The word brave often conjures up thoughts of confident, defiant and daring actions.

In my own experiences with grief and working with children with emotional difficulties – brave is usually far from this.

⭐️ It’s getting out of bed and facing the world when you don’t want to.

⭐️ It’s smiling when you’re dying inside.

⭐️ It’s being polite to people who make your life miserable.

⭐️ It’s pretending you’re okay when you are very far from it.

⭐️ It’s having hope that things will change although you’re unsure how or when.

Remember, in the quest to be your own kind of beautiful your brave doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. 

Your brave reflects your difficulties and the small steps you take every day in the right direction.

Your brave is as unique as you are.

Celebrate your braveness, your achievements.

Reflect on where you were and where you are now – not how far you still have to go.

Be brave – one step at a time.

🦄 Did you miss the first post in the series? Check out BE YOUR OWN KIND OF BEAUTIFUL if you want to know what this fabulousness is all about.

The first time I saw this quote on a postcard, it was like a million party poppers went off in my heart.

You know, one of those moments when the universe and you are completely aligned?

Where all the things you’ve been teaching, writing about, reflecting on for years has been summed up in six wonderful words?

At work, I tell the kids “It’s okay to be different” and I believe it wholeheartedly.

In fact I applaud those who are.

Those who know what they like and what makes them smile.

Those who know what they need to do make their soul sing.

Those who are dancing to the beat of their own drum.

Because I believe that confidence comes when your actions are in line with what you believe. And your beliefs will remain strong when you know who you truly are and what you stand for.

It’s not what you say – it’s who you are that’s important.

I believe in this so firmly.

It’s the foundation that we can build our self esteem upon. It’s about going your way, doing your thing, dressing in your own style, believing what you believe even when it’s not the same as everyone else.

Especially when it’s not the same as everyone else.

But it’s not always easy.

So for the next nine days I’m going to give you a little helping hand; a starting point to building up your own set of values.

A way to be strong in your thoughts, actions, who you are.

Because there is room in this world for many, many beautiful individual souls. 

And you are one of them.

Join me tomorrow for Day 1 – it’s time to start exploring how to be your own kind of beautiful.

Nicky

xo