You’ve been brave before; you only need enough courage for today - Nneka

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This post has been inspired by Nneka Julia from Substack. Her work is incredibly amazing, and the level of skill she pours into each of her posts is worth admiring.

You’ve been brave before; you only need courage for today.


I saw the thumbnail of this post first thing on Thursday morning last week. That day, I had a class presentation and also a call, and I was super nervous about both, especially the latter. Funny enough, it’s not like it was my first time doing either of those things. I’ve done them before, even when the stakes were higher.

It’s strange how courage doesn’t carry over. You’d think once you’ve done something brave, you’d be set for life. It’s like every day, I have to muster up the courage all over again just to do the things I’ve already done.

Lately, I’ve been deliberately putting myself in those uncomfortable situations, like having to engage in conversations with people I don’t know, trying to sound calm and collected while my nerves are doing jumping jacks. And you know, when you’re working on your confidence, or really, anything, I’m starting to believe that we never quite “arrive.” We don’t reach this perfect level where everything feels easy.


Instead, we lean on evidence. We look back at the times we showed up and say, “If I spoke on that platform, then this isn’t so different. I’ll try to keep my cool on this one, too.” And maybe the more evidence we gather, the easier it gets.


I don’t know what you need to do today or tomorrow. Maybe you’re waiting for the moment when you have it all together, when you can speak boldly, create perfectly, or ask the right questions. But I don’t think you need to wait any longer. Start with just enough courage to try it today.


Don’t worry about being brave for all the days ahead, ya leo tu is what matters.


And from there, keep collecting your evidence. Eventually, you’ll stack enough proof to tell your fear: I’ve been doing this all along.


Joshua 1: 9

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go

Comments

  1. Owen ToyotaMay 5, 2025 at 10:33 PM

    Amen 🤲🏾🤍

    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 5, 2025 at 11:06 PM

    ❤️

    ReplyDelete
  3. Loved OneMay 6, 2025 at 2:56 AM

    Just for today 🤲🏽🤲🏽

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousJuly 14, 2025 at 4:20 AM

    There is no time when we'll fail to encounter challenges that are greater than those we're used to. But what matters the most is you showing up each time. And just as you've said, reflecting on our pats victories also helps us get courage for.the present

    ReplyDelete

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