Bravery Feels Like Fear
Hi Friends
I find this to be a fascinating topic and wanted to dive deeper.
When we think of bravery, we often imagine warriors charging into battle, firefighters running into burning buildings, or someone standing on a stage, completely at ease, ready to give a speech. We picture confidence, strength, and certainty.
But the truth? Bravery doesn’t feel like confidence. It feels like fear.
The Illusion of Fearlessness
Most of us believe that brave people are simply fearless, but that’s not true. Bravery and fear go hand in hand. In fact, if fear wasn’t present, there wouldn’t be a need for bravery at all. Bravery is not the absence of fear—it’s action in the presence of it.
Think about the last time you did something that scared you. Maybe you spoke up in a meeting, set a boundary, walked away from something that wasn’t serving you, or stepped into an unfamiliar situation. Did you feel strong? Or did you feel your heart pounding, your stomach twisting, your mind whispering, What if this goes wrong?
That feeling—the uncertainty, the doubt, the nerves—is not weakness. That’s bravery in real-time.
What Bravery Actually Feels Like
Bravery is uncomfortable. It’s messy. It often feels like:
A racing heart and shaky hands
A voice that trembles as you speak your truth
The overwhelming desire to turn back—but choosing not to
Doubt screaming, Are you sure you can do this? while you take a step forward anyway
Bravery is standing in the storm of your fears and deciding to move forward despite them.
Fear Is a Signpost, Not a Stop Sign
Too often, we think fear is telling us to stop. But what if fear is actually pointing us in the direction we need to go?
Fear shows up when we’re standing on the edge of something that matters—growth, change, transformation. If we wait for the fear to disappear before we act, we’ll stay stuck forever. Instead, we have to recognize fear for what it is: a sign that we’re stepping into something bigger than ourselves.
How to Be Brave in the Face of Fear
Acknowledge It – Instead of fighting fear, name it. I’m scared right now, and that’s okay. Fear loses power when we bring it into the light.
Detach From It – You are not your fear. It’s simply an emotion passing through. Feel it, but don’t let it define you.
Act Anyway – Courage is a muscle that strengthens with use. The more you take action in spite of fear, the more resilient you become.
Reframe the Narrative – Instead of saying I’m terrified, try I’m stepping into something new, and this feeling is part of the process.
Celebrate the Small Wins – Every act of bravery—no matter how small—deserves recognition. Each step forward reinforces that you can do hard things.
The Bravest People Still Feel Fear
The people you admire—the ones who take risks, chase dreams, and embrace change—aren’t without fear. They just refuse to let it make their decisions for them.
So, if you’re feeling afraid right now, take heart. It doesn’t mean you’re weak. It doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It simply means you’re standing at the edge of something important.
Keep going. Your bravery is showing. 💛
XO Jenna
