Note: In my client work and in the book Bare Naked Bravery the words "courage" and "bravery" are used as equal, interchangeable synonyms. Though they have different historical origins and, at times, varying uses within our culture today, both words ultimately refer to the same concepts that I use in my work.

1. Now, more than ever, we need bravery in the world. It can get scary out there!
2. The biggest feats of bravery are often unseen, hidden from the public eye. True bravery doesn’t look like we think it does, especially for entrepreneurs & trauma survivors. 
   
3. Heroes are not born; they are grown. Bravery is a nurtured skill; it is not hereditary, nor an innate talent.
4. Bravery is worth it, needed, and contagious. These are the 3 reasons why people do brave things.
5. There are 3 kinds of bravery: internal (witnessed only by yourself), external (with more than one witness), resonant (acts that inspire bravery in others).
6. There are 12 ingredients of bravery. Depending on the situation, each feat of bravery will require a slightly different recipe using these same 12 ingredients. When we can practice the recipe, then accomplishing each feat of bravery will steadily feel easier as we get more experience using the recipe. Understanding this recipe can turn our fear into a life filled with creative courage.
7. The world is waiting for your uniquely individual bravery. Uniqueness is how bravery is found by those who need it. Every piece of an individual's personhood contributes to making their bravery the exact thing that someone else in the world needs. There is no such thing as generic bravery. Each journey to building bravery is unique. 
8. "Fearless" is a dangerous myth. Fear is a good thing. Fear is to be respected, honored, and used. Believing otherwise will put an individual, organization, family, creative project, or an entire society at unnecessary risk of making less-than-ideal or perhaps deadly decisions.
   
9. The *agony* of courage is overrated. Bravery does not require martyrdom. Not all heroes are martyrs and not all martyrs are heroes. Bravery is not equivalent to agony, burnout, pain, toxic boundaries, or throwing yourself under a bus. Life is hard enough as it is! 
   
10. Bravery can feel easier. Building bravery is practiced today, so that it feels easier tomorrow. 
    • Many of our clients learn to use their fear, trauma, or anxieties into a fierce tools of empowerment.
      
11. Building bravery is easiest when we are our most whole selves. Bravery asks that we create space for the realities of life and community.
    • Rather than regurgitating trends and/or expectations from others, our clients are encouraged to structure their bravery practices around their personal values as citizens of the world.
    • As Dr. Shinichi Suzuki said, "First character, then ability."
12. Ideally, the place where you build bravery feels like a soft place to land; it's where you can feel free to take a risk, take a rest, make a mistake, or try something new. Soft places are wonderful environments for encountering new (and old) learning curves.
    
13. Anyone can learn to build their bravery -- I am committed to holding trauma-sensitive and compassionate spaces for anyone who wishes to practice building their bravery in business & life.
    • The current systems of inclusion are:
      • providing audio and video replays of all group events,
      • utilizing digital platforms that provide audio transcripts and closed captioning,
      • honoring privacy and abiding by HIIPA standards for digital confidentiality,
      • facilitating inclusivity and trauma-sensitivity throughout meetings and events.
14. Building bravery doesn't have to look perfect. The world is far from perfect, this is why everyone's bravery is so necessary. I am actively doing my part to dismantle systems of oppression. I'm proud to work with clients, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, criminal history, or political views.
    
    • I have an ongoing commitment to increase this list of inclusive systems. If something else would make your experience feel more comfortable, please let me know. I welcome additional requests for accommodations.
15. Building bravery makes us strong, sustainable, and resilient. One of my previous clients, Carla Gover, put it beautifully...