I've seen the worst, and I've seen people survive it. But survival isn't about the big, dramatic moments. It's about the small ways we show up for ourselves when no one is watching.
Courage isn't what you think. It's not the roar of the crowd, but the quiet whisper of 'I'll try again tomorrow.' It's the moment you ask for help when you're drowning, or the time you speak your truth even when your voice shakes.
Here's what works: Start small. The first step isn't the hardest. It's the one you take when you're already in the water. So today, do one small thing that requires courage. Small Courage is the name for these moments. It might look like Brave Enough to Ask for Help, Speaking Your Truth, or Standing Alone.
Because real bravery isn't the absence of fear. It's doing it anyway. And that's a courage we all have.
— Lois Brown, still serving
Written by Lois Brown — 05:22, 02 January 2026 (CST)