Bloganuary – Day 2 – How are you brave?

It’s Day 2 of Bloganuary and today’s prompt is “How are you brave?”

Oh boy. Of all the ways I could describe myself, brave wouldn’t be one of them. Though there have been times I surprised myself.

I remember when I bought my house. My husband (boyfriend at the time) was amazing and advised me on all the work it needed and pretty much did ALL of the repairs. I juggled all the paperwork, financing and inspections. Lots of documentation, lots of follow up and coordinating. My realtor lady told me one day how brave she thought I was. That surprised me. I just thought it was what people did.

Some people say I’m brave since I’ve ridden my motorcycle over a dozen times to Sturgis, South Dakota. Not alone, it’s hubs and I, but it’s 1300 mile ride each way over two days, which most people I know wouldn’t sign up for. But I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything.

One time we rode across the Mackinac Bridge, a five-mile suspension bridge which connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. The center lane, going north and south is a 5 inch thick steel grate to allow for the wind to pass through. The water is 200 feet below, but when you look down through the steel grate, it looks like only a few feet below you. Unless there is a boat passing underneath, then you really get a feel for how high up you are. One calm, sunny June day, we rode across to the Upper Peninsula and I held my camera to take video with one hand (this was long before GoPro) to capture our passing, and also the steel grate and water below. I remember showing a friend the video later, that day, who was clearly rattled at the thought.

My ex-mother-in-law, believe it or not, was amazed at how I could go to work every day and handle the stress of working outside the home. I almost laughed out loud. Like I had a choice?

So. I guess those are four instances of bravery I wouldn’t have thought of if not for this prompt.

I hope I have more opportunity for bravery.