What’s something you did alone that you didn’t think was a big deal at the time but now when others mention it, you realise it was actually brave?

[MyAmusedOpalCrab]

For example, maybe you travelled solo, went to an event where you didn’t know anyone or made a major life change without much support. At the time it felt normal but now you hear people say, “Wow, that was really brave” and it makes you see it differently.

Curious to hear what things others have done that seemed ordinary at the time but in hindsight, took a lot of courage!

Is this for an article?

Why do you ask?

My thoughts exactly!

No. Have some faith. Just curious what people have quietly bossed without even realising.

Got induced

You first, so.

Because I’ve noticed people often downplay their own courage and I wanted to hear more of that.

The things people have told me I was brave to do have been things where I had zero choice - carrying on living, going back to work and looking after ds when Dh died etc.

Probably one of the bravest things I’ve actually chosen to do was to go to my mother in law’s funeral. Though I don’t think I could really have dropped out.

Did you write the op yourself or AI?

Wrote it myself. If it sounds too polished to be real, maybe I’m just good at this 😉

Went into a bar in a strange city aged 16 by myself and struck up conversations with strangers

Went travelling by myself

Lived completely independently from age 17 really

Travelled to the UK to live at 18 for 6 months (from Aus). Was living in Whitechapel, 2 months in and got attacked walking home at night from work (I was sober). It could have been way worse than it was but absolutely shook me and even now 18 yrs later I hate if anyone comes up behind me unaware, my fright reflex is huge.
Anyhow I stayed for the rest of my trip and did not let that define my experience, met some wonderful people and realised I am stronger mentally than I ever thought I was

Bought my own flat at 23 in an area 100 miles away from my childhood home. And it was a 'doer-upper'. Arranged the mortgage all by myself, chose the flat all by myself. Then did it up all by myself (some bigger jobs done by professionals obviously!).

My parents didn't see it until I had moved in (had tried to arrange a viewing with them beforehand but it was cancelled at the last minute by the seller).

Honestly, I look back at 23 year old me doing that and I think - wow, go 23 year old me! 😂

1 hour by train into London and a lovely area and it was a small but pretty flat. I was happy there with my little cat.

People have said i am 'brave' for going for lunch/dinner and to the theatre alone. Also when DH died and I had to carry on with 2 small children - didn't have much choice though

travelled solo to Thailand with my 7year old for 10 days. Did 4 weeks in the algarve solo with her too. Always taken her to far flung places since she was a baby although when she was younger I was with my husband.

I drove three mice to a far away field yesterday, had to put them in an enormous bag. Afterwards realised that was quite (abnormal 😂) good.

If you weren't scared, then surely it wasn't brave? Some people think that living in London is a brave thing to do, doesn't make it true.

I did a lot of mad stuff in my youth but I wasn't brave, just stupid 🤣

Moved to a town I'd only visited a few times. On moving day, realised I'd never actually driven there and didn't know the way. (In reality, our current living situation was so crap that it was a total no brainer, so maybe not brave.)

I've got incurable cancer, in my 40's.
Initially I hated people telling me I was brave. I don't have a choice.
But lately I've realised I am brave! I might not have chosen to be facing an early demise, but I'm facing it head on and trying to squeeze every drop of joy from every day. And that is a brave choice.

Surviving mental health issues. Admittedly I had help, but I was the one who had to get the help.

Take a Break? Closer? or freelance?

Similar to my answer (although I'm the one who's going to die). We wouldn't choose the situation but we choose how we deal with it. And to keep moving forward in the face of such utter horror is incredibly brave. Sending love.

Left home when I was 17 and slept rough.

Moved to a different country at 18, pre mobile phones etc.

Walked away from a loving relationship aged 35.

I have dealt with lots of spiders for people who are scared of them. Bearing in mind I’m also scared of spiders!

Travelling solo and (separately) riding my motorbike have both caused people to look at me strangely and say I am brave. (No I am not). A bit later I usually hear them saying they wouldn't like to do that (how do they know if they have never tried?).