Brave?

I was greeted by an old friend in the parking lot as we waiting for our sons last night. She said "you're so brave to post the things you do".

I was like, huh? These are just my thoughts and things I'm up to. I've posted that way for years.

And she says, "I know. It's amazing"

I wanted to argue with her, let her know that it was just normal behavior, that anyone can write what is in their heart and head, anyone can say the things they feel. Right? Is that really brave?

To her it was. To her she had all kinds of things going on in her life. She separated from her husband, she's with her 3 kids alone, one who has serious learning issues. She has ADHD and has trouble concentrating on anything for more than a few moments and can't plan ahead more than an hour at a time. She has lots of things she wish she were brave enough to say out loud.

And I say them without thinking, without seeing that it's anything more than feeling out loud

I get frustrated, sad, happy. I succeed and fail. I have times in my life where saying something is hard. Sometimes I piss people off. Sometimes I inspire them. It doesn't matter. I just speak.

Is that the definition of bravery? To do something that someone else is scared to do?

You bet your ass it is.
And I also bet your ass that you're being brave in ways you don't see, in ways you don't understand, but to that one person who is watching who would never have that kind of courage, you are a freaking hero....