Everyday Bravery

I've been thinking a lot about courage, lately. Specifically, the every day tasks where we are courageous and brave.  Those situations you face where you have no other choice but to have courage. You know those brave moments I'm talking about. The ones where you're faced with a crisis that could break your heart and change your life. There is no time to hesitate, you just must be courageous.

Perhaps the reason this strikes such a chord for me is because there are a lot of moms and family members in those situations right now. My best friends' less than one month old niece was just released from the NICU. Another friend's preemie is still in the NICU. Others I know are already out of the NICU and I couldn't be happier.

Those moms and families are brave for those babies every day. At the same time, those babies are showing an immense amount of courage.

Every time my best friends' niece did something courageous, she got a bead for a necklace. I'm sure she has no idea what the necklace is, but it has bright colors so she looks at it a lot. The spelled her name with the beads. That is how many scary things she encountered and every moment she had courage.

Luckily, she won't remember those moments. I bet they're very scary for her right now, though.

Every day, we are faced with moments like this. They won't be as extreme; but the events of the world are still poking us and probing us. We still don't understand why something is happening to us.

People will equate these words, bravery and courage, with extremely difficult tasks. Often times we don't feel courageous because we think it should be reserved for "heroes." But our heroes don't feel particularly brave. They do what they have to do because that is what they need to do. On a smaller scale, we all do the same.

Of course, we should commend them for their tough tasks. But we should also commend ourselves for our own tough tasks.

The homeless man who finds a place to stand every morning is brave. He is brave enough to push aside his pride to accept more looks of pity than money he will receive.

The teen mom shows courage as she walks through the grocery store, with her crying baby. The stares and the whispers could tear her down, but she must continue on.

You are courageous each day that you face every day, in light of the torment in your life. Be it a deceased family member, a tough breakup or a financial stressor.

Today, congratulate yourself on your bravery! You deserve it! :)

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It's time for you guys to get to know Erica! I met Erica through the #VdaySwapBox link up, so you might remember hearing about her! She's an awesome blogger who works her buns off and still finds time to blog about amazing products on her blog The Peacock Review.

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1. What makes you lucky? 

 I am a Libra to start with. So I think that makes me lucky. I am pretty good at guessing games as well. Put a jar of anything in front of me and I'll be close to how many is in there (usually).

2. If you found a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, what would you spend it on? 

 Everyone else!!! I would buy more monthly beauty boxes and maybe buy a few for friends. Buy a new car and own a home.

3. What are you looking forward to most this spring? 

 Sandals. I can't wait to expose these toes!!! I also really like the thunderstorms and rain.

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Thankful Thursday: BRAVE

B.R.A.V.E. women's retreat by Smitten By

I think that each of us, as women and as human beings in general, are brave everyday. We are always faced with some sort of a challenge. But while we are brave, I think that sometimes we lose ourselves in our courage and forget to value the good. 

The other day on Pinterest, I stumbled across an image for a women's retreat that is taking place in October called B.R.A.V.E. and I fell in love. It is hosted by Smitten By.

We are BRAVE Women when we look our deepest fears, insecurities, struggles and trials in the eye and say:

I am BEAUTIFUL.I am REAL.I am AMAZING.I am VALUED.&I am ENOUGH

Yes, I know that it is in Las Vegas, but doesn't it sound so amazing. A weekend to really value yourself for being B.R.A.V.E. and to grow as a person? This description alone might have me finding myself in Vegas!

Come look your fears in the face and realize your full potential!!!  Bring your girlfriends and be prepared for some  laughter, good food, great speakers,  and a whole lot of fun.  The theme this year is “Into the Fire” meaning this is the year to dive in and look fear in the face. Change the things in your life that need changing. Face your skeletons and find support from other women who are struggling too. We all have our challenges and trials, so now is the time to  head into the fire…coming out stronger, with more perspective on who you are the what you are capable of! There will be workshops on body image, parenting, marriage and real life (infertility,loss,etc) . You will leave  feeling inspired, loved, rejuvenated and ready to tackle life and all of it’s challenges! Come meet the Smitten crew and make some new friends while you are at it too.

 The retreat is what I would consider inexpensive as well, less than $100 if you book before April 10 and that includes food, a place to stay and all of the workshops. There are other options as well which you can find here.

Hope to see you there,
Raewyn