Do you ever feel subjugated by the unrealistic images we see portrayed of a strong woman? Today I was searching for images of “brave women” for this post. I was disappointed with what I found. The pictures were of women dressed in superhero costumes, women standing on tall buildings holding briefcases wearing a suit with a cape flapping behind them, women ripping open their business suit revealing a hidden uniform, and women riding horses wearing leather and wielding swords. These are caricatures and are not representative of the brave women of actual character that I know and admire.

When I’m writing, I say “Live Brave” because we rely on our courage to make decisions that will shape our experiences and the world around us. I know each day others judge us as they view our choices through a kaleidoscope of perceptions and ideas that may not be similar to our own. That intersection where we choose to push forward beyond the judgment of others and our own self-judgment is where the strength of our character is found. The brave women I know make these choices every day without a cape or sword for protection.

The social messages we hear can also feel threatening. The Nike Brand recently launched a polarizing and politically charged advertising campaign featuring a football player with the quote, “Believe in something. Even if it means sacrificing everything.” This reminds me of another quote from one of my favorite Broadway Musicals, Hamilton. One of the primary tensions between Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr is Hamilton’s dogged pursuit in questioning Burr “If you stand for nothing. Burr, what will you fall for?” Here in Texas, many politicians regularly quote Sam Houston, the first President of the Republic of Texas, who said, “Do right, and risk the consequences.” I’d like to challenge you to remove the politically charged context of these quotes that make them feel as if they are being hurled at an opponent.

While I realize these quotes are all derived by men, they all represent that intersection where we dare to follow our values knowing that they may not be in line with the current collective thoughts of the day. The choosing is not a superhuman or a mythological power, but personal strength and perseverance. And to be clear I’m not just speaking about only the big things like social justices, but also the hard decisions you make that will change your life. If you are trying to lose weight it might be about healthy food choices, if you are trying to get a promotion it might be choosing to have a conversation with your boss, and if you are in an unhealthy relationship if might be choosing to be alone. It’s also about the little decisions like making a point to smile at a stranger, calling a grieving friend, and letting the crazy driver go by without using hand signals.

If you would feel more empowered to; “Do right, and risk the consequences” in your own life by wearing a cape or spandex underwear (yes, I think Spanx should count) then wear them. I’m going to be in my yoga pants, not doing yoga, but stretching my decision-making muscles none the less to create a meaningful life. I’m fortunate to be able to do this because others have sacrificed traditional fashion and been ridiculed before me for wearing yoga pants to Walmart. They dared to take on the fashion police and now it is the norm to see women everywhere of every size and shape in yoga pants. Just like it is now the norm to see purple hair, black nail polish, and ink on skin.

There is a Universal Law that says, what you bring into the world expands beyond what you can ever imagine. (I hear a few yoga pants jokes in the background.) What if you sacrificed holding up everyone else’s beliefs and followed your own? What trend would you start? Start from a place of self-care and love and let it extend outward with grace. The possibilities are unlimited.