The Quiet Kind of Brave: Everyday Courage in Midlife

I have two grown sons.Brian, the oldest, is a civil engineer, father of three, and master juggler of bedtime stories, ballet recitals, and turkey bacon.

Adam, my youngest, is single, self-employed near San Francisco, and endlessly inventive—he’s trained llamas, restored vintage cars, and once lived off the grid collecting rainwater.

Brian with his three little ones — proof that everyday courage often looks like patience, laughter, and a flooded basement.

They couldn’t be more different, yet Adam once told me something that stopped me in my tracks.

“I think Brian is really brave,” he said. “He coaches soccer in the rain, wears a tie to ballet recitals, and stays calm when the washing machine floods the basement. I couldn’t do that. I think that’s brave.”

He was right.

Bravery isn’t always bold or headline-worthy.

Sometimes it’s quiet.

It looks like showing up when you’d rather quit, telling the truth when it’s easier to stay silent, or trying again when no one’s watching.

The Benefits of Being Brave

1. Bravery Builds ConfidenceEach small act of courage—starting a conversation, taking a class, facing a blank canvas—strengthens our belief that we can handle life’s unknowns.

2. Bravery Encourages GrowthWhen we risk mistakes, we gain wisdom. Whether it’s raising kids, running a business, or painting through doubt, progress always begins with a first brave step.

3. Bravery Inspires OthersOur quiet courage gives others permission to act. My sons inspire each other; their stories inspire me; and my art, I hope, inspires you.

With my son Adam at Lake Tahoe — a reminder that bravery can look like adventure, reinvention, or simply showing up for each other.

Bravery in the Studio

In my studio, bravery looks like starting again.

I paint.

I re-do.

I explore.

Every brushstroke is an act of faith that the next layer will reveal something true.

Although my art is visible, its invisible message is universal—to comfort, guide, and encourage you to be brave.

Like the birch tree, I try to stand tall and own my imperfections. Its rough-edged bark reminds me that beauty often comes from weathering the storm.

Bravery isn’t about being fearless; it’s about creating anyway, loving anyway, and believing—anyway.

Original birch tree oil painting with textured bark representing strength and imperfection.

If you’d like to read more stories about courage, resilience, and art, visit my memoir: A Lone Birch, My Artistic Journey.

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