Courage, Bravery, and Authenticity: Lessons from Remarkable Lives

In the weekend I attended a conference on Arthrogryposis, a condition affecting joint mobility (and what my daughter has), and I came away inspired by the remarkable stories of people who have faced challenges that many of us can't begin to imagine. Their courage, resilience, and authenticity struck a deep chord with me—and I believe their lessons can resonate with you, too.

These were ordinary people doing extraordinary things:

• An 80-year-old entrepreneur who, despite being denied access to mainstream schooling, built multiple successful businesses and lived a fulfilling life.

• A scientist pushing boundaries in their field.

• Teachers inspiring young minds, despite physical limitations.

• Travelers who refused to let physical challenges keep them from seeing the world.

Sure, their journeys were marked by trauma and tough times, but their wisdom boiled down to three key principles that we can all embrace:

1. Be Authentic Stay true to yourself. When you’re authentic, you attract the right people into your life—people who value and support the real you. It’s not about perfection; it’s about being genuine.

2. Have Courage When someone tells you, “No, you can’t,” don’t be afraid to try anyway. Failure isn’t the end; it’s a stepping stone to growth. If there’s something you’ve been holding back on, let this be your sign to go for it.

3. Be Brave Enough to Ask for Help We don’t have to do it all alone. Sometimes, bravery means acknowledging that we need support and being willing to receive it.

One story that stood out was Misha’s. At 16, she left the familiarity of home for a student exchange, where she learned to shower, dress, and navigate public transport—tasks that were monumental for someone with Arthrogryposis. Later, she attended a holiday camp in the snow—not once but twice—even though walking in snow is nearly impossible for her. Yet, she found a way and had the time of her life.

Then there was Lara, a teacher who stepped away from her career because she felt self-conscious about using a walking stick for balance. After this weekend, she’s determined to return to the classroom and reclaim her passion for teaching.

A powerful takeaway from the weekend was the importance of energy management. Many attendees shared how embracing tools like wheelchairs helped them conserve energy for what truly mattered—spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies.

Instead of exhausting themselves trying to “fit in,” they prioritized balance and joy.

This principle applies to us, too. As women navigating the demands of midlife, we can’t do it all. Learning to balance where to spend our energy and when to rest is vital. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a strategy for living fully.

These stories reminded me of what I’ve seen in our community: the quiet bravery it takes to step outside your comfort zone, the courage to start a new fitness routine, and the authenticity to embrace your body and self exactly as you are today.

So let me leave you with this: What’s one step you can take this week to be more authentic, courageous, or brave? Maybe it’s saying “no” to something that drains you or saying “yes” to something that lights you up. Whatever it is, know that you have the strength within you—and you have a community here to cheer you on.

With love and encouragement,Anna