My word of this year is brave. I planned to live by this throughout 2025. And here we are mid-way through already! I’ve been questioning myself ‘Have I been and am I being brave enough?’
What is brave?
I had to remind myself of what this meant. The dictionary definition of brave is:
- ready to face and endure danger or pain; showing courage
- endure or face (unpleasant conditions or behaviour) without showing fear.
Brave for me, means doing things that make me slightly scared but not life threatening. (If you know me well – I have fears about nearly everything from seagulls to candles.) Its about challenging myself to step outside my comfort zone.
Why is being brave a good thing?
Being brave, doing things out or our norm, in midlife is actually really good for us because it keeps our brain engaged, builds confidence, and keeps us growing. Studies show that trying new things – even if they feel awkward at first – boosts motivation, learning, and resilience. It’s not about chasing discomfort, but about choosing challenge over routine when it matters. That bit of uncertainty can actually increase life satisfaction and help us reconnect with our sense of purpose – especially at a stage of life when it’s easy to feel stuck or overlooked.
So, have I been brave? I thought I would take the mid point of the year to sum up what I’ve done, and really check if am living my by word of the year.
So far, the year has involved:
- Weekly, I’ve shared honest and personal insights into my midlife interrupted – opening up about my cancer discovery, some of the treatments, menopause after cancer. And just generally life.
- Putting myself out there on social media, switching off the slight cringy feeling I have about it all and reminding myself that I shouldn’t care what others think. I’m modelling the Mel Robbins Let Them Theory
- I’ve done 2 speaking events where I’ve shared my cancer journey
- I’ve set up a business, I’ve had a few clients already – exciting but scary because I have imposter syndrome hanging over me, and a little fear buddy on my shoulder saying ‘why would anyone listen to you?’
- Got a new lump checked – yes back in February, after 3 weeks of feeling it to check I wasn’t imagining the lump, I plucked up the courage to potentially face another cancer battle – I lived by what I tell others and got it checked, fatty tissue. Phew!
- I’ve helped others – through volunteering as well as helping some friends planning and goal setting
- I’ve been to 2 networking events – definitely out of my comfort zone, but surprisingly I actually enjoyed meeting new people.
- Saying yes to a 50K walk…that brave challenge is actually still to come, and if you want to join – you can sign up here.
- I’ve challenged myself to be kinder to myself – said no when I needed to, pushed through when it was right
Here’s some top tips for Being Brave in Midlife, which I remind myself of regularly!
01
Start small – Bravery doesn’t always have to be something big. Say no when you usually say yes. Try a new exercise class. Wear something you love but felt unsure about.
02
Do the awkward thing – Or the thing that makes you have a little bit of fear. Call the person. Ask the question in a meeting. Apply for that job anyway. Awkwardness is often just the start of change.
03
Get curious, not perfect – Don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Try things with a mindset of curiosity, not pressure. Talk to other people about brave things they’ve done.
04
Interrupt your routine – A little bit of interruption can be a very good thing and can increase courage. Go a different route to work. Change your morning routine. Change just one habit.
05
Back yourself – Remind yourself of times you’ve handled hard things (because you have). Keep a journal list of brave things you’ve done – big or small. It builds momentum and gives you evidence when your confidence wobbles.
So what does the rest of this year look like? Well more bravery, doing more things out of my comfort zone. Planning, goal setting and playing bigger. (And yes, completing the 50k ultra challenge!!)