Brave mummy, just be brave!...
Saturday morning was a bit of a lazy one for me. I’d been sat in the sitting room chilling with the boys in my PJs and dressing gown. Luca was due to be going to a joint party for two friends later that morning and he enquired where the birthday cards were. “They're in the car” I said.. adding “but Mummy can’t get them at the moment as I’m in my dressing gown!” His retort (without a breath), “BE BRAVE MUMMY, JUST BE BRAVE! “ I squeezed him tight at his perfect response!
“HAVE COURAGE, HAVE COURAGE!” I do not know where that child gets stuff from, I suspected this was maybe the wisdom of a ‘My Little Pony” episode.... I overheard the word, ‘authenticity’, used in the other day.... educational stuff...in fact, it may prompt another post...thanks MLP!
Any who, Luca’s words of encouragement were just the push I needed to creep tiptoe-stylee from the safety and security of my front door to my car. This was definitely not a saunter, no hair flicking here... more a get-lower- than-the-car, slight trot, slight gallop approach.
Presenting said cards to Luca on my ‘return,’ I felt a mild sense of satisfaction. He sat with a gleeful smile on his face. The knowing look of a boy who always knows how to find my weak spot.... play the fear card, that’ll get her reaching for the car keys pronto!
Considering one of my most referenced books is ‘Feel the fear and do it anyway ‘ on a scale of one to ten, forcing myself to leave the house to face possible mild humiliation is pretty low in the bravery stakes. Seemingly all the more pitiful as ten years prior I’d ditched the job (and the boyfriend) travelled solo to the other side of the world for a year and thrown myself out of a plane in the name of ‘fun'! I’ve obviously still a lot to learn.
Bravery comes in all different forms....from feeding your baby in public for the first time, to attempting a day trip with your toddler nappy free! Going for your dream job or speaking up for someone, to a whole different level of bravery like overcoming a crippling fear, fighting an illness or leaving your home country to make a new life for yourself.
My dilemma on this particular morning was small fry compared to all of these things but highlights in a light-hearted kind of way that behind closed doors we are all fighting our own personal battles.
Remember, sometimes just a friendly ‘morning’ and a smile, a quick text or a hug can remind someone that you are there for them and that they are important.
Also look for opportunities to improve someone else’s day. The other day I noticed an elderly lady in town struggling with her shopping to the bus stop.... so I helped her.... sometimes, it’s just the fact you’ve noticed them that can help make a difference about how they feel. This can be a really isolating time of year for people, so if you can find time to, share that love and kindness!
I'm intrigued Lovely followers, what is the bravest thing you've ever done and what is on your bucket list of things you'd like to do?x