To A Brave New Year

To a brave New Year…

Years ago, I heard a song and to honest, I cannot remember anything but this one phrase…
“I wish you a brave new year.” I remember how it struck me, that wish and how much I needed that encouragement as a new year was starting. For the many years since hearing that song, that phrase always comes back to me, especially as we say goodbye to one year and start the next.

How in the world, do we go into a whole new year, brave?

1) We can begin the new year with hope. For me, that means having a generous assumption about the people, situations and even difficulties we encounter. I don’t mean being positive in a fake or even toxic way. Instead, it means to hope for and assume the best even when it is hard to do so. Going to new classes with new individuals could mean new friendships and new knowledge. 

2) Try something that you’ve been afraid of, or push a bit past your comfort zone. Eleanor Roosevelt said, “do one thing every day that scares you.” Isn’t that brave? Maybe talking to someone new, or speaking up in class, going to another medical appointment or facing yet another procedure. 

3) Sitting with feelings. This can be a hard, but extremely brave thing. Mr. Rogers said, “whatever is mentionable is manageable.” When we are talking about feelings, this means if we can figure out what we feel, then talk about it, THEN, we can figure out what we need to feel better. 

4) Be kind to yourself. This one is hard, most of us don’t speak very kind to ourselves. We probably would never say the things we say to ourselves (often in our heads), to anyone else. It is extremely BRAVE to say kind things to others and ourselves. 

5) Remember that others have struggles too and you are not alone. It is so easy to focus on our own worst situation while looking at others and assume they are doing so much better than we are. Every single person on the earth has difficulties. Try to remember you are not alone, even if we feel alone. Know who your greatest supporters are; be there for each other when things are easy and when they are hard.  

6) When you are afraid, ask for help. Even when it is intimidating or hard, every single one of us needs other people. Nobody can do everything themselves. 
Find a higher power if that helps you…maybe believing in God, mediation, or other spiritual practices can help us feel more centered and braver. 

I have the chance to talk to so many who are brave, every day, all year long. I am so honored to be a part of the community of CP warriors and so many others who simply define what brave is. From parents and support systems who are tireless and unwavering, kids and adults who learn, fight and grow past expectations; those who research, perform life-changing medical procedures and advance possibilities for those with CP and beyond.

For some, being brave is getting up, with each painful step; putting braces on again, or utilizing much needed medical equipment to just get going in the day. Yes, brave looks different for each and every one of us. In it all, there is inspiration and bravery to be found in ourselves and others. I wish for each and everyone of us, hope, bravery and peace on our best and hardest days.