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We are in this together -Kiera & Takia
What It Means To Be Brave
bravery [noun]: the quality or state of having or showing mental or moral strength to face danger, fear, or difficulty (Merriam-Webster)
Hey ,
When I was in elementary school, I received a book about Harriet Tubman, a Black Underground Railroad conductor who led enslaved people to freedom in the 1800s.
After escaping slavery and settling as a free person in Philadelphia, she returned to the south over a dozen times to help others make their way to freedom.
From what I remember, this was my first lesson on bravery. I'd learn about other brave people like Rosa Parks and Nelson Mandela and eventually, bravery became synonymous with heroism.
The truth is, bravery isn’t about being a hero. It's not just about the outcome. As the writer Sonya Looney puts it, “…it’s about having the courage to be vulnerable – to press on in spite of fear.”
I didn’t get it then, but now I understand that Harriet Tubman was brave because she knew the dangers and consequences she faced if she got caught but she pressed on anyway.
She had the courage to be vulnerable.
This realization reminded me that bravery could be a personal act, too. Sure, being brave for yourself probably won't land you in a history book, but it can make a huge difference in your daily life.
Here are a few examples:
- Letting go of a toxic relationship or friendship
- Standing up to a boss or co-worker who treats you unfairly
- Applying for your dream job even though there’s a chance you won’t get it
- Quitting a job that no longer serves you
- Registering for your first marathon
Yes, easier said than done. Bravery is terrifying. It requires vulnerability, a mindset shift, and in some cases, a mental health professional to help you navigate low self-esteem and rejection issues.
Still, the pros of being brave outweigh the cons. Even if you fail or get rejected, the courage to be vulnerable is worth celebrating.
So , is there an area in your life that requires you to be brave? If so, I hope this message serves as a reminder to feel the fear and do it anyway.
Takia
Co-Founder of Strides
What We're Eating This Week
Kiera here - I am committed to making meals at home as much as possible - even when I get bored. To make it a fun game, I told myself to send the $$ I would have spent to a savings account instead. So far in 2022, I've sent $50 🙃. (Don't worry, this is to better manage my ordering out not to get rid of it!)
If you're gearing up for the week, but not sure what to add to your menu, here are a few ideas:
All Things Running, Fitness, and Mental Health
🏋️♀️: Strength Club: It's a new month which means new workouts are on deck! If you haven't done so already, log into the Train Heroic app to review your workouts for the week. , not a member yet? Start your free trial today.
Here's what we're reading and listening to this week.
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What we're up to this week:
🚶🏿♀️ : Kiera is reading The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers
and is excited that she's been keeping up her commitment to walk 3-5 miles every day.
👩🏾🏫 : Takia is reading John Adams by David McCullough and prepping to start a new job next week!
Thanks for reading the Strides Newsletter #316. If you enjoyed this week's newsletter, do us a favor and forward it to a friend.
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