Being Brave

Charlie Mackesy from The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse

This month, I took a big step and launched Greenworld Counselling here in the UK. It's something I've been working towards for a while, but taking that final leap has reminded me just how difficult starting something new can be.

Putting yourself out there, stepping outside your comfort zone and facing the unknown can feel exciting, but also incredibly daunting. There are moments of self-doubt, questions about whether you're doing the right thing, and that little voice wondering, "What if it doesn't work out? Am I good enough to do this?”

I've always loved the beautiful illustrations and thoughtful words of Charlie Mackesy, particularly the conversation between the boy and the horse:

"I can't see a way through," said the boy.

"Can you see your next step?"

"Yes."

"Just take that," said the horse.

It's such a lovely reminder that being brave doesn't mean having all the answers or knowing exactly where we're going. Sometimes, it's simply about taking that next small step, even when we're feeling uncertain.

In counselling, I often see how much courage it takes to make a change. Reaching out for support, sharing something difficult, trying something unfamiliar or allowing ourselves to be vulnerable can all be acts of bravery.

Being brave isn't about not feeling scared. It's about finding the courage to move forward, even when we are.

As I begin this new chapter with Greenworld Counselling, I'm reminding myself of something I often encourage others to remember: we don't have to have everything figured out. Sometimes, taking that first step is enough.

And perhaps that's what being brave is really all about.