Every week, I ask my Brave New Girls podcast guests how they define courage. This week, Dr. Vidhi Pandya defines it as:

"I always say courage starts with self-love, at least, if not more. If I give you my own example, I was slipping into the blame game of telling myself, 'Vidhi, you took a wrong decision. Vidhi, this was wrong. You should not have put yourself and your family through this.'

But then one other side of my brain said, 'My intentions were so pure.' But then, 'No, you should have thought it through. Why did you let this happen? You advise everybody for this, and you yourself were not able to follow the concept of slowing down, this and that.'

So self-criticism or self-hatred or not liking yourself enough to allow yourself to make a mistake and then come out of it joyfully—I have to say that is the biggest courage you need.

It's okay to make a mistake. How would I have known, how would I have been this wiser, speaking today with you, had I not made a mistake?"

Dr. Vidhi’s perspective challenges the common misconception that courage is solely about acts of boldness. Instead, she frames it as an inner journey, rooted in self-love, forgiveness, and learning from our missteps. Courage is not about avoiding mistakes but embracing them as opportunities to grow.

Embracing Courage Through Self-Love

Self-love is often misconstrued as selfishness, but it is the foundation of a resilient and courageous spirit. When we make mistakes, our first instinct is often self-criticism—magnifying our flaws and diminishing our intentions. As Dr. Vidhi shares, courage lies in resisting this urge and instead, choosing to embrace our humanity.

The courage to forgive ourselves creates space for growth. It allows us to reframe our mistakes as valuable lessons rather than failures. By doing so, we foster resilience, confidence, and the ability to face future challenges with grace. This practice is not only liberating but also deeply empowering.

Dr. Vidhi’s experience reminds us that even with the best intentions, we may falter. But through self-love and understanding, we can find the strength to rise again, wiser and more determined. Her journey highlights that courage is not just an external act—it’s an internal transformation

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10 Actionable Steps to Cultivate Courage

1. Acknowledge Your Mistakes
   Denying mistakes fuels shame. Acknowledge them as a natural part of life and a starting point for growth.

2. Practice Self-Compassion
   Treat yourself with the kindness you would offer a friend. Remind yourself that no one is perfect.

3. Reframe Failures as Lessons
   Shift your mindset to view mistakes as learning opportunities that contribute to personal growth.

4. Journal Your Thoughts
   Write down your fears, regrets, and lessons learned. Journaling can help you process emotions and gain clarity.

5. Focus on Your Intentions
   Reflect on the purity of your intentions rather than the outcome of your actions.

6. Set Boundaries
   Protect your mental and emotional well-being by setting clear boundaries with others and yourself.

7. Celebrate Small Wins
   Recognize and celebrate your efforts and progress, no matter how small they may seem.

8. Surround Yourself with Positivity
   Build a support system of people who uplift and encourage you, especially during challenging times.

9. Develop a Growth Mindset
   Believe in your ability to adapt and improve. Adopt the mantra: “I’m a work in progress.”

10. Embrace Vulnerability
    Accept that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. It’s through vulnerability that true courage emerges.

Courage begins with self-love, as Dr. Vidhi Pandya shares on the Brave New Girls podcast. Embrace mistakes, learn, and grow through 10 actionable steps to build resilience.

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