You are braver than you know
Sometimes it feels like our problems are complex. We might feel this way about our close relationships most of all. What could be more complicated than two people living intimately with each other? But often enough, it’s just a question of bravery: are you willing to step into the area of your life that scares you the most, and stay standing? Are you frightened to tell your partner the truth? Are you scared to try something new in your relationship? Are you worried that if you ask for what you want, your partner might say no, or leave you?
The hard truth is that some of these fears are realistic, reasonable fears. You might lose your partner if you assert yourself for the sake of your own integrity. You will lose your relationship as it used to be and push yourself into something new. It is scary! Your decision to do something frightening, something you’re not sure you know how to do, something that takes you out of your comfort zone… that’s bravery. It’s ironic that when we are being brave, we feel so scared!
In our work together, I promise that I also will be practicing bravery–in my work with you, and in my own personal relationships. Just like you, I don’t get a free pass when it comes to painful growth. But I am hopeful, hopeful for myself, for you, and for all people who work hard and expose themselves to pain and fear for the sake of their own growth. It’s what makes us human, and it’s what makes us (and I mean this) heroes.
