What’s the Word for 2020 ~ Bravery

Brave. That’s the word that comes to mind for 2020 for me.

Bravery in the face of a pandemic. Bravery in knowing that while we may not be able to see our loved ones in person, it’s an act of bravery to say, “Hey, I want to protect others and those around me by taking these precautions.”

Bravery to stand up for justice and equality for our Black friends and neighbors. Bravery in opening up conversations to understand more about each other, bravery to be silent and learn, bravery to speak up when an opinion isn’t an informed opinion but a harmful prejudice rooted in fear and hate. Bravery to love and respect one another, no matter your skin color, sexual preference or gender orientation, religion, or any other labels that create a degree of separate-ness. Bravery is, at the core of it all, knowing that we are all intrinsically connected in the greater world and universe, so it is our responsibility to stand up and fight for our human brothers and sisters.

Bravery to vote in the face of unrest and division, stemming from a bully who cares for nothing except for his own bottom line. Bravery to choose landmark leaders to come in to lead us into a more unified, conscientious, and caring country. Bravery to use your voice to advocate for others. Bravery to join others in the streets for a better community… a better country that represents all of her people and not just the select few.

Bravery in doing our best to navigate one of the hardest years many of us have ever faced. Bravery in staying tuned in to the world around us, even when it’s painful, even more so when you recognize it’s time to tune out. Bravery to keep moving. Bravery to slow down. Bravery to just stick with it, however and whenever you can. Bravery to get scrappy with how you make a living. Bravery to even know when enough is enough, and you need a Netflix binge with baked bread or a Sims night with a sugar cookie.

Bravery to learn something new, to share something scary or vulnerable, or simply learning to be in your own company. Bravery in listening to your emotions and your body a bit more, taking rest when needed and (re)discovering what it is you are passionate about.

Bravery to tell those you love how much you mean to them, because so many people have been lost this year. Bravery to put your heart on your sleeve, and bravery to ask for what you need. Bravery to exert or soften your boundaries wherever necessary. Bravery to know what is working for you as opposed to what isn’t so you know how to adjust moving forward.

Bravery can come in so many forms, and all forms have been needed to make it through this year. Each and every single one of us has been brave in some way or another.

So that means you have been brave. You ARE brave. You’re 2020 brave–can I make that a thing?

Your bravery is beautiful however it shows up–it was necessary for you to be here right now as you are. So I’d like to thank you for being here and being brave in the way that you are.

Now… Take a second to thank yourself.

Inhale. Exhale.

Let’s take our bravery with us into 2021. God knows it won’t be easy, but at least there will be progress, and hopefully… Hopefully more love and compassion.

Wishing you love, health, and safety in the new year. Blessings. <3