Courage to become a hero.

Every week I ask my Brave New Girls podcast guest how they define courage. This is how Alexandra Harbushka, the founder of Life With Herpes, a platform whose mission is to break the stigma and remove the shame, thinks of it:

“Courage is when you are asked to get uncomfortable. It's so easy to read about heroes in history books. It's so easy to read about them in fairytales or watch them in movies and say, ‘Oh wow, that’s the hero.’ It’s something that you do when you're like- I didn't, I don't want to say I didn’t have a choice- but it's like, this was the only choice for me. I had to become a hero. I had to get over it. It was going to take me down. It was going to take away my dreams, it was going to take away my hopes, it was going to take away what I wanted in life. And I was not about to let a microscopic virus do that.”

Courage often rises in the aftermath of pain, shame, or fear. Alexandra’s journey from feeling devastation, to taking action and leading a global support network for people living with herpes, shows us that courage is the decision to act, in spite of the fear we feel.

We all face challenges, whether it’s a diagnosis, rejection, uncertainty, or a major life shift. Courage helps us reclaim our agency, speak our truth, and move forward, one courageous step at a time.

So how do we grow courage in our everyday lives? See below for 10 actionable steps inspired by Alexandra’s journey:

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Dare to do things differently, for a happier, healthier, impactful life.

Here are practical ways to embrace courage & support a healthier, more sustainable world:

10 Actionable Steps to Build Courage:

1. Tell the Truth
   Speak honestly to yourself first. Then to others. Whether it’s admitting you’re struggling or asking for support, honesty lays the foundation for change.

2. Start Small but Start
   You don’t have to take a huge leap. Courage grows when we take small steps into discomfort. Pick one thing that scares you- then do it.

3. Build Your Circle
   Find people who see and support you without judgement. Communities like Life With Herpes remind us we’re never truly alone.

4. Forgive Yourself and Others
   Release the weight of shame or resentment. Forgiveness is a brave act that frees you to move forward with peace.

5. Nourish Your Body
   From rest and real food to supplements like lysine and soothing remedies like diluted Melissa essential oil, self-care supports your emotional strength too.

6. Feel the Fear- Then Do the Thing
   Waiting to feel fearless? Don’t. The brave thing is done while you're scared, not after. Courage lives in the doing.

7. Reframe the Story
   Instead of “This broke me,” try “This shaped me.” Herpes didn’t end Alexandra’s life- it redirected it. What could your challenge be teaching you?

8. Set Boundaries
   Know what drains you and what protects you. Courage means saying no when needed- and yes to your wellbeing.

9. Own Your Worth
   No diagnosis, mistake, or insecurity defines you. Be proud of your story. Courage means standing tall in your truth.

10. Keep Showing Up
    Even when it's hard. Even when it’s awkward. Even when you think you’re not ready. Just keep going. That’s what heroes do.

    Your bravest life won’t always be your most comfortable- but it will be your most powerful.

PS. As your Wellbeing Coach, I give you the tools to heal, grow & create the life you want. 

If you’d like support in growing your inner Brave New Girl for a healthier, happier, impactful life, book in for a free chat and we can take it from there: BOOK A CHAT

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