brave

After my January writing challenge, I found I really enjoyed the process and the dual writing, so I asked another friend for another couple of themes… here is– “Bravery”

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
― Nelson Mandela

Not many of us consider ourselves as Brave or heroic. We save those lauds for fire fighters, ambulance and search and rescue workers. Generally people who wear a uniform or Hi Viz. people who are making a career of saving, helping, rescuing.

And yes, I believe that they are heroes, every single one of them. When you live in a small group of islands at the bottom of the world; hours away from your closest neighbour and straddle a major fault line; then you become self sufficient in having a team of people primed to rescue. To help and rehouse people when Mother Nature throws a hissy fit. Over recent years we have had a few major earthquakes and weather events that have threatened lives and property. And each time a band of amazing people have arrived to help. They rescue people and pets; shore up housing; provide the basics of life and then help clean up

But these events also show us other heroes. Those ordinary folk, who put themselves out there and just help. They open up their Marae to house, fed, nurture, support; run shelters, collect or donate goods and services; feed people, house people; open up their fields for animals; bake; gather other people to organise the huge clean ups that are always required. I often think it is when we see the best of the people of Aotearoa. We are good in a crisis. Isolation has taught us to care for our neighbours.

When our property was damaged in a flood; it was my, never met before, neighbours who supported me while I squelched through 2 inches of mud. Who helped me load my car of what I could salvage, who made me a welcome cuppa. Everyday heroes, my land is full of them.

But is that bravery? Maybe not. But sometimes bravery is shown by just getting out of your safe comfort zone and helping another.

Of course for me, bravery is shown by those fighting for their very existence. The people who suffer daily from chronic physical and mental issues; or those who are gender or sexually divergent. Sadly our world is not very inclusive of those who don’t fit The Norm. We like to think we are, and we are making changes. But if you are trapped by either your body, or your mind; or don’t fit neatly into ‘their’ boxes; then the world can be a very difficult place to navigate.

True heroes for me are those who show up, even when everything in them is screaming at them to stop, hide, stay in bed, stay inside…. Those who get up every time they are knocked down. Because it isn’t the crash, its what comes next that shows your true character.

Brave are those with nothing, who still out stretch a hand. Welcoming others into their lives to share what little they have.

Brave are those who flee their home country to start a new life in a foreign land. They teach us that everything is possible, and sometimes you have to take a leap of faith.

Brave are those who stand up for others. Who are privileged enough to live a life that ‘fits in’ with The Norm; but who stand by those who don’t.

Brave are those who question and keep questioning The Norm. They are the warriors for change and progress.

Brave are those who stand defiant. Who don’t accept that nothing will change; that nothing can be done. We live in such uncertain times; they are the ones who shine the light as to where we need to go

Brave are those who just want to stop. Just want to give up. They are the ones who get up again; face their demons and try, try again. They are our inspiration

And brave are those who can accept. Either that they cannot change what ails them but can learn to live with it. Or those who are terminal and can accept that they can leave on their own terms. They teach us true courage and grace.

Bravery isn’t necessarily loud with a roar. Sometimes bravery is merely a hand, a smile, a kind word, a goodbye or a silent prayer to try again tomorrow.

=/=/=/=/=

She opened her gritty eyes

Felt they had barely been closed

When they fluttered shut

She relived that moment

Every single time

Chasing away sleep

She yawned

Stretched

Feet hit the ground

Shoulders back

Today would be Good

She would face the night when it came

Pakari

He toka tu moana

Resilience

As durable as a rock pounded by the surf