknowledge your own growth and resilience.
Limit External Noise: Reduce your exposure to social media and other sources that can cloud your judgment or make you feel inadequate.
Prioritise Self-Care: Make time for activities that nourish your body, mind, and spirit, recognizing that this is a form of courage too.
Be Compassionate to Yourself: When you make mistakes, remind yourself that it’s part of the human experience and treat yourself with kindness.
Surround Yourself with Support: Cultivate relationships with people who respect your journey and support your need to stay true to yourself.
Journal Your Thoughts: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can help you connect with your inner voice and clarify your desires.
Celebrate Your Authenticity: Recognise and celebrate the moments when you choose to be authentic, even when it’s challenging.
Danielle Bridge's definition of courage as staying true to oneself offers a powerful reminder to honour our inner voice in a noisy world.
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