Bravery isn’t a one-size-fits-all experience. Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is stand your ground and fight. Other times, it’s walking away. It can look like saying no, setting a boundary, or even choosing not to take it personally when someone you love is in a bad mood and lashes out (parenting teenagers anyone!?). Bravery is layered, nuanced, and often shows up in ways we don’t expect.

The goal in life isn’t to be fearless — fear is a natural, human emotion. The goal is to get curious about that fear. Ask it questions. Learn from it. Understand it. Because knowledge breeds awareness, and once you’re aware, you’re left with two choices: take action or willfully ignore it (and let’s be honest, that second option rarely feels good).

I recently bumped into bravery in an unexpected way.

Last week, I was on a planning trip to Costa Rica, scouting the location for our January 2026 ‘Reclaim Your Peace’ retreat. The property was even more stunning than I imagined — the food, the staff, the accommodations, all of it was top-notch. But we were smack dab in the middle of the jungle, and with the jungle comes… well, jungle creatures. The kind I’m not used to encountering.

On the first night, at dinner, a group of us worked ourselves into a frenzy, imagining what might be lurking in our rooms or bathrooms when we headed back. Our kind host, noticing our nerves, asked if we’d like a staff member to walk us to our rooms. We eagerly said yes. That’s when we met Mike.

Mike didn’t just walk us back — he checked every corner of our rooms, making sure nothing with too many legs (or too few) had moved in. He assured us that if we needed anything, someone would come right away. Thanks to him, I slept like a baby and woke up to the sound of the jungle singing to the morning light.

The next night, feeling a little braver, we decided we didn’t need an escort — but we did stick together, moving as a pack. When we reached the point where we had to split off, the group continued together, and I had to go the rest of the way alone. We kept supporting each other by calling out a silly game of Marco Polo in the jungle. I laughed at how ridiculous and comforting it was. And, of course, I made it back to my room safe and sound.

By the third night, I felt ready. I wished everyone well and trotted off to my room solo. It was in that quiet walk through the jungle, that I was reminded of something profound: bravery doesn’t usually show up in grand moments. It builds slowly, one small step at a time. And it’s a hell of a lot easier when you’ve got someone to show you the way and support you — someone, to remind you it’s okay to be scared and that you can still move forward anyway. That’s why reflection and reassessment (the Three Rs in The BRAVE Method) are so important. Because without them you may be brave and not even have realized it!

Mike never laughed at us or made us feel silly for being afraid. He simply supported us, walked alongside us, and gave us the confidence to believe we could handle more than we thought we could. That’s the role I always hope to play with my clients. The confident guide who doesn’t judge but also lets you lead and go off on your own when you’re ready. The next morning at breakfast, I gave Mike a big hug and thanked him. Because he didn’t just keep us safe — he gave me a gift. He helped me rediscover my own bravery, to trust myself, the land, and the universe in a way I hadn’t before.

Bravery isn’t about erasing fear. It’s about meeting it with curiosity, support, and the belief that you can take one more step — even if your voice shakes and your heart races. Bit by bit, that’s how you reclaim your peace.

Here are some quick ways to embrace your fear and grow bravely:

1. Reflect on Your Fears: Take a moment to identify a fear that’s been holding you back. Write it down and ask yourself, “What can I learn from this fear?”
2. Take One Small Step: Choose one small action you can take today that aligns with your values, even if it scares you a little. It could be as simple as setting a boundary or trying something new.
3. Seek Support: Who in your life is your “Mike”? Reach out to someone who makes you feel supported and safe, and let them know how much they mean to you.
4. Celebrate Your Bravery: Acknowledge the moments, big or small, where you’ve shown courage. Write them down and revisit them when you need a reminder of your strength.

When was the last time you felt brave, even if it was in a small or unexpected way? Share your story in the comments — I’d love to hear how you’ve reclaimed your peace through bravery! In the meantime, check out this video:

Courage in the Face of Uncertainty

Discover true alignment in life and business—embrace your journey of growth, recalibration, and authenticity with clarity and courage. Check this out, Embracing Fear