Close Your Eyes and Jump

When I was a little girl being brave meant being willing to jump into a big hole without knowing what was at the bottom, or riding a two wheeler with my hands in the air and my feet on the handle bars; in short, I ran with a crowd who confused bravery with stupidity. I am a grown-up now, or at least it says so on my tax return, and I realize that being brave has nothing to do with deliberately putting oneself in danger. It isn't about proving to the people around me that I am willing to risk my life for the right of passage. Being brave is well more than walking up to the house where the lady with too many cats lives and ringing the bell. Being brave is choosing to do the right thing when no one does it with you. It is standing for the truth when lies are so much more comfortable. It is saying no when yes will bring you accolades, and saying yes when no will keep your name out of the fray. Being brave is telling the people you love that you screwed up and you're sorry, or that they screwed up but you love them anyway. It is knowing that you are not always there to make friends, sometimes you are there to make a difference, even if it makes enemies. In short being brave is living like you matter. Because you do.

Go for the Gold

Finally one of those leaves swirling, clouds hanging, get out the sweaters, make the soup, put on socks with your shoes, the mums are blooming, kind of fall days. It is time to gather the pumpkins and gourds, stack them in baskets and settle them on the hearth. Cinnamon is the spice of the day with nutmeg following close behind. Boots are appropriate for walks through the streets ankle deep in fallen foliage with gloves in your pocket and a scarf wrapped twice, that your Aunt Ida made when she was on her cruise to Mexico. Don't miss a whisper of this day, for it is fleeting, soon to be swept up in the frigid grasp of the impending winter. But for now it is coffee on the deck with a blanket over your knees while a snapping log is consumed in the heat of a smoky fire. It is fall and there is the sensation of coziness in the air. Throw an extra quilt on the posturepedic and grab the thickest book you can find. Autumn is upon us and we are celebrating.