Recently a friend I'd lost track of years ago reconnected with me. Among other "what I've been doing for the past decade" facts, she shared that her sister had given birth to a baby girl named Brave.
My friend sent me pictures of this tiny beloved -- an eighteen-month-old goofing in her Halloween costume, streaking through the house after a bath, wearing a Ziploc box on her head, a Ziploc box that coordinates perfectly with the colors on her fuzzy footie jammies.
I've thought of Brave -- or, more accurately, of her name -- many times this week, as Facebook's eerily accurate algorithm has enticed me, again and again, with an advertisement for a leather bracelet with a silver clasp that reads Be Brave.
I've imagined what it would be like for Brave to receive that bracelet as a gift when she's, say, standing on the edge of puberty, at risk of -- as too many young girls are -- losing herself. Or when she's, for example, making that choice between the job that pays the rent and the work that feeds her soul. Or when she's, perhaps, swirling in the whirlpool of a relationship that no longer serves her, trying to find her way out.
What if, in one of those moments, someone gave Brave a bracelet that reminded her, Be Brave?
What if my own name meant brave? What if I wore a bracelet that said, Be Cheryl, and that meant, Be Brave.
What takes more bravery than the choice to be yourself, to honor your truth, your intuition, over and over again, in the face of circumstances or people or surroundings that would rather you acted like someone else?
What if Be You means Be Brave?
What if Be Brave means Be You?
The real you, the one Martha Graham spoke these words to:
There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost.
What if you wore that command on your wrist, on your lips, tattooed over your heart, woven through your soul?
How would you answer that call?
This post first appeared on Write Where You Are.
Support HuffPost
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.
Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.
Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your contribution of as little as $2 will go a long way.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
