Bravery is Contagious

On my 40th birthday, one of my closest friends gave me a BRAVE key as a present.  The year leading up to forty was extremely difficult, and she had been with me every step of the way. She saw me as BRAVE when all I could think of was how scared I was. You see, I left a job with no backup and spent several months with little to no work. I was out of options. It was at this point in my life that I finally worked up the nerve to start my own business. I was terrified and had no idea what I was doing. I wore my key at the first talk I gave, on my own, as a business owner. It was a big event in front of important people, and I was so nervous, but I went through with it anyway and got rave reviews. Since then, I’ve worn my BRAVE key during countless meetings, networking events, phone calls, and everything else that has come while building my business.  It gave me peace while I struggled inside and out. Flash forward to now. Tonight, I’m returning to the same event at which I wore my key years ago, and spoke for the first time as a full-time business owner.  Tonight, I’m proud of what I’ve created. One of my clients will be speaking on stage tonight, just as I had. She’s nervous and worried about her business, just as I was. She’s put in all the work that she’s needed to, just like I have. She is BRAVE, just like I am. So tonight, before she steps out as the headliner, I’ll give her this key to wear - just like I did. BRAVERY is contagious. -Alexandra