Brave

Today's Music Mondays: Brave by Sara Bareilles

"Say what you want to say, and let the words fall out. Honestly, I want to see you be brave"

Although the song was originally written directed at coming out, this song can be applied to many situations in life. Whether that be telling a friend or family member a secret or just letting them know about something that is going on in your life. This song gave me the courage to finally speak my mind and tell someone something that I should have told them a long time ago. Actually, it gave me the courage to talk to a few people. The more you speak up, the easier it becomes. I was brave and I'm proud of that.

"Nothing's gonna hurt you the way the words do when they settle 'neath your skin"

Despite my short act of bravery the outcome was not expected. I expected everything to be okay after the truth was out but it was far from it. Things snowballed... and not in a good way. Although the majority of people will have positive reactions and become even more supportive, there will always be a few people who don't. I think in situations like this it is important to remember that you took the small act of bravery and that is an achievement enough.  If someone else can't accept it - that is on them, not you.

"You can be amazing, you can turn a phrase into a weapon or a gun"

It is also important to be aware of the fact that your words have the power to be hurtful. And you should not use your words as a weapon. Of course, we are all human and in the heat of the moment it is easy to say things you don't mean. But when this happens it is also where your true feelings are exposed. I believe that there is always some truth beneath the cruel things that people can say to you, that is the truth that THEY think about you. It doesn't necessarily mean that it is the truth. After all, most of the time people only see things from one perspective; their own.

Just remember that once things are said they cannot be taken back. Yes, it is good to tell the truth and yes, it is important to speak your mind but if you really care about someone, you shouldn't say things to purposely hurt them. Relationships are dangerous. These people who know you inside and out are the ones who know how to hit you where it hurts. Words have the power to destroy a life or the power to save one. So use your words for good. Be brave... speak up... and let your words change the world.

Love, Nicole Marie