I Don't Feel Very Brave This Week!

We're buying a house in rural France in just 2 week's time.

I'm navigating insurance, customs and a very confused dog.

I'm packing up my life and moving 700 miles away.

And yet.......I nearly didn't post last week's blog. Why?

Because I didn't feel brave enough!

It's odd how we equate chasing big dreams with being fearless.

I've had people message me saying "You're so brave!"

I want to tell them:

"You didn't see me refreshing my page 37 times after I posted my last blog."

"You didn't see me question my voice, my words, my worth - over a bit of writing."

I bought a house in France with more confidence that I hit "publish" with!

But here's the thing - bravery isn't about having no fear. It's about feeling all the fear but showing up anyway.

I'm carrying the fear. And the doubt. And a pocket full of tissues.

Bravery is pressing "Post"

Bravery is packing a life into boxes while wondering if the dream will still feel like yours when you get there.

Bravery is crying in the kitchen and still asking the dog if she's ok.

Being seen - really seen - is still the hardest part. Not the Shuttle crossings, not the French bureaucracy (and there's sooo much of that!), not even the sorting of the under-the-stairs cupboard and it's mystery contents.

It's letting the world see your soul when it's not all polished and perfect.

So, if you've ever thought you weren't brave because your hands shook......

Or your voice cracked........

Or your

Instagram post didn't get many likes......

I'm here to say.......you showed up.

And that is the bravest thing of all!

Brave Looks Different

I packed up my courage

In silence and doubt

With my dreams in my pocket

And my fears hanging out

I whispered "you've got this"

Then questioned it all

When the dog wouldn't walk

And I could only just crawl

I smiled through the wobbles

And pretended to cope

Then taped up more boxes

And clung on to hope

You think I'm fearless?

That's lovely - but no

I'm scared to bits

Yet I'll still choose to go

So here's to the shaky

The tender, the true

Brave doesn't always roar

It sometimes hides too