Day 40.
How to be brave.
Sometimes we can be brave, all by ourselves. We pull from something deep inside of us,
and are able to rise up and move right through anything in our way.
But, most of the time, being brave is not caving in.
Being brave is just getting up and going at it again.
Sometimes being brave is looking in someone else's eyes and gaining strength from the
" you are ok" in their eyes. Sometimes being brave means taking the hand that is outstretched to you.
Bentley University played today. It was not an easy game, and the first string was required to play
more than they are used to. This meant , of course, those on the bench did not get much playing time,
which, is an anomaly in Coach Stevens' usual approach to the game. So, every time my daughter
Caleigh was put in, into a wild tough game, with an injured foot, she was called upon for every ounce of
bravery she could muster.
She looked brave. She looked like a ballplayer. She did as she was required: screen for the starters.
Give the starters a break. Everyone clapped for her when she came back out of the game to
take her place on the bench.
But her mother knew that something was up. The way she looked, the way she moved,
the way she pushed her three pointer and missed -her courage had waned.
And so, with a win, and cheers from the crowds, I walked back to her room with her and held her.
I looked into her eyes, and kissed her forehead and held her foot in my hands.
With teary eyes, she whispered. " Mom."
I understood how and what she felt, and there were no real words for me to say,
except that I understood, and to remind her of how hard she is working, and what obstacles she has faced.
She allowed me all of this, and listened. She allowed me to pull out my " bag of healing tricks".
But she could not see that she was brave. She only could see what was wrong.
Her beliefs about what should be and could be, and her fear and " lack of " thoughts had her
in a whirlwind of impending despair. So I gave her food, and got her to laugh, and gave a pep talk.,
but moreover, when we locked eyes, and I took her head against mine, the message was clear:
You can do this. You are Ok. Be Brave.
In the end, it will be up to her. When the next game comes, it will be herself she will have to rely on for courage.
She alone will cry her tears, and pull herself up once again, for tomorrow. Even though she is afraid.
Even though she is doubting and fearful.
As it is for all of us, no matter how insignificant the situation may seem. There really is no insignificant situation.
Oh how amazing we all are! Such things we go through! Such challenges and triumphs! Such despair and such Joy!
Is this the reason we come here, from our safe haven of light,
dancing with angels in places such as heaven? To feel? To feel all of it?
To help one another, to allow the tears to flow, to make it through, over and over again? Perhaps it is.
Let us forgive ourselves, give ourselves a break, for goodness sake.
Let's be grateful for every day, for every breath. Let's have fun. Let's enjoy. As much as we can.
And when we go through the tuff stuff, feel it. allow help to come.
KNow that every relationship is a Holy encounter.
Believe in miracles, and abundance. Let's consciously bring love to our days, and in doing so,
we change the way we see, and we change the world, one miracle moment at a time.
Let's remember, that We Are Brave! Oh How BRAVE we are!!!
So prepare your healthy foods, set up your workouts, and Show Up, dance more,
Drink more water. Find community to support you, and know,
that no matter what you do, no matter how small you feel, you are amazing.
You are always one step closer.
Congrats on 40 days! I will email all of you tomorrow about continuing these emails.
You can opt out if you choose. Let me know if you would like to continue. Thank you.
Remember, you ARE love, and are loved.
Namaste,
Tracey
