Comments | immerrichtig: Being Brave...one step at a time

immerrichtig

Being Brave...one step at a time

Jan 29, 2009 18:43

I cannot count the number of conversations I’ve had in the past couple of months about my plans here in Germany. I’ve answered the question “why” in a hundred different ways and everyone seems to think I’m very brave ( Read more... )

Comments 5

wensurprised January 29 2009, 18:13:23 UTC

"acts of bravery are habit-forming" I like that. That is currently encouraging for me.

And in general I have found that very few acts of bravery *feel* like bravery. Being brave is just doing what other people have told you is crazy. Being brave is ignoring the guy who thinks you're too old for this. Being brave *is* pushing the button.

I have to remind myself that sometimes being brave is doing nothing while I wait...

immerrichtig January 29 2009, 21:17:05 UTC

I was talking to a friend the other day about the habit-forming bit. We were talking about it being easier to do crazy things when you're younger. For me, it goes back to the reason I went to China last year. It wasn't that I had a burning desire to go to China, which I didn't, but that I knew that if I made adventurous choices then, when there were obstacles, but really nothing significant, then it would be more likely that I would make adventurous choices later on.

prairiesky January 31 2009, 01:15:49 UTC

Hey, I was going to quote that bit! "...acts of bravery are habit-forming." See, I copied it as I read through.

Anyway. Eeee! :D You are in Germany, and you are wonderful, and I am happy to read your post.

burdo February 10 2009, 08:42:51 UTC

I once saw a interview with a state premier where he noted that he takes a freezing cold shower every morning. Not because he likes it, but because if you can will yourself to step naked into the cold at the start of the day.. well, you said it concisely with you "habit-forming" phrase :)

There's a useful quote applying to courage that I think fits your experience:

"Bravery is what you feel afterwards, not during."

anonymous February 11 2009, 22:50:08 UTC

One word Rachel: AMAZING!

I think you'll have (and currently have) an amazing story. Can't wait to hear of your adventures 6 months down the road. Moreover, for everyone who said it was a "crazy" plan (and it kind of was...lol), I have a feeling that they may secretly be living vicariously through you. All the best!

Kemi