I have always been curious why some people are able to push through challenges more easily than others. Through years of researching thinkers, educators, and activists, I’ve come to find one thing to be true. It is through the challenging things that happen to us (and the challenges we create knowingly or unknowingly for ourselves) that we gain the opportunity to build our bravery. Of course we want to have easy, peaceful lives. But without facing struggles, we do not have the opportunity to overcome. The most inspirational people in the world do not become so by avoiding what scares them. Instead, they pursue being true to themselves amidst the things that, at first look, appear to hold them back. You also have the chance to transform your challenges into your greatest sources of strength. Yes, even the scary stuff! That said, it is important to be aware of privilege and how it plays a role in the ability to speak up and stand up, for yourself and others. In a culture that is set up to value whiteness, maleness, heterosexuality, wealth, and ability (among other attributes), we tend to celebrate people with privilege when they speak up, while people without those privileges are secondguessed or stereotyped. The same acts of bravery carry different levels of risk for different people. Be aware of the power and privileges you do have, and consider how you can support and empower not just yourself, but everyone around you. With the list prompts in this book, you’ll find easy, accessible, and fun ways to build your bravery, gain resiliency, and truly face the challenges of your life with a deeper belief in yourself. May you find what you seek as your words fill each list. I hope your voice grows louder with my belief in your ability to rise up.
Copyright © 2020 by Moorea Seal. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
