We participants in Mama’s Losin’ It had five words to choose from for our writing prompts this week. Just words. Our choices were: simple, angsty, excruciating, enchanted, and bold. The Random Number Generator gave me bold.
I didn’t immediately know what I was going to say about “bold,” but the images that came to mind rather quickly were the ones I see every day on Facebook from North Georgia Canopy Tours. People zip through gorgeous foliage, having a blast (looks that way from the pictures at least!), and I am sure for a few of these people, they have to tackle some “fear of heights” issues as they embark on their adventures. I send much gratitude to NGCT for sending me four pictures hand-selected by staff, within about an hour of me asking for something to use in my blog. Without further ado, images of “the ultimate treetop adventure” combined with a few thoughts from me and friends about boldness.
Boldness Bit #1: Although the dictionary defines “boldness” as having a “fearless daring spirit,” I agree with my friend Jacqui who says boldness is “doing what needs to be done despite of whatever fears or apprehensions are wrapped around a situation. It’s about digging deep within oneself and finding courage. So for me, BOLD is about finding and acting with COURAGE in the face of FEAR!!!” Boldness is not really fearlessness, but coming to terms with the fear.
Boldness Bit #2: Sometimes, boldness is about the quieter, stronger choices we make. When I was with a group of women a few weeks back, talk turned to a woman who wasn’t there and some of the interactions she had had with members of our group. One individual said, “I don’t like her, do you?” to a few other group members. One woman in the group just smiled and said, “I am not going to be involved in talking about her.” It wasn’t condescending or self-righteous, just gracefully extricating herself out of a negative, demeaning conversation and defending someone who wasn’t there to do it herself. Quietly bold.
Wife of one, Mom of two, Friend of many. My pronouns are she/her/hers.
I love this phrase”…boldness is about the quieter, stronger choices we make..”
Wonderfully written post!
Wow – you're right, those photos definitely showcase boldness!
WOW…this is bold, I'd say. Love your snaps!
My first thought was hell no, you won't get me to zip line through the canopies (laugh). I was expecting photos of you zipping through the trees. I realized this post was going in a different direction.
“Bold” is a great word. If had to define “bold” personally. I would define it as a depth of character when used positively. Because you can be bold and stupid in the same breath, and it not always a good thing.
Great post.
Velva
Paula, these were all so wonderful. I love that you spoke of the many different kinds of boldness. And that last form of boldness, about the kaleidoscope of bold family love brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing this with us. I'm sorry it took me forever and a day to stop by. Hope you're doing well, friend. 🙂